“You just about ready to go, Jen?” he asks, I’m finishing up applying my make-up, I know I’ve taken longer than usual as I want to look perfect for meeting his mum and dad. I am quite nervous and scared they might not like me.
“Yes, just coming,” I reply, as Jack kisses the back of my head. He has barely taken his hands off of me all morning.
“You look gorgeous,” he says, while looking at me in the mirror. “As always,” he adds, and nuzzles my neck with gentle kisses.
“Thanks!” I smile, delighted at his compliment. I’m wearing a sleeveless knee length floral dress with a v-shaped neck. It is flattering in all the right places, sexy without being over the top, and respectable looking enough without making me look and feel like a nun. Jack is wearing gray cargo shorts and a black collared t-shirt with funky orange buttons. As usual, he looks thoroughly edible.
Jack has already looked out the Corvette which we climb into and head to his parent’s house. Today is doubling up brunch with his mum’s birthday. He told me he got her some Celtic jewelry when he was in Aberdeen, and the store he got it from wrapped it beautifully with a thistle placed on top. I make Jack swing by a supermarket so I can grab some flowers and a bottle of wine to take in too. I couldn’t help but notice the Walkers Shortbread when we passed the biscuit aisle, so I had to grab a box of them too. I can’t believe they sell that here! The Walkers Factory is in Aberlour which is about a two hour drive from Aberdeen, technically home!
“I freaking love that shortbread cookies,” Jack exclaims, once we are back in his car.
“Shortbread is NOT a cookie,” I scold him, but laugh.
“Yes, it is!” he replies, petulantly.
“No, it is not, Jack. Shortbread is a biscuit. A cookie...is a cookie...” I explain, while trying to think where I am going with this conversation. “Preferably with chocolate chips in it,” I cross my arms and lower my nose as if looking over the top of invisible glasses at him.
“Is that so, Jen the expert in all things biscuit related?” he lowers his nose in the same fashion and looks at me.
“Well...so I think anyway,” I shrug and laugh.
He laughs, “Did you make that shortbread I ate at your place the day I met you and Susie?” he asks.
I turn to look at him, “What made you ask that?”
“It was too delicious to be shop bought, I figured one of ya’ll had made it,” he shrugs.
“Yes, it was me,” I smile.
“And now she tells me. You are not leaving my house again until you make me some!” he grins.
“Really? What if I NEVER make you some? Do I get to stay forever?” I flirt with him.
“That can be easily arranged, my girl,” he turns and sweeps his gaze over me.
As we pull up outside an understated, yet very nice and normal looking bungalow, I don’t feel quite so nervous. The house looks homely and inviting. As we start to climb out I hear a man shouting hello and turn to see an older yet very attractive man walking toward us. There is no doubt he is Jack’s father. He is slightly shorter than Jack, has graying dark hair, but the same green eyes and skin tone. His attire is similar to Jack’s.
“Son!” he greets Jack and gives him a hug. “Great to see you, we’ve missed you the last couple of weeks!”
“Hey dad, it’s good to be home!” he hugs his dad back. “This is Jennifer, my girl,” he says, as he places a hand gently to my lower back to pull me forward.
He just called me ‘his girl’! I think my heart just burst with pride.
“Jennifer!” his dad takes the flowers and wine from me, and gives me a hearty hug which takes me by surprise. “It is so nice to meet you. I’m Walt. We have heard an awful lot about you!”
“Oh!” I say, not meaning to, but looking at Jack feeling slightly worried about what he might have said.
“It’s all good,” his dad reassures me instantly and smiles openly before turning to guide us towards the house. “And you should know for future reference, you don’t have to bring gifts to this household, though I’m sure Livy will be delighted.”
“He’s right, it’s all good!” Jack whispers into my ear. He’s carrying his mom’s birthday gift and the Walker’s Shortbread.
