The loud beeping coming from Jared's phone woke me at ten. "Babe, I don't know if I can make it off of four hours of sleep!"
"Have to. This surprise won't wait." He sat up and stretched before standing up and walking naked to the bathroom. As groggy as I was I could help but smile at his boldness. The sound of running water could have easily put me back to sleep, but I knew he'd just have woken me when he came out. I got up, dragging myself to the bathroom. He was in the bathtub and grinned as he moved his legs, making room for me to join him. "We can always go back to sleep after we eat."
"My surprise is breakfast?" I asked, pulling my hair up into a bun before I stepped into the warm water. I leaned back against his chest and relaxed.
"Sort of." He refused to give a hint and I didn't keep pestering him. I was just happy to be there with him.
I had no idea what he had planned, but a little over an hour later, we walked down to the hotel's restaurant. To my surprise we were taken to the table that Jared had reserved. His PA, Emma, and a woman I didn't recognize were already seated. They both greeted Jared, but I could only imagine the shocked expression that registered on my face when he introduced me to his mother. "Hello Cassie." She leaned in for a hug and I could feel my hands actually shaking.
"Hi." I was mesmerized by how once I knew they were mother and son, the resemblance was so strong. There were small things between he and his brother, but it was much stronger between him and his mother.
She was so sweet and friendly, all smiles as she leaned in to her son. "You guys have a nice flight?"
"Yeah, it was fine." Nodding, he turned his attention to Emma and they whispered back and forth, probably about the whole Katherine thing.
"I'm glad to finally meet the woman my son has been talking so much about. It's always Cassie this and Cassie that, so it's great to be able to put a face to the name."
"Oh my God, when Jared told me that he had a surprise for me, I was thinking that maybe he was going to take me to one of his favorite places, but this is so much better! I'm so excited to meet you."
"Have you met Shannon yet?"
"Yes, I have. He's very sweet. You must be so proud to have such amazing and talented sons."
"Oh, I'm definitely a proud mama."
"That she is." Jared winked across the table to his mother. "Surprise," He whispered into my ear as he slid an arm around me. This was much nicer than when he met my parents. At least his mother didn't view him as a failure like mine did.
We had a wonderful breakfast and made plans to have dinner once we were back in LA before parting ways. Jared took me shopping and we spent the remainder of the day relaxing in our hotel room.
Our few days in New York were quiet and peaceful. Aside from the two interviews and his photo shoot later in the week, both of which I attended with him, Jared and I had a lot of time alone together.
It was nice to catch a glimpse of his professional side. He was so friendly, laughing and joking with the female interviewers while he answered their many personal questions. He would give them flirty compliments and I loved watching the way they would squirm in their seats, desperately trying to maintain their composure while struggling to continue with their questions. He was so laid back and yet intimidating at the same time, it made for a great interview. I smiled, shaking my head when he looked over to grant me a little wink. He knew that I knew what he was doing. On the way out he smirked, "What, I didn't do anything."
"Mm hum," I replied, walking behind him. With my head held high, I felt his palm slide against mine as he took my hand. That warm and fuzzy feeling seemed to take over whenever I was with him, and I couldn't stop smiling if I tried.
