Page 31 of Before We Were Us
We remain where we are, lost in our kiss as people pass us by, hidden in the darkness of the awning covering the front entrance of the small shop that is already closed for the night.
“So, is that a yes?” I ask.
“I didn’t bring a change of clothes.”
“Baby you don’t need any clothes.”
Someone hollers out making her jerk in surprise and I stay where I am, waiting for her to agree.
“Okay,” she finally gives me what I need and relief washes over me. She leans in to offer me another kiss and instead I grab her hand and start backing us out of our hideaway.
When I look back at her, her brows are furrowed. I can’t help but chuckle. “Later, baby.” I wink and lead her toward the front of the restaurant. As we step inside I position her in front of me, my hands resting on her hips and give the hostess my name.
“That was cruel,” Brynn whispers over her shoulder and I lean in biting her earlobe.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make up for it later.”
Before she can respond the young man asks us to follow him as he leads us to our table. Pausing I pull out her chair and wait for her to sit before scooting her in.
“Jensen?” I turn around at the sound of my name to see my oldest sister, Naomi, moving toward me. “I thought that was you.” She leans in to offer me a hug and when she pulls back I notice her glance over my shoulder in the direction of Brynn. My stomach tightens, not because I don’t want her to know my family, but because Naomi out of all my siblings tends to be the most pushy.
“Hi.” Naomi reaches past me and takes Brynn’s hand in hers. “I don’t think we’ve meet, I’m this knucklehead's sister.”
“Oh.” Brynn stands and Naomi pulls her in for a quick hug. “Hi,” she says with a humpf noise from the impact. “It's nice to meet you.”
“You too.” Na glances back at me. “And why has she not been over to Mom’s for our weekly dinner?”
“Probably because you all frighten me and setting you all loose on her seems kind of cruel.” Na reaches out to pinch my side. “I don’t want you all to scare her off.”
“Hey, man.” Her husband Paul joins us, tucking his wallet back into his pocket. “I’ll get this one moving so the two of you can enjoy your dinner.” I am instantly grateful he gets it. Paul is one of the good ones.
“Paul, husband to this one.” He points to Na’s shoulder, greeting Brynn.
“It’s good to meet you.” Brynn offers her a smile, the same one that rocks my foundation every time.
“Next week.” Naomi leans around her husband and speaks directly to Brynn. “Seven p.m. Tuesday, I’m inviting you to our family dinner. It’s loud and everyone is crazy, but we are harmless and we’d love to have you. This one,” she points to me, “never brings anyone.”
Brynn shifts her eyes in my direction. “Never had anyone worth bringing.” After the shit show with Chrissy, that hell still isn’t truly over, I told myself I’d never go through that again. Then I met Brynn and I found myself wishing I’d met her long before I’d made the mistakes I had. Mistakes I know that I will have to share with Brynnlee but for now I’m enjoying our getting to know one another phase. I don’t want to ruin what we are building by bringing up my past bad choices.
“Okay,” Naomi interrupts my thoughts. “I’ll see you,” she points between the two of us, “next Tuesday. I promise we won’t be too pushy and intrusive.” With a smile and a little wave she leaves but not before poking me in the side once more.
“Enjoy your evening.” Paul shakes his head, following behind my sister.
“Sorry about that.” I sit opposite Brynn just as the waitress brings our drinks. She gives us a little more time to look over the menu since we were interrupted.
“They seem nice.” Brynn offers me a smile.
“My sisters are insane.” I chuckle. “I love them fiercely but they are nosy, pushy, and loud.”
“How many siblings do you have?”
“Three.” I take a sip of my beer. “Naomi who is three years older than me, then there is Jenna at six years younger, and Myles my brother who’s nine years younger.”
“Any other cops or detectives in the family?”
“History teacher,” I hold up one finger, “nurse, and mortgage lender.” I check off the other two.
“Are you all close?”