Book 2: Chapter 52

**Chapter 52**

The following night I found myself with Jay getting ready to have dinner with my mom and Jeremy. We were going out to a restaurant because we couldn't possibly have dinner here. Then Jeremy couldn't make us dinner at the Hadid's since Cyrus would see. Instead, we were going to go to a cute little diner that Jay loved. It was the early evening so we would get good prices too. I let Jay pick out the place and sent over the address to my mom so they could meet us there.

After my mom brought up that she didn't know him well, we had to have dinner. Moving in still wasn't decided but it was a better time than any for Jay to get acquainted with my mother. After all, her opinion of who I dated meant a lot to me. If she approved of him then something right was being done. There wasn't much to worry about as Jay was a great guy. However, it didn't make me feel any less nervous. The good thing was we didn't have to dress overly nice to please my mom or Jeremy. One less thing to stress about.

Jay and I were already at the diner and he sensed my nervousness from a mile away. "Gorgeous, relax. Things are going to go just fine." He reassured me.

That wasn't going to cut it though. "You don't know my mom," I warn. "I'm afraid she'll say something to embarrass me." My cheeks turn red.

He chuckled wrapping his arm around me. "That's what parents are for, A. It's only natural." He didn't seem to mind that.

I sighed. "I know...I just never had to do this before." I admit.

His eyes look down at me confused. "You mean you never introduced your mom to any of your boyfriends before?" That shocked him.

My head shakes. "If I had any boyfriends I would have but you're the first person to hold that title."

I wouldn't say that I never talked to guys before meeting Cyrus or Jay. None of them resulted in what this did though. It was always simple high school love that was not going to go anywhere. Of course, I had crushes on guys. There were a few people that caught my attention, but it was never anything like this. Jay and I were serious about each other. We might be moving in together when this is all over. To say this wasn't a big deal would be a lie! It was massive!

Even with it being a big deal, I was confident that Jay would make a positive impression on my mom. If I decided to make the move to Sunbury she would at least know that I'm in good hands. I guess that because this was my first time doing anything like this it made me nervous. I don't know if I was expecting it to go bad but I'm always overreacting. This was no different from any other time.

Jay knew that and didn't hesitate to comfort me in his little way. Taking my hand, he kissed my knuckles providing me with a soft smile right after. His blue eyes were bright and despite this being very last minute, he was ready for this moment. I mean I did meet his parents so it's safe to say it was time he met mine.

"I promise everything will be fine sweetheart," he coos. "And if not then you don't have to make me breakfast anymore."

I laughed at his silliness. "Please, you would cry if I stopped doing that." He would for sure but it didn't make it any less funny.

He chuckles. "You're not wrong about that but I'm willing to make sacrifices," he smiles holding me close.

"You're always willing to sacrifice," I smile. "You don't always have to ya know."

That he disagreed with. "Maybe but I'd do anything to keep you happy."

We smile at each other before his fingers find their way under my chin. He lifts my face to his locking us in a deep sensual kiss. It's been a couple of days since I've seen him. After the bachelorette party, I stayed at the Hadid's house also spending a night with Cyrus that went well, but didn't at the same time. This right here I couldn't get anywhere else. Jay was just on a whole different level it was hard for me to compare him to anybody. Taking time away from me did him well as he came back a better man. He was perfect. Almost as perfect as this kiss.

That being said, in the middle of it, that's when Jeremy and my mom decided to show up. It was awkward that she caught us in an intimate situation. Thankfully it was a lot more tame than it normally would be. It didn't make it any better that she caught us red-handed. My cheeks couldn't get any hotter than they were right now. Of course, Jay found it amusing laughing at my embarrassment.

After sharing some greetings, a waiter came over with menus and took our drink orders as we scanned over the menu for food. They had a lot of options to choose from. Jay chose a more upscale diner than what we usually would go to. I'm sure it was to impress my mom but it wasn't necessary. My mom was a lot more laid back than she came across as.

Speaking of which, as we looked through the menus, my mom decided to make conversation with Jay. It wasn't anything crazy until she dropped a bombshell on us.

"So Jay, it's nice to finally formally meet you," my mom smiles.

Jay smiled back being as friendly as possible. "Same to you Mrs. Monet. I'm sorry it didn't happen sooner."

She scoffed. "Don't worry, we'll blame Autumn for that," she merely joked. "And please, call me Iridessa."

"As long as it's okay with you," Jay responds.

My mom nods bringing up something I didn't expect. "Now that we got that out of the way, what made you want to move in with my daughter so suddenly?"

That was not what I expected her to ask and neither did Jay. I know I told her he asked me but she wasn't supposed to ask him! That just made things super awkward. It also stumped Jay as he looked at me while I looked back at him. Neither of us knew what to say and it didn't help that my mom was staring daggers into him. The sweat forming on Jay's forehead was hard to miss. Now look who the nervous one was.

Unfortunately, I couldn't help him out because I wasn't expecting that. My mom was very unpredictable with the shit she did sometimes. This was no different. After talking about it I should have realized that would be the first thing she would ask him. Although a warning would have been nice. She went from being warm and welcoming to stern. That swift change would throw anybody off.

Luckily, Jeremy was here but it wasn't enough to stop my mom from questioning him.

"Why don't we focus on what we're going to eat before asking tough questions, Dessa." That's what he called my mom for short.

She quickly hushed him though. "I want to know why you thought it would be appropriate to ask her such things after leaving her without any notice."

