by R. G. Winter
“This one. Sleep. Food. These are things that sound appealing right now.”
“Don’t you want to look good to meet my parents?”
Jane pouted. “You said I was just as beautiful in the morning as I am when I get myself all dolled up.”
“I lied.”
Jane popped up in the bed. “What did you say?”
Franklin was already gone, the sound of his laughter filling her small apartment as he stepped into the bathroom and shut the door. She knew it was a trick, it was obvious, but she also really wanted to punch him in the arm. After she’d untangled herself from the sheets she walked into the bathroom. He was already in the shower, the view so pleasing when she opened the shower curtain that she forgot why she was angry.
Chapter 6
“Who actually lives in Vermont?” jane asked, tucked neatly into her first class seat. The flight attendant had already come back with her mimosa, and Jane was sipping at it happily. “I’ve never even met anyone from Vermont, usually just see it in movies.”
“Well,” Franklin said, reclining back in his seat, “I was born there, went to school there. And all my mother’s still lives in the state.”
“Did you go to one of those uppity boarding schools with the silly uniforms?” And Jane couldn’t resist imagining a younger Franklin, dressed in hideous khaki pants and a blazer.
“For your information, I went to an arts boarding school.”
“Do you hear how you sound.” Jane shook her head, “You actually went to boarding school?”
“It was a couple hours drive from home. I enjoyed it. They let me focus in literature, and it was great preparation for college. That’s the main reason all of my briefs are so much better than yours.”
Although they were the same age, there were times when Franklin just seemed so much older than Jane. And it wasn’t a bad thing. He was knowledgeable in things that she had no idea about. Most times it provided for excellent conversation: Like his extensive knowledge of the literature world. But sometimes, Jane felt that she wasn’t providing enough to keep him interested in her. He’d get this little purse in his lips, an attempt, Jane thought, to hold his tongue. Whenever it came up, he’d grow quiet for a few moments, as if steeling himself against harsh words he wanted to throw out at her.
That little quirk of his lips was poised on his mouth after his comment about his writing. Jane went to ask about it, however, she failed at finding the proper words. Instead she asked: “Do you think I’ll enjoy Vermont?”
The tension left his mouth, and Franklin turned to face her again. “You’d like it better in the winter: It’s gorgeous. Everything is covered in snow.” His face relaxed into an easy grin, “Maybe we can come back in the winter?”
“Already planning a return trip? What if your parents hate me?”
“They aren’t the ones dating you,” he said easily. “My parents, socialites as they are, are a bit more progressive than the rest of their friends. As long as you’re educated and polite they really don’t care who I bring home.” A hand came to rest on her chin, stroking a long line down a spot just above her breast. “And you have the added bonus of stunning beauty, so more points to you.”
“Easy there, McKinnon,” She said playfully, “That kind of talk gets you a one way ticket to the mile-high club.”
“Oh, no,” he said, a little too quickly for Jane’s liking. “We cannot go to my parents all crumpled. My mother would tear me a new one, then I’d never hear the end of it.” At her pout, he pressed their lips together in a chaste kiss. “But, tonight, when everyone's asleep, in my big house,” A trail of sharp kisses, a mixture of teeth and soft lips, followed the path his hand had made. “I’m going to do things to you that will make you blush in the morning when you’re thinking about it.” His voice was a low purr in her ear, one that didn’t allow Jane to ignore it. “Okay, okay. I can wait.”
After that, the curled together as best they could in the airplane seats. First class or not, you could only get so comfortable flying at 30,000 feet. The five hour flight was as smooth as any Jane had been on, in fact, it took a persistent Franklin to wake her from her warm snooze. “We’re here,” he said, throwing a look out the window as he reached into the overhead bin to retrieve their bags. “You ready?”
