Adore me- the fourth novel

Chapter 23 - good job son

Taylor's POV

"Yes break and entry, and ugh" I sob what is happening to me? I'm usually so logical.

I stare into space. Watching the light filtering through. Jay rang his dad. It surprised me. But he's here and very much dealing with the entire situation.

"That's enough" he says to the officers coming over to stand by myself and Jay.

"If we remember anything else we will contact you" Andrew, Jays dad, says sternly eyeing me with concern.

The police remove themselves from the lake house having combed through everything to a fine detail.

I glance down at the Rolex watch on Andrew's arm and begin hysterically laughing. Full blown laughing and crying and Jay jumps out of his skin. I look up to both of their faces seeing the same expression of utter confusion and disbelief. It strikes me how alike they both are and I begin laughing again.

I pace over to the kitchen and begin making some food and tea for everybody. I've decided fajitas is a good idea and that whether he likes it or not Andrew is staying and eating with us, I've got to repair this father son duo in any way that I can.

"Taylor" Jay begins tentatively.

"What are you cooking" Andrew cuts in sharply. Stopping Jay from asking me what is wrong with me. Mostly likely in fear of me crying. It hits me that Jays dad is not comfortable around crying young women.

"Fajitas. Let's have dinner" I say back to him and begin preparing the meat. Andrew sits at the table, retrieves his phone from his pocket and begins tapping away at it.

Jay has remained exactly in the same spot and I glance over at him briefly. He's eyeing me with curiosity and concern.

"You can cut up the peppers and veg" I smile at him.

"Did you know that Jay makes a mean salad, Andrew?" I say to him whilst Jay begins cutting up the peppers.

"He does ?! I'll give salad a go if he's made it" Andrew says and I'm taken aback by the affection in his tone. I glance up at Jay and smile. He lights up a cigarette and Andrew tsks.

"That will never do, Jay" he says looking over at him and away from his phone.

Jay rolls his eyes at me and I'm glad for the normality.

"The viewing went well" Jay says to his dad.

"It was a beautiful property" I add browning off the meat and signalling for Jay to give me the peppers.

"Very good. I'm glad it went well. I presume you told Clara this" Andrew says. I assume he has dealt in property with her before.

"Yes we told her that we would like to proceed" Jay says simply and then turns around to face his father.

"Would you like a drink" he asks him.

Jay grabs me a glass and pours me some wine. He doesn't need to ask me. Next he grabs two beers from the fridge and sets one down for his dad. Andrew thanks him and we all wait for the dinner to be done.

"Congratulations are in order then really. On setting the wheels in motion for your new place" Andrew says and it's bizarre yet nice having him here in the kitchen with us.

"Once you receive the paperwork it should be a smooth transition. I can't imagine there will be any delays as the previous owner has moved on already" he adds.

I busy myself presenting the food into bowls so that everybody can choose what they would like in their wraps. I set it all out on the table placing Jays salad on last and Andrew thanks me with a smile as we sit down.

"I need to say this salad is very good" Andrew begins smiling.

"But even more these fajitas are exceptional" Andrew laughs.

It breaks our silence and we all laugh.

"Thank you Andrew" I say smiling

"You really must invite me and your mum for dinner more often" he laughs at Jay and smiles at me.

"That's a great idea" I say.

"Of course" Jay says softly.

"In the new place we can have a dinner party" I say looking up.

"Yes the dining room was actually huge. The same size as yours" Jay comments to his dad and I cannot help but feel they are connecting again on some level.

After everybody is finished and all of the food is gone we retreat to our living space looking out at the lake. Most of the time we talk about the new place and all of its luxuries, anything but the break in. I don't think I will ever be able to go back into our garage, after what happened to me down there.

I walk to the kitchen inconspicuously listening in on their conversation.

"It may take a little bit of time but it will hit Taylor and I think you need to be ready for that Jay. The shock I mean. It will dawn on her. Just be supportive. It will be okay. How are you ? Good job on being held at gun point and not getting shot" Andrew says chuckling slightly.

I smile at the sound of Jay laughing along with his dad and grab their beers. I marvel at the turn of events and how something that was so awful and tragic has been a catalyst to them being nice to each other.

I return with the beers and Jay looks up at me smiling.

"Taylor, what was the studio like" Andrew says.

I stifle an embarrassed laugh remembering what Jay did to me at the viewing in our new studio.

"It was beautiful. Perfect actually. Lots of light and air conditioned" I say instead.

"I'm sure you two are going to be very happy there" Andrew says placing his beer down and standing to leave.

I stand next followed by Jay and we walk Andrew out to the door. I find myself clinging onto Jay. And not wanting to go too close to the front door.

"Taylor you are a very brave young women, you will be fine" Andrew says seriously and then looks to his son.

"Thanks dad" Jay says and I notice the expression on Andrew's face softens.

"Anytime" he says
"But invite me over on better circumstances please next time" he laughs
"Good job son" he adds pulling him in for a hug before he leaves.

"Bye dad, please don't worry mum" Jay says laughing and scooping his hair back as he closes the door with a grin over his face.