The Love of Jury Duty

Good Morning Museum

I stirred slightly and snuggled into Nick's chest a little more. I felt him smile against my forehead and hug me tighter. This was my favorite way to wake up and after the night I'd had last night, this was all that I wanted. Nick softly kissed my forehead and I held on tighter not wanting to get up. I knew the next part was him getting out of bed and leaving me here cold and alone

"Lilly, it's time to get up." He chuckled

"No, don't leave me here cold and alone." I mumbled with a smile

He laughed quietly and kissed my cheek before sitting up slowly. I fell back onto the bed with a thud and stuck out my bottom lip, pouting.

"Why do you have to be so cute!?" He grinned

"Because you like it."

"That is true."

Nick made his way over to his bag and dug around. I propped myself up on my elbow and smiled, contently, watching him. He put on a comfortable pair of sweatpants and a tee shirt. I always loved when he looked casual and right out of bed.

"MOMMY!! NICK!! Come see this!!"

Jake burst through the door, excited about something and ran back out again. I got up and smiled, shuffling out to the living room area. I was hit by the amazing smell of breakfast and my stomach growled loudly. None of us had eaten since breakfast the day before and I knew that I was starving.

There was an entire spread to choose from, eggs, sausage or bacon , pancakes, home fries, fruit and breakfast pastries. Nick smiled and walked over to a hand written note on the counter next to the food. He read the note slowly and I watched as his smile grew bigger.

"It's from my parents." He smiled

"Oh." I mumbled

"Mom, can I have some!?!" Jake asked, pointing to the pancakes

"Of course."

I found the plates in the small kitchen and served him a pancake with extra butter. He sat at the small dining table with his legs swinging happily under the chair. Nick  brought Abby in, sat her down and brought a plate of food for her.

"You should eat something Lil. You haven't eaten. It's not good for you two."

"I'm not hungry." I mumbled

"What? Liar. Eat. Please."

"I...I don't think it's for me."

Nick made a face, set down his plate and took my hand. He led me to the couch and we sat down. He was concerned and I understood, but I didn't want to intrude and I knew how they felt about me.

"Hey, I know last night was a little traumatic. They don't hate you Lilly. I just blindsided them and they didn't know how to feel at the time. My mom feels really awful. They're trying to make it up to us. They want to spend time with you."

"I...I don't know...it's pretty clear..."

"I promise. After you went to bed my mom brought Abby back and we talked. She apologized. She was worried about you. In the end, she just wants me to be happy. You have to understand that I had been with Lindsey a very long time. They were very close to her so something like this is hard. But at the end of the day as long as Abby is taken care of and that I'm happy then they're happy. I invited them to the museum with us today. Please try. For me."

I thought about it for a second and nod slightly. I was going to try and let it go and have a good time. In some ways I felt like I was owed a small in person apology, but I also knew not to expect one. Nick caressed my cheek softly and leaned close with a smile. I blushed and smiled shyly. He knew how to get me every time.