Betraying my Brother

The Date

We walked into the Italian restaurant still holding hands. When Jason opened the door for me, I walked in and was surprised at the decorations in the place. I'm glad he told me how to dress because if I wore what I wore to school, I would be very underdressed.

"Like it?"

"Yeah it's really nice. How'd you know about this place?"

"My grandfather owns it, but don't worry he's not working tonight, so you don't have to meet the in laws just yet," Jason smiled over at me, and I giggled. Jason didn't seem that bad but I am still leaving my guard up.

"Can I help you?"

"Table for Macarthy."

"Come on back, your table is all set."

Jason left his hand in mine as he followed the hostess to our table. It was a table in the back that seemed more secluded than the others. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

Jason motioned for me to go first and I asked for a water as he ordered a coke.

"So I have a question."

"Is it another personal question?"

"Do you have an ulterior motive involving my brother for going on a date with me?"

"Wow, you really do jump right in. Do you want this date to suffer? But no, I don't have an ulterior motive involving your brother," Jason stared directly into my eyes, and I didn't detect anything that would tell me that he was lying, but I also didn't know him. "Whatever happens, is between us. I don't need your brother to be mad to win in the playoffs," Jason smirked and I just rolled my eyes.

"Now can I ask you a question," Jason asked, and I gestured for him to go on.

"Excuse me for interrupting, I came with your drinks. I'm Caylee, and I will be your server for the night. Are you both ready to order?"

Jason motioned for me to go first once again, "Can I get the ravioli plate please?" Caylee nodded and turned to Jason. "I'll get the chicken parm." Caylee nodded and headed off to a different table.

"Now, my question. What does AJ stand for?"

I made a face. I hated my first name. Jason noticed my face and laughed, probably assuming the worst, "Amanda Josephine."

"What's so bad about that?"

"Nothing really, I'm just not a fan of it."

Truth be told, my mom was the one that called me Amanda Josephine. I just didn't feel like telling that story right now.

"Huh."

We made small talk until our food came. I was surprised that I was enjoying myself.

The food was delicious, and I made a mental note to keep this place in mind when I'm looking for something other than pizza palace. "Jason?" He seemed shocked and that's when I realized it was the first time I used his name. "If your grandfather owns the restaurant, how do these people not know who you are?"

Jason smiled sheepishly, and scratched the back of his neck. It was the first time he seemed nervous all night. "I kind of called ahead to tell them to act like they didn't know me. It slipped out of my mouth when I told you my grandfather owned it. I just wanted a nice, quiet restaurant so we could talk, and I knew this was a great place." I laughed at his reasoning, and he rolled his eyes but still smiled at me. Who knew Jason Macarthy would be such a romantic.

"Yeah, yeah. Are you ready?" I nodded, and he threw money on the table while putting out his other hand for me to take. I put my hand in his, not even having to think twice.

We walked back out to his truck before I remembered where I was going tonight. "Do you mind dropping me off at my friends house? I'm staying there tonight."

"Avoiding your brother I see," he smirked as he pulled out of the parking lot.

"I am not." The lie was clear as day in my voice, and Jason clearly heard it because he laughed once more.

"Regardless, yes, I will drop you off at your friend's house."

"Thank you." He smiled and nodded. The twenty minute ride back to my town was quiet until I had to give him directions to get to Madison's house which was only a few streets from mine. He pulled up to the front of Madison's house and shut off his truck.

"I'll walk you to the door. Don't open your door yet."

He got out and walked to my side of the truck. I couldn't help but notice the small limp he was sporting now.

He opened the door and put out his hand for me to take, but before I did I blurted out, "You're limping."

"Yeah, that happens when you have a sprained ankle."

"You should've used your crutches. I wouldn't have minded."

"I would've. I wouldn't be able to hold your hand."

I was taken aback but put my hand in his one last time. We walked up Madison's driveway to get to the path that led to her door. I was still shocked from his previous statement but I managed to say, "Thank you. I surprisingly had a good time."

Jason laughed and replied, "Well, shit, so did I. So now what?"

I shrugged my shoulders. He may still be out to get my brother, but I really did enjoy tonight, and I wouldn't mind seeing him again.

"Well, talk it over with your friend in there, she seems to be pretty smart," he winked and turned around heading to his truck. I turned to knock but just before I hit the door, he called out to me. I turned around to see him jogging towards me. He probably shouldn't be doing that with his ankle. "I was planning on being the complete gentleman tonight, but it's the end of the date, and I need to do this," and that's when he kissed me.

I was shocked at first, but I quickly put my arms around his neck, and he wrapped his arms around my waist. He bit my bottom lip, asking for entrance that he didn't need as I quickly granted it. We stood there making out for some time before I heard a throat clearing behind us. We jumped apart and I turned to see Madison in the doorway smirking.

"Well, looks like I was right to tell you to go on that date, huh?" I glared at her as Jason tried to cover his laugh with a cough unsuccessfully. I turned back to him and his eyes were shining with amusement for the second time since I met him.

"Yeah, thanks for talking her into coming out with me. I'm Jason," he put his hand out to her.

She looked at it before putting her hand in his, "I know," she smiled, "I'm Madison. It's nice to formally meet you. AJ, I'll be inside." She closed the door with a smirk directed towards me. I could kill her right now.

"So looks like you may not need her to talk you into a second date if before was any indication."

I opened and closed my mouth, not knowing what to say. Jason chuckled and leaned in to peck my lips before standing straight once more. "Have a good night, AJ."

"No pet name?"

"You're too special for a pet name," he waved once he got to his truck, and I waved back. This guy is leaving me speechless more than I would like him too. Plus what the hell did he mean by that?

I watched him drive away before walking into the living room where I heard the television on.

Madison was smiling at me, jumping with excitement. "Tell me everything!" And so I did. Madison squealed for five minutes straight when I finished telling her about the date. When we finally went upstairs to sleep my phone went off. I looked at the text and smiled. "Sleep tight AJ. Thanks for tonight."

"Good night Jason. I'll talk to you later."