Zoey's POV
I didn't tell him about dinner with my parents. Truth is, I didn't even think he'd be able to make it. So why mention it? No one was more surprised than me when he trudged through the kitchen half asleep, shirtless in his gym shorts and grabbed a Red bull from the fridge. I watched him carefully from the table where I was sipping my orange juice and reading my Entertainment Weekly magazine.
"Good morning," I said brightly, relatively happy to see him.
He mumbled something that sounded vaguely like "Fucking morning." I watched him grab the loaf of bread and proceed to make himself toast.
"You guys aren't working today?" I asked.
He looked at me, his brown eyes bloodshot and tired "Nope. We get the day off. Heard you had other plans for me today."
"Zacky told you about dinner. Good at least it saves me from having to do it," I shrugged.
"When were you going to tell me about it?" he asked as his toast popped up. He opened the fridge and grabbed the butter.
"I actually wasn't. Didn't think you'd be able to make it."
"I wouldn't miss it even if we were still in the studio today," he frowned as he covered his toast in butter.
"Really?"
"Um yeah. You came to dinner with my family. It's only right that I come to dinner with yours. Get all the awkward questions and stares out of the way."
He seemed entirely too at ease with a situation that made me uncomfortable. And they were my own fucking family.
Funny though, later on during the drive over, he was extremely quiet. Either he was just really tired or really nervous. I like to think it was just exhaustion but I could have been wrong. Either way I ignored whatever it was. I smiled to myself as he drove.
"What are you smiling about?" he asked.
"Nothing. Do you remember everything we discussed?"
He gave a suffering sigh. "Yes. We went over all your family members in detail. I know names and general backgrounds. For God's sake, Zoey, your brother is one of my best friends. There isn't much I don't know about your family."
I conceded the point and pointed toward the upcoming street sign. "Here's the turn for my parents'."
He pulled into the circular driveway and cut the engine.
I never realized how much I missed home until I saw it. I loved the old white Victorian house. Even from outside, it brought back so many happy memories. Weeping willow trees surrounded the edges of the lawn. Large picture windows with black shutters dotted the front. I sighed deeply as the home of my childhood settled around me like a comforting blanket.
"Are you ready?" he asked breaking the spell and I glanced at him.
His face was tired but his eyes were calm. He looked so handsome in his white Calvin Klein T-shirt, relaxed fit jeans and his favorite black boots. His longer dark hair was neatly tamed except for one stray lock over his brow. I resisted the urge to lean over and push it out of his face.
"I'm ready. Are you?" I asked making my way up the walkway to the porch."You look nervous."
His eyebrows crashed together "Fucking do not."
"We're supposed to be madly in love. If they suspect otherwise, my mother will make my life a living hell. So put on a good act. And don't be afraid to touch me. We're part Italian so that's encouraged. If you don't, she'll really suspect something is up. Except, try not to get overly excited about it."
He glared. Too soon to make that joke I guess. "I'm not afraid to touch you."
"Good," I replied as I reached out and brushed the errant hair away from his eyes.
The front door swung wide open and I mumbled "Show time."
"Well, well, well what do we have here," Zina's bright voice called as she looked from me to Brian.
"Hey Z," I said walking into the house and giving her a brief hug. "You know Brian."
"Of course I know Brian," she said loudly to let everyone know we were there "Congratulations and welcome to the family!"
Brian's tired mood shifted automatically and he smirked "Thanks Zina. Good to see you."
She nodded in response "You remember Edward, right?"
"Of course, I do, hey man how are you doing?" Brian asked as he shook hands with the other man, "It's been a while."
Edward chuckled warmly "Too long, man, too long. Come on in. How awesome is this? Childhood friends and now husband and wife!"
Both Brian and I looked at each with the expected goofy smile.
I was too busy paying attention to him that I didn't see my nephew Gavin coming at me at full speed throwing his arms around my waist. "Aunt Zoey, what did you bring me?"
