by J. O Mantel
“Something smells amazing,” Mrs. Cooper said, walking inside and placing her suitcase by the sofa.
Sienna's bedroom door opened and she walked over to them.
“Oh! Hello Olivia, Tom and Emily, you're a little early,” she said, greeting them all with a hug and a kiss.
“Hey, Sienna, we came straight from the airport. Wow! I love what you're wearing,” Emily said. Sienna had put on a top that was a beautiful shade of silk blue, with a black skirt and red heels. She must have bought them in Vegas or Canada because it was the first time Jake had seen them on her.
“Thank you,” she said helping Emily with her bags. “Em, you're staying in my room, I've organized everything.”
“Oh no, Sienna, it's fine, I can sleep on the sofa.”
“You will do no such thing. You're sleeping in my room, it's sorted.” Before Emily had the opportunity to argue, Sienna grabbed her bags and put them in her room.
Mrs. Cooper walked over to the table and admired the sight before her. There was everything from, mashed potato, dinner rolls, candied sweet potato casserole, silky pumpkin pie and double-cranberry sauce.
“Wow, you two! This looks absolutely amazing,” she said.
“Thank you.”
“Who'd like some wine?” Sienna asked.
“I'd love one,” Mrs. Cooper replied.
“Dad? Beer? Bourbon?”
“Beer would be great. Thanks.”
“Em?”
“I'll have some wine.”
Sienna and Jake prepared the drinks while his family sat on the sofa.
“How's work going, Sienna?” Mr. Cooper asked.
“Fine, thank you. Busy this time of year, and I have a lot on but I manage.”
“How's Lukas?” Emily asked.
“I was waiting for that,” Jake suddenly said.
“What? I'm just asking,” Emily teased. Like Sienna, Emily was a huge fan of Dark Falkon.
“Lukas is great. We're great. He wanted so much to be here but Thanksgiving and Christmas are the only opportunity he gets to spend time with his family.”
“Must be hard dating a rock star,” Mrs. Cooper said.
“We manage. It was tough in the beginning. A lot of obstacles got in our way, but we've made it work.”
“I must admit, you're glowing. You’re a lot happier since the last time we saw you.”
Sienna blushed slightly, she was glowing, and Jake had noticed it also. Even though he hated to admit it, Lukas had made Sienna happy. Jake couldn't remember the last time she had looked this happy. Even though she was busy at work this time of year, each night, she would still find herself getting home earlier and earlier. Most nights, while he was at band practice, he would often come home and find dinner ready for him in the oven.
“Thank you, guys! I am happy,” she smiled.
There was another knock at the door. “I'll get it,” Sienna said, getting out of her seat.
She opened the door and smiled; “Happy Thanksgiving,” her family yelled from outside.
Her mother, Margaret gave her a hug and kiss, followed by her father, Carl then her brothers and sisters as they all entered the living room. The Coopers and Forresters sat in the living room and began talking to one another while Jake and Sienna checked on the turkey.
“Is it done?” Sienna asked.
“Almost. Should be ready by the time Ivy and Dick get here. Her parents are coming first, Ivy is picking up Dick and then coming over.” As she finished her sentence, her phone sounded.
“Ivy just left Dick's place, she'll be here in twenty minutes,” Sienna read Ivy's message.
“Her parents aren't here, yet,” Jake said, as the door bell sounded. Sienna smiled and they both walked over to the door.
“Happy Thanksgiving,” Ivy's mother, Leah said, kissing them both and handing Jake a cake she had baked.
“Leah, you didn't have to bring anything,” Jake replied.
“I know but I wanted to,” she said.
“Hi, Jake!” Ivy's father, Tom greeted him with a firm handshake.
“Hi, Tom. Please come in.”
As they entered, Jake led them to the sofa and introduced them to his family, while Sienna did the same.
They all sat around the sofa, having drinks and talking when, after some time, the door bell sounded again.
“I'll get it,” Sienna and Jake both yelled, together. They opened the door and Ivy was standing on the porch with Dick.
