Page 63 of I Heard It All Before

Chapter 22

Cam turned off his GPS when he arrived at his destination. He sat in awe as he drove around the winding driveway that led up to the huge house that he’d just parked in front of. The number of acres that the land sat on was impossible to be measured by one man alone. The fresh colorful flowers that surrounded the area looked artificial, but the smells of them all let Cam know that they were real. He felt like he was on the set of a movie looking at one of the houses that was used as a prop.

After weeks of procrastinating, he’d finally called his grandparents to see what they wanted with him. Cam wanted to decline when they invited him for lunch, but he decided to play nice and accept the invitation. He wished that Demi could have been with him, but she was busy running the streets with Lacey, shopping for the house. Since he had gotten his business up and running, moving into his house, with or without Demi, was his focus. He had a lot on his plate, but he was up for the challenge. The one place that he didn’t want to be was where he was now. His mother told him that he was missing out on his blessings by not having a relationship with his family, and maybe she was right. His father had blessed him from beyond the grave and Cam having a cordial relationship with his grandparents was what he would have wanted. After staring in amazement for a while, Cam exited the car and made his way up the marbled walkway that led to the huge, frosted glass double doors. He lifted his hand to ring the bell, but the door was opened before he had a chance to.

“Camden, I’m so happy that you could make it,” his grandmother said while giving him a tight hug.

Cam stiffened for a moment, but he relaxed a bit and greeted her the same way.

“Thanks for inviting me,” Cam politely replied.

“Your father would be so pleased. Come on in. Your grandfather is in the dining area waiting on you,” she said while grabbing his hand and leading the way.

Cam was wowed once again, as he was guided through the expensive but tastefully decorated home. When they got to the dining area, Cam’s grandfather stood up from a long table that was big enough to seat at least twenty other people. He had a huge smile on his face as he walked over and shook Cam’s hand.

“Camden, it’s good to see you again,” his grandfather said, sounding genuinely happy.

“Same here,” Cam said with a smile of his own.

“Are you ready for lunch Camden? I was unsure of what you liked to eat, so I had a few things delivered. I hope this is okay,” his grandmother said while pointing to about ten covered pans that were on warmers in the corner of the room.

“All of this is for lunch? Are you expecting some more people?” Cam asked.

“Oh no, I just wanted to make sure that I had a variety for you to choose from. I have seafood, pastas, vegetables, chicken, dressing, and lots of sweets. Your father always told us how much you love sweets. He was the exact same way,” his grandmother replied with a sad smile.

“Wait a minute Trudy. Before we sit down to eat, I need to show him the real reason for his visit. Follow me out back Camden,” his grandfather instructed while walking away.

Cam followed him to a four-car garage and waited for him to turn on the lights. Once the area was illuminated, Cam’s eyes damn near bulged out of their sockets. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. It was a classic car lover’s dream and he had to be dreaming. The 1968, fully restored, electric-blue Dodge Charger with white seats that he was staring at was proof of that. He remembered falling in love with the exact same car at the car show that he and his father went to.

“Your father had it done especially for you before he died. It got delivered a week after he was laid to rest, but he made me promise that I’d see to you getting it. Here, take a look inside,” his grandfather said while handing him the keys.

Cam was like a kid in a toy store as he got inside and played around with all the features. He didn’t notice it before, but his initials were engraved in the headrest, giving the car a more personal feel.

“This bitch is nice. Oh, sorry about that,” Cam said, almost forgetting where he was.

“It’s okay,” his grandfather chuckled. “I’m just happy you like it.”

“What’s not to like?” Cam asked.

“Camden, listen, I know that we haven’t always physically been around, but I want you to know that your grandmother and I love you very much. Granted, we weren’t thrilled when your mother got pregnant, but it had nothing to do with the color of her skin. Your father was a founding partner at a law firm and he was married. Still, when you came along, we were happy because you were a part of us. I admit that I wasn’t the best father to your dad and he obviously followed my lead with you. But, you’re our only grandchild and we want the best for you. Your father already had money in place for you in his will, but I wanted you to have a home and a business of your own. That’s why everything was purchased in my name and transferred over to you. That way, it can never be taken away. God forbid but, if anything ever happens to me or your grandmother, you’ll have even more. After all, you’re our only living heir,” his grandfather said, putting everything out in the open.

“I’m an adult, so I see things through the eyes of a grown man now. As a child, I just didn’t understand why I was treated like an outcast. I’m not trying to keep living in the past though. I’ve done that enough already and I’m learning to do better. I do wish I would have had more time with my father before he died, but it’s cool. I don’t have any hard feelings anymore,” Cam said, finally freeing himself of the hate that he’d held on to for most of his life.

For years, Cam had only known his mother’s parents because they were the only ones who wanted him around. His father’s parents had their own lives, but he wasn’t a part of it. Their finances were always there, but they weren’t. Cam saw that they were trying now and the least he could do was meet them halfway.

“I’m happy to hear that son. Maybe you and Demi can come over for dinner sometimes. No pressure, but if you’re ever free,” his grandfather said.

“We can do that.” Cam smiled

“Good, that will make your grandmother happy. You can stay out here for a while if you want to. Come back in whenever you get ready,” his grandfather said while patting him on the back and walking away.

As soon as he left, Cam called Kobe on FaceTime to show him his brand-new toy. Kobe was just as excited as Cam started the car up and showed him all the features. They talked for a while, until Cam felt a presence standing behind him. When he looked up and saw Amy standing there staring at him, Cam ended his call and decided to see what she wanted. She obviously had something to say and he was ready to clap back. Cam wanted to piss her off, so he decided to fuck with her first.

“What’s up step mommy?” Cam said with a wicked grin.

“Must be nice. Your black mama fucks a married white man and you hit the jackpot,” Amy sneered.

Her comment got under Cam’s skin, but he kept his poker face on and switched it up on her.

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