Zina frowned "Gavin, Aunt Zoey doesn't have to bring you presents every time she sees you."
The little boy imitated his mother's expression "But she always does."
"Sorry Gavin, I didn't get a chance this time," I said wrapping my arms around him in a big hug. Zina seemed satisfied and motioned for us to follow her. She and Edward walked toward the kitchen where I knew my mother was waiting.
"Gavin," I hissed and Brian looked frightened. I pulled a large candy bar out of purse. I couldn't tell who was more surprised the kid or my husband. "You didn't get this from me, kid. Mom catches you and I have no idea who you are."
Gavin nodded a huge grin on his face and ran off up the stairs.
"So among other things, you're an illegal chocolate dealer?" Brian asked following me through the house.
"Among other things," I smiled.
"Great, you guys are here. Now we can eat," Zacky acknowledged as we finally made it to the kitchen where the rest of my family was congregated.
"Always thinking about food, Zacky. Where is Gena?" I asked looking for the blonde.
"I'm here," she cried happily walking back into the kitchen with a large flowered apron on. "Your mom is teaching me how to cook."
Brian clapped Matt on the back before giving Zacky a handshake "Long time, no see, man."
"Glad the warden gave us a few hours off to eat properly," Zacky agreed.
A demanding squeal pulled my attention away as my niece Gianna ran by. I lifted up the dark blond angel at my feet and covered with kisses. "Gianna the Terrible," I said, "This is Brian. Uncle Brian to you, squirt."
Gianna looked him over with the careful attentiveness only a kid is capable of. Brian smirked and awaited her opinion with patience.
Then her face broke into a sunny smile. "Hi, Brian!"
He smiled back. "Hi there, Gee."
"Approval bestowed," I replied.
Poor Brian didn't even get to enjoy that stamp of approval before my mother grabbed his cheeks and gave him a smacking kiss. "Brian, you're all grown up. And how handsome you are. What gorgeous grandchildren that will make for me."
"MOM!" I cried out in embarrassment as I noticed Brian's wide eyed, red cheeked expression.
He cleared his throat. "Umm, thank you, Mrs. Baker. It's been a long time."
My dad gave him a friendly punch in the shoulder. "Hey, Brian, haven't seen you in centuries. Now I hear you're my son in law. Would have been nice if you'd asked for my youngest daughter but I'll go ahead and give her to you now."
"Thanks, Mr. Baker," Brian said extending his hand and my father took it appreciatively.
"Call me Jim," he said. "I remember you used to torture my little girl on many occasions. I think her first official curse word came out with you in mind."
Brian smiled devilishly "I think I still have that effect."
"Everyone inside," Maria commanded " We'll have a champagne toast, eat, and then have some good espresso."
"Can I have champagne?"Gavin asked.
"Me, too?" Gianna cried.
"You two will have sparkling cider," Maria said sternly.
I smiled down at the shiny-eyed girl in my arms. "Okay, squirt. Apple juice for you." I placed her back on the ground and watched her race to the dining room to get in on all the excitement. The embracing warmth of my family settled around me like a fuzzy cloak and fought with the nerves jumping in around in my stomach.
Could we pull this off? If my parents suspected my marriage was totally fake to save myself from looking like a fool to the public, they'd never forgive me. Or Brian.
The hours passed with hearty Italian lasagna, fresh garlic bread with cheese and herbs, and a bottle of Chianti. By the time we retired to the living room for espresso and champagne, a nice buzz hummed in my blood, fueled by good food and good conversation. I glanced up at Brian as he settled himself next to me at a close distance on the worn beige sofa, his arm thrown about my shoulders casually. I was tempted to lean on his shoulder and fall into a soothing sleep.
"No you don't Zoey-bear. I know that look. Do not fall asleep!" Zina's loud voice warned "you owe me help with the dishes."
"I'm not asleep, Z," I muttered, pulling myself away from the couch. Brian chuckled softly as he continued to focus on the conversation that my dad and Zacky were having.