As we get to the door his mum appears and comes hurrying over, “Jackie! My sweet boy! I’ve missed you honey! Come in, come in!” She quickly squeezes Jack into a bear hug, then turns on me. She gently takes my hands, “And you must be Miss. Jennifer? The girl my son has been talking so affectionately of! It’s so nice to meet you! And you’re even prettier than I had anticipated! My name is Liv, it’s short for Olivia which I hate, but I answer to Liv, or Livy as my lovely husband calls me.”
“It’s nice to meet you too, Liv,” I smile. “Happy birthday, and thank you for having me.”
“Oh goodness, it’s our pleasure to have you!”
She pulls me into a bear hug, then takes us through to the kitchen before I get the chance to say anything else. She is a slim woman with gently curled dark hair just past her shoulders. She is also every bit as attractive as Jack and his dad. The gene pool evidently struck home in this household. She is wearing cropped white trousers and a stylish deep pink sleeveless top. Although beautiful in what appears to be in equal amounts, inside and out, she is every bit the warm and fuzzy kindergarten teacher I had imagined her to be.
I feel instantly at home and it is blatantly obvious I was worrying for no reason at all. Their house is very homely and welcoming. The kitchen has wooden cupboards and apricot tiling with the odd vegetable pictured sporadically in the pattern. It reminds me on something my parents had when we were little. There is a wooden kitchen dining table and double doors leading out to the back garden where I see another table has been set for brunch. There is an arch through to an open plan living room and a more formal dining room, all the furniture looks very ornate, but in-keeping with the rest of the house, or what I have seen so far.
“Now, what on earth is all this ya’ll have brought in! My goodness, I’m spoiled! She picks up the shortbread and grins at me, “This is my Jacks’ favourite cookie!”
I turn and grin at Jack.
“That’ll be biscuit, mom,” he over pronounces biscuit, and sneers at me.
Liv looks from me to Jack and says, “OK, biscuit!”
Jack nods his head in approval and I can’t help but laugh.
“The little bits are from me, I’m sure Jack got you something much more exciting!” I smile.
“Ooh, let me have a look,” she exclaims, excitedly. She pulls three small boxes out of the gift bag. He got her a beautiful Celtic necklace, bracelet and earrings. They are white gold, with emeralds in the design. Not my taste really, but very obviously hers. She immediately puts everything on and twirls around, “Oh my goodness, Jack! This is far too much, they are beautiful! And green is my favourite colour, Jen, my boy knows me too well!”
She is positively gleaming at Jack.
“Everywhere he has been in the world, he has brought me something back. Usually a piece of jewellry as he knows I like different things. He’s still as sweet as he was when he was a little boy,” she beams with pride at him.
“Oh that’s enough, mother,” he hushes her.
She laughs and rolls her eyes at me, “OK, well what can I get you kids to drink?” she asks us both and I smile at the reference to us as kids. Once a teacher....
“Just whatever is going, mom,” Jack replies.
“I’ve just made some fresh lemonade and also some iced tea?” she asks.
“Some lemonade would be lovely, thanks,” I smile.
“Me too,” Jack says, and grabs some glasses, filling them up.
“Ya’ll didn’t need to bring in these lovely gifts, that’s so sweet!” his mum says as she gets a vase for the flowers. “Dana and Eric are both coming over soon too. I wish Marc was able to come along but he is in New Orleans on a Bachelor weekend.”
“Yeah, I spoke to him earlier in the week,” Jack says.
I remember all his siblings names from Jack telling Susie and I about them when we first met him.
“That’s awesome Eric and Dana are coming though. I presume the kids are coming too?” Jack asks.
Before Liv gets the chance to answer, I hear the front door burst open and the sound of excited children running through shouting “Grammy, Grammy...” at the top of their lungs. I turn just in time to see two children around four and six years old barge into the kitchen and stop dead in their tracks as they see me. I smile, then they turn to their Uncle Jack, “Uncle Jack!” they both scream and thorw themselves at him.
Jack is ready for them and scoops them both up at the same time, “My little terrors!” he laughs, and swings them both around while they squeal with laughter.
