Daughter of a Witch

Under the City Lights - Tv Show

Y/n leaned against the kitchen counter, nervously biting her thumbnail as she reread the text thread with Jamie for the hundredth time. The sound of car keys jingling behind her startled her, and she spun around to see Jamie entering the kitchen, his warm smile immediately calming some of her nerves.

"Ready?" he asked, sliding his phone into his back pocket. His casual confidence was an anchor in her sea of anxiety.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she said with a shaky laugh. She grabbed her purse and followed him to his car, her heart pounding.

Jamie opened the passenger door for her, a simple but thoughtful gesture that warmed her cheeks. Once they were seated, he glanced over, noticing her tightly clasped hands.

"Hey," he said softly, placing a hand on hers. "You've got that look. What's going on?"

Y/n sighed, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "It's just... a lot. Kathryn, Ethan, Aubrey, Jeff, Mae, and everyone. They're like my second family, and they're... well, let's just say they can be a little intense. I'm nervous about how tonight will go. What if it's awkward? What if they scare you off?"

Jamie chuckled, his laughter warm and reassuring. "Scare me off? Y/n, they sound amazing. Protective, funny, chaotic... they're just like you described. I'm not worried."

"I am," she admitted. "They've been teasing me ever since Mae saw your texts. And now they're all determined to make sure you're 'worthy.'" She made air quotes, her voice tinged with exasperation.

Jamie's grin widened. "Worthy, huh? Sounds like I'm auditioning for a role in a movie."

"It's not funny!" she said, though a small laugh escaped her. "They're probably already plotting some grand interrogation over appetizers."

He reached over and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Y/n, listen to me. You don't have to worry about me. I'm here for you, okay? They're important to you, which makes them important to me. We'll be fine."

Her eyes softened as she looked at him, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "You're too good to me, you know that?"

"Not possible," he said, shifting the car into gear with a wink. "Now, tell me more about Kathryn and the gang. What's their favorite way to grill someone so I can prepare?"

She laughed and began recounting stories, from Kathryn's infamous rapid-fire questions to Ethan's quiet but discerning gaze. Jamie occasionally chimed in with lighthearted comments as she talked, his hand never leaving hers.

At a red light, Jamie turned toward her, his expression earnest. "You know, I've been looking forward to this. I've wanted to meet the people who mean so much to you."

"Even if they're intimidating?" she teased.

"Especially if they're intimidating," he replied with a playful smirk. "I like a challenge."

She couldn't help but smile at his confidence. "Just don't say I didn't warn you."

When they arrived at the restaurant, Jamie parked and quickly walked around to open her door, making her blush again. "Such a gentleman," she teased, though her tone was warm.

"For you? Always," he said, offering his hand to help her out of the car.

As they stepped inside and spotted Kathryn's table, Y/n's nerves returned with a vengeance. Kathryn waved them over-enthusiastically, Aubrey already grinning like a cat who'd caught the canary. Ethan and Jeff sat across from their wives, smiling warmly but with a hint of curiosity that made Y/n's stomach flutter.

"There she is," Kathryn said, standing up to pull Y/n into a hug. "And this must be Jamie." Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked him over.

"Guilty," Jamie said smoothly, extending a hand. "It's great to meet you all. Y/n's told me so much about you."