Chapter 13
Thirteen
Parker
I still can't believe she said with tongue. Jasmin never ceases to amaze me. For someone who seems to handle everything, she has an unpredictable side.
Right now, I'm watching her pace outside the window. She doesn't seem upset and looks to be smiling. Whatever her mom is actually calling about, it doesn't appear to be bad news.
She finally gets off the phone and sighs.
I don't know her well enough to figure out her facial expressions.
She doesn't seem mad, only flustered. I guess the conversation took a turn at the end.
Hopefully she's comfortable enough with me to talk about it. The last thing I want is for our date to go downhill. I actually like her, and have to keep reminding myself this isn’t real.
She walks back into the restaurant, and I can tell the second she switches back on. Her smile is big, bright and slightly forced, as she takes her seat at the table. A part of me wonders if this is something she always does.
“Is everything okay?” That's an acceptable question, I think. Not probing, but also gives her the chance to shut down the conversation. I'm leaving the ball in her court. She's leading the information flow. Even though this is fake, I want her to know I can be a friendly ear.
“Yeah.” She shakes her head, sending mixed messages. “She was wondering why I wasn't home yet, and wanted to make sure I didn't get kidnapped.”
“I have a feeling that's a normal conversation for the two of you.” My mom has never asked me or anyone else that question. Maybe it's because we live in a small town. I'm not sure. Either way, I think it would have caught me off guard.
“Yep, she's very protective.” The server comes with our food, and she pauses what she's saying. Once they leave, she continues. “When I told her we were on a date. She asked when you were coming for dinner so she can meet you.”
I almost spit out my drink. I didn't think about the part where I'd actually have to meet her family. Suddenly, this whole idea feels like a bad one. Are we screwing everything up? I hope not.
“Um, whenever you want me to. Your family is more involved, so I'll leave it up to you.” I'm doing everything in my power to hide how freaked out I am with the thought. High school may have been the last time I met someone's parents. It's not one of my strengths.
“She suggested tomorrow, but I told her that was too short notice. Is there any way we can do next Thursday?” She must see my panic, because she rushes on.
“If not, it's okay. But I was thinking, the sooner we get it over with, the better.
Then she'll stop thinking I made you up to get her off my back.”
Wait, what? “You're saying she doesn't think I exist at all. Surely, your sister has confirmed I'm an actual person.”
“Daniela has tried telling her, but she swears my sister's covering for me. She's not even listening to Jacob because he pretty much falls in line with whatever Daniela says.”
Wow, that's wild to me. From the little I know about Jasmin, she has no problem being direct. I don’t know why her mom gets under her skin like this.
“I’ll double-check the schedule tomorrow. We can't have her thinking I'm a figment of your imagination. I know we’ll start prepping for the festival soon, but we have time. And I have to double check I don’t have any meetings for events.”
She bites her bottom lip, worrying it back and forth. “You don't have to do it if you don't want to. I know I didn't mention anything like this when I suggested this arrangement to you.”
“You didn’t, but if we want this to be believable it only makes sense for me to meet your family. Well, the ones I haven’t met yet.”
Jasmin’s shoulders relax and I can see the relief wash over her. I didn’t realize this was causing that much stress for her. The last thing I want is for this situation to feel like a job.
“Thank you.” She reaches across the table and grabs my hand. “It means a lot that you’ll do it.”
“I guess most of your past boyfriends didn’t meet the qualifications to meet the family.” Foot meet mouth. One of these days I’ll learn to think before I speak.
“Hell no.” She laughs, and it’s becoming my favorite thing about her. It doesn’t seem like she does it much, and I’m happy I’m the person who brings it out of her. “There’s no way anyone I’ve casually dated would go to my house. My mom would read too much into it, and it’s never a good thing.”
“I get that.” She lets go of my hand and begins eating. “It’s been a long time since I’ve introduced anyone to my parents. Mostly for the same reason. They had this whole love at first sight thing, and think everyone else does the same.”
“Sounds like our parents would get along.” She finishes her bite. “Except my dad. He’s never been one to pressure me into anything. He’s the one person in our house that lets me be myself without getting upset about it.”
“My family is way too involved with each other. If you tell one sibling something, they whisper about it and make snap decisions about you without getting the full story.” It doesn’t take me long to finish my food.
I’ve learned to eat fast in our household.
“Though, I may have participated in that behavior myself.”
“I bet you have.” Jasmin giggles. It may be weird watching her eat after I’ve finished, but she has her guard down and I like this version of her. “I can’t imagine being one of six. I only have two siblings and I want to hide from them most of the time.”