“Happy Thanksgiving,” Ivy said, kissing and hugging them both. Dick greeted Jake with a hand shake and he hugged and kissed Sienna.
“Why don't you make yourself comfortable in the living room, Dick,” Sienna said, grabbing Ivy by the arm and dragging her into the kitchen.
“Want a beer, Dick?” Jake asked.
“Sure!” Dick and Jake walked to the garage while Sienna talked with Ivy.
“How you feeling?”
“I've never been more nervous in my life,” Ivy said.
“Don't stress Hun, Jake and I are here, and so is everyone else. Dick is a great guy, and people can see that he makes you happy. You'll be fine, trust me.”
“I hope so. God, I'm so nervous. What if my parents don't like him? What if I say or do something embarrassing? What if-”
“Ivy! Shut up!” Sienna interrupted.
“When we were at the meet and greet and I was fidgeting, you told me to relax, it's not like I was meeting the Queen of England, remember?”
“That's different.”
“How is it different? Ivy, your parents are meeting your boyfriend, not the President of the United States of America.”
Ivy took a deep breath, finally calming down as Jake and Dick returned from the garage.
“Ready?” Sienna asked.
Ivy nodded.
“Let's go.”
They both headed out into the living room. Jake and Sienna sat down on the sofa, leaving Ivy and Dick standing. Everyone went quiet and turned their attention towards the two of them.
Ivy stared at Sienna, she winked at her and smiled. Dick grabbed her hand and he could feel her shaking.
“Hi everyone, I'm Dick, it's a pleasure to finally meet you all. Ivy's told me a lot about you. Thank you for having us both here tonight.” He was so casual. So proper. So simple. So...Ivy, they were perfect for each other. The two of them walked around and Ivy introduced him, first to her parents and then to everyone else sitting down. When they finally came around to Sienna, Ivy leaned forward and spoke in her ear.
“Thank you,” she whispered, almost in tears, hugging her tight.
“You're welcome,” Sienna replied hugging her back. When Dick approached her, she leaned forward and threw her arms around him, “Thank you, Dick. That's exactly what Ivy needed. You have no idea how badly she was freaking out.”
Dick smiled with acknowledgment, then he and Ivy sat down with the others.
A short time had passed and the turkey was finally ready.
“Dinner's ready!” Sienna called from the kitchen as Jake placed the turkey in the center of the table.
Everyone sat at the table, it was tradition, every year that Carl carve the turkey. But this year, Jake and Sienna felt it would be nice to have Dick do the honors.
He carved the turkey, and once everyone had filled their plates, Dick seated himself next to Ivy.
“So, Dick? Is that short for Richard? Leah asked.
“Yes! My Mom and Dad called me Dick when I was younger and it kind of stuck with me.”
“Ivy tells us that you work at the New York Times and Dominos,” Tom continued.
“Yes. Dominos was my first part time job when I turned eighteen. I needed money to buy my first car and I didn't want to rely on my parents for a loan. So, I took a job as a pizza delivery boy and now, it's been over ten years and I'm still there. I got the job at the New York Times after I finished my journalism course at college. It's challenging and it has its moments, but otherwise, I enjoy it.”
Leah’s face lit up with a
smile, Tom also looked very pleased as he filled his plate with some more mashed potato.
“So, do you get to interview any famous people?” Emily asked.
“I've met some pretty big celebrities in my time, yeah.”
“I think that's Emily's way of asking if you've met Lukas Dark,” Sienna added.
Dick laughed and looked at Emily, “Believe it or not Emily, I actually haven't had the opportunity to interview Lukas Dark, yet.”
“Really?” Emily responded, surprised by his answer.
“Out of curiosity, who have you interviewed?” Lilly asked.
“Let's see, JLO, Angelina Jolie, Justin Timberlake, Backstreet Boys, Madonna-”
“Holy shit! You've met Madonna?” Sarah blurted out.
“SARAH!” Mrs. Forrester yelled.
“Sorry! But Mom, its Madonna.”
