The Love of Jury Duty

Meeting Jake

"Where are we going?"

"We're having dinner with my friend."

I buckled Jacob into his car seat and made sure the house was locked up. Turning back to the car I saw Jake upset and pouting

"What's the problem?"

"I'm thirrrrstyyyy!!"

"Ugh be right back."

I unlocked the house, grabbed a Capri Sun and went back out to the car. I handed him the drink and got in and plugged in my phone to charge for the long drive.

"Are we seeing Kevin??"

"What? No! I told you Jacob, Kevin is gone. Why do you ask?"

"Cuz you look pretty."

"Awww thanks buddy."

There was so much rush hour traffic, but I knew Nick said 6 because he knew it was going to take forever to get there. I was anxious and nervous. Things hadn't really gone right the last 2 days and there was a ton of fear now that Jacob is involved.

I turned on a CD in my car and turned it up kind of loud. Jacob liked a lot of the stuff I played and he was used to the loud music. I needed to do something to get these nerves out.

The Fountains was awful when it came to parking so I had to drive around a bit. I finally found a space and got out. I straightened and smoothed out the light purple playsuit with pink roses on it. It made me feel taller especially with the black heels I was wearing. I smoothed out Jacobs red polo shirt and straightened his gray pants. He insisted on styling his hair with gel so I helped him out. We walked along the sidewalk and right next to a gelato store

"Mommy!! Ice cream!!"

"I know, but maybe after we eat. That sound good?"

"Do they have cheese sandwiches???"

"Oh...I'm not sure. We'll look. I'm sure they do."

I paused before the cross walk and knelt down in front of Jake

"So Jacob we're having dinner with mommy's friend. His name is Nick and he works on cars. He's very nice. Do you think you can be polite and use your good manners while we're here? No tantrums, smart mouthing me or anything? Please?"

"Is he like Kevin?"

"No. He's not like Kevin."

"Will he play with me?"

"Maybe. Not tonight though. Let's see how things go and maybe another time you guys can do something. But ONLY if this goes well. Ok?"

"Is he your boyfriend?"

"No sweetie. He's just a friend. Now remember good behavior and manners or no ice cream."

He held my hand crossing the street and I spotted Nick instantly. He was in his work clothes, but he had done his hair. He grinned seeing me and held open his arms. It made me blush and he grabbed me instantly and hugged me tight.

"You look beautiful."

"Thanks." I mumbled "I feel overdressed."

"No, I just came here from work."

He smiled and kissed my lips softly. Nick was so amazing and sweet. Every time his lips touched mine it was like something lit up inside of me.

Nick knelt down and smiled. Jake kind of hid behind me shyly. I smiled and moved him forward a little bit. He held tight to the hem of the playsuit watching Nick cautiously. He didn't want to get hurt anymore than I wanted him to.