Page 75 of Maxwell

Multiple cars were parked out front near the base of the steps leading up to the double doors.

“You grew up here?” she asked in awe.

“Home sweet home, my humble abode,” Maxwell said jokingly.

“Humble? Are you sure I’m dressed okay?” She looked doubtfully at her jeans.

“Of course. My family isn’t judgmental, and I’m wearing jeans. I wouldn’t set you up to be embarrassed.”

“I know, I’m... I don’t know.”

“Relax.” He covered her hand with his.

“Why am I so nervous?”

“Because you love me, and you want my family to love you, and they will. Because you’re amazing.”

She looked at him with deep affection. “I want to give you a quick hand job for that.”

He groaned. “Don’t tempt me. Come on.”

They found some of his family members in the kitchen, engaged in spirited conversation, already eating the hors d’oeuvres. Jasmine reached for his hand as they entered, and he squeezed hers reassuringly.

“The baby has arrived,” Monica cooed. Tall and slender with a low-cut Afro, she rushed over to give him a hug. “I haven’t seen you in forevah!”

“Because you’re always gone on one of your influencer trips.” He hugged her back.

“I know.” She looped her arm around him and turned her attention to Jasmine. “Hi, I’m Monica. Maxwell’s favorite sister.”

“Jasmine Roberson.”

“Everybody, this is Jasmine Roberson. Jasmine, this is everybody—well, about half of everybody. Introduce yourselves,” Maxwell said.

And they all did.

“Hi, I’m Audra. His other sister, who’s apparently chopped liver.”

Jasmine laughed at her comment.

Next, his parents, Bruno and Marissa, Skye, Thiago, Junior, and Tracy. As each member of the family gave their names and how they were related to him, Jasmine visibly relaxed.

“Are you one of Uncle Maxwell’s girlfriends?” Junior asked, gazing up at her.

Audra grabbed her son and slapped a hand over his mouth. “Ignore him. He can be a little too nosy.”

Maxwell wrapped an arm around Jasmine’s waist. “She’s my only girlfriend,” he informed his nephew, not missing the subtle surprise in the expressions of some of his family members.

“We’re very happy to have you join us this evening,” Rose said. “I’m sure Maxwell has told you how excited we are about his brother’s film being nominated for multiple Oscars. Of course, we want him to win, but it’s an honor just to be nominated.”

“Mommy, you can’t keep saying that. You have to put positive energy out into the universe. He’s going to win all four categories that he’s nominated in,” Monica said.

“It is an honor to be nominated. It is better to win,” Benicio said.

“Amen,” Thiago said with vehemence.

“I just don’t want to be disappointed, but you’re right. We should all send positive energy his way. All right, I need help taking the rest of these dishes downstairs.” Rose turned to Jasmine. “Do you mind grabbing that bowl of chips over there?”

Maxwell knew with that question that his mother was letting both Jasmine and him know she was welcomed.