Give Me A Chance

Part 19

After a couple of days, once Jennifer had adjusted to her new surroundings, Lindsey asked Stevie over to his place for dinner. He had never introduced any of his girlfriends to the members of his family before. But then again, Stevie wasn't just any of his girlfriends. He was nervous for some reason. He wanted the two women to like each other, it was important to him. He hoped they would.

Lindsey picked Stevie up from work and he noticed she was nervous as well. Reaching to take her hand, he brought it up to his lips, squeezing gently. "It's going to be fine. I'm sure Jen is going to like you."

"I don't even know why I want to impress your sister. It's you I'm with." Stevie didn't try to deny she wasn't worried. 

"I think it's only normal. You think I don't want your brother, your parents to like and approve of me, when I meet them? Of course I do."

A small smile appeared on her lips. "You would like to meet my family?"

"I absolutely do. I'd like to think I'm a traditional guy. Before I propose, I first need to have a talk with your father."

"Lindsey!" Stevie slapped his arm playfully, chuckling. "We're not getting married!"

"Well, no, not yet." He glanced at her, smirking. "But don't think you're going to get away from me that easily, I'll make you a Buckingham one way or another." 

She didn't say anything, just gave him a smile, as she looked out the window. She would be lying if she said that she never thought of marriage, but... they hadn't known each other for a very long time yet and while things were going great for them, from Stevie's point of view, Lindsey was rushing. She genuinely hoped he was joking with his little remarks about babies and getting married.

While Lindsey was searching for the keys in his pocket, Stevie was standing beside him, taking deep breaths. Without looking at her, Lindsey laughed lightly, before pushing the door open, as his hand settled on the small of her back and nudged her to go inside. 

"Jen, we're here!" Lindsey called out, hearing footsteps right away. "Hey you." He greeted, noting the apron she was wearing, he said. "I told you, you shouldn't have cooked by yourself. We would have helped."

"Seriously?" Jennifer gave him a pointed look. "You can't cook to save your life and the gorgeous woman by your side is our guest. Hi, I'm Jennifer." She stepped closer, holding out her hand.

Stevie instantly felt at ease, returning the warm smile, mirroring Jennifer's, as the two shook hands. "Nice to meet you, I'm Stevie."

"Oh, I know who you are, I was just trying not to seem rude, not introducing myself. Trust me, this one..." Jen showed to Lindsey. "He doesn't shut up about you."

"Okay, don't speak like I'm not here." Lindsey rolled his eyes. Turning to Stevie, he said. "I'll bring the bags to the kitchen, you go and make yourself comfortable. I'll be right with you."

Unzipping her boots, Stevie took them off, nearly moaning at how good it felt, after the whole day of wearing them. Making her way to the living room, Stevie stopped, hating to eavesdrop, but she couldn't just keep on walking. 

"How did you get so lucky?" Jennifer asked. "Stevie's a stunner."

"I know." Stevie could almost hear him smiling. "She's so different from every other woman I'd been with before. We've just started dating, but I... I feel like she's the one. She lights up my world every time I lay my eyes on her."

Oh my God, Linds... Stevie brought a hand up to cover her mouth, her eyes welling up with tears at his beautiful words. She realized she had been standing there for too long, as she willed herself to go and wait for Lindsey in the other room, still the words ringing in her head. 

"I hope I wasn't gone too long." Lindsey said, coming into the room. "Jen had, uh... some questions."

Cocking her head back to look up at him, Stevie smiled and shook her head. "No, not at all. Everything okay?"

"Yeah. Dinner's almost ready." He took a seat beside her. "Are you staying here tonight?"

Pretending to think, she decided to tease him a little. "Would you want me to?"

"What do you think?" Placing his arm around her shoulders. 

"I mean... I'm not sure." Stevie shrugged. "I have work in the morning. I'd have to get home very early to change, to shower, to put on makeup..."

"That's not a problem, I'll wake up with you and drive you home."

"Hm... you do want me to stay then, huh?" Stevie raised an eyebrow, facing him.

"Steph, of course."

"Steph?" She echoed. "No one has called me that before."

"I'm sorry if you don't like it. It just came out."

"No, no." Stevie shook her head, adding. "I have Linds, you can have Steph."

"Oh, yeah?"

Stevie nodded, responding to the kiss Lindsey pressed against her lips. They broke apart, hearing Jennifer's voice behind them. "Come on, you two. Dinner's ready. You can make out later."

Stevie blushed, standing up with Lindsey, lacing her fingers through his. She tugged at his hand to slow him down, causing him to stop and turn to look at her. "What is it?"

"Yes, we've just started dating, but I think you might be the one for me, too."