Widow's Grace

7 - Friend & Lover ???

We get to Tally's in no time. Finding our usual booth as everyone behind the counter spoke to us.

"I guess you guys are regulars," Aiden says.

"Yeah, Mom, Dad and Carter used to come here when they were younger, and we have been coming ever since we can remember." Alexa explains

Tally's was a family owned restaurant. They made the best pastrami sandwich on the East Coast, at least in Tori's opinion. The tables were covered in red and white checkered table cloths, and the booths had a small juke box in the middle of each one. It had a 1950's feel with a twist. The jukebox was filled with up to date songs and there were a few arcade size games in the back.

Everyone ordered their usual and Aiden went along with the flow, since he had never been there before.

Tori's mind was wandering to Jax; she couldn't believe what she spent the night with someone she just met, even it was accidental. The scary part was she wanted to see him again.

"Earth to Mom," AJ was waving his hand in front of her face, she was really stuck in her thoughts.

"Sorry Honey, What did you say?"

AJ laughed, "Never mind Mom, I see you mind is somewhere else."

Alexa and Aiden joined in laughing at how zoned out she was, all three of them had an idea of what Tori was thinking about, or better yet who.

"Well I guess I will be the one to break the ice and ask the question," Carter said. "What's up with you and Jaxson Casey?"

"Uncle Carter, evidently Jax likes Mom a lot, and clearly Mom likes him too, considering she spent the night with him," Alexa stated matter of factly.

"You ask me for some time to process how you feel, but you can easily spend the night with him, how I am supposed to feel Tori," Carter said with a frustrated look on his face.

"Like a grown man that I have been nothing but honest with. There was never any plan to date Jax, but that's what happening. I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy his company, I do, but I love you Carter and nothing will ever change that, no matter what we become or who I am with. So if you want to be with me then man up and do something, don't just talk about it. I am not made of glass, far from it, if you want me then stop treating me like I am fragile and come claim me. Cause if you're not careful, I might be gone."

"Kids' enjoy your dinner with Carter; I will see you at home later."

Tori went to the counter, asked for her sandwich to go, thankful that she drove herself.

AJ, Alexa and Aiden sat there speechless as their Mom walked away. This was the first time Aiden saw her turn up.

Carter payed for dinner and left to try to catch up with Tori, she was right, they loved each other and no matter what happened romantically between them he didn't want to lose her.

With the kids being the only ones left at the table, Aiden thought it was time to break the silence. "Looks like Jax is doing the damn thing." I think my pick is gonna be the one.

Shaking his head somberly, "Well my pick just got his ass reamed by Mom, but Carter has history and time on his side, and Mom loves him, so I think he can get back in the race," AJ said.

"Well we will see what Cole has to offer," Alex said letting out a long sigh, I just want Mom to be happy either way, but I gotta give it to you Aiden, Jax is killin the game right now. Did you see how he had Mom wrapped up on the porch, and how he was shooting Carter dirty looks? He may be white but he got some swag with him, and he is crazy about Mom already, a blind man could see how much he wants her."