Criminal ~ Shoey

Chapter 28 - This is Long Beach.

» Joey's P.O.V «

I was extremely nervous to meet Shane's brothers. What if they didn't like me? What if they playfully threatened me for if I hurt Shane? (Of course I wouldn't, though.) Threats like that always made me nervous. I was just nervous about being nervous and that made me nervous. 

"Joey, babe, we're almost there." Shane said, leaning over to plant a kiss on my cheek. That statement made me nervous. Even his peck didn't help. I was this huge ball of nerves that refused to be combed. And then to try and distract my crazed nerves, I trained my eyes on Shane. He was looking out the window. My eyes traveled over his features until they landed on his lips. The first kiss we had shared in weeks was earlier in the bathroom...I wanted to kiss him again. But I didn't want Shane's mom, who was driving, to see us and flip out. I'd kiss him later when we were alone, without an audience. 

Just then the car slowed to a stop as Teresa switched lanes and my nerves hightened. They're gonna hate me. They're gonna see me as that ruthless criminal that they're being forced to live with. This is gonna be a shit show. 

Shane must've finally sensed my uneasiness because his hand wrapped around mine and I temporarily forgot all about being nervous. As long as Shane loved me, I could handle his brothers--Whether they're accepting or criticizing. As Shane's mom pulled the car into a parking spot, I unbuckled my seat belt and peered through the window; my heart swelling. The restaurant we were at wasn't even considered a restaurant, It was called "Gold Rush Diner". I was overcome with nostalgia; Sawyer and I used to eat at a diner titled similarly back in L.A all the time. I was jolted out of my reverie by two car doors slamming in harmony. And my nerves were back. 

Sighing, I scrambled out of the car and let the early spring air wash over me; it kind of felt cleansing. The wind was playful as I headed towards the door of the diner to meet Shane and his mom who were waiting on me; it felt like if I stopped walking the wind would tug me the rest of the way. But it wasn't uncomfortable, It was enjoyable. 

As we entered the diner and delicious scents flooded my senses, I allowed myself to relish in my freedom. My parole was lenient and I was grateful--Freedom was a miracle. And the feeling of being truly free--free of my crimes and the slammer--was a welcome distraction from the growing guilt sitting on my spine. The guilt was ever-present and breathing down my neck and It hurt to feel it because it reminded me of just how much is wrong with me. 

Shane, his mother, and I were lead through the quaint building to a booth in a corner, next to a huge window, displaying the beautiful view of the setting sun. And his older brothers, their names both beginning with J's though I couldn't remember them, were setting there, their eyes scanning a menu. My eyes roamed over their features; The only resemblance present to Shane was their eyes. 

Shane cleared his throat and they both snapped to attention, both of their eyes immediately landing on me. I tried very hard not to squirm under their scrutinizing gazes. 

"You must be Joey." One of them said and I nodded, replying: "That's the nickname." Our whole crew laughed and some of my nervousness dissolved. "I'm Jared." He said as I slid into the booth next to Shane. "Jacob." The other one mumbled, friendly but distracted. "It's nice to meet you guys." I said honestly, mustering up a smile. "Same to you. I honestly expected you to have a million trashy tattoos and a piercing or two considering the circumstances so I'm definitely relieved." Jared said and I laughed, the sound relieved. Jacob nodded, averting his attention from his menu to me. 

"I second that statement. You definitely look like a pretty decent guy; America's criticism and your...crimes aside. Though this meeting would be more enjoyable over food." Jacob said, causing our whole table to laugh once again. "Then let's eat." Shane said, prompting me to pick up my menu.