Could she be any more embarrassing? "Mom! Please don't—"

Before I could finish, Jay stopped me by grabbing my hand and smiling softly. I guess he had an idea of what to say that wouldn't tip her off. My mom truly was coming in hot with her interrogation. I don't understand why she was being so challenging. It is the first time she's met anyone important to me but did she have to be so harsh? Jeremy was no help whatsoever but there wasn't much he could do in this situation.

Thankfully, Jay had this one thing that no one else seemed to have. His heart. He used that to his advantage speaking straight from it even if it may not have been what my mom wanted to hear. It sure did make me fall in love with him more and more. He was the epitome of every girl's dream!

Clearing his throat, he made sure to make eye contact with my mom as he said every word. "I understand what you're saying Mrs...Iridessa but believe me when I say that I love your daughter," he smiles looking down at the menu. "I don't know how much Autumn has told you but truthfully I was a wreck. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't have had the courage to even better myself. So, yes I asked her to move in with me because without her I feel empty."

Hearing his sweet words, my heart nearly melted. I hate that he gives me credit for him getting better. That was all him and his own decisions. I couldn't have anything to do with it if he decided to not talk to me. Jay changing for the better was because he simply wanted to and in the end, it made our relationship so much better. This was also a great way to save face with my mom. It wasn't clear if she bought it but by the look of her face, she was pleased.

Fighting back tears, I squeezed his hand that he was holding resting my head against his shoulder. His lips kiss the top of my head with a smile. If she couldn't see before, she definitely could now. Jay and I were locked in a kind of love that wouldn't easily dissipate. He was my world and without him...I felt empty too. Maybe we were moving quickly however, I don't believe in such things. When you know you have something you just know. With Jay, we both knew what we had and didn't want to let it go.

My mom smiled brightly to which Jeremy sighed with relief. "You take good care of her boy," Jeremy warned.

"From the looks of it, he already does," my mom said with a smile.

I smile back at her happy that she's done being a hard ass. The rest of the time we were able to enjoy dinner while my mom got to know Jay more. By the end of it, she fell in love with him. Of course, I expected nothing less from how charming Jay can be. That but he was genuinely himself and never tried to put on a facade. Jeremy knew this as he knew him better than any of us. He watched Jay grow just as well as Cyrus. If anybody would've been able to vouch for him it would have been Jeremy. Luckily, he didn't need to.

Once the dinner was over, we said bye to each other. My mother wanted to do a more formal dinner with Jay's family included at some point. I'm sure my mom and Clara would get along well. She was such a sweet lady that my mom would have a hard time disliking her. It's safe to say that my mom approved of Jay and that was the first step to cementing our relationship forever.

Back in the car, Jay cruised along with his hand resting on my thigh. I glance over at him only for him to do the same to me with that bright smile on his face. He was way too attractive for his own good.

"Well that was fun," he says rounding the corner. "You could've warn me your mom would ask that question though."

I shake my head. "If I had known I totally would have," I say. "You handled it well though."

He squeezed my thigh lightly with a shrug. "I only said what I felt to be true," he winks at me.

My cheeks flush turning away from him. "But...what if I still don't want to move in with you?" I ask him.

It was in the back of my mind taunting me every day. Should I do it? Should I make the jump and move with Jay to a beautiful house in Sunbury? Or do I decline to stay in Greendale? The most boring place in the entire world. It was a big leap of faith that I didn't know would work out in the end. Right now, staying at his house was fine but with the intent to leave once everything is over. Would our relationship work with us nearly 4 hours apart? All that travel for either of us would surely take a toll.

Still, none of it seemed to faze Jay. He was so level-headed when it came to all of our situations. Such a contrast to what he was like last year. That impulsive decision-making was gone. He stood by his beliefs no matter what the other person was feeling. Jay was so sure of himself and of our relationship. Nothing I say would deter him.

Pulling into his parking lot, Jay rolled his eyes at my question. "I already told you, it doesn't matter if you move in with me or not," he says with a chuckle.

"Being long-distance doesn't seem ideal though," I argue. "With your opportunity from your dad and I trying to run my own business...I don't know."

Jay laughed, still not agreeing with me. "A, I don't care how busy we get or even if we can't spend as much time together once this is done. My love for you will never die. I'll want you just as much as I do now if you decide to go back home."

I smile brightly. "Honestly?"

"I'm willing to lose a whole friendship for you. That should be key enough to know I'm serious." He pointed out.

That I couldn't argue with as he was right. He was giving up a friendship that he's had his entire life. Jay has been serious about us since he came to see me that day in Greendale. He was hell-bent on getting me back and he did just that. Whatever goal he wanted to accomplish he did it without any qualms. Jay has put in so much work compared to the person he used to be. His mom would be so proud of him and his progress. There were great things in his future.

Everything he said was true and I believed him. Even if I didn't know if I wanted to move in. I knew we both cared about each other a lot. So much so that I put that conversation to bed sparking up a new one.

"You know, I'm much more concerned to hear about this bachelor party you attended," I say with a raise of my brow.

Jay winced, not wanting to reminisce. "Please don't make me talk about that shit show." He begged.

I laugh as we get out of his car. "Oh no, you're talking about it!" I yell. "Besides, I already know what happened I just want to hear you say it."

His eyes widened. "Who told you?" He wondered.

I smirked at him. "That's a secret." I tease.

Jay narrows his eyes at me. "You are evil," he jokes.

Laughing, we head inside talking about both parties with each other. If there was anything I'm sure of, it was how much I loved Jason.