To My Arrogant Boss (The Inappropriate Bachelors #2) - J. S. Cooper Page 0,70
staring at Jane for a few seconds and then at me as well.
“She’s here, mom.” I said in a warning tone. “This is Jane. Jane, this is my mother and my father.”
“Nice to meet you both.” Jane said and they stared at her with aghast expressions.
“Where are you from dear?”
“California.” Jane said. “Los Angeles.”
“No, where are your people from?” My mother asked again, her expression dismissive and I could feel the tension building up in my shoulders.
“My parents are from Mexico, but I was born in the States.” I had to give it to Jane; there was no defensiveness in her voice at all.
“Oh how nice.” My mother looked like she thought it was anything but nice. “Did they have to walk for a long time?”
“Excuse me?” Jane blinked.
“When they crossed the border? I suppose they didn’t have to climb the wall? It’s not up yet, is it? Is it up yet, Taft?”
“No, dear.”
“Mother, that’s enough.” I said coldly.
“What’s enough?” She looked at me with dismissive eyes. “I was just asking your friend some questions, trying to get to know her better. Is that a crime?” She laughed and then looked at Jane. “You don’t mind a few questions, do you dear?”
“No.” Jane said softly.
“See, she doesn’t mind Tate. You always were so sensitive.”
“I’m not being sensitive, mom. You’re being rude to my guest.”
“Well when you bring the help home, what do you expect?” She snapped and I felt fire in my loins as I stared at her.
“What the hell did you say?”
“Don’t you dare raise your voice to your mother.” My dad said and he put his hands around her shoulders. “Come on darling, let’s get you a drink.” He led her away and Jane, Rose and I just stood there.
“Well, that was awkward.” Jane said with a little smile and Rose and I stared at her in amazement, shocked that she wasn’t crying or completely upset. “I told you it takes a lot to get me upset.” She shook her head and touched my shoulder. “I’ve been around racists my whole life, I’m okay.”
“My parents aren’t racist.” I said the words that had slid out of my mouth so many times and yet, even I knew they weren’t true. I wasn’t sure why I still felt the need to defend them.
“Yes, they are.” Rose rolled her eyes at me and then took Jane’s hand. “I like you. You’re strong. You’re good for my brother. Let’s go and get you a drink.”
“What about me?” I pouted and she laughed.
“You can get your own drink.”
“Well that’s Southern Hospitality for you.” I laughed and watched as Rose led Jane to the kitchen. There were a lot of feelings stirring inside of me and one of them was awe of Jane. She’d handled that so well. My mom had been so rude. And the problem was I knew that something like that would happen. I knew it and I’d still brought Jane. What sort of guy was I? I followed behind them into the kitchen and I heard the giggling of my other sisters flowing through the room and I felt myself relaxing slightly. I loved my sisters.
“Tate, oh Tate, you’re home.” Willow ran into my arms followed shortly by Maybelle.
“You dork, you’re finally home.”
“I’m home.” I nodded. “How are my darling sisters?”
“Fine.” Willow nodded. “I heard mom was her usual self.”
“Yes.” I sighed. “I’m sorry Jane.”
“It’s okay. It’s not your fault.” Her eyes were soft as she gazed at me. She walked over and touched my arm. “Are you okay though? You’re so tense.” She was concerned for me. She was worried about me. After my mom had been such a bitch, she was worried about me. I knew then that I loved her. I loved her truly and deeply. She was a beautiful soul; a caring human being and I didn’t deserve her. I’d loved once before and I’d crumbled. I’d broken her heart and mine. I wasn’t strong enough to love and I wasn’t good enough to have someone love and care for me that was as precious as Jane. “Tate, are you okay?” She asked again, her voice worried and I nodded and leaned down to kiss her.
“I am, thank you.” I squared my shoulders and then grabbed her hand. “Come, let’s get some spiked lemonade. Today is going to be a long day.”
“So what is it you do Jane?” My mom asked her after lunch. “Did I hear you say you worked in fast food?”