Just as Jack places them down a lady appears in the doorway, “Hey mom, dad,” she greets her parents and hugs Jack, then notices me. “Hi, I’m sorry, I’m Dana,” she smiles, and shakes my hand. She looks like a female version of Jack but smaller, thinner, and paler. Her hair is light brown and looks natural.
“Hiya, I’m Jennifer,” I smile back.
“Great accent! Where are you from?” she asks me.
“Scotland...” I reply.
“Is that in England?” she asks, scrunching up her nose.
“No, it’s beside England,” I reply, somewhat taken aback by what I deem to be a stupid question. “It is in the United Kingdom with England, Ireland and Wales, but it’s not in England,” I smile so as she doesn’t think I’m being rude.
“Oh, right!” she says as she unloads some goodies she brought with her. “Sorry, my geography isn’t the best. Your English is great by the way!”
Just as I open my mouth to explain that English is my first (and only) language, a light brown haired man appears at the door and Dana looks up, “This is my hubby, Gregor,” she introduces him. And before he can even say hello, we are all interrupted yet again by their brother Eric coming in at the same time. He looks more like his mum, he is tall like Jack but more gangly than broad. His wife Jet comes in with their two year old baby girl, Andrea.
The kitchen is bustling with everyone making small talk and getting reacquainted, fixing pots and pans, the children playing. It’s overwhelming but so nice to be a part of. We head outside as Walt taps on a glass to grab everyone’s attention. Brunch is exceptional. I now see why Jack said he loves to cook, it’s evidently in his genes, everyone has mucked in. There is everything from bacon, sausage, some sort of egg casserole, fresh fruit, oatmeal, toast, bagels, and not to mention a huge birthday cake that more resembles a wedding cake. It looks beautiful. I’ve never seen such a spread other than in a hotel. As things simmer down and the kids go and play in the play area their grandparents have for them, we all sit and finish our coffee and chat.
“So, how did ya’ll meet?” Eric, Jacks eldest brother, asks me referring to Jack and I.
“Oh, well, at work,” I answer, realising I’m a little embarrassed to admit it.
“So you work for Jack?” he asks me, but turns to look at Jack.
“Yeah, she does, not directly though, and she didn’t know it when we met. It’s a long story dude, don’t sweat it,” Jack answers for me.
“That could get a bit awkward, Jack,” he barrels on.
“Eric, stop,” his wife Jet nudges him and looks at me shaking her head apologetically.
“It’s ok,” I pipe up. “Like Jack said, we met, but I didn’t know who he was. I am finishing my internship with SER in Aberdeen. I was supposed to start my permanent position in Human Resources this month, but I was offered an additional month to my internship in the geology department, and I met Jack for the first time just over a week ago.”
“It’s because of Jen we are heading up the West Texas Shale, not that that has anything to do with you, or why she is here having brunch with us. So can we knock it off?” Jack sounds annoyed.
Eric shakes his head and gets up from the table, “We need to go,” he informs everyone.
“We do?” Jet asks, surprised.
“Yeah,” Eric mumbles, and adds something indecipherable.
“That’s a shame, Eric,” their mum looks disappointed with her son, but scoops baby Andrea up in her arms and hugs her affectionately.
Walt and Liv see Eric, Jet and Andrea out, while we stay in the back garden, me left feeling a bit awkward and unwelcome. Eric didn’t even say much, but it was enough. I suppose everyone will just assume I’m a gold digger hanging out with Jack, and that makes me feel cheap.
“Just ignore Eric,” Dana comes to sit beside me. “He is an outspoken asshat at the best of times. How are you liking H-town?”
I relax a little as I tell her about my short week in Houston and some of the cultural differences I’ve come across. We get a bit of a giggle at our pronunciation differences of the words tomato, aluminum, vehicle, mirror, and water. It breaks the ice and I find her personality very much like Jack’s, though she is much less traveled and worldly.
“How long are you in town for, Jennifer?” she asks.
“I think another week or so,” I look at Jack.
“Yeah, I planned on keeping her here a couple weeks, but I wish I could keep her here longer...” Jack replies, looking at me almost questioningly.