“I didn’t become the woman I am now without being ready.” Most times, Jane could pride herself on being able to adapt to any and every situation that came her way. Bradford and Schwick had been her biggest success to date, but all the interviews hadn’t left her as harried as she was feeling then. Honestly, Jane hadn’t met a boyfriend parents since her sophomore year, and that had gone miserably. So badly that Jane had caught a train home back to campus before dessert had been served.
This time Jane was going to make a good impression no matter what. Not just for her sake, either. Franklin seemed to be somewhat excited for his parents to meet her, and she didn’t want to embarrass him.
After getting their bags from baggage check, the pair found a neatly dressed chauffeur holding a placard with MCKINNON emblazoned on it in big, bold letters. Franklin shook hands with him, declined his offer to carry their bags, then followed him out to a sleek town car. Oh, all this luxury was sure to go to Jane’s head eventually. She could feel herself slowly turning into one of those people she frowned at: The ones that were given things instead of working for them. But, it was hard not to be comfortable with heated leather seats and bottles of cool champagne.
“What do you parents do?” She questioned.
“I think I told you, my father worked in the tech department. Actually, he sort of helped to build it.”
His words were lost to Jane’s ears, as they drove further and further into the countryside. With fall in full swing, the trees were a brilliant array of colors, so vibrant that Jane couldn’t help but snap a picture or two on her phone.
“How do people get anything done here,” she breathed, so close to the window that her nose was almost pressed against the glass. “It’s amazing. Look at all the trees.” Perhaps living in the city had damaged her for the suburbs: Jane couldn’t imagine not living in walking distance to a bar. Seeing the scenery of a town far away from city lights, with lakes and ponds dotted about, almost made her wish for a less busy life.
“You manage. It’s just like any other place, trust me.”
“Shh, you’re ruining it.”
Franklin chuckled, a light sound that somehow made everything Jane was seeing that much better. Suddenly she wasn’t nervous. The pattering of her heart was more excitement than anything else. Once again, she found herself marvelling at how easy it was to just be with Franklin. She may have had her flaws, but he had his too, and he worked to understand her’s, instead of holding them against her.
The closer they drew to his family home, the more excited Jane got. She prayed that she wouldn’t get sick. In her mind, she tried to keep the many facts straight. Mckinnon had an older brother, who was rarely around, named Austin. Then there was Helen, his mother and Richard, his father. She was good with facts. A necessity when dealing with many different clients on a daily basis. For some reason, the names weren’t sticking in her mind as easily as they usually did. Oh, crap, Jane thought, maybe she wasn’t as calm as she thought.
As she was on the verge of full freak out mode, Franklin grasped her hand. His warm fingers within hers always made her calm down, even if only for a moment.The countryside flew by in a blaze of exquisite orange, red and yellows. It was the house however that really grabbed jane’s attention.
When she thought the word house, she had to admit that it felt wrong. This wasn’t a house, it was an estate. The driveway alone took them five minutes to drive, just to reach the front door. There were ornate bushes decorating the side of the driveway, marble statues stood between at measured intervals. Jane was in awe as she stared out of the window, her hand tightening around his as they went.
When they pulled up to the front door, the driver stepped out quickly
to open the door for them. Franklin stepped out first, before extending a hand to Jane. She took it cautiously, looking around them as she stepped out. The house itself was magnificent, beautiful white columns standing tall in front of the white and red brick decorated house. She held Franklin’s hands as they walked up the stairs together, her tall heels clicking on the stairs seeming to echo in her mind. Her throat tightened. She wasn’t sure why she was so nervous. It was like Franklin had already said, she was dating him, not his parents. Still, she wanted to make a good first impression, because Franklin was more than a casual boyfriend for her, she could see a future with him.
The realization of that thought popping into her head at that moment did nothing to make the situation better. As they stood in front of the front door, the sound of music drifted out of the door. Jane gazed up at Franklin. He gave her a small smile, some measure of nervousness etched on his face as well. They stepped through the door together.
