The Taste Of Loneliness

Chapter 15

Negan kept to his promise. As soon as Rachel was released from the hospital he never left her side. Taking time off of work too, forgetting about himself for the time being and devoting it to her. Knowing he wouldn't get a second chance again, he had to make things good between them.
Bringing her flowers on occasion, cooking dinner. Well attempting to cook, mostly ordering take out or pizza. The weeks after her miscarriage were difficult but he didn't give up. He grew frustrated many times but stuck with her.

Unintentionally falling in love with her.

And it scared him tremendously. He was pretty much living with her now. Some of his own clothes in her bedroom. But never talk about her going to his house. And they never brought it up. His toothbrush beside hers and his shoes by the door.

With Thanksgiving coming up they were getting ready for her parents to come over. And they were in high spirits. It had been almost a month since their miscarriage and they were ready for new beginnings. The holidays striking cheer and gratitude.

Seeing Rachel so spirited and excited flitting around the kitchen cooking made him smile. Helping her the best he could, mostly just stirring and fixing drinks ahead of time. Especially seeing the dress she wore. A knee length garnet red, long sleeve dress. His button up shirt and slacks were put to shame but her appearance. She looked absolutely stunning.

"Hey.. " He wrapped his arms around her from behind as she set the turkey on the stove.

"Mhm?" She smiled lightly over her shoulder at him.

"You're fucking amazing. You know that right? " He pressed a kiss to her cheek causing her to blush.

"I try my best. I hope everything is good. This is my first time cooking a turkey. I've had roommates before whose done it or I've just bought a fried one from Bojangles. " She couldn't help laugh at herself. He laughing too as he shook his head.

"I'm sure it's all fucking amazing. A lot better than if I'd tried cooking. " He winked before stepping back as he heard a knock on her door. A sense of anxiety settling in the pit of his stomach. He'd only been with Rachel about two months and he was about to meet her parents.

"They're here! " She squealed in excitement now, but immediately sensed his worry. Putting her hands on his face as she reassured him.

"Hey, they're going to absolutely love you. " She stole a quick kiss before walking over to the door. Opening it and being enveloped in a hug by her mother first then her father.
He immediately seeing where she got her looks from, her hair from her father, and most of her facial features from her mother. Taking a deep breath he ran a hand through his slicked back hair and walked over. Smirking as he offered a hand.

"Mr and Mrs Stevens. Nice to fucking met you. " He didn't hold back, knowing if they didn't like him for who he was, there wasn't any point in being something he wasn't. Their expressions rather humorous at his profanity. But her mother smiled kindly shaking his hand first.

"Please call me Trish. Rachel's talked about you alot. I'm glad she's found someone she can trust. " Her smile mimicked Rachel's. He then turning to her father who had a stern expression before offering a faint smile. Shaking his hand.

"Call me Robert. I trust you've been taking care of my little girl? "

"Yes. Made sure she's ate her fucking vegetables and gotten eight hours of sleep every night. " He grinned looping an arm around Rachel's waist causing her to blush again. Which made him grin even wider. Immediately sensing Rachel needed the attention more than him.

"Well come on in. She's been fucking slaving all morning over the food. Wouldn't even fucking let me lick the spoons." He felt relieved when Trish and Robert let out laughs at his humor now. Maybe this wouldn't be so awkward as he thought. He tugged Rachel along now to the table, pulling the chair out for her then sitting down beside her.

"Shall we say grace? " Trish questioned glancing at Negan.

"Uh.. I don't fucking care. " He shrugged, but nodded as they all joined hands and bowed their heads.

"Dear lord we thank you for this wonderful food we're about to receive. Bless us as we continue to fulfill our lives in your name. Amen. " Robert uttered softly.

"Amen. " They all said in unison, Negans more softer than others.

"Let's eat. " Negan grinned licking his lips as he began scooping food onto his plate. Passing around the others.

"So you teach at the same school as Rachel? " Trish broke the ice with the first of many questions.

"Yeah I've been a fucking teacher for several fucking years now. Gym teacher and ping pong coach. " He muttered between bites of food already, sipping on his wine.

"Ah I see. " Trish uttered softly as she delicately began eating.

"What about you guys? " He questioned, raising an eyebrow at her parents.

"Trish is a district manager for Macy's and I'm the CEO in a insurance company. We deal in nursing homes and assisted living. As well as those dealing with cancer. " Robert shrugged not knowing that would affect him.

"Cool. " Negan uttered gruffly as he gulped down some wine to calm his nerves. Shooting a glance at Rachel who sensed his nervousness.

"Mom, dad, Negan lost his wife to cancer just a few months ago. Try not to--"

"So this is a rebound relationship? Because sweetie I don't think this will help. First your brother died, now you're shacking up with this widow? And you were pregnant but lost it. " Trish shook her head slightly dissapointed.

Negan and Rachel sat stunned at her words now. He swallowed hard, wiping his mouth and spoke in response first.

"Rachel fucking helped me in a damned bad time. And it's my fucking fault she had a miscarriage. I can't fucking have kids so hope you two don't want fucking grandkids. And if it's a fucking problem that I love your daughter then there's the fucking door. " Negan uttered in a rush. Not even relaxing he said aloud that he loved Rachel. Not until he glanced at her seeing her pink cheeks and surprised expression.

"Really? You really?.." She uttered softly putting a hand over her heart. Tears welling up in her eyes as she leaned over giving him a quick kiss on the lips.
"I love you too.. " She uttered softly leaning into him for a moment before her parents let out a sigh of relief in unison.

"Thank God! We thought.. Oh sweetie.. We thought you'd never be able to love. After your brother died, how much you loved him, we never thought you'd let a man love you the way you deserve. But.. Oh sweetie.. " Trish sighed happily nodding approvingly. Robert nodding as well with a satisfied smile of his own.

"Wait.. What the fuck just happened?" Negan frowned slightly confused as Rachel laughed in his ear.

"They like you babe." She smiled widely at him.

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"Negan mind if we talk for a moment?" Robert came up to him as Trish and Rachel were standing at the window watching the sun set.

"Sure what's on your fucking mind?" He uttered in slight confusion and worry.

"Rachel told me about your wife. And the amount of bills it left to you. So here. " He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope.
"Call this number and tell them Robert Stevens recommended you. They'll take care of things. Get it where you can manage it. "

Negan took the envelope and blinked shocked several times, feeling utterly dumbfounded at this act of kindness.

"Holy shit..." He mutters shaking his head before firmly shaking Roberts hand. "Thank you so fucking much Sir. This means a fucking lot. " He grinned glancing at Rachel now who mouthed.

I love you.

He just grinned wider now, winking as he mouthed.

I love you too.