Page 85 of King of Clubs

“Yes, Bradley, you’re a hunk of man,” she replied affectionately as he retreated. “Anyway, spill, Ms. Marlee.”

I sighed, knowing I was going to tell them sooner or later. “Thathunk of man,” I imitated before adding, “is my boyfriend.”

It still felt surreal saying those words aloud.

“I’m actually going to meet his mum tonight and I'm feeling pretty nervous,” I added.

“Ahhhh, the old meeting the family. They will adore you, love, just like we do. Just be yourself. Your light will shine bright all on its own.”

I smiled gratefully, hoping she was right.

When Sebastian first mentioned his family were coming to the city for dinner I assumed he was letting me know so I didn’t come over, but then he said he organised a hotel for his mum and her partner and Eva would be staying in the spare room. He then asked if I would be okay with her staying withus.

Usas in he and I.

I had maybe, okay definitely, freaked out and shovelled a few handfuls of pretzels down my throat while I anxiously typed, deleted and retyped my reply. Preempting my imminent spiral, he sent a quick follow up text telling me not to freak out and that there was no pressure on my end. Which of course made me feel like melted chocolate inside.

I was weak for this man and when he said or did things which demonstrated how considerate he was, I practically mewled. I was a daydream believer and Seb was the lead role cast in every one of my fantasies.

It was probably a good thing I was with Flick when he’d messaged me as I had someone to remind me this was totally normal and we were definitely ready for this step. These days, we were together more often than not and I did want to meet his family. I wanted to see and know everything about him. To envelop myself in his world – but it didn’t make me feel any less nervous.

From the small interaction I had with Eva at the Hearts’ match, she seemed lovely. Familiar even. But I’d never met the parents of a boyfriend before. Lucas claimed his parents werebad newsso other than his sister, it was only ever us. Sebastian adored his family though so the stakes were high.

What if they thought I wasn’t good enough for him? What if his mum asked where I lived and I had to tell them I was staying in my best friend’s spare room? My nerves were as taut as wire, ready to snap at any moment and I nervously wiped the table desperate for something to do with my hands.

“Sweetheart, just breathe,” Sofi said, observant as always. “I’ve seen the way that man looks at you. From behind a curtain while I pretend I’m not, but still. He loves you and they will see that. Look at the way the kids here hang off you.” I paused at her words. He didn’t love me. Surely, not. But before I could even begin to voice my confusion over this, Gabs returned, her hair now out and her brush firmly in her grip.

“Marleeee, can you please braid my hair before lunch?” Sofi shot me a knowing look, as if this cemented exactly what she just said as I reached for the brush. They both knew I couldn’t refuse when she looked up at me with those big brown eyes so I mouthed a thank you to Sofi before following an elated Gab out of the room.

Dressing comfortably in a pair of jeans, a plain white t-shirt and a light grey cardigan, I gave myself a once over in the hallway mirror before I left forOperation Meet the Micallefs. Sebastian was ordering in, so I wanted to be cosy but thought trackies were probably a littletoocomfortable when meeting his family for the first time.

When I arrived at his apartment door not even twenty minutes later, it opened to a freshly showered Seb and he immediately wrapped me in a tight hug.

“Mmmmm, I missed you.”

“I saw you this morning before work," my voice was muffled against his chest and I allowed the warmth and sanctity that his arms afforded to wash over me as I breathed in his crisp scent.

“Too long. I want you here all the time,” he pressed a kiss to my forehead before closing the door behind us. “I think you need to move in with me.”

“Huh?” I said, not sure I heard him correctly. I must have misheard. It was too soon. Surely it was too soon, right? He didn’t even realise the level of shit show that came with being with me and he was off the cuff telling me I should move in with him.

“Shit, sorry Marls. I was thinking out loud. Don’t freak out,” he started kissing my face, punctuating each of his words with a kiss. “I -kiss- was -kiss- just -kiss- joking.”

“If we could just pencil that in for discussion at a time when I am not about to meet your Mum, my heart would be grateful,” I said with a small smile.

“Ignore me,” he offered as if he hadn’t just sent my mind racing.

“Seb, this is beautiful,” I admired, staring at the gorgeous presentation of the dining table desperately needing something else to talk about.

The table was covered in a silver tablecloth and had been set with gorgeous plates and cutlery with light beige cloth napkins. There were candles acting as a makeshift garland and a tiny chocolate resting at each setting.

“Wish I could take credit, but Georgia set it up for me,” he shrugged.

“Your cleaner needs a payrise – keeping this place tidy and setting a table like this, she is phenomenal. What else do I need to do before they arrive?” When he didn’t respond, I turned to look at him and saw his eyes raking over my body with a surreptitious grin.

“Just one more thing,” he said, checking his watch and nodding, “and we have just the right amount of time.”

When I heard a knock at the door I was in the bathroom straightening my ponytail after Sebastian had used it as leverage when he bent me over the lounge and fucked me senseless. My cheeks were flushed and I most definitely held a post-sex glow with my swollen lips and still jelly legs.

---