“Yes, Sarah, I've met Madonna.”
For the rest of dinner, Dick continued to wow everyone with his celebrity portfolio. He had gone on to do interviews with George Clooney, Matt Damon, Courtney Cox and even rock band, Def Leopard.
After they finished dinner, everyone was almost completely stuffed. Jake and Sienna had prepared a beautiful Blueberry Pie for dessert, which they placed in the center of the table.
“I don't think I can fit anything else in,” Jacob said.
“Me neither,” Drew added.
“Well I certainly can. No use letting all this delicious food go to waste” Cameron said, helping himself to the pie.
By the end of dessert, everyone was well and truly stuffed, like a turkey. After much arguing, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Forrester and Leah finally convinced Sienna and Jake that they would clean up and wash the dishes while Sienna and Jake joined the others in the living room.
“I'm just going to grab some more beer,” Jake said, standing up.
“I'll help you,” Robbie added, following him to the garage.
“Do you mind if I have a smoke?” Robbie asked.
“No, I'll open the door and we can go outside.”
“So, how are you, Jake?” He asked, lighting his cigarette.
“I'm good,” Jake replied, unsure of how exactly to answer.
“Really?” He asked.
“Yes! Why?”
“Come on, Jake. This is me you're talking too. I know something's up.”
“I don't know what you're talking about, Robbie.”
Robbie puffed on his cigarette and gave Jake that 'don't play dumb with me' look.
“Jake! We've known each other for over twenty years, you're practically family. I can read you like a book.”
Jake remained quiet, and pretended to look busy by sorting through the bottled beer in the fridge.
“I know you’re into my sister, Jake.”
Jake froze, he turned and looked at Robbie.
“What?”
“Don't try and deny it. It's written all over your face and I've seen the way you look and act around her, Jake. I'm a guy, not to mention her brother.”
Jake remained silent, he had no idea that his obsession with Sienna was so obvious. If Robbie knew how he felt about her, who knows how long it would take before it got back to Sienna.
“So, it's true then? You like my sister?”
Jake nodded.
“Robbie, please! You have to keep this between us, she can never find out how I feel about her.”
“Jake, you do realize she's dating Lukas, right?”
“Please! How can I forget,” Jake muttered.
“Dude, this isn't something that's just happened. It's been going on for years, and I've known about it for quite some time.”
“And you never said anything?”
“It's not my secret to tell, is it?”
“No, I suppose not.”
“Jake, just how much longer do you think you can keep this a secret? It's only a matter of time before Sienna finds out.”
“You know, I'm getting kind of tired of hearing that from people.” He took a deep breath, “Sorry that was totally uncalled for.”
“Its fine, I get it. But seriously, you need to do something about this. Tell her how you feel.”
“I can't! You said it, she's dating Lukas.”
“Yeah! She is. But Jake, you need to ask yourself this; what if the situation were reversed? What if it was you? Wouldn't you want to know?”
Robbie had a point, if it was him and Sienna had feelings for him, he would want to know.
“It's complicated, Robbie. I mean, if I tell Sienna, she'll go all weird and I could end up losing my best friend.”
“Sienna is a lot stronger than you think she is, Jake. She's got bigger balls than I do, and that's saying something. Tell me, have there ever been times when you've just been sitting around, casually? She'll come and sit down next to you and all of a sudden you find yourself with the biggest hard on?”
“All the time.”
“What about the number of times you've seen her walk out of her room or shower, naked?”
Jake nodded.
“Ok, I get your point. I'm still not-” the door flung open and Sienna stood there staring at the two of them.
“Here you are, what are you two doing in here?” She asked.
“Robbie wanted a cigarette and I was getting some more beer.”
“Well everyone's been wondering where you got too.”
“Sorry, be there in a minute.”
She closed the door and headed back to the others, Jake turned to Robbie.
“Rob, please! I'm begging you, don't say anything.”
He butted out his cigarette and closed the garage door.
“I promise, but man, you need to sort your shit out, grow a pair and tell her how you feel.”
