by Jayne, S. L.
Smirking, I shake my head. “Nah, you would look much better on a bike.” I winked and turned away to pour the drinks.
Laughing, Matt continues telling me about his dad. “Anyway, he’s a true Texan. As this is his last Thanksgiving before he heads back to Temple, we’re gonna have some of the foods and drinks that my dad has in Texas. I know you’re all from Boston so I wanted to check that it was okay with everyone.”
“That’s fine, Matt, it’s your Thanksgiving dinner, you do it the way you want. I think it’s an awesome idea, the food will be pretty much the same and I’ve never tasted beer from Texas before, so it’ll be a new experience,” I beamed. I can see this day being the best Thanks giving ever.
“That’s sorted then, I’m looking forward to you meeting my mom and dad.”
“Your mom? Isn’t she your step mom?” I ask, confused.
He’s avoiding looking into my eyes, he looks nervous. “Yeah, she’s my step mom, but I call her mom… she’s the only mom I’ve ever really known.” He lifts his drink to his mouth, I think it’s to avoid having to say anything more.
“I’m sorry I mentioned it, Matt, I didn’t mean to upset you. I understand not having a present parent, if Nate was a better man, I’d have maybe called him dad. I can’t imagine it, but you know what I mean.” I offered him a small smile.
“Yeah, I know what you mean, baby. I’m not upset, you didn’t upset me,” He winked and smiled at me.
***
After Matt left I was alone for a while until my mom and Connor got back from the store, mom insisted on taking something with us, even though Matt had told me when he first asked that there will be a ton of food there. In that time I was alone I sat thinking about what Matt had said, the questions racing around in my mind, did his mom leave him? Did she die? I know his dad is his biological dad or else he’d have told me, wouldn’t he? There is a reason for the way he is, his protectiveness, the sincerity behind his caring ways, his right on point advice, it's like he lived through all of that and came out stronger the other side.
“Are we leaving? They’ll be waiting for us,” Mom says, walking into my bedroom.
I give myself one last glance in the mirror and check my hair; I decided to move my loose pony tail to the side, leaving the waves to drape down my shoulder.
“I’m ready. Do I look okay?” I ask, turning to face her.
“Beautiful, darling,” she beams at me. “Let’s go before Connor starts eating the furniture, he’s hungry.”
I let out a small laugh and follow my mom, grabbing my car keys and purse on the way to the door.
Pulling up outside Morgan’s Temple we climb out of the car and make our way to the door. Matt’s dad opens the door and invites us in with a big smile. It has to be his dad, he looks like an older version of Matt, minus the tattoos. He’s the same height, but smaller framed. His facial features, strong jaw, dark eyes, it’s like looking at Matt twenty years on. “You must be Rylee,” he says, looking directly at me.
“Yeah… I’m Rylee,” I say with a smile.
“You’re exactly like my boy described, such a pretty girl. I’m James, Matt’s dad.” He held out his hand.
“Thank you, James, it’s nice to meet you,” I say, extending my arm to greet him.
He takes my hand in his and places a light kiss on the back of my hand, he really is a true gentleman. I introduce him to my mom and Connor as Matt joins us. James takes them through the back of the bar.
“Hey, Princess. I hope my dad didn’t try to embarrass me,” He says, kissing me on the top of my head.
“No, he was very welcoming. Does he normally try and embarrass you around your friends?” I look up at him, amused.
“Wouldn’t know, he hasn’t met any of my friends before,” he replies, shaking his head.
My eyebrows draw together, showing my confusion. “Ever?”
He brushes my question off with a nod. I don’t think I’ll push and ask why, I already know I won’t get a straight answer. I follow his lead to the back of the bar where everyone is.
“Mom, meet Rylee. Rylee, this is my mom, Sidney.”
She is the same height as me, with my three inch heel boots on. Her long straight auburn hair and green eyes make her look stunning, at a guess, I’d say she is in her early fifties.
“Pleasure to meet you, Rylee. Matt has told us a lot about you, maybe now you’re here he’ll stop talking about you so much.” She looked at Matt and winked.
