All American: Winter Break

Chapter Twelve: Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Champagne Kisses

"This food coma I'm about to have is real. Baby remind me not to order from that Thai restaurant down the street. It's delicious but I always tend to eat more than I should. Now I just feel like a stuffed turkey on thanksgiving," Simone groaned plopping herself on the couch. Jordan followed her trail, grabbing the bottle of champagne from the bucket. "Well, I hope you still have room for dessert. Nothing like washing down a delicious dinner with some champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries," Jordan smiled popping the champagne bottle. "Now that you said that, I may have room for a few strawberries," Simone sat up taking the half-filled glass of sparkling champagne from Jordan.

Sitting beside Simone on the couch, he rested his hand on her lap, while they both settled in for the night. The both of them stayed quiet for a brief moment to enjoy the calming atmosphere they were in. With the lights dimmed low, the candles lighting the space around them, the smooth jazz music playing over the speakers throughout the home, and the fire crackling against the wooden logs, set the mood for a pleasant evening. Simone moaned softly closing her eyes, resting her head on his shoulder, and wrapping her arms around his.

"I couldn't have asked for a better night. This is just what I needed Jordan. From planning the wedding to calling it off, school, and dealing with the aftermath of it all had been overwhelming, to say the least,". Jordan agreed softly nodding his head. "Don't forget about all the college applications and finals we had to do this past week,". Simone shook her head, fixated on the fire that was crackling before her. "Don't remind me. I'm just happy to be able to finally settle down for a couple of weeks and get back to focusing on us,". Jordan agreed sitting in silence listening to his girlfriend.

Resting her head on top of his shoulder she looked at him, while his mind wandered elsewhere. Swirling the glass of champagne in his hand, Simone slipped her hand in his, giving him a small squeeze. "Baby what's wrong?" Simone asked noticing how unusually quiet Jordan had been all night. "Usually when someone is this quiet, it only comes with bad news, and it usually ends with a breakup. Wait, are you breaking up with me?" Simone asked while her heart palpitated the second the words sank in. "Because I know we called off the wedding, and we've been a bit weird ever since but..." Simone trailed the second Jordan turned to her shaking his head.

"Baby, I'm not breaking up with you. Why would you even think that? It's not you, it's..." Jordan trailed. Simone scrunched her eyebrows. "That sure does sound like what everyone says when they break up with someone,". Jordan smiled. "It's...my parents," Jordan spoke quieter. A worried expression washed over her thinking the worst. Jordan softened his gaze reassuring her that it wasn't. "Are they okay?" Simone asked. Jordan huffed, gently nodding. "They are...more than good actually,". Simone looked at Jordan wanting him to continue. "So then what's the problem?". Jordan hesitated before gulping down the rest of his champagne.

"Chill Jordan, we don't need to explain to your mom why you are hungover tomorrow. She already doesn't like me, but if she finds out we are drinking underage she might really not like me, and I kind of would like to stay on her good side. She's also an ex DA and has a lot of connections. You really don't know when that may come in handy," Simone half-joked when Jordan glared at her placing the glass on the coffee table. "Jordan I'm kidding. I'm only trying to lighten the mood," Simone pulled Jordan back to sit beside her. "Now tell me what's got you so quiet. Tonight was supposed to be about us...alone, doing fun things...that actually involve the both of us participating,". A slow smile spread on his lips leaning forward he rested his elbows on his knees.

"My parents are sneaking around seeing each other. Liv and Spencer heard...them. I know I should be happy. It's just I can't get the image of them together, out of my head. But I also have seen my mom go through hard times this past year, and I don't know I just hope they are not rushing into anything they'll later regret. I don't know if I can see my mom go through the same heartbreak twice,". Simone softly caressed his cheek. "Maybe they are figuring things out and they don't want to tell you guys just in case it doesn't work out, so they won't get your hopes up. Your parents still love each other, and I could see the way Mr. Baker looks at your mom during family dinner nights. Jordan you have nothing to worry about. Your parents will be fine. Just give them time and I'm sure they will tell you guys eventually," Simone reassured Jordan.