He walked back to the others, leaving Jake to ponder over his thoughts, alone.
It was a couple of minutes later before Jake decided to make an appearance back in the living room.
“Did you get lost?” Dick asked.
“Huh?” Jake replied, snapping out of the momentary trance he was in.
“What took you so long?” His Mom asked.
“Sorry, I got pre occupied.”
For the rest of the night, Jake remained pretty quiet, only speaking when someone called out his name or whenever he was asked a question. Sienna sat beside him and his cock wouldn't stop twitching. At times he had to casually adjust himself in his seat to hide his throbbing erection.
“Sienna, have you ever been on tour with Lukas?” Carl asked.
“No! They only had one world tour this year and it was when he and I had just met. They are touring again next year, but so far, he hasn't asked me to join him.”
“What's it like? Living the rock star life?” Robbie looked at her sipping his beer.
“I wouldn't exactly call it a rock star life. I mean, Lukas is the rock star, I'm just his girlfriend.”
She smiled as she said it, it was the first time she had called herself Lukas's girlfriend in front of her family and friends.
“We really are happy for you, Sienna,” her Mom said with a smile.
“Thank you.”
It was well into the early hours of the morning before Sienna's family, Ivy and Dick left. Mr. And Mrs. Cooper set up in the guest room, while Emily bunked with Sienna.
Jake changed into his boxers, and after wishing everyone a goodnight he went to bed.
“Hey, Emily?”
“Yeah?”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” Emily replied, slightly curious.
“Have you noticed anything different about Jake lately?”
“Different? How?”
“It's kind of hard to explain, but he seems a little...weird.”
“In what way?”
“Jake and I have had our fair share of disagreements, I mean we went two weeks without speaking when Lukas and I got together. It just seems that whenever something good comes into my life, he's miserable.”
“Jake can be stubborn
, Sienna. You of all people should know that by now. He's a determined guy, and when he wants something, he goes for it.” Emily paused for a moment, remembering Jake's wishes to keep his feelings for Sienna a secret. “What you have with Lukas, maybe he just wants that too. To be with someone that he loves and be happy.”
“But I just don't get how that's my fault. I'm not exactly holding him back. In fact, if anything, I'm constantly telling him to go out and get himself a chick.”
“Jake has standards, Sienna. He's not going to just screw the first chick he sees.”
“I know that Em, really I do, but he's been like this for ages, even before Lukas and I started dating.”
“Try not to worry about him, Sienna. Jake can be an idiot at the best of times, I tend to find that whenever he gets in these ‘moods’ it’s best to just ignore him. He’ll cool off eventually.”
“Oh! Believe me, I know that feeling. I just wish he wouldn’t be such an ass whenever Lukas’s name is mentioned.”
“What do you mean?” Emily asked.
“He just gets all weird and tries to change the conversation. Whenever I mention Lukas, It’s like Jake’s on another planet. His band were the opening act for Dark Falkon in Japan. When he came back from the tour, we had dinner and when we asked him how the concert was, it was as if he wanted to avoid the subject. Jake is a great guitarist and an even better singer, I know how hard he and the band have been working to make this album. But doesn’t he realize that maybe, Lukas isn’t the enemy? Maybe he’s actually trying to help Jake”
Emily changed into her pajamas and sat on the edge of the bed while Sienna put on a negligee that Lukas had bought her in Canada.
“Wow!”
“What?” Sienna asked, pulling her hair out of a pony tail and teasing it with her hands, making it go frizzy.
“Forgive me for saying this, but fuck you have a hot body,” the two of them laughed and Sienna sat down beside Emily.
“I would kill for a body like yours.”
“There’s nothing wrong with your body, Emily.”
“There’s certainly nothing right with it either. I don’t even have tits, much less a cleavage, I so envy you for that.”
Sienna smiled at Emily, grabbing the pillow and crossing her legs.
“There’s something else, isn’t there?” Emily asked.
“Huh? What makes you say that?”
“I can tell by the look on your face. Wait! Are you-?”