Page 49 of Embers of You
“Ma,” Jameson cuts her off.
“We’re just friends, Mrs. Turner, that’s why I’m here.”
“Ah, yes,friends.” She winks at me and I bury myself in the menu pretending to decide what I’m going to order as if I don’t order the same thing at almost every restaurant I go to.
Though, this place is a bit fancier than I’m used to so instead of the chicken tenders I would usually try to order I’m choosing some grilled chicken and vegetables.
“So how long have you all lived in Amity?” I ask to try and pull any attention from myself so no one asks me any questions.
“I’m from here, actually.” I assume she’s referring to Aberdeen, where we currently are. “Benjamin was here attending college when we met and decided we wanted to find somewhere small to settle down, found the beautiful property in Amity and the rest is history.”
She looks over at her husband, and I’m just now realizing I didn’t know his name until right now. His gaze softens toward his wife and I smile.
“And all we wanted was for Jameson here to take over the ranch, but he wanted to run off to the tropics instead.” Benjamin’s face hardens again as he faces his son, his gruff voice only makes him sound resentful.
My spine stiffens at his tone and I feel Jameson tense next to me. Without thinking I place my hand on his thigh, attempting to comfort him.
“Benjamin,” Jameson’s mom scolds softly.
“And now I’m back,” Jameson says through gritted teeth.
“Which we’re both so happy about.” She reaches her hand across the table with a wide smile.
Benjamin huffs and Jameson clenches his jaw.
“I’m happy about it, too.” The words escape my mouth before I’m able to stop them, I just want to do anything to help ease the tension that has come over the table.
His eyes swing over to me in shock. I give him a soft smile and squeeze his thigh. He seems to relax slightly, his hand covering mine. “Me, too.”
CHAPTER 24
Jameson
I wanteddinner to go smooth, and I thought maybe my dad and I could get along for my mom’s sake. Sutton is with us and fits in so well with my mom. Then, of course my dad couldn’t hold back his comment even though this dinner was his idea.
The only thing that kept me stable was Sutton’s hand on my leg. Knowing she was right there with me. Luckily, Ma was able to draw the awkward tension away from the territory it ventured into.
The rest of dinner goes well, my dad stays mostly silent as he usually does. I subtly pull Sutton a little closer to me, and whisper a soft, “thank you,” into her ear.
Despite my parent’s protest, I pay for dinner, and refuse to let either of them argue with me about it. Sutton too, but she continues to insist it’s not a date. Of course it’s not, I would never bring my parents on a first date. Or second, whichever this would count for us.
On the drive back to Sutton’s house, I notice Ma dozing off in the backseat, her head resting on my dad’s shoulder. Music playssoftly throughout the cab while no one speaks. Sutton is looking out the passenger window with her head resting on her hand. I almost think she’s fallen asleep, until I park outside of her house and she sits up, looking over at me, her mouth pulled up in the smallest smile.
“Thank you,” she says quietly.
“I’ll walk you to your door.” I’m already climbing out and walking over to help her out.
I walk her the short distance to her front door, and when we get there she turns to face me. I stand so she’s hidden from view of my parents because I swear my mom has some sort of sixth sense. Even if she fell asleep, she’s probably awake now and staring at us, just to make sure she doesn’t miss the chance to give me a hard time.
“Thank you for coming with me,” I tell her sincerely.
“It was…fun.” I hear her hesitation and chuckle.
“You don’t have to lie, it was awkward and that’s okay.”
She shakes her head. “No, not awkward. Your mom is amazing, your dad seems…nice.”
“He and I have our issues; it’s really okay.”
