Family

That weekend.

Bringing Jenn to the family lunch was something Scott was both nervous and excited about. He knew Martha liked Jenn, he knew Jenn was one of the few people Angel was intimidated by, and he knew he wanted them all to get along. His big question mark was Lydia. She had avoided them since that night, and had only promised that she’d show up at Angel’s house for a little bit.

Scott hoped, no, he needed Lydia and Jenn to get along, he needed his family and he needed Jenn, he feared that he would have to choose one or the other, and he couldn’t do that. They pulled in on Scott’s bike and Martha was quick to meet them.

“Jenn, you look lovely, it’s so good to have you here with us.” Scott could tell Martha was nervous, he knew she would want Jenn to fit in and feel at home.

“Thank you Martha, it’s good to see you again.”

Martha turned and looked at Angel, Angel approached.

“Hello Jenn,” she said coolly, “Welcome to my home.”

“Angel, it’s been a long time, you look fantastic.”

That cheered Angel up a bit. “Thank you, you look pretty damn good yourself.”

Scott flinched, he needed Angel and Jenn to get along, but if Angel got too comfortable with Jenn. . .

“Is Lydia here?” Jenn asked.

Martha jumped in, “I’m sure she’ll be here soon, she said she was busy today. Come on, let’s get you two some food.”

It was some time before Lydia arrived, and the time went smoothly. Martha talked to Jenn most of the time, while Angel just sat and watched. When Lydia’s truck pulled in Angel went to meet her, they talked for a bit before coming back to the group.

Jenn got up to meet them.

“Lydia, I’m so glad you’re here.” She gave Lydia a hug, which Lydia returned without much feeling.

“Did everyone bring their swimsuits?” Angel asked, “I turned the heater on this morning, it should be lovely.”

“I did.” Jenn offered, “I’d love a swim.”

Scott took Jenn to the upstairs bedroom to change, while his family changed downstairs.

“I don’t think Lydia likes me Scott.” Jenn said disappointed, “Do you think she’s upset about that night?”

Scott didn’t know what to say. “I’m sure it will get better Jenn, we’ll have to give her some time.”

There was a knock at the door. “Scott, Jenn?” It was Lydia.

“Come in.” Jenn said quickly.

Lydia slipped in the door, already in her swimsuit.

“I wanted to talk to you.” Lydia said.

“Yes?” Jenn asked nervously.

“Can we talk alone?” Lydia said, looking at Scott.

Scott looked at Jenn, she nodded. “Sure, I’ll head downstairs.”

Scott went out, tempted to stay and try to listen in, but he went downstairs.

Martha and Angel were waiting for him.

“It’s so nice to see you and Jenn together, Scott. I’m happy for you two.”

“Thanks Martha.”

“You two look serious, Scott, I thought you wanted to take time to figure things out.”

“That was the plan Angel, but things change.”

“How are you and Lydia?” Angel looked genuinely concerned.

“I hope we are okay, I want you all and Jenn to get along.”

Angel huffed.

“Angel please,” Martha said.

“I know it’s hard for Lydia, Angel.”

“Yeah, it’s always the same.”

“Scott isn’t Gerry, Angel, he’s not going to lead Lydia on like that.”

“We’ll see.” Angel turned and walked away.

“Martha, what was that about.”

“Scott, your father and Angel, she really cared about him, and he. . . well he never would commit one way or the other.”

Martha would never say anything bad about Scott’s dad, even after he left her to take care of a kid that wasn’t hers.

“Just, make sure you are clear with Lydia, make sure she knows where you stand, and stick to it Scott.”

“I will Martha, I’m not my father.”

Moments later Jenn and Lydia came down the stairs, and they all went out to the pool.

Jenn and Lydia seemed to get along better, and the rest of the day went smoothly. Angel behaved herself for the most part, just a few flirtatious comments directed at Martha or Jenn, she left Scott alone. It was a good day, the kind of day Scott had hoped he could have with his family. Eating, swimming, playing cards, talking. He was happy, and it gave him hope for the future.

When Scott dropped Jenn off at her house that evening, he asked her what Lydia wanted to talk to him about.

“She offered to leave us alone, even to move away.”

“What?”

“Yeah, she was worried that she would cause us trouble, cause me problems by being around.”

“What did you say?”

“I told her I didn’t want her to leave.”

Scott didn’t really know what to say, he knew how Jenn had felt about Lydia, and he knew that after that night it had changed at least a bit.

“Scott, I didn’t have much family, I lost my mom, my cousins were all much older than me, and the family I did have didn’t come around much at all.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“I’d like to be close to Lydia, Martha, even Angel. I’ve always wanted more family.”

“You told Lydia?”

“Yeah.”

“What did she say?”

“She said she’d try.”

Scott smiled.

“What is it?” Jenn asked him.

“Today was the best day I’ve had with my family in a long time Jenn, a long time, I think you’ll fit in fine.”

Jenn smiled.

“I hope so.”