Page 45 of A Minute Past Midnight

“Oh, my sweetie pie.” Gam pulled her into her arms. “This is a nice surprise!” Gam exclaimed. “Sami didn't tell us you were here. He just told us to come to dinner and sent the address.”

“Just like him to be full of surprises.” Juliana looked back at me and cut her eyes. I smiled and looked away.

My moms, pops, and brother walked up next, and Juliana smiled while she greeted them.

“Hi! I'm Juliana. Please, come inside.”

Everyone moved in as I kissed Gam on her cheek.

“Well, aren’t you adorable,” Ma said, sizing Juliana from head to toe. “You’ve met her before, Mama?”

“Yes. This gem used to live across the hall from me.”

“Well then. It's lovely to meet you, Juliana. I'm Raquel, and this is my husband, Amir, and my baby boy, Quamir.”

Juliana shook their hands. “Nice to meet you all, and welcome. I cooked a lot of food, so I hope you all are hungry.”

“We starving, new sis,” Qua said, moving around everybody, hugging Juliana, and giving me a slap on the shoulder. “Now which way is the kitchen?”

“Quamir Jabari! Show some decorum,” Ma scolded.

“Right. Greedy-ass nigga,” I told him, shaking my head at him.

“Did you not invite us here to eat?”

Juliana giggled.

“Excuse my son. That one is something different. Loves to eat and never gains a pound.” Pops spoke up.

“It's alright. I'm actually glad he brought his appetite. I hope you all did.”

“We did, and I brought wine.” Ma held up a gift bag with what I was sure was expensive wine from her cellar.

“I'll take that.” I took the bag from her as we moved into the dining area where Juliana had the food in serving dishes. We all took a seat; hand sanitizer was passed around, a good word of prayer, then we all dug in. We made small talk as Gam updated Juliana on what had been going on with her lately.

“Everything tastes lovely, Juliana,” Moms complimented.

“Thank you. I know it's a lot, but I tend to overdo things when I'm nervous.”

Pops shook his head. “No need to be nervous. Our son has told us a little about you.”

“Good things I hope.”

“Definitely good things. Where are you from?”

“Jonesborough, Tennessee. A very small town.”

Moms smiled. “Oh yeah? How long have you been a city girl?”

“A little over a year.”

“How are you liking it so far?” Qua asked.

“It’s different but I’m adjusting. Mrs. G helped me along the way.” She and Gam smiled at each other.

“That's beautiful,” Mom replied.

I placed my hand on Juliana’s thigh and squeezed it gently. Her eyes came to me, and I signaled with mine that it was time. She gave a slight nod before I cleared my throat because I needed to do this announcement quickly.