Friendship to Lovers!

Chapter 22: Exceptional Chief!

"I don't hate either of you," Eve admitted.

"That's only a start," Jessica reaffirmed.

"Come on mom; let's just enjoy our time together.

Jessica's right, even if you don't treat me the same anymore, I still love you. The food smells wonderful! Don't you want to try your future daughter-in-law's cooking?" Dane asked, batting her eyes at her mother.

Eve actually smiled at the gesture, nodding her head in agreement. "Why not, I've offended the two of you enough I suppose. And Jessica I...I really do think you will make a fine wife for my daughter."

"Thank you Mrs. Wong," Jessica humbly accepted.

"You know, you do look exquisite with such vibrant features, and such rich hair it's so long. But it's obvious you're not comfortable in such a getup. Really now, you didn't have to put yourself out of the way for me.

As you have seen one of the worse sides of me; I owe you enough to be comfortable around me, as we're likely to be seeing a lot more of each other as in-laws. Dane, Jessica I'll help you, you know when you get married.

I feel like such an ass when I really do look at the two of you. Even though you are both...gay, you are two people every deeply in love.

At the drop of a hat you will near blindly defend the other, and the basis of that love. I'm going to make this solemn effort to do whatever I can, even with my prejudices," Eve divulged.

"Mom...," Dane lightly smiled, not sure how to take that.

"I'm sorry Dane; it's how I was brought up. My father especially hated gays and I learned to hate too, but even in this short time the two of you have shown me a different side of homosexuality.

You are both welcome in my house I want you to know that, and you can even stay in the same room. But, please though if you...you know, just try to keep the noise minimal; I'm not that comfortable as of yet," Eve asked slightly wincing.

Jessica giggled at Eve's discomfort. "Alright Mrs. Wong we'll be good. The only thing I'll want before I got to bed is a pair of shorts."

"Jessica!" Dane shrieked.

"Chill baby, I never said what they were for. Now come on let's eat I'm starving," Jessica suggested rubbing her stomach.

Eve took the pots from the oven, setting them in the centre of the table. Once the luggage was put away, and everyone washed up, dinner was finally served.

To her word, Jessica still wore the dress though it grew uncomfortable.

As they all for the first time sat at the table, Jessica held Dane's hand, and surprisingly Eve held Dane and Jessica's free hands. In a circle they did a simple prayer.

In its conclusion Jessica opened her eyes to see her girlfriend, and future mother-in-law holding hands alongside her. She smiled at Eve's efforts to accept the couple. Jessica was also given the honour of making the first plate.

"Let's see pot roast, potatoes and carrots; not a bad dish but you'll love it with a side of Japanese rice," Jessica announced scooping a generous heaping on the plate.

"Are you really going to eat all that?" Eve asked seeing the yellow dome on the plate.

"Nah, this is for you Mrs. Wong. Consider it a peace offering; come on its not poisonous. It's the same thing I make for Dane all the time and she loves it," Jessica reminded.

"Her cooking is awesome mom. You can take my word for it, she's doing her best to fatten me up," Dane revealed, though a little embarrassed.

""I...see," Eve nervously answered as she took the plate from Jessica.

"Well mom, this is my future wife. She's rude, crude and loves me totally nude. So anyway try the rice!" Dane urged, further hampering her mother.

"Okay, okay let me get my fork," Eve said while lowering her fork to the steaming rice.

Both girls watched as she scooped up a small mountain in the fork. Jessica especially followed the fork toward Eve's mouth. The lips parted, and like an iceberg floating toward an abyss it vanished.

The room was uncomfortably silent as they awaited the verdict.

Eve swished the rice in her mouth, letting the flavor reach full effect. She swallowed licking her lips ecstatically. "Oh my god Jessica you cooked this?" Eve shoved another mouthful of rice as Jemma nodded.

"See Mom I told you she's an awesome cook," Dane proudly complimented.

"If it's not any trouble, do you think you could show me how to make this? I know the girls in the pottery club would LOVE this. Kat Gandler makes yellow rice, but it tastes nowhere as good as this!" Eve praised.

"It'll be my pleasure, I Love your kitchen. See I'm a normal person; don't let my being gay put you off. Tell you what tomorrow; we can have a cooking day.

You can spend some time with your future daughter-in-law...can I wear one of your aprons?" Jessica excitedly asked.

"I'd really like that Jessica."

"But I want you to promise me one thing?" Jessica said turning serious.

"What's that?" Eve asked.

"If anyone asked where you got the recipe from--"

"Damn Jessica, you're really backing her against a wall," Dane grinned.

"You tell them that you got the recipe from your daughter's girlfriend. Can you make that itty bitty promise?" Jessica gingerly asked.

Eve hesitantly nodded, then looked at Dane's gleaming eyes. She honestly nodded. "I promise."

"Oh my god, this feels like we're a real family. Mom I hope you really do keep your promise; I don't know what I'd do if you ever shut the door in my face," Dane said with emphasis on the loneliness.

"Dane, I won't lie to you. I'm really not happy that you're gay, or that you're marrying a girl. But in the same sense, I'm happy that you have found someone who loves you for you.

All I want is for your happiness, even though it's by the least favorable means, I still love you and always will, and Jessica I openly welcome you into my family. My father on the other hand is deaf to this subject," Eve admitted.

"Baby, eat up your plate is getting cold. Remember you and Jessica are always welcome here. Especially you Jessica, I'd love to learn about Japanese cooking. Katherine is too upright with that," Eve noted.

"That's cool, I don't mind as long as my girl stays happy. Not be rude, but as soon as I'm done eating, this dress has to go," Jessica announced.

"Believe me it's going. After such a heartfelt discussion, and my mom's actual support, we're definitely 'celebrating' tonight. Is that okay with you mom?" Dane innocently asked, scooting closer to Jessica.

"You know I couldn't stop you if I wanted to. But you are two consenting adults, and being my guests you can do whatever you want. Though like I said please try to be discrete if possible, it's all I ask," Eve reminded.

"Don't worry we'll respect your rules; and I'll make breakfast tomorrow morning. Just tell me what you want before we go out tonight," Jessica added.

"Where are you going?"

"We're going clubbing. There's a LGBT club a few miles over, we might check it out, or just go to the other one," Dane clarified.

"My baby's all grown up and getting married; though one thing has been bugging me," Eve hinted.

"What would that be?" Jessica asked while having another slice of pot roast.

"When are you going to give me a little grandbaby?" Eve softly asked.

"Kids," Dane blushed looking bashfully as Jessica.

"Well um....," Jessica stammered, blushing deeper than Dane.

And everyone was laughing..