Winking must be a trait in this family. I don’t ask what he’s told her, I don’t think I want to know- if he’s told them about Nate, I’d rather not know that they know I’m a complicated mess.
“Nice to meet you too, Sidney. Thank you for having us today,” I smiled.
“Of course, sweetie, we’ve been waiting forever to meet one of Matt’s… friends? I’m not sure what you kids label things these days,” she chuckled.
“Oh, um, we’re friends, it’s okay to call us that.” I don’t know what else to say, Matt and I are friends, there’s nothing else to it.
James calls us into the other room, letting us know the food is prepared. The table is beautifully laid, the food looks delicious and there looks to be enough drink to last a lifetime.
“We have fried turkey, potatoes and gravy, ham, stuffing, cranberries and green bean casserole,” James announced.
“Don’t forget we have corn, too, and pecan pie,” Sidney smiled at James.
“It all sounds delicious,” Mom said, looking at Sidney.
Matt sat next to me, mom and Conner were seated on the other side of me and James took the seat at the head of the table leaving Sidney to sit between Matt and James. We ate in comfortable silence for a few minutes before James broke the silence with stories of how he used to spend Thanksgiving as a child. Mom and Sidney were engaged in hushed conversation across the table.
“I used to love going fishing with my dad, every year without fail we would go fishing for a couple hours before heading back home for a nap.” He sighed, you could tell just by his eyes that his memory of those days were fresh in his mind.
“Dad, let’s not talk about fishing,” Matt laughed.
“Don’t mock it, boy, you used to love comin’ fishing when you were young,” he smirked and looked over at us. “Don’t listen to him, he used to pitch a fit if he couldn’t come.”
I laughed. “I believe you, James, I’m sure he did. I don’t know the first thing about fishing.”
“Me neither,” Conner added.
James looked like someone had stolen his candy. “You’re kiddin, right? That’s the first thing you teach your kids is how to bait their own hook,” he beamed. “Y’all stick with me, I’ll teach you how to fish, Rylee. I’ll teach you and your brother.”
“Sounds great, thank you,” I smiled back at him.
Matt kicked me under the table, to get my attention. I looked round at him, he mouthed the words, “I’m sorry” and winked at me. I shook my head, smiling, letting him know I didn’t mind what his dad said- fishing may not sound like the most fun thing to do, but James is a kind man, and his offer was thoughtful.
“Who wants a drink?” Matt asked.
“Get the Shiner for you men, us women will have some Llano,” Sidney said.
Mom looked at me and I looked over at Matt, giving him a confused look hoping he’ll help me out with what drink we’re being given. Everything else we knew, the foods were pretty much the same, except the pecan pie, I’d never had that before.
“Shiner is beer and Llano is wine, it’s all Texas local drink.” He gave me a look that told me he had warned me about the Texas spin on things.
After we had eaten and tasted the drinks, which we loved, we all retreated to the living room to watch football, I have no idea about football teams so I sat and with mom and Sidney having a mixture of conversations, from the weather in Texas to my mom’s favorite homemade meal. It was a relaxing afternoon, James was ready to nap so we all decided to leave. We sai
d our goodbyes and thanks before James fell asleep.
“We’ll meet you in the car, Rylee. Bye Matt, thank you again for today, it’s been lovely.” Mom said, leading Connor out of the door.
“Bye, Lexi, it’s my pleasure. Catch you later, Connor.” Matt waved at them.
I turned to hug Matt, standing on my toes to reach him. “Thank you, this has been the best Thanksgiving ever.” I planted a kiss on his cheek.
He squeezed me tightly around my waist, bringing me closer to him. “No, baby, thank you, it’s the first Thanksgiving in a long time that my dad has smiled as much as he did today, just you being here has made it one to remember for him. He’s been dying to meet you and I know it means a lot to him that you came. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it with anyone else.” He kissed me on the cheek, the kiss and his words causing my face to heat up.
I don’t think I’ve ever blushed so much in my life as I have since the day I met Matt.
