I know I’m thanking him for more than the earrings.
BROCK
We’re both quiet on the drive to the function. I crossed a line before we left. It’s a line I was certain I’d never cross. But that was until Jade came into my life. As I stood gazing into her eyes after giving her the earrings, something happened that I can’t put into words. It was like a sucker punch to the chest. A kind of epiphany, you could say. The feeling hit me like a tonne of fucking bricks, and I’m not sure what to think about it. I’m in way over my head here.
‘You ready?’ I ask, lacing my fingers through hers as we walk towards the function centre. Tonight is huge for me. Jade is the only girlfriend I’ve ever had, so bringing her here to meet my family and work colleagues is a big fucking deal. I’m apprehensive, but also excited to show her off to everyone. I’m pretty sure she’ll love my mum. My dad is a whole other story.
‘Ready as I’ll ever be,’ she says, tightening her grip on my hand. She seems nervous.
‘I think it’s only fair to warn you that you’ll be meeting my parents tonight.’
‘Really? Your parents? You’ve never mentioned them before.’
I shrug. They’re not my favourite subject. ‘My mum’s okay most of the time, but our relationship is a little strained of late. Let’s just say they weren’t very accepting when Joshua came out.’
‘Oh,’ she says as her pretty green eyes widen. ‘That’s a shame.’ Yes, it is. Josh told me today that Mum has been calling him daily since they’ve reconnected. I only hope it lasts. He’s been hurt enough.’
‘How is your relationship with your father?’
I was afraid she’d ask me that. ‘My dad’s a prick.’ It’s best to prepare her because you never know what to expect from that man. I don’t bother elaborating, she’ll find out for herself soon enough.
‘Oh.’
I feel all eyes on us when we enter. Jade squares her shoulders and I have to repress my smile. I love her strength. I hope tonight is a pleasant experience for her. As we cross the room, I stop to greet a few of my colleagues. The shock on their faces is evident when I introduce Jade as my girlfriend. I guess I should’ve expected that with my reputation, but it annoys me nevertheless. Is it so hard to believe Brock Weston has a girlfriend?
Who am I kidding? Even I can’t believe it.
As we make our way to the table where my parents are seated, my gaze lands on Clarissa. Fucking great. She has nothing to do with our company, so I don’t see why my father insists that she always attends. Her face lights up when she sees me, but the moment she spies my date, her smile turns into a frown. She better keep her fucking distance. I won’t tolerate her upsetting Jade tonight.
‘Brock,’ my mother says, beaming, when we reach the table. I do love her, but I don’t approve of her behaviour sometimes. I know my father intimidates her, he tries to intimidate everyone, but I wish she’d grow a backbone. Her husband is a damn snake and she deserves so much better.
‘Mother.’ I lean down and place a kiss on her cheek.
‘Who’s this lovely lady you have with you tonight?’ She’s always been polite to my dates, even if she doesn’t agree with my philandering ways.
‘This is my girlfriend, Jade. Jade this is my mother, Elaine.’ A smile spreads across her face when my words register.
‘Your girlfriend!’ Mum repeats in shock.
Yes, I have a fucking girlfriend. Maybe I should’ve put an announcement in the company newsletter in preparation for tonight.
Standing, my mother embraces Jade with a warm hug. ‘It’s so lovely to meet you.’
‘It’s lovely to meet you too, Mrs Weston.’
‘Please, call me Elaine.’ When she finally lets go, Mum wraps her arms around me as well. This is the loving and caring mother I have missed. ‘I’m so happy for you both,’ she says. I see tears glistening in her eyes. Fuck me. By the way she’s carrying on, you’d think I’d just told her we were getting married or something.
I look at my father and immediately know he’s not impressed. Fuming would be a better word. Fucker. He better not start any shit tonight.
‘Father, this is Jade Davis. Jade, my father, Maxwell Weston.’
‘It’s nice to meet you, Mr Weston,’ Jade says sweetly, extending her hand to him.
Nodding his head curtly, he briefly takes her hand giving it a half-hearted shake. The rude prick doesn’t even stand. When I see Jade’s face drop, I have to control the urge to lunge at him. I hate that I have this arsehole’s blood running through my veins.