College friends with benefits

Fitting In

Riley's P.O.V

I was sitting on the porch as Jean prepared lunch and drinks for us...Denny playing football with April and getting his assed kicked. I laughed watching them. He seemed like a completely different person around her. I decided I would go in, see if Jean needed a hand with anything.

"Hey can I help?" I asked entering the kitchen

"No your fine sweetie thank you though." She smiled

"I honestly don't mind." I smiled

She smiled and gave in

"Sure why not. Can you prepare the salad please?" she smiled

I nodded, heading over and getting to work.

"Riley what is going on with you and Denny? He said you are friends but I don't believe him." She laughed

How do you explain to the mother of the guy you are sleeping with you are just friends with benefits? This could get awkward. I started rocking a little on my heels, something I tend to do when I am nervous. Jean laughed, clearly sensing it.

"I am guessing you aren't just friends but not in a relationship either?" she giggled

I felt my full face turn bright red and nodded my head, making he laugh again

"Riley it is OK I know what my son is like. I was your age once too. You don't need to get embarrassed talking about it. I brought my kids telling them be whoever they wanna be." She said

I relaxed a little after that. That was how I wanted to bring my own kids up one day...teach them to be whoever they wanna be and never be embarrassed to talk to me about anything. I want to bring them up completely opposite from how my parents brought me up.

"It is not something I was allowed to do. To be open and never be ashamed. I was brought up in a way that was completely opposite from what you brought Denny and April up. Though I admire the way you brought them up, that's how I wanna bring my own kids up when it happens." I smiled

"I am sorry to hear that Riley. While you are here, you be whoever you want to be...no judgement. Though one thing I do have to say you are the first girl Denny has brought here since Silver." She said

Silver? Who is Silver? I am guess an ex of Denny's.

"Silver?" I asked

"Denny's ex...the one that broke his heart. The one that made him stop believing that it is OK to fall in love. I am sure he will tell you about her someday. She never deserved him...he treated her like a Queen, looked after her, loved her the way he was meant to and she through it back in his face. He has never really got over it, hence why he doesn't really do relationships now." She said sadly

That would explain a lot. She sounded like a bitch, poor Denny. Now I guess I understand a little more why he is the way he is. I won't bring it up to him, if he wants to tell he will.

"Guess that would explain a lot." I said sadly

"Yes. She ruined my boys heart, I wanted to kill her." She said shaking her head "I am hoping one day he will open his heart again without being terrified." She said hopeful

"I am sure he will when the right girl comes along." I smiled

Jean and I chatted as we prepared lunch before heading back outside. Denny and April now sitting down, both looking knackered. When they heard us, they both looked up smiling, which I returned. The four of us sat down, digging in and chatting.