Note- This is entirely fictional. I do not know any of the characters in this story nor have I ever met them. And it does not portray any events in real life.
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Emma had stayed close to her mother, Jacqueline Luesby, ever since her parents had divorced when she was only five. Not many people are aware that Emma had been born in Paris and had lived there until age five when she and her mother relocated to Oxfordshire. Emma had been keen to be an actress from an early age and we all know the rest. Eight Harry Potter movies led to other big hits such as Beauty and the Beast and Noah. Her mother had given her all the backing and encouragement to her daughter and had herself remarried for a short while. Now single in her middle age Jacqueline had found a new suitor.
x
It was a pleasant evening when Emma drove down from London to her mothers house in the countryside. Emma had been invited for dinner and a chance to catch up with the latest news from Jacqueline. Her mother had sounded excited on the phone but had not given anything away and Emma was naturally curious as to what the reason may be. Post production had just been completed on her latest project, another remake of Little Women, and she had plenty of free time. The secluded house was modern and had a south east facing garden and driveway. It boasted of five bedrooms and en suite bathrooms. The fully fitted kitchen was of a modern design in pebble with stainless steel sinks, integrated fridge and freezer and a double oven.
"Darling, so good to see you."
Emma hugged her mother and they gave each other a peck on both cheeks. Both had dressed in summer dresses, Emma in sunflower yellow and her mother in light blue and white polka dots. They looked rather similar. Same height, build and facial features. Emma cut a lightweight figure at five feet five and 110 pounds.
"And you've cut your hair short again."
Emma fluffed up her newly trimmed pixie crop and grinned. Her new look showed off her long and elegant neck and her delicate features. Blessed with heavy lidded eyes and perfect arched brows the very short bangs made her look enchanting. Despite a heavy work schedule recently she positively glowed. They linked arms and made their way to the kitchen where Emma noted the smell of dinner.
"What is it?"
"I'm making jerk chicken, brown rice, peas and a coconut basmati."
"Very West Indies."
Emma lifted the lid of a saucepan and took a deep sniff of the simmering rice.
"Rather a lot, isn't it?"
"We're expecting a guest."
Emma nodded slightly nonchalantly and went to the fridge for some Perrier water. She sat at the central free standing table and looked at her mother.
"So, what's the big fuss about."
Emma opened the bottle and took a big swig.
"Oh, you know. I met someone in New York and now we're dating."
"Oh? Do tell."
"He's with a law firm and is doing quite well. He's ambitious and sweet and er, a little younger than me."
"Right. How much younger?"
"By about twenty five years."
Jacqueline was now in her mid fifties but had a mature glamour with only a hint of laughter lines on her fresh looking face. Now twice divorced she had neglected her own career in law to concentrate on Emma's acting. "He's thirty! That's my age! Mum!" Emma raised her brows and spread her hands.
"But he is so charming and good looking and attentive to my needs. It's been hard since my last divorce. I need some me time."
"Anything else I should know about?"
Now Emma lifted her chin as if to say tell me the rest. Jacqueline went back to the stove and began to prepare the chicken thighs and breasts.
"Well, he's black."
"OH? This is huge!" Emma looked at her mother with big eyes.
"His name is Delroy. He's separated and single. And he'll be here in half an hour. Look my darling, it's no big deal. We're both adults with experience looking for some company. I think you'll like him."
"Hmm. It's going to take some getting used to. What if you get married again. I'll have a stepdad my own age!"
"Now let's not jump the gun. We only just met. Aren't you happy for me? Now, go freshen up and I'll call you when he gets here."
Emma agreed and took her small overnight case upstairs. It had been an exhausting time of late and she welcomed the familiar bed she had slept in countless times.
x
"Emma! Delroy just got here."
Emma woke and sat up in the edge of the Queen size bed and took a sharp intake of breath.
"Okay, let's go see what all the fuss is about."
She put her shoes back on and went downstairs to be greeted with the sight of her mother clinging to a six feet tall, broad shouldered black nan with a shaven head and gorgeous almond type eyes.
"Oh...my...gosh!"
The guy was amazing! Handsome, fit and young.
"This is Emma, my daughter. Emma, meet Delroy."
"Emma Watson, I'm so happy to meet you. I feel like I know you already."
He spoke with an American accent as apposed to a Jamaican one in a smooth voice that could charm the birds from the trees.
"Afternoon. So, you're from New York?"
"Not originally. I'm from Florida. Tampa, to be exact."
"Come on, lets go to the kitchen. I'm making jerk chicken."
Jacqueline took the pair of them by the elbow and steered them to the kitchen. They all sat at the big table and Emma sat beside Delroy. He even smelled great she thought as her mother poured out some Perrier for all.
"So tell me a bit about yourself."
"Well, I graduated in law from Florida State in Tallahassee and moved up to the Big Apple on the recommendation of a friend. That was when I met your mother I guess."