“It’s interesting, I can tell you that. But I was never lonely growing up.”
“Or any other day in your life.” Her hand covers her mouth. “Sorry, I don’t know why I said that.”
“It’s all good.” She’s not wrong. I’ve never had a problem finding a date or someone to blow off steam with.
She sets her fork down, and leans back in her chair. “I don’t think I can eat anything else.”
“Not even desert?”
“Nope. We’ll have to come back when there’s more time. I have to get up early in the morning.”
When the server comes by, I hand him my card without waiting on the bill.
“Let me pay for my half.” She reaches for her bag.
“This is a date, and I’m paying.” It’s cute she thinks I’d even accept her money. The server brings back my card and the receipt. I sign it and put my card back in my wallet. “You ready to get out of here?”
“Last time you asked that I ended up in your bed.” Another laugh. Yep, that’s definitely my favorite thing about her.
“Yeah, except this time you have to get up for work.” I reach for her hand to see if she’s going to take mine. She does and we walk side by side to the door.
Once we’re at her car, I wait for her to unlock it and open the door. “Thank you for dinner tonight. Aside from the call with my mom, I had a great time.”
“I did, too.” I lift my hand to her face, letting my thumb caress her jawline. “Is it okay if I kiss you?”
Her only response is a nod, and I bend down until our lips meet. The kiss starts gently at first. Then I run my tongue along her lip asking for permission. She leans into me, granting me entrance. Before I know what’s happening, my hand is on her hip and the other in her hair.
I’m not sure how long we kiss, but there are whistles coming from the sidewalk and I slowly pull away.
“Goodnight, Parker.” She chews on her bottom lip.
“Good night. Be careful and let me know when you get home.”
She nods and gets into her car. I close the door as soon as she has it started. There’s no way I’m not thinking about the kiss for the rest of the night. I can’t wait until I can do it again.
Why are my hands sweaty? I’ve never been this nervous going to a woman’s house. Though, truth be told, I haven’t met anyone’s parents in years.
Now I need the courage to actually get out of my truck. I’m sure Jasmin is peeking out the window wondering what I’m doing. You can do this, Parker. You can charm anyone. Jasmin’s mom is no different.
There’s a tap on the window and I smack my face into it as I turn to see who it is. Jasmin is standing there with a wide smile on her face. She motions for me to roll down the window.
“Are you going to sit out here all night like a weirdo?” She lifts up on her toes to lean on the door. “I promise my family won’t bite. At least, I don’t think they will. And I totally saw you hit your face.”
“Thanks for the encouragement.” I roll my eyes as I rub my face. It still stings a bit. “I’ve been trying to pump myself up. I’m not used to dealing with nerves.”
“It’s not a pleasant feeling, is it?” Jasmin steps back and opens my door. I guess I don’t have a choice about getting out of the truck now.
“I wouldn’t say unpleasant. Mostly, it’s new.”
“What do you mean?” She waits for me to climb out of my truck. There’s no point in keeping her waiting, or prolonging the inevitable.
“I’ve spent most of my life sweet talking my way out of trouble. Even staring down my meanest teachers didn’t make me flinch. But your parents? I want to run screaming.”
“It’s not that big of a deal. I promise.” She takes a deep breath and lets it out. “You don’t even have to stay long after we eat. We aren’t going to hold you hostage.”
“Jasmin,” I slip my hand in hers. “That’s where you’re wrong. This is important. I don’t want to screw all this up. Not with you.”
I close my door and hit the key fob to lock it. Jasmin is eerily quiet, and I wish I knew what she’s thinking.
“Let’s get inside before the mosquitoes tear us up.” She pulls me up the sidewalk and I know I’ve screwed up. Maybe I came on too strong.
I’m not lying, though. I want tonight to go perfectly for her. In the brief time we’ve known each other, I’ve picked up on the fact her family causes her to stress. Adding to it isn’t productive.
We’re standing in front of the door and she reaches to open it. I squeeze her hand to stop her. She turns to face me with wide eyes. Road noise fills the night air, and I have a feeling this is going to be my last still moment for the night.
“Everything will be fine.” I give her hand another squeeze and pull her into a hug. “If at any time, you’re ready for me to leave, give me a signal. Or, if you need me to sweep you up and get out of here, I’ve got you.”
I can feel her soft laughter against my chest. At least I made her release some tension. No matter how brief it might last.
“It’s go time.” She pulls away from me and opens the door before I can stop again.
We can do this…hopefully.