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I’ve never had family dinners where everyone sits down at the table to eat. Steven and I would eat at the table, but it was always a quiet affair. This gathering is anything but quiet. It’s like they all separate into little groups and talk amongst themselves. Everyone has something to say. Even the little ones are talking to each other while they eat. This is what a true family is like. It’s a little daunting to watch, but I love it just the same.
Jaxon was right. I had nothing to worry about. For some reason, these people have taken me in and accepted me. I have no idea why, but it shouldn’t surprise me. Jaxon and Anna both have been nothing but kind to me. Mia has been nice as well, even if a little quiet and distant. I should have known that the rest of his family would be the same. After all, it was their mother who helped raise them into the people they currently are.
After dinner, the women take care of cleaning the kitchen while the men take the children outside to play. Lilly and I are at the sink; I’m washing while she dries and puts the dishes away.
“Jaxon’s told me a little about you but hasn’t gone into detail. Where are you from?”
Feeling a little uncomfortable with the direction she may take with this conversation, I say nervously, “I grew up in a small town in south Georgia.”
“Do you still have family there?”
“I actually don’t know. I haven’t spoken with my family in years. I don’t even know if they’re still alive.” That’s the truth. The last time I saw my parents they were drunk, high, and in their bed with a couple other people. Of course, I don’t tell Jaxon’s mother this.
“Oh sugar, I’m so sorry. That must be awful for you.”
I shrug. “Not really. I was happy to get away from them. Let’s just say they weren’t the nicest of people.”
She turns toward me with understanding in her eyes. “It still must be hard for you. My parents were wonderful people, but I still understand the pain of loving someone who treats you bad. Jaxon, Mia, and Anna’s dad had a cruel streak that was a mile wide at times. He was the kindest person when I first met him but it went bad somewhere along the way. Even though it hurt when he left I couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit of relief as well.”
I look down at the plate I’ve been scrubbing for the past couple minutes. “I’m really sorry about what happened. Jaxon told me a little bit about it.”
“It’s okay, sugar. I’ve been over it for a long time now. Actually, and don’t tell Jaxon because he would have a fit, but I’ve been seeing someone in town. We’re getting pretty serious. I think I love him.” She excitedly whispers the last to me.
She smiles at me and I smile right back. I reach over with one arm and give her a squeeze. “I’m so happy for you. And I won’t tell Jaxon. I’ll let you give him the good news.”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to tell him. Ever since his father left he’s been extremely protective of the girls in the family. I know I’m his mother and am able to do whatever I want, but I just can’t begrudge him that protective instinct. It’s something he needs to do, especially after what happened with Kaylee.”
That’s the second time the name Kaylee has been brought up. My curiosity is becoming stronger. I want to know more about this Kaylee person but feel I don’t have the right to ask about her. If I can’t tell Jaxon about my past, I have no right asking about his.
“You know, his protective instinct extends to you as well. Jaxon’s told me that something bad has happened to you in the past, but you don’t feel comfortable yet talking to him about it.”
I hand over the pot I’ve just washed before replying, “It’s not that I don’t feel comfortable telling him about my past. It’s just that there’s nothing he can do to help me. I’m so scared that if he knows he’ll end up getting hurt. I know he feels protective of me and once he finds out he’ll feel like he has to do something. There’s nothing he can do. There’s no sense burdening him with my problems.”
Lilly reaches over and grabs my hand, which is still in the dishwater. I glance up at her. “I understand your reasoning, Bailey, but you have to look at it from Jaxon’s point of view. He knows something is tormenting you and he feels helpless because you won’t let him in. Feeling helpless is one of the worst feelings a person can have.”
As I look into one of the two set of the most unique eyes I have ever seen I can’t help but wish that my mom was like Lilly. What would it have been like to have a mom like her? Jaxon’s very lucky to have her.
“Anyway, if you ever need to talk, about anything, I’m here for you, okay?” I nod and look away before she can see the teary emotion in my eyes at her kind words.
Once the dishes are done we all step out back and watch the kids play. Another twenty minutes have slid by when Jaxon walks up to me and asks if I’m ready to go. I tell him yes and we make our goodbyes to everyone before getting back into his truck.
Back at my apartment I ask Jaxon if he wants to come in for coffee. Coffees in hand, we head over to the couch to watch some television. One of my favorite shows is on, The Walking Dead.
On either end of the couch is a recliner. Jaxon sits on one end and pulls the lever to release the footrest. Then he pushes on the back of the couch so it reclines back. He pats the cushion beside him. “Come lie with me, angel.”
I take a seat beside him and he places his arm around me, pulling me closer to him. I lay my head on his chest and put my hand on his flat stomach.
We lie just like that for several minutes before my eyes start to drift closed. The emotional roller coaster of today has finally caught up with me and before I know it, I’m oblivious to the world.
14
I’M STANDING BEHIND the bar enjoying the peace and quiet before the evening crowd starts showing up. There are a few lingering around, but it’ll be another hour before it really picks up. As I stand there, I think about the task I set for myself.
Earlier today when I was eating my lunch at Maggie’s Diner I spoke with Maggie about adding my lasagna to her menu. She was reluctant at first because lasagna isn’t something you would normally see on a diner menu. However, when she saw my excitement and heard my explanation on the deliciousness of it she agreed to at least try it. Before work tomorrow I plan on making a batch and bringing it over to the diner. I’m more than willing to make several batches several times a week if she’s willing to try it out on her customers. If I leave, a decision that’s still up in the air, I can give her my recipe if the customers like it.
Pulling myself from my thoughts I look over and see Mia and Mac once again bickering. Their relationship is one of the most frustrating things to try and figure out. When they’re together, it seems like all they do is pick on each other. Separate them far enough to where they can’t talk to each other and you can plainly see the longing glances they give to the other when one isn’t looking. They’ve obviously meant something to each other in the past. It’s even more apparent that something bad happened that broke that bond.
Farther down I see Andrew flirting unashamedly with a male customer. He has on another ridiculous shirt. This one says “I think my friend is gay. Every time he looks at me my dick gets hard.” Shaking my head, I continue to watch him. He’s leaning across the bar toying with the guy’s fingers. It’s quite clear by the look on the guy’s face that he’s not opposed to Andrew’s attention. All of a sudden Andrew reaches across the bar, grabs hold of the guy’s shirt, and practically drags him over the counter. Once there, Andrew slams his lips over the guy’s.