As they walked into the house, Jane felt even smaller. The inside broadcasted huge ceilings, large open rooms and catering staff milling about the house. She had expected a high class, family meal. Not this. Everyone wore dresses and tailored suits. Even the small children were dressed expensively. Jane felt out of her depth.
“What if I can’t do this?” She whispered frantically to Franklin.
“I think it’s too late for that option.”
He held out an arm for her to take, she did so gladly. As they walked around the room, Franklin was kissed on the cheek, embraced and his hand was shook more times than she could count. All of the names; Stephanie, Kathy, Arnold, Thomas. They were dizzying to say the least, making her head feel like she was drowning in a sea of information. They made their way into the living room.
The furniture was all traditional wood, heavy and expensive looking. Franklin took a drink, a scotch before offering her one. Jane chose something simple, light. After all, she didn’t want to be drunk, but she knew that she could sure use the buzz. A dark red Sangria was her drink of choice, the familiar spicy, citrus taste one that she knew well. Just as she was beginning to relax, a stunning woman walked into the room.
The woman before her wore a long, red dress, tall heels and effortless makeup. Her jewelry was all diamonds and gold. Blonde hair was swept away from her face, pulled back in an elegant bun with the slightest hint of gray. When she saw Franklin, her blue eyes sparkled with excitement. She made her way over quickly, her movements almost like gliding. The most remarkable part, Jane thought, was the way she held up the glass full of champagne without spilling a drop as she approached. Jane knew her only from the picture albums that Franklin kept at home, though the woman looked as though she had barely aged since her twenties.
“Mom,” Franklin’s smile was wide as he wrapped her up in a hug,”it’s been a really long time.”
“Yes, it has been. I missed you so much!” When she pulled back, Jane could see the tears that brimmed on her eyes. “Please, tell me you’re staying for a couple of days.”
“I still have work on Monday, or I would in a minute.”
The woman waved a hand. “Work. You can take a day or two off I’m sure.”
Franklin laughed. “Not exactly the way it works mom.” He paused as Jane cleared her throat. “Oh yes, I wanted to introduce you to Jane, my girlfriend.”
Jane stepped forward, every nerve in her body on fire. “Nice to meet you.”
Helen took her hand slowly, shaking it delicately as if she thought one of them would break. Her eyes seemed to be taking in every inch of Jane, when she met them, there was a smile there. Obviously, she approved of something that she saw.
“Jane, I’ve been hearing a lot about you. You’re doing great things for both the company and for my son, it seems. I don’t think he’s ever smiled so much when he came home before.”
Jane beamed at Helen. “Thank you, I’ve heard great things about you too. I love the charity work that you do.”
Helen looked caught off guard, but impressed by Jane’s statement. “She’s really a treat, Franklin. Come with me, darlings. Your father wants to talk to you, Franklin and your brother is excited to see you again. Of course, we were all just dying to meet Jane.”
Franklin flashed a smile at Jane behind his mother’s back. The proud smile was more than enough to let her know that she’d at least passed round one. She took a nervous sip from her wine glass before they ended up in the dining area. There was no food served yet, but the source of the music was there. Violins, cellos, a piano. It was as if they’d hired an orchestra for a night. From the look of the place, an orchestra wouldn’t be too much of a stretch.
Two men stood talking off to the side, glasses full of amber colored liquid cradled in their hands. The older man had black hair, streaks of gray throughout. The younger was blond like his mother and Franklin. Both were dressed impeccably. When Helen walked up to them, they smiled at the approaching couple. .
“Franklin,” His father said, moving in close to embrace his son. “You’re looking good.” Franklin looked like his father. The resemblance was almost startling for Jane: Seeing them standing next to one another.”Jane,” He turned to her, lips turned up into a welcoming grin. Where Helen had been politely reserved, Richard was much more friendly. He gave Jane a quick handshake, followed by small hug. “Are you the one that’s been making Sam’s year?”
“You know Mr. Belmore,” Jane asked in quiet surprise.
