Tennessee Whiskey AU

CHAPTER SEVENTY SIX

"If you find a girl, hands up, hangin' halfway out on a highway. You find a girl who likes whiskey mixed in her hangover coffee. Find a girl that scares you half to death. You'd kill to be the train she wrecks. Don't tell her I never met someone like you. Then try and turn her into every girl you ever knew. If you're gonna love her, if you're gonna love her. If you're gonna love, leave her wild. If you're gonna make her, if you're gonna make her. Make her smile, smile. If you're gonna let her, if you're gonna let her. Let her dance, let her sing, let her be whatever she wants to be. Leave her wild." 

                                                                             Scarlett's POV

I have to admit sitting at the table with his family isn't as daunting as I thought it would be. There's a few questions but nothing I can't handle. The usual sort of things like, what do I do? Questions about my family. Of course Jay brings up the Olympics, saying how proud he is of it. I'm just sort of embarrassed by it all. His mom doesn't say too much and I'm trying desperately hard not to let it freak me out.

I offer to help clean up after we finish eating but I'm told the kids will take care of it and that me and her can sit out on the back porch, drink lemonade and in her words get to know each other better. This might be a little bit harder considering I'm running on no sleep but let's give it a go and just pray I don't do anything too stupid.

"So," She says as we take our seats. I can't stop myself from fidgeting with my hands in my lap. I don't think I've ever done the meet the parents thing. Dam Jensen what have you got me into. The things you do for the man you love, well sort of love, possibly love. Who knows? "You don't need to look so worried my sweet girl. I can see the panic in your eyes as clear as day." She smiles and it's a comforting homely, mothering smile. It should set me at ease but all it does it hit me with a wave of grief. Sue is great as substitute mothers go. But there are times when I just  miss my mom. Like what would she think of how my new life is turning out? What would she think of Jay? I think that was one of the hardest things about dealing with the whole situation with Dave. The fact that she wasn't by my side and she didn't get to see me come out the other side. I feel tears start to well in my eyes and I keep my head but being the incredible mom she is, she notices.

"Are you ok? I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you." 

"It's ok. It wasn't you, honestly." I say and reach forward to touch her hand, needing the comfort and much as trying to give it. "I just lost my mom a few years ago. Most of the time I'm ok with it, then out of nowhere it just hits me. Just thinking about her never getting to meet Jay, him never having to panic about sitting with my parents." I laugh slightly trying to show that I mean no offence by that. "I think it just caught me off guard. I'm sorry for getting upset, just not something I have thought about before I guess." I say as I wipe the tears from my eyes. I'm too tired for this.

"Don't apologise, it's a perfectly ok thing to get upset about. You said you lost your mom but that Jen wouldn't be meeting the parents, what about your dad sweetheart?"

"He was barely there when I was younger and when he was he was only interested in my training. It was like it was ok to have anything to do with me as long as he could get something out of it. Bragging about what his daughter was doing like he had anything to do with it. As soon as I gave it up, so did he." I shrug, honestly I can't even find a fuck to give about the man anymore, not that I would say that part out loud. Not when I'm trying to make a good impression.

"I'm so sorry to hear that." 

"Christ mom you've made her cry. I left you alone for five minutes." Jay says as he brings our drinks out and notices my face.