Gentlemen Only

Al Dente

***if I didn't lose you because of late updates please shout out, give me comments on your likes and dislikes and help a girl out. I wasn't a huge fan of this chapter happening so soon but the tension kind of exploded and there's plenty more to follow***

Meredith stared at the tiny, aromatic restaurant before her, a familiar gnawing in her stomach increasing as the scent of spices tickled her nose. She'd forgotten that Jet's parents were well known chefs who, despite their slow uphill climb in culinary universe popularity, were contented to continue quietly operating their small family restaurant.

A scintillating waft of simmering oregano and basil billowed from an open window, no doubt a deliberate gesture to draw in hungry passerby. Homey hedges and butterfly plants dotted the sides of the walkway, luring in pollen covered honeybees.
The building itself was no bigger than a cottage, but the boisterous chatter coming from inside was a testament to how loved the little restaurant was.

Meredith lost herself for a moment and openly gazed at Jet. Sometimes she forgot his humble upbringing. There was always an air of mystery surrounding him, but it wasn't part of him. She thought him to be very transparent, as far as her understanding of men went, and the elusiveness that shadowed him didn't encompass his being, nor did it have any bearing on his character.
Quite honestly, she had no idea how she felt about him. Most of the time her emotions manifested like anxiety, no matter their true nature, so it was exceptionally difficult to distinguish one from another. Most feelings resulted in nervousness even if they didn't start that way.

Meredith's focus was transfixed solely on his sharp features. His hard, set jaw and tense, squared shoulders visibly relaxed as he opened the heavy wooden door of the restaurant. A soft grin of relief crossed his mouth, pulling his lips into a wonderful bow shape. A short, slim woman, whom she assumed was his mother, pulled him into a bone crushing hug.
Immediately a torrent of frenzied, joyous Italian rolled off the older woman's tongue. Her aged fingers stroked Jet's cheeks lovingly as she gazed into his eyes, lashes glistening with tears of happiness.

Meredith only knew enough Italian to gather they were saying 'I love you', and she blushed at being witness to such passion. It had been a long time since such parental love existed in her life. Jet pulled his mother closer, murmuring something inaudible into her silver streaked hair. The woman whipped her head in Meredith's direction, warm chocolate eyes poring intently over the young woman's features.

Meredith shifted uncomfortably as the agonizingly slow seconds ticked by while the woman observed her appearance to the last detail. Meredith let out a stale breath as the woman turned and asked Jet something. She hadn't a clue what, but it made his cheeks flare and he nodded reluctantly, a sheepish smile tugging at his mouth. He replied in an undertone, eyes flicking to Meredith's briefly. A hot, heavy, tumultuous emotion burned in his stare and it caused her to recoil slightly. It also made her heart jump in her chest, and her breathing hitched.

His mother's smile widened, and she gave a small, cheerful squeal, babbling even faster now in her native tongue. Jet attempted to calm her, bringing her back into their embrace, this time replying in English.

"No mama, I haven't." His tone was playful but warning.

"Why not?" His mother scowled, flicking him with a dish towel. "You're getting old. Hurry up." She chided.

"I will mama, I will." He shushed her, but as it goes with persistent mothers, she brushed past his arm and started toward Meredith.

"Do I get to meet this lovely girl?"

"Of course, mama." Jet rolled his eyes, crossing the distance in a step and offering an arm to Meredith. She hesitantly placed a trembling palm on his firm bicep and allowed him to lead her forward.