"I'll help," Gena added and followed behind me.
We made it all the way to kitchen before I was met by two large brown eyes looking at me, Gavin."Hey, squirt."
"Aunt Zoey, I want ice cream."
I looked at Zina who shook her head "Gavin, you didn't eat your dinner. You have to eat some real food before you get ice cream.
I gave all the impressions of agreeing with my big sister but I said in a low whisper "You can have some later."
"Okay. I want an olive," he declared.
"Green or black?"
He made a terrible face only a 6 year old could master. "Green is yucky."
I handed him one from the jar on the counter and he chewed it thoughtfully "Hmmm. Now can I have ice cream?"
Zina and I laughed in unison. "Later."
"Okay." Gavin scurried off .
"That's some kid," I told Zina as I started the faucet to run for hot water.
"He's a handful, but mom says I get what I gave out," Zina replied as she worked on storing left overs.
I put the basket strainer in the sink to fill the sink. Once a decent water level was reached, I moved dishes from the opposite side of the sink to the dishwater. When reaching for the last of the dishes, I panicked as I realized my wedding ring wasn't on my hand anymore.
"Shit!" I cried.
"What happened?" Gena asked, alarmed.
"My wedding ring went down the drain," I said frowning.
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Brian's POV
I enjoyed watching Zoey enjoy the closeness of her family. It didn't hurt that I had Zacky to act as a buffer. I listened carefully as Jim and Edward talked about upcoming business projects. I tried to help in offering dating advice to Matt who seemed particularly perplexed by some girl that he'd been longing to date but didn't seem to be able to get to commit.
Needing a break to get up and stretch before I passed out from exhaustion, I excused myself and walked down the hallway to find an empty bathroom. On my way, I glimpsed Zoey laughing with her sister and Gena. It gave me an unfamiliar feeling in the pit of my stomach.
I was stopped mid-stride by Gavin. "Hi," he said in his small voice.
"Hi," I said back.
His wide eyes were serious, and I swallowed hard, wondering if I had to make conversation with him or if it would be acceptable to just step around and move on.
"Uh, I'm just looking for the bathroom."
"I have to go potty, too," he announced.
"Oh. Okay, why don't you get your mommy?"
"She's busy and I have to go bad. Come on."
He reached out a small hand and I panicked. There was no way in hell I was going to take a 6 yr old to the potty. I didn't know what to do. What if there was a problem? I backed off a few steps and shook my head. "Uh, no, Gavin, why don't you get Aunt Zoey or Aunt Gena to take you?"
His face screwed up a bit. "Gotta go now. Bad."
"Wait here." I turned and went back to the kitchen.
"Zoey?" I called in her direction and she turned to look at me with wide eyes, a look of guilt. But for what?
"What's wrong?"
"Your nephew needs you to take him potty."
She paused before looking at Gena and Zina. "I'm busy now, Brian. Just go in with him, okay? It'll only take a minute."
I heard a low mumble from Zina and then a giggle.
I sighed as I retreated, afraid to admit I couldn't handle it in front of a bunch of women who would find it hilarious. I turned back to the little boy who was hopping from foot to foot. "Okay, let's go. Hold it, hold it, hold it." I chanted the same line over and over as I slammed the door and picked up the lid.
Gavin seemed to know what to do and after a few seconds, I heard a sigh of relief and a slow steady trickle that told me so far everything worked okay. My confidence came back. I could handle a kid. Nothing to be afraid of.
"I want ice cream."
Oh, shit. I tried reciting the same words Zoey had used that worked so well. "You can have ice cream after you eat your dinner."
"No, now."
I took a gulping breath and tried again. "You can definitely have ice cream. But just wait a bit longer, okay?"
His lower lip trembled. "I want ice cream now. I've waited, and waited, and I promise I'll eat all of my dinner if you get me some now. Please?"
What the hell was I supposed to do? I reminded myself I was a damn good and successful musician. How hard could standing up to a 6 yr old be? I tried keeping my voice firm.
