Songbird

Chapter 9 ~ Knife

The next day, Saturday, Jace woke up unusually late. His ribs were feeling a lot better after these couple weeks of rest, and he was actually able to sleep through the night without pain or nightmares keeping him up. The weather was growing seemingly colder with each passing day as winter approached rapidly.

Isaac was still sleeping, and Devin was out, probably getting lunch somewhere with his college friends. Because he had a day off work, Jace was able to relax in front of the TV all afternoon. His anticipation for dinner with Felicity and Wesley was mounting as the evening came.

"Don't screw this up. It's like you're meeting her dad and need his approval," commented Isaac as Jace was getting his jacket on, ready to leave.

"Gee, thanks," said Jace sarcastically. "I think Wesley already likes me, but this will be our first long interaction."

"Exactly! I'm so glad I'm not in your shoes."

"You done?"

"Yep! Have fun!" Isaac pushed Jace out of the door and slammed it shut behind him.

Jace took a taxi to the apartment. When he rang the doorbell, City answered.

"Hi, Jace!" She beamed and let him inside. Jace briefly studied her as she shut the door. She was gorgeous, dressed in a simple t-shirt and light, ripped jeans, her hair loose and flowing around her shoulders freely. City took Jace's hand. "This way, my dear," she said jokingly.

City led him into the dining room where they both sat down at a small, square dining table. Wesley came in a second later carrying a dish.

"Chicken and rice tonight, I hope you don't mind," said Wesley, setting down the roasted chicken.

"It smells great," exclaimed Jace. "I didn't take you for a cook, Wesley."

Wesley laughed. "Not many do. Cars and cooking, those are my passions," said Wesley with a smile.

They ate and talked and laughed. Jace thought it was going really well considering he was dating Wesley's only sister. There weren't any awkward pauses or weird conversations for the whole meal.

Then Wesley had to ask: "So, Jace, when will I meet your family?"

Jace cleared his throat and set down the bite he was about to take. City flashed a nervous glance his way.

"You don't have to answer, Jace—"

"No, no, it's fine," Jace reassured her. He turned back to Wesley. "My mom died when I was young, so I lived with a man who took me in as his own. I still work for him at his gym. Besides him and my two roommates, I don't have other family."

"I'm sorry for asking," said Wesley.

"It's okay, really. I'm happy with where I am today." Jace winked at City, who blushed.

The meal finished on a good note, despite that slightly awkward conversation, and soon it was time for Jace to leave again.

"A quick word, Jace?" muttered Wesley, nodding into the living room. Jace followed him in, with City watching them go around the corner to talk.

Wesley shifted on his feet. "I really like you, Jace," he began, "and I know you make City happy. She talks about you a lot, always with a smile." Wesley sighed. "I just... I hate to say this, but I don't want her to get hurt. I'm not sure what kind of crowd you run with, but she's been worried about you these past few weeks. She said something about getting in a fight and hanging around dangerous people..."

It was Jace's turn to shift uncomfortably. He braced himself for what was to come.

"But... I think you have good intentions. And I really want to trust you. I think you're a good guy, but if anything happened to her..."