I feel short of breath and realise I am wishing I could stay here with him forever.
Dana, looks at both of us and exhales loudly, “OK, whatever happened there, ya’ll need to figure it out. We are having a Halloween Party on Friday night at our place if you’d like to come along?” she asks, then adds, “Greg’s parents are watching the kiddos.”
I look at Jack who is looking at me questioningly again. I nod slightly and he smiles raising an eyebrow at me, “We’d love to come along, Dana,” he answers her without taking his eyes off me.
“Cool. Now I think it’s about time you two disappeared. This silent conversation thing is a bit much for me on a Sunday morning,” she laughs. “It’s fancy dress, so be sure to put some thought in.”
I smile embarrassed and Jack pulls me up. Everyone hugs me goodbye which is so uncustomary to me, but it makes me feel so much a part of their beautiful family. Jack’s mum walks us back out to the car.
“Will you come back next Sunday if you’re both still in town?” she asks.
“I’ll call you, mom,” Jack tells her before I can answer for myself.
I realise he maybe doesn’t want to bring me back, so I say a quick goodbye and hop in the car. I feel a horrible sadness sweep over me as I realise this might be the first and last time I see these people.
“Was that ok, sweetie?” Jack asks, taking my hand as usual in the car.
“Yes,” I almost whisper. “Your family are lovely, you’re very lucky.”
“They loved you, I knew they would,” he tells me. I don’t know how he knows, but it makes me feel like a million dollars hearing him say that.
I don’t say anything, I just watch the houses and gardens go by as we drive through the neighbourhoods back to his house.
As we pull up to his garage, he stops, “I know tonight is a school night, but I don’t suppose you fancy going out to a bar? As your boss, I guess I shouldn’t encourage you. But one of my favourite bands are playing and I’d love for you to see them,” he asks. “I think you’ll enjoy it.”
“I don’t know,” I reply. I suddenly just want to go back to my hotel room and think about everything.
“Oh go on, it’ll be a blast...” he chides.
Why shouldn’t I? I reason with myself. He’s been nothing but sweet to me all weekend, the only things annoying my brain right now are his brother Eric’s little outburst, and the fact he didn’t tell his mum ‘yes’ to us going back next Sunday for brunch. I need to chill out a bit.
“OK, sure, so long as it’s not too late a night. I wouldn’t want my boss getting annoyed with me,” I reply, not looking at him.
“Well, maybe your boss would like to get annoyed with you, my sweet
Jen. Maybe a good spanking is what you need,” he replies, monotone.
I give in and look at him, and we both start smiling widely. I don’t think I could ever stay angry with him for long.
Chapter 24
As we walk into the kitchen, there is a large box wrapped up in red paper with a blue and white bow on top. It definitely wasn’t there when we left earlier.
“Ah, good...” Jack exclaims, and walks over to it. He grabs it, walks over to me, takes my hand and pulls me through to the living room to sit down. “This is a little present I was hoping you might wear tonight.”
“A present?!” I ask excitedly. “Another one?”
“Yeah, it’s just something little I thought would be handy for your stay here,” he replies, handing the box to me. “A wee souvenir to take home with you,” he laughs at himself.
“Ha, ha,” I say, smiling at how adorable he is. I give it a shake and something relatively heavy moves inside with a thud, but I have no guess as to what, “What is it?” I ask.
“Well if you’d hurry up and open it, you’ll see!” he gestures.
I tear the bow off and the red paper to find a box underneath. I take the lid off and find a beautiful pair of pink cowboy boots inside, “Oh, wow!” I’m surprised, but frown at him questioningly.
“I hoped you would agree to come with me tonight...and being that mostly every time I’ve seen you, you’ve worn something pink, I thought you would like these,” he explains, coyly.
I love it when he gets embarrassed.
I kick off my white sandals and slip on the boots, amazed they are the right size, but then why should I be? This is Jack we are talking about, he doesn’t miss a trick. Ever. I stand up and strut back and forth across the floor in them, doing a silly little dance.
Silver City Girl Page 15