Unexpected

Chapter 6

Jordan's mom lived in a quieter part of town, in a sweet, white picket fence neighbourhood that made Jordan completely out of place. I couldn't imagine his story – from white picket fence to hardcore tattoo artist. God knows how he got there, but he definitely loved his job and his life. He was a man very much content with the person he was. Proof of that was his lazy and relaxed stance as he came to open the door of Eva's car for me, as soon as we parked in the driveway of the soft yellow one-story house.

My heart was thumping hard and fast on my chest, and I could feel it in my throat. My knees were a bit wobbly and my legs shook, but I remained stern when he helped me come out of the passenger seat – not that I needed any, but here you go... He wore a light blue denim buttoned shirt and light grey slacks, very relaxed with his tattoos showing on his fingers and forearms and a bit on his chest. His smile was like a million bucks, and he actually gave me a tight squeeze in his bulging arms – it was a bit awkward to be honest because I went for a quick pat on his back and he lingered, which led to more patting and Eva laughing at us.

"Hey, you. Baby me" He grinned, patting my belly.

"We need boundaries" I sighed, but had to smile; it was his child in there, could I really ask the man not to touch it?

"Sorry. I'm just happy you came," He smiled, rubbing his trimmed hair.

"I told you I would," I shrugged, handing him over two bottles of wine.

"Ah, thanks! Come in, come in! Mom!" He yelled to the back, and both Eva and I jumped at his scream.

A woman with long red hair, pale skin and beautiful grey eyes popped from the wooden gate of the backyard, and her grin was so much like Jordan's, I would bet my house that was his mom.

"Hello, ladies." The woman smiled, wrinkles appeared around her lips and almond-shaped eyes "Welcome to our little backyard barbecue – beware the men curse and even the women burp."

Eva chuckled as the woman kissed her cheek.

"This is my mom, Angela. Mom, this is Eva. And this is Violet" He introduced us, and the woman's cheeky grin was just like her son's.

"Nice to meet you both. Come, come! The burgers are on, and Rocco has already eaten half of them."

We walked into the yard, and the whole gang was there, plus some. There were other people there, strangers, probably some neighbours and friends. I felt sweat blooming over my top lip and on my back. Dred and Stella came to greet us, and we ended up sitting with them at a picnic table. There were kids running around the lawn, some pop summer music blasting from a massive stereo, and food – dear God, these people could eat!

"So, I see Jordan has made an impression on you girls" Stella grinned, winking at Eva and me.

"More on some than others" Eva wiggled her brows at me, and I scowled back at her.

"You know he'll eventually convince you to get a tattoo as well, don't you?" Sweet pixie voice Dred smiled.

"Huh... I don't think that's happening anytime soon" I had to chuckle, taking a sip of my orange juice.

"Never say never." Stella advised, shrugging her slim shoulders "Before I met Rocco, I was working as a cashier at Costco. No tattoos, boring nine to five. He literally flipped my life around, and I couldn't be happier."

"I'm quite happy with my nine to five" I chuckled and she grinned.

"Jordan has said you have an amazing apartment on the beach!" Stella moaned "God, what I wouldn't do for that! I mean, don't get me wrong, I love my Little Havana apartment, but I am more fish than human."