Inevitable Love ≫ J.G

Chapter XXIX

"Is this your boyfriend?" My dad asked, standing up trying to look tough. I shook my head, "No, but we're together...if that makes sense." I mumbled.

My dad walked over to us, his hands in both of his pockets and a stern look on his face. He stood face to face with Jack, I could tell Jack was a mix of nervous and scared by how tight he was holding my hand. His Adams apple bounced as he gulp, licking his lips, "It's nice to finally meet you, Mr. Andrews." Jack choked out, holding out his other hand politely.

"Finally huh? Are you trying to say I'm not around my daughter enough?" He asked, raising his eyebrow.

Jack's eyes widen, "What? N-No, that's not what I'm s-"

My dad's chuckle cut him off, "I'm just messing with you, Jack." He shook his hand reassuringly. I smiled and shook my head, holding the bridge of my nose while I lowered my head.

"Oh lighten up sweetie, " My dad said, "I'm just messing with him. "

"You scared the heck out of him, the color basically drained out his face dad. That's not funny." I sighed.

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry. Jack I apologize if I scared you, I'm just trying to be the tough dad but truth is, I'm not." He shrugged, "Unless you hurt my daughter then I'll kill you." He patted his shoulder and walked away.

Jack looked down at me and gave me a smile while exhaling in relief. I rubbed his arm, "Sorry about that, he tries too hard sometimes." I apologized. He shook his head, "No, it's fine. I'm just happy he was joking."

I grabbed his hand, "We still have a bunch of people to meet. Think you can handle it?" I asked, raising my eyebrow with a sly smirk.

______

After countless questions about Jacks "intentions" with me, everyone finally calmed down with the questions. Jack was watching another football game with my uncles, Chase and few of my older cousins.

Yelling over how the quarterback needed to throw the ball and how one of the players needed to start running was one of the only sounds in the house, except the giggles from my sister and little cousins.

"Observing as always I see, " My mom stood beside me, a wine filled glass in her hands and a smirk painted on her face. I turned to look at her and shrugged, "Of course, gotta know your surroundings right. You and dad always taught me that." I smiled softly.

My mom ran her hand over my hair, "I'm so proud of you. You're only eighteen but yet you're so mature. Look at you, living on your own, taking care of the bills, cooking and taking care of yourself. I'm very proud of the young woman you're becoming, it's gonna get your far in life y'know. Your independence."

I smiled, "I honestly don't know how I do it. It's hard y'know, especially since I'm so young. But I manage evidently. I just wish I could find a better job, " I groaned.

"What's wrong with the one at the restaurant?" She asked, furrowing her eyebrows.

"I've been working there for three years and I'm still a waitress. Not an assistant manager or a manager. It's like they don't believe in me enough, it's irritating and the money use to be good but now it's just - not enough. I'm struggling but I'm making it so far, I just either need to find a new job or get another one so I'd have two." I explained.

My looked at me sympathetically, "Oh Skylar, I'-"

"I don't need your pity mom, I got this. Trust me, one way or another I'm gonna make some more money." I reassured her.

"Now don't go get yourself into any trouble." She said sternly, raising her eyebrow.

I chuckled, "I'm tough but not that tough. No worries, I'll be fine."