Teach Me How To Love Again

Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

"Are you all packed and ready to go?" Joe asked, lugging a suitcase down the stairs. Jill mentally counted the bags next to the door. He was doing his best to remain quiet as they'd already said their goodbyes the night before and sent the boys to bed.

"I think I'm all good." She told him, still surveying her work.

"Jilly, we're staying for a week, not a month."

"Yes, but there's the party and I don't know what the weather is going to be like and I need shoes, swimsuits, oh, and I also might have packed a few extra things for us -"

He put his arms around her waist and kissed her, "I like the sound of that." He said against her lips. "But I can assure you that you won't be needing much clothing."

"I'd suggest that you two get a room, but something tells me that you don't care if you have spectators." Frank added and Jill shot him a look.

"What is wrong with you?" Joe questioned, slapping his brother on the back of the head.

Frank held up his hands. "I am not afraid to retaliate."

Jill shook her head. "Val is right. You two regress into children when she's not around."

"He started it," Frank accused.

"This is Beau and Hunter's future, isn't it?" She asked no one in particular.

"Alright, we have to get going."

"Listen," Joe began. "Do not give them sugar, do not let them operate a motor vehicle and do not throw a house party."

"The doctor's number is on the fridge and there is lasagna in the freezer." Jill included.

"And NO fire! Jill, why are we leaving the boys with him again?"

She laughed. "Come on, they'll be fine. Mom Mom is a few houses away. Remember the sooner we get to the beach the sooner I can show you what's in the suitcase."

"Bye, Frank!"

They had a four hour drive ahead of them. Jill took out her gradebook and continued to sift through papers until she grew weary and fell asleep.
-

When they arrived in The Hamptons, Jill marveled at how huge their home was.

"This is their beach house," she commented.

Joe nodded. "Yep, too bad you're hooking up with the poorest Senator in the country."

She chuckled and shook her head. "Mmm, it's alright. He has other talents that I intend to take full advantage of this weekend."

A brunette woman rushed out, holding her dress in her hands.

"You must be Jill, it's lovely to meet you. I'm Cathy!" She said, extending a hand. "Come on in!"

Jill was slightly overwhelmed by Cathy's overzealous hospitality but she was grateful to see a friendly face. The entire drive down her anxiety started to build in anticipation.

"Your room is upstairs, fifth door to the left." She explained. "I'll have Peter take your bags up and you can come join us in the backyard. Everyone's dying to meet you, Jill."

Jill inhaled deeply, trying to settle the bundle of nerves in her stomach as they stepped out onto the enormous deck. The house was right on the beach and she took in the magnificent scene before her. The sun was beginning to set and the light was becoming dimmer.

Jill held onto her light blue dress with one hand and linked her arm with Joe's as they walked down the stairs of the deck and through the crowd to an empty table. Joe stopped a few times to greet colleagues and old friends. All eyes were on them.