Fresh Start, New Beginnings

Chapter 18

Abigail had started to relax after the 50 minute drive, she indicated before turning onto the driveway of her parents house "This should be fun" Abigail giggled as she climbed out of the car and closed the door behind her.

"Abi sweetheart it's so good to see you" her Mom exclaimed in a thick New York accent, as she came out of the front door and rushed towards Abigail "Frank! Frank get out here, your daughters home" she yelled, causing Abigail to wince.

Stella, Abigail's Mom, was a very elegant 67 year old lady. She was the same height as Abigail and the same build, she had short silver hair and was very fashionable for her age.

"Here she is" Abigail's dad had now come out of the little room near the front door of the house. He pulled her into a tight hug "Hey baby, let me look at you" he said as he gently pulled her away a little to look at her. Abigail's Dad was around 5 ft 10 and medium build. He had black and grey hair which was parted to one side. He too was 67.

"Hi Dad" Abigail smiled sweetly.

"You look tired, are you sleeping alright princess?" Her dad tucked some hair behind her ear.

"Yeah fine, I just didn't sleep much last night" Abigail smirked cheekily as she rememebred her night with Ryan the night before.

"Erm honey, what in God's name are you wearing" Stella gasped "Is that a hoodie?"

"Yeah I borrowed it, from...never mind" Abigail knew better than to interrupt her Mom.

"And are those the pants you were wearing last night, on the late night show?" Abigail winced when she realised her Mom had guessed "Is this you doing the walk of shame right now?"

"It might be" Abigail smiled weakly, she felt like a kid who had been caught smoking "Mom I am a big girl now"

"So do we get a name of this guy then, or shall I wait to read the article in the newspaper" Stella moaned.

"His name is Ryan Tedder and he is in a band" Abigail replied causing her Dad to shoot his head up.

"Like Nick?" Frank frowned.

"No Dad, Ryan is completely different to Nick, we have a lot in common and he likes his privacy" Abigail sighed "I really like him"

"Well if he makes you happy that's all I ask" Frank hugged Abigail again and kissed her forehead "So when can we meet him?"

Leroy came in from outside and put Abigail's bags in her room. Leroy had been Abigail's bodyguard for as long as Tony had been her manager, so he knew her family very well.

"He is touring in Europe at the moment but as soon as he is back I will arrange something" Abigail smiled as she looked at her Mom.

"Listen sweetheart why don't you go and take a shower and I will book us a table at Ricardo's, I can't remember the last time we went out for lunch" Stella smiled as she picked up the phone off the side.

Abigail was relieved to finally be taking a shower, she walked into the en-suite of her bedroom and pulled the elastic out of her hair. The water was hot and refreshing, Abigail used some of the soap from out of a pump to clean herself with.

After her shower she grabbed one of the white fluffy towels on the rail and wrapped it tightly around her torso. She also wrapped a towel around her head to dry her hair. She walked back into her bedroom and smiled, Leroy had already taken her clothes out of her bag and hung them up in her wardrobe.

Abigail took out some skinny jeans and a grey blouse with neck tie. She pulled her nude strapless bra and panty set out of the side of the bag...

Abigail's Mom was waiting for her in the lounge "That's better" her Mom clapped her hands joyfully "Here's your jacket, come on coco" she added as she handed Abigail her black blazer jacket and picked up her little dog.

"We're taking the dog?" Abigail asked curiously. Her Mom glared at her "Of course we are" Abigail correct herself quickly, causing her Dad to smirk and roll his eyes.

Abigail followed her Mom to the car and got into he back with her, the car pulled away from the curb "It's so good to have you here sweetheart, me and your Dad have been so worried"

"I've been really busy Mom" Abigail sighed as she watched her Mom fuss around Coco.

"Too busy to call your mother" Stella snapped. Guilt spread across Abigail's face and Stella softened instantly "We worry about you honey that's all...So tell me more about Ryan"

"Oh Mom he's incredible" Abigail gushed "So sweet and such a gentleman"

"What so he hasn't even tried anything, you're beautiful...what's wrong with him?" Abigail's Mom got carried away with herself until she saw a cheeky smile on her daughters face "Oh you have...already" Abigail's Mom was always so open about things like this "So was it good" Abigail cringed "Too weird? Sorry honey"

"It's fine and yeah we have" Abigail blushed "Like I said before he's incredible"

The car pulled up outside the restaurant Abigail waited for the driver to open her door, then she got out and walked to her Mom, who was holding Coco under her arm like a tote bag "I hope it's not a window seat" Abigail's Mom complained "You know how I hate people staring while you eat"

"This way Mrs Jenson" a familiar voice smiled "Hello Abigail" they voice added. The voice belonged to a guy named Lee, he was the manager of the restaurant.

"Hey Lee" Abigail smiled "How's things?" She asked as she followed him and her mother towards a nice private corner table.

"Really good thanks" Lee replied "I am going to be asked Dad again" she smiled causing Abigail to squeal with excitement.

"That's awesome" she hugged him tightly. Abigail's Mom was as equally excited.

"That's wonderful news Lee, tell Helen me and Frank send our love" she also hugged Lee.

"I will do, can I take your coats" Lee asked politely.

"Lee how many times you are like family to us" Stella frowned "You don't need to wait on us, why don't you grab a seat and join us" she asked. Lee nodded and sat down at the table with us. Abigail watched as her Mom walked over to the bar.

"So Ryan Tedder huh?" Lee smirked, Abigail couldn't help but blush little "Can't say I saw that coming, what happened to no more boy bands?"

"I know, I know" she replied "But Ryan's different, he is grounded"

"And not to mention successful and handsome" Lee laughed? Abigail threw him a glare "What? all the girls I know are as jealous as hell of you, excluding Helen of course she has the full package right here"

"Oh really" Abigail laughed loudly she looked back at her Mom who was smiling as she walked back to the table.

"You too never change do you" she chuckled "Still the best friends you were as kids"

Abigail and Lee had grown up together. Their Mom's were the best of friends and had their first babies within a month of eachother. Lee had been Abigail's best friend all through her life, he was the one person she trusted the most outside of family.