Before You

Chapter 46

I keep glancing back and forth between Jett and Mason unsure of what to say. I don't understand why there's so much tension in the first place. Jett and Mason are both great guys. I think they could even get along if they would try to be civil. It's seem like they haven't liked each other since they met the night we were all together at Barneys. Maybe something was said between them that I didn't hear. I still don't understand what the exact issue is. I look over at my mother. She glances between Jett, Mason, and myself. She's trying to analyze what's happening before her, putting together the pieces as best as she can. I take a few small steps in their direction.

"I can't believe you're here. How did you know where to find me?" I ask Jett.

Jett walks over to me and wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me in for an embrace. "I'll tell you all about it later." He says smiling and breaks his focus on Mason.

Mason focuses his attention on my mother. "Hello, Ms. Turner. It's nice to see you again."

My mother's body relaxes as she responds. "Hello Mason. It's nice to see you again as well. How have you been?"

"Very well, thank you. Especially since Evy's home for the week. It's always great to spend time with her." He says meeting my eyes.

I can feel Jett's body shift next to mine. I can tell he's uncomfortable without even looking at his face. I need to put some space between myself and everyone else. I walk over to the accent chair in the living room and take a seat.

"Yes, it's nice having Evy home for the week." My mother adds. "Would anyone like some tea?"

"I would love some." Jett speaks up.

"None for me thank you. I have to go." Mason says as he looks in my direction. "I'll call you later Evy."

"Okay." I say with a smile.

I watch as Mason leaves the room, shutting the front door behind him. I focus my attention back on Jett as he takes a seat on the couch in front of me. My mother leaves us in the living room to go make some tea. Jett sits on the couch with his hands propped up on his legs. His mood has lifted and he seems happy now that Mason is gone. I walk over to the couch and sit next to him.

"I still can't believe you're here." I say to him.

"I wanted to surprise you." He says smiling at me. "I know you were nervous about telling your mother about us. I thought that maybe meeting her would give you some support, but also ease any worries she may have about me."

I stare at Jett in silence. He really is the most thoughtful person I know. "Do you know how incredible you are?"

Jett responds with a smile and takes my hand in his.

"You should know that I haven't told my mother about us yet." I tell him. "I'll explain later why it took this long, but I think now is a good time."

My mother walks back into the living room, handing Jett a glass of sweet tea. "Here you go, Jett."

"Thank you Ms. Turner." He speaks up.

My mother takes a seat on the accent chair and I decide now is as good a time as any for this conversation to happen. I can only hope that she'll save her crazy mood swings for after Jett leaves.

I look back at Jett. "So how long have you been here?"

"Not long." He replies. "I had just introduced myself to your mother when you arrived. I thought you would have been here. I'm sorry. I should have called first."

"No, it's fine. I'm glad you're here." I say to him.

My mother sits quietly across from us. She glances between the two of us, but is taking her time deciding when the best time for her to speak is. This has never happened before. I've never even had a male friend in my house before, until today. Now she's had the surprise of having both Jett and Mason here at the same time.