20 Questions

Chapter 66

It's Tuesday morning and my parents are set to arrive tomorrow. I cannot wait to see them and introduce them to Hunter. I am also excited to introduce them to the guys because they too have become such a huge part of my life. With Hunter still fast asleep, I sneak out of the room to get some breakfast. When I walk out to the lobby, Patrick and Bryson are sitting in front of the TV, bickering about God knows what. Probably fourth down attempts versus kicking a field goal if I know them. I let out a loud wolf whistle and they both smile as I walk up. I give them both a hug and sit on the barstool between them.

"What are you guys going to do today?" I ask them after ordering some food.

"We are going back to the slopes."

"Aren't you all tired of going there all the time?" I inquire.

"Aren't you tired of having sex with Hunter all the time?" Patrick jokes.

"Touché!" I tell them and laugh. If I'm being honest...no, no I'm not. "Hunter is still asleep. Do I need to go wake him up? What time are you all leaving?"

"Bryson answers, "No, he's not going with us today."

"Oh, why not?"

"Because he went an entire year without you and he wants to make up for lost time. Plus, we got him yesterday so you can have him today."

"You know we don't have joint custody, right?" I giggle. "If he wants to go to the slopes with you all, that's totally fine. I don't want him to feel like he needs to entertain me and I don't want you all to think that I am making him stay around here with me. I can keep myself busy."

Patrick responds, "No, Jenna, we don't think that at all. We all knew when we booked the trip this year that he would be spending most of the time with you if you came back. We are thrilled that you two are back together. Believe me, he was unbearable to be around when he lost you. There are a couple other places that we are going after the slopes so we won't be back until really late. Plus, your parents are coming tomorrow so we want you all to spend this last day together before they get here."

"You guys are amazing. Hunter is so lucky to have you all...and so am I. I can't wait for you guys to meet my parents. You will love them. Speaking of my parents, has Hunter said anything to you all about it? He's been acting super weird. He said he is just nervous to meet them. I'm sure that's probably it, but I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something else." Patrick and Bryson look at each other and then look to the ground.

Why do I feel like I am missing something?

Bryson pipes up, "No, he hasn't said anything other than the fact that he is nervous. Jenna, you must understand that this is going to be exceedingly difficult for him. I have no doubt that your parents are incredible people. They must be to raise such an amazing woman like yourself. This is all uncharted territory for him though. See, Hunter has no idea what loving parents and a real family look like. Even before he came to the orphanage, his parents' marriage wasn't exactly a good one. I don't think they were even married. I'm sure he told you all about the domestic violence and substance abuse." I nod and swallow the lump in my throat as I recall our conversation. "There was only one girl whose parents he met and that went disastrously. They were these dickheads with more money than sense who never accepted him because of who he used to be and not who he is today. That's all he has to go on. He's worried that he won't be good enough in their eyes because life experience has taught him to feel that way. We hate it for him, but it's going to take time for him to come to his own realization that he is, indeed, good enough. A little advice though...he won't come to that realization by you simply telling him that. He will have to transition into it on his own. You just have to be there to support him and be patient with his insecurities. It's going to take time for him to adjust to this new life. Although it is a better life, he must see it for himself. It can't be pushed on him. Do you understand what I am saying?"