Learning To Trust Again

A week later as they neared the bar where Todd’s party was being held, Rebecca was becoming more and more nervous. Despite her assurance to Jake that her family would accept him, Todd hadn’t been happy when she’d told him a week ago that he was coming and the last time she’d spoken to him he hadn’t shown any sign of softening his attitude. Her parents however, when she’d told them about Jake over the phone seemed to be okay.  While they were more than a little surprised that she was involved with someone after she’d told them she wasn’t interested in being in a relationship for a very long time, they said they were eager to meet him. However, when she’d seen them the night before, when they had arrived in town for the party, she could tell that they were a little worried. And this was before they had even met Jake. She had caught them both watching her on more than one occasion. After her disastrous relationship with Mark, she supposed it was understandable, even more so, once Todd told them about his concerns.

So she couldn’t help but worry that one of them would say something that would ruin things between her and Jake. Their relationship was still so new. She didn’t want her family’s apprehension on her behalf to be a cause of tension between them.

Rebecca knew she had conveyed her nervousness to Jake when, as they walked along the street after parking the car, he asked ‘you okay?’

Her smile, a little strained, as she tried to force herself to relax she replied ‘yes’ then changing her mind she said ‘no’ and frustrated she changed her mind again. ‘Yes, yes I’ll be fine, but just promise me if anyone says anything, you won’t take offence.’

Looking at her with a frown, Jake stopped moving and asked ‘would you rather I didn’t come in?’

Seeing she had him worried now, she tried to explain, ‘no I want you to come. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for you to think otherwise’ then after a pause, where she tried to find the right words she added ‘it’s just that my family can be a little over protective, that’s all.’

 ‘Of everyone? Or just you?’ he asked.

Surprised Rebecca looked at him and then away again. Despite her not mentioning her past, she could tell from his question he had guessed she had one. She sighed, worrying about what it was she’d done or said that had given her away. But regardless of how it had happened, it seemed pointless now to try and deny it, especially as he was about to face her family. She’d warned them all not to mention Mark but Jake wasn’t stupid, he was certain to pick up on the searching glances he was bound to get. Her voice flat, wondering if this was where he walked away, she admitted ‘just me really.’

But Jake just shrugged. ‘Okay, I’ll keep it in mind.’

Even more surprised, Rebecca looked at him, certain she had misheard. But searching his face, she could see no evidence that he was concerned about any of this. Relieved, she took a deep breath. Not only was she glad he wasn’t put off by it, but also that he didn’t ask her why. Smiling properly she reached up and gave him a quick kiss before leading him into the bar.