Chapter Five
Two weeks ago was Thanksgiving, two whole weeks that feel like only a few days ago. After an amazing day, meeting James and Sidney, who were two of the loveliest people I have ever met, mom, Connor and I went home and spent the remainder of the evening on the couch watching movies, it was the perfect end to the day. Mom wanted us to go shopping for the Black Friday sales the following day but Connor said he’d rather stick pins in his eyelids than battle the crowds. Ava and Ryan got back from Boston and were bursting with gossip about the people we knew there. Some of the gossip was funny, like how Callum had caught Charlotte with one of the college lacrosse players- that will teach him for going out with a whore. The other gossip was about Adam, he’s apparently gotten himself a love interest, and it’s not Josh- I say apparently because we’re not sure if it’s true, none of us can imagine Adam being with only one girl.
I went back to work last week, and when I saw Max, he was different with me, not entirely, but enough to make it a little awkward at times and hard to keep my thoughts to myself; part of me wanted to ask him if he knew my mom before he saw her that day Ava picked her up, but I didn’t. I need to talk to my mom about it first; I plan on doing that this weekend. On top of all of that, I still hadn’t gotten the courage to ask Matt about him wanting me.
I grab my purse and keys, shut down the computer and head out of my office, it’s been a long day and I can’t wait to get home and relax. I walk down the corridor to meet Ava and Aimee in the lobby. Walking past Mr Ashby’s office, I hear him call my name.
“Did you call me?” I ask walking into his office.
He smiled at me. “Yes, I was wondering how you’re feeling now? Are you up for being at work?”
I don’t know what to say to him. My conscience is shouting at me to ask him now, ask him if what Ava said is true. But I never listen to my conscience so I ignore it and politely nod.
“I’m good thank you, Mr Ashby, much better now,” I smile.
“No need to call me Mr Ashby, Rylee, it’s after work hours, call me Max. And please tell me if there is anything you need, anything at all that I can help with, I’ll be happy to.”
“Thank you… Max. That’s real nice of you, I’ll keep it in mind.” I walk of his office and practically run down the corridor before he can get a chance to call me back. That was nerve wracking, and strange.
I reach Ava and Aimee and almost drag them out of the building without telling them anything, I just want to get away from here and shake it off.
“Slow down, Ry, what’s wrong?”
“Can we just get out of here, before Mr Ashby want’s another chat with me, please?”
Ava’s jaw drops and Aimee is giving me a questioning look.
“Don’t just stand there like a pair of lemons, get moving, I’ll explain at home.”
Ava and Aimee are waiting in the living room for me to get changed out of my work clothes and explain my irrational behavior. Aimee doesn’t know about Nate or anything about my past, so I’m hoping this doesn’t seem odd to her. After throwing on some clothes I take a deep breath and make my way to the living room.
“Come on, tell us!” Aimee demands, as soon as I enter.
I position myself between them on the couch and start explaining.
“Okay, well… I was leaving to meet you both and Mr Ashby called me into his office, I went in and he was all nice to me… it was strange, I know he’s always been nice, but this was different- it was like he was too nice, does that make sense? It was just weird for me, because I know what he could be, and I when I see him, it’s like I’m looking for a sign that it’s true… and if it is, then why is he being nice to me when he’s the one that left me? I sound delusional don’t I?”
“What? What could he be? Oh my god, Rylee, you’re not having an affair with our boss are you?” Aimee shrieked.
Ava burst out laughing, spitting coke out of her mouth and all over the table in front of us.
“NO! I’m not having an affair, Aimee! He could… he could be my dad.” I raised my eyebrows at her, giving her a serious look so she knows I’m not messing with her. “Don’t say anything to anyone, please. My mom doesn’t know that I know anything, yet.”
Aimee still hasn’t said anything, she’s staring at me as if she’s waiting for the punch line of the joke.
Ava saves us from the silence. “Ry, I think he’s just being genuinely nice, he’s an all-round nice guy. Let’s not jump to anymore conclusions until you talk to your mom. We need a night out, let’s get everyone together and go to Club V tonight.”
“Um, girls? I don’t want to go all crazy superstitious on you both, but do you think going out is a good idea?” Aimee asked.
“Why not? It’s only Friday the 13th, what could possibly go wrong?” I sarcastically reply laughing.
