Chapter 10

10

JAXON

We’ve decided for now to continue the facade and plan on talking to our parents today. Both of us are hoping that Stephanie won’t be around for this conversation, but no guarantees. We’ll also be requesting they tone down the wedding plans, using my touring schedule as an excuse. A damn good one I might add, since we’ve yet to find out how long the tour will be. After that, we can get back to something normal. Then in a few months we’ll break up and no one will be the wiser. We haven’t quite figured out all the details, but we have plenty of time.

Aria wanted to go straight to her parents after work, but I told her there’s strength in numbers. Come here first and we can go together. No sense in them ganging up on us one at a time in case one of us slips. The deception is killing me, and I’m sure it’s only going to get worse before it gets better. Hey, I’m the idiot who had a lapse in judgment, totally not seeing how this lie would snowball into epic-sized proportions. Do me a favor and remind me if I get another lame idea like this one.

The day just dragged on, but that’s what happens when you wait for the proverbial shoe to drop. Aria should be here any minute. I hope she’s not as nervous as I am. Tonight, we need to be sharp and focused. Otherwise, our families will see right through us. My only saving grace is if I can fool Melody, I might be able to pull this off too.

When I hear the car pull into the drive, I don’t wait for the knock. I’m waiting in the doorway when she slides out of the car. The look on her face scares me. She’s about to fall off the edge, just like me. This is not good. One of us needs to be on point.

“I didn’t accomplish a thing at work today, Jax. The cursor mocked me as I stared at the blank screen all damn day. My brain’s a jumbled mess and I can’t remember feeling this confused. Ever. No way we’re going to fool them unless you do all the talking.” And my worst fear has come to light. I’m on my own.

“Okay. It might be best since I’m the one who concocted this crazy idea in the first place. Do not leave my side for a second because you know how they love trying to pump us for information. That could be dangerous. If we stick together, we should be fine.”

“Since we’re going after work, Mom mentioned Dad’s cooking on the grill. I swear if I need to eat a bite, I’ll vomit. That’s how nervous I am.” And the hits keep on coming.

“Don’t you see? That works to our advantage. We chat, we eat, we drink, and repeat. Our mouths will be full, and we can mumble our way out of it. It’s brilliant.” When she slaps her hand over her mouth, I recoil. And then laughter bubbles up from deep inside and I’m smiling from ear to ear. We all know laughter is contagious, so I join her.

“You’re such an idiot sometimes,” she snorts through fits of laughter. Most would be offended but it’s a compliment coming from her. Zander, not so much. Sometimes he can be condescending, but I give it right back.

We’re both holding our stomachs and wiping our eyes by the time we come up for air. Neither of us can catch our breath, but it’s exactly what we needed to lighten things up. I know I did.

“Ah, that felt good, but I need to fix my makeup before we leave.” In a few hours, it will be all over. After that, there’s no turning back. The deception will be real. Then Aria and I need to step up our game so our relationship is believable. In every possible way.

As soon as she steps out of the bathroom, we realize this is it. “You look gorgeous. Are you ready?”

Gazing down at the ring that I placed on her finger, she nods. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s get it over with.” Now that’s the spirit.

On the way to her parent’s house, I reach over and grab her hand. “What are you doing?” When she tries pulling away, I hold it tighter.

“Holding hands is something couples do when they’re in love. No time like the present to practice so it’s not uncomfortable once we get there.” She loosens her grip so it’s more natural. Instead of fighting me every step of the way.

If she balks every time I show affection, then this is not going to work. Especially if Stephanie’s there, since she has an eye for details. She used to drive me batshit crazy by analyzing everyone’s body language. So much so, that I’d make up excuses not to go out. Insisting we stay in to watch a movie where it was more private. Intimate. The signs were there, but I was in denial all along.

We’re just driving down the damn road when throngs of people come running out of her parents’ house. What the? Did they invite the damn neighbors?

“Oh my god, Jax. Why are some of my aunts and uncles here? Turn around. Quick before they see us.” Too late. We don’t have a choice but to pull into the driveway.

As soon as the car comes to a complete stop, our doors are yanked open. We barely have time to slide out of the car when we’re passed around like a side of beef. Hugging, kissing, and congratulations abound before we’re hustled back inside for a feast. I’m searching for Aria as I’m handed a beer, and a million questions are being thrown at me. If I don’t take control of this situation, we will die a slow death.

“Before I answer all of your questions, I need to round up my beautiful fiancée so we can tell everyone all at once. Aria, where are you, love?” A hand goes up somewhere in between a big bosomed woman and her squirrely husband. Ah, Aunt Bea and Uncle Fred. Glad they could make it. Not.

“Here. I’m right here.” I rush to her aid before she’s flattened like a pancake by her loving family.

ARIA

Jaxon whisks me away just in the nick of time. If I wasn’t so distraught at the turn of events, I’d be thrilled to see everyone. Under the circumstances, I was hoping for a little more privacy. I scan the crowd before sitting down and I’m relieved that Stephanie isn’t there. Yet.