"First eat your dinner, then you can have ice cream. You have to listen to your mom and your aunt."
The lower lip wobbled even more. Tears filled the big brown eyes. "But Mommy and Aunt Zoey and Grandma never listen to me. I promise, promise, promise to eat everything on my plate, but I want some now. You can sneak it from the freezer and I'll eat it right here and I'll never tell. And you will be my best friend forever and ever! Please, Uncle Brian!"
I squirmed in pure terror and stuck to my guns. "I can't."
And that's when the kid started to cry. At first I thought I was immune. I'd ignored my fair share of crying ladies and never batted an eye. I thought I'd let the kid cry a couple of tears, then he'd calm down. I'd walk him back to his mother and still be the adult in this whole thing. But he opened his mouth and wailed while tears dripped down his smooth, rosy cheeks. His lips shook and he looked so miserable I couldn't take it anymore. After begging him to please stop and he continuing, I did the only thing left.
"Okay, I'll get you the ice cream."
The tears stopped immediately and he wiped his nose with the back of his hand. "Okay Uncle Brian, I'll wait here."
I walked back out in the hallway. I figured I'd meet a parent or grandparent or aunt or uncle (Zacky, where the fuck were you when I needed you) along the way to stop me, but I just walked into the kitchen filled with chaos, opened the freezer, and found a Popsicle. Still I paused, awaiting discovery. Nothing. So, I unwrapped the Popsicle, grabbed a napkin, and walked back to the bath- room.
Gavin was standing on the stool rubbing his soapy hands together under the running water. I held the ice cream and he reached his chubby hand out and broke into one of the sweetest smiles I had ever seen in my life. My heart did a quick meltdown as he stared at me and promised the world. "Thank you. You will be my very best new friend!"
Pride streamed through me as he enjoyed his ice cream. Kids were always hungry anyway, so I was positive he'd eat his something eventually but decided I'd better tell him this whole thing was to be kept under wraps.
"Uh, Gavin?"
"What?" he asked as he slurped his ice cream.
"Don't forget this is a secret, okay? Just between you and me."
He nodded seriously. "Gianna and me have lots of secrets together. But we can't tell anybody."
I nodded with satisfaction. "Exactly. Secrets aren't told to anybody."
Someone knocked on the door. "Brian, are you in there?"
"Go away, Zoey, we're fine. Be out in a minute."
"Auntie Zoey, guess what?" Gavin screamed. "I got ice cream!"
I closed my eyes. "Dude, Gavin, I thought we were best buds."
The door swung open. I could only imagine the scene Zoey saw before her.
"Ah, shit." I mumbled.
"Shit. Shit, shit, shit," Gavin repeated happily. "See my ice cream, Auntie Zoey? I got it from Uncle Brian! My new best friend."
I waited for the explosion. The laughter. Anything but the dead silence from the bathroom doorway. When I finally got brave enough to look at her, she was staring with sheer amazement, shock, and another emotion I didn't understand. Almost tenderness.
She cleared her throat and got to work. "You really did it this time, squirt. Have one last bite and give the pop to me."
"Okay." I wondered why he didn't argue with Zoey, then figured I should be grateful. My wife deftly wrapped the leftover ice cream in a wad of tissues and buried it in the bathroom garbage. She nudged me aside, helped Gavin wash the ice cream from his sticky hands and did a quick wipe of his mouth to remove any evidence. Then Zoey walked out of the bathroom with her very happy nephew. She squatted and spoke directly in Gavin's ear. The little boy nodded, then took off to join the guests.
"What did you say to him?" I asked.
She smiled with an experienced smugness. "Told him if he breathed a word about any ice cream, he'd never get any more from us. Trust me, the kid speaks our language."
"You're not mad?"
She turned to face me. "Are you kidding? You have no idea how many things I've snuck that little devil. He cried, didn't he?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"Happens to me all the time," she replied as she followed her nephew down the hall. "You didn't stand a chance."