***
Ava rounded everyone up for tonight. We’re on our way to the club, Aimee, Walker and Kaitlyn are already there waiting for us, and Matt was meeting us there soon with Liam.
As soon as I walk through the doors I feel the bass under my feet, the music is booming and the whole dance floor is filled with people. I look behind me and see Ava point to the bar, telling me to head there first.
“Aimee said they’d meet us by the bar, so it’s best we stay here until they find us,” Ava shouted over the music.
I nodded to her instead of saying anything, it’s almost impossible to hear voices over the music. Ryan is ordering our drinks, so I start scanning the room, looking for everyone. I spot Walker walking over to us, hand in hand with Aimee, and Kaitlyn is trailing behind them.
“Hey, girls!” Aimee’s high pitched squeal is heard easily over the music.
I smile and wave at her and Kaitlyn. Turning my attention back to the crowded room, I see Matt and Liam walk through the main door, I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.
“Matt and Liam are over there.” I shouted as loud as I could, pointing over to them.
“Hey, guys.” Matt’s deep voice booms as he approaches us.
Before I can greet him, I’m being wrapped in his arms. He brings his mouth down level with my ear, talking loud enough so I can hear him. “You okay, Princess?”
I nod my head, telling him I’m fine. “Do you need a drink?” he asked. I move my head so I can talk in his ear, too. “No, Ryan’s getting me one.”
“The hell he is.” Matt moved away from me and shouted over to Ryan before I could protest.
“Pretty boy, I’ve got shorty’s drink.” Matt looked back over to me and winked.
Ava, Aimee and Kaitlyn walked over to stand next me.
“Let’s go find a booth, we’ll be able to communicate through voices instead of hand and head actions.” Ava said, before pulling on my arm and leading me across the room.
After a short time of us girls engaging in conversation, the guys finally join us, each of them carrying a tray full of shots.
“Ready to play a shot game, girls?” Ryan asked, wiggling his eyebrows. “We’re gonna play, I Have Nev
er.”
I looked over at Ava with a frown. She smiled at me and shrugged her shoulders, I guess we’re playing this game.
Walker lined the shot glasses up on the table, Matt and Liam handed us all one each to start with, and Ryan ran through the rules.
“Okay, it looks like Rylee doesn’t have a clue how to play this, so just a quick cap on how to play,” he looked at Matt. “Bear, you game?”
I’ve never heard Ryan call Matt bear before, how have I never heard that? If I believed in fate right now I’d say that bear shaped cloud I saw the day I met Ava was meant to be, but I don’t believe in fate or destiny- I barely believe in love.
“Go for it, Pretty boy.” Matt nodded.
“I have never had a boner over Rylee.” Ryan laughs.
“Dude, really? You’re a douche.” Matt shakes his head and takes the shot, I see his smirk as he slams the shot glass down.
I notice Ryan didn’t take the shot and I wonder why. I look around at everyone, they’re laughing loudly, waiting for me to ask.
“Ryan?! That’s gross, why would you have a boner over me?!”
Matt’s laughter filled the booth area. “He didn’t drink it because it’s not true, Princess,” he winked.
Realization set in that Matt drank it because it was true for him. My face instantly flamed. I laugh it off, but deep down it’s made my insides tighten; if it’s true, then he must see me as more than a friend.
Six questions later and I’m the only one who hasn’t had to take a shot after every question, apparently these guys only know how to ask sexual questions. Matt’s giving me questioning looks after every shot I don’t take, if he didn’t know before that I’m a virgin, he does now. I had taken a few shots; I’m not a nun, and some of the questions weren’t sexual.
Rihanna’s Only Girl in the World blasts from the speakers, and all the girls simultaneously jump up from their seats, Ava pushes me towards to dance floor. Singing at the top of our lungs, we dance to the beat. The guys decide to join us, I’m sure watching us dance was too much for them. I see Liam rush towards Kaitlyn, she freezes for a moment, wondering what the hell is happening- if anyone can get her out of her shell, it’s Liam. Lucky bitch. He’s a little shorter than Matt but physique wise, they match. He has a shaved head but you can tell his hair would be black if he grew it.