“Aria reminds me of Cinderella,” Aunt Bea says. “Except the ring’s a perfect fit instead of a slipper.” It’s going to be a long night.

I’m proud of Jax as he patiently answers some of the questions that get thrown at him. He’s way better at this than I am.

“Aria, we should go over the venues, flowers, and dresses before you leave,” Mom states. “I hope you don’t mind that I gathered a bunch to save you some time.”

“Thanks, Mom. It might need to wait until we have more time to discuss everything.”

Now it’s Jaxon’s mom to put in her two cents. “May I suggest you at least pick out a wedding date since venues are booked years in advance?”

“Mom, we can’t pick a date until Caleb gives us the tour schedule which begins in July.” He squeezes my hand, and I’m comforted knowing we’re on the same page. So far, so good.

Jaxon gets the brilliant idea to pop up the videos of his proposal that went viral. Then he passes his phone around for those who haven’t seen it yet. Yeah, my aunts and uncles still have no clue what social media is. Our parents have no choice since their kids are celebrities. Well, Jax is at least. Me not so much.

“Let’s give the kids a break. Food’s ready and I’m starving.” My dad waves everyone over. Once their plates are full and they’re settled, our parents come marching over.

“Son, can I have a word with you? Alone, please.” I want to scream “No! We can’t be separated!” But Jax beats me to it.

“Mr. Mitchell, I love and respect you, but whatever you have on your mind can be shared with the two of us. Wait, let me start. ‘Isn’t it too soon after Stephanie?’” It’s uncanny, he actually sounds like my dad. “No, it’s not. No disrespect.” He looks at both sets of parents then back at my dad. “We’ve been over a long time ago; we just ended it recently.”

Dad’s clearly flustered that Jax beat him to the punch, but I’m so proud of him for standing his ground. As the interrogation continues, Jax’s arm tightens around my waist and it’s comforting. I suddenly get balls the size of bowling balls.

“Speaking of, why isn’t Stephanie here tonight? Mom? Dad? What’s her excuse?” Jax turns rigid by my side, and I scold myself for bringing up the pink elephant.

“She’s working late, Aria. In all fairness, under the circumstances it’s best if she lets you have the spotlight. It’s only fair since you’re the one getting married.” Not her is what she’s hinting at. Are they upset that he didn’t propose to her instead of me? Why this doesn’t cause conflict between the two families is beyond me. Maybe in the end, it will.

Jax shifts his hand and I’m now leaning toward him and not by his side. “I asked you to marry me because you love me for who I am, not for who you want me to be,” he says. “You accept that I’m a musician and that I’ll be gone for long periods of time. We’ve loved each other for eternity, Aria, but we’ve just found our way back to one another. I’m a better man with you than I am without you.” And when his mouth slowly captures mine, I believe every word he says.

Someone clears their throat and mumbles, “Let’s eat.” While I continue making out with my very hot fiancé.

Not long after, Jax breaks the kiss and whispers, “It’s going rather well. Wouldn’t you agree?” I shudder when his thumb skims across my bottom lip. Sending shivers down my spine. Those onyx eyes are filled with lust and instantly I’m wet. Which is both frustrating and cockblocking.

Mimicking his action, I swipe my thumb across his lips. “That’s a matter of opinion. Let’s hurry up and eat so we can get the hell out of here.”

I’m frustrated that I have a gorgeous fiancé, but I can’t do all the dirty things I want to do to him. Oh, I’m sure he’d be more than happy to fake it, but for me it would be very real. And my heart is still reeling from the fake speech he just fed our parents on a silver platter.

I never knew so many people could fit inside my parents’ house. Thankfully, they have a huge dining room with a table that seats twelve. It’s full, and so is the island. Some have taken their food into the living room, that’s how packed this place is. As far as the eye can see, it’s standing room only.

“Oh no, hide. My mom’s heading this way.” Jax chuckles and sweeps my mom into a bear hug. It’s his signature move and I’m grateful he’s still using it.

“You’ve got your hands full with this one right here, young man,” she says. “Aria will keep you on your toes and then some.” He kisses her cheek and then sets her on her feet.

“She’s been keeping me on my toes for a very long time, Mrs. Mitchell. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“You’re too sweet for your own good. Okay, down to business. Even though you both think it’s too early for wedding plans, an engagement party is a must. We won’t take no for an answer. Unless you want us to pick a date and venue, you best let us know what works for the both of you. Since you reminded us about the tour, it needs to be before July.”

“Aria and I will check our calendars and look into a few of our favorite venues, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Promise.” No, he didn’t just promise her something he can’t deliver.

“Thank you, Jax.” Glaring at me, she says, “See how easy that was, sweetie? From now on, I’m going to ask my future son-in-law.” And with that, she leaves me standing there with my mouth open.

We spend the rest of our night eating and catching up with our relatives. Thank God the wedding plans are shelved for now. Then I think… the next time I see them could be at our engagement party.

Once the night is over, we both breathe a sigh of relief. Still, we both know there’s more to come. Our parents were on their best behavior, but their gloves will come off when they have us all alone.