“Oh, yeah. Sammy and I go way back. Started at around the same time. Don’t tell him I told you this, but he’s got a fondness for gummy bears. The sour kind.GIve him a jar at Christmas and watch how you become his favorite.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me that?” Franklin quipped.
“Why didn’t you figure it out?”
Franklin scowled while his brother laughed. Austin held out a hand to Jane. The sweet, crooked smile on his face was comforting as he shook her hand firmly.
“I’m Austin, it’s nice to meet you.”
Just as they finished introductions, a bell ran throughout the dining hall. Jane had no idea what it meant, but to everyone else it seemed to signify that it was time to take a seat at the table. There were cream pieces of thick paper, folded in half, with gold lettering on them with their names. Jane thought back to the family dinners at her home. There was a long table, usually brought up from the basement, laden with food and everyone was either laughing, screaming or watching the game. Here, it was like stepping into an alternate world.
That fact was confirmed when appetizers were brought out. Each place had a little card next to it identifying what it was as well as the ingredients inside. Jane picked up the card. The first course was apparently chilled oysters with apple ginger mignonette. The woman had no idea what that was. As far as food went, pizza and burgers were her forte. She looked at the oysters sitting in their shells closely before Franklin nudged her. He picked up one of the shells, let the concoction slide into his mouth. She shivered. The thought of a slimy oyster going down her throat was a little more than she was prepared to handle.
When Jane looked up, Franklin’s family was staring at her along with a few other guests at the table. Franklin nodded his head towards the food quietly. She steeled her stomach, picked up the shell between her fingertips. As she brought the food to her lips, she could smell the overpowering scent of them.She held her breath, ate the oyster in one bite. When she started breathing again, she heaved a sigh of relief. It wasn’t as bad as she’d thought it would be. The oyster was still a bit slimy, but beside that, it was delicious. Franklin gave her a look that said see, you were being ridiculous.She partly agreed, but she partly wanted to kick him beneath the table.
The next dish that came out wasn’t nearly as intimidating. Turkey, covered in herbs and some kind of sauce that at least made Jane’s stomach rumble. She ate the dish happily, interjecting her opinion when it was asked for, listening contentedly otherwise. She learned that Franklin had many aunts and uncles, all of them seem
ed either very dull or very colorful to Jane. His uncle Cliff was an investment banker, his aunt Trudy liked to sing in lounges on the weekend. It was the most mixed group of people she’d ever seen, but she found herself fitting right in.
As far as welcoming meals went, the dinner with the McKinnon’s was one of the best to date. No one was giving her sideways glances or berating her on how work was going. Helen kept conversation surprisingly light and cheerful. Jane felt like she’d fell out of her busy world and landed right into a sitcom.
“My friend, Rebecca, she works with a whole slew of tech companies,” Jane explained over an exquisite chocolate pot de creme. “That’s sort of her speciality. You’d never know it by looking at her either, but the woman’s amazing. All the startups want her to help them get an in at the company.” She talked casually to Richard, who sat across the table from her, eating eagerly from the small pot of chocolate. Seeing where Franklin got his sweet tooth from made Jane smile inwardly.
“I think I might have heard some talk about her down on the fifth floor with all my old team. Brunette, tall, kind of scary?”
“That’s the one.”
“Oh yeah, the boys downstairs adore her: She’s got a really good eye for talent.”
“Yes, she does. I wish I was more like her.”
“Don’t put yourself down. Belmore didn’t shove you off on another analyst yet, did he?” She shook her head, drawing an encouraging look from Richard. “See, that means you’re doing something right. Now, that deal you worked up for him, yeah, I heard about it. That’s just the start. Keep powering through, Jane, you’re gonna do just fine.” Talking to someone like Richard helped dispel some of the lingering doubts that still clung to Jane. For months now, she’d been given more and more responsibility at the office. And while Belmore wasn’t being outright meant to her, he wasn’t really giving her any real feedback that she could work with.
