“I’m fine. Just a little nervous that’s all.”
AJ turned to look at me. “Sam, no matter how this goes, it’s not going to change how I feel about you. No one can change that. Ever. So, there isn’t anything for you to worry about.”
I finally turned to face him and found comfort in his words. “You’re right.”
He pulled the car in front of the house and cut off the engine. “Ready?” He asked.
“As much as I’ll ever be,” I replied just before he stepped out of the car and came around to let me out. My hand shook slightly in his as we walked toward the door, but my heart beat so wildly that it felt like there was a marching band in my chest. AJ turned the knob and I felt like I was going to throw up.
He led me inside and closed the heavy wooden door behind him. The foyer alone was nearly the size of half of the first floor of my house. My heels clicked on the marble tile causing an echo that ricocheted off the high ceilings. In front of me was a winding staircase leading to the second floor. The walls were covered in the same cream and gold wallpaper that was in the guesthouse. I jumped when AJ began sliding my jacket off my shoulders. He hung it in the coat closet and returned to my side. He reached for my hand and led me toward the archway off to the left. I could hear his parents talking in a nearby room and couldn’t move another step. “I need to ask you something before we go in there.”
He looked at me curiously. “What’s wrong?”
“Do they know?” I paused.
He was puzzled. “Know what?”
I rolled my eyes feeling that it should’ve been obvious what I meant. “That I’m black. Maybe you should go in there first and just let them know so they can get the shock out of their systems before they meet me.”
He was nearly hysterical with laughter. “You seriously want me to go in there and make an announcement that you’re black? Yeah, that would be better,” he said sarcastically. His parents must’ve heard his outburst because I could now hear their footsteps echoing down the hallway.
When they finally came into view, I felt woozy. They approached us with blank expressions that I couldn’t even begin to read. His mother was a small woman, but that didn’t make her any less frightening. She may have come up to my shoulder with my heels on. Her face was virtually perfect to the point where she could have passed for a porcelain doll. Her jet black hair was pulled up into a neat bun that highlighted her chiseled jaw line that reminded me of AJ’s. Mr. Hahn was about the same height as AJ His eyes were kind and gentle, but they somehow came across as unwelcoming to me. I wouldn’t have guessed that either of them was old enough to have a son AJ’s age.
They moved toward us gracefully and I tightened my grip on AJ’s arm. I jumped a little when his mother reached for my hand. She clasped it in both of hers and her expression softened slightly. His father smiled weakly, but didn’t say a word. “Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Samantha.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you Mr. and Mrs. Hahn. Your home is beautiful.”
“We’re glad to have you here with us. We’ve heard some very nice things about you. Anthony tells us that you’re an artist.” Her soft voice was far more comforting than her intimidating appearance. I hadn’t expected for her accent to be so heavy.
“I paint, but it’s really just a hobby,” I replied as she motioned me over to the couch. She sat across from me in an arm chair. AJ and his father lingered behind us and out of the corner of my eye I could see them talking quietly. I was desperate to know what they were saying.
I snapped my head back toward Mrs. Hahn when she spoke. “Well, my son speaks very highly of your work. Are you going to pursue a career in the arts?” She asked.
Things were escalating slightly between AJ and Mr. Hahn, so she didn’t have my full attention. “I suppose you could say that. I’m majoring in Interior Design.”