Page 75 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

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As I walk up to the Stewart’s house, the spring in my step gets a bit heavy, and I walk slowly toward the door. I know I could probably wait for this conversation but I feel like it’s necessary. The outcome could affect my impending relationship with Jess. It takes everything in me to lift my hand and knock on the door.

I hear footsteps approaching and Jessica’s mom opens the door.

“Hello, Lenny.” I smile. “How are you?”

Excitement replaces the surprise in her eyes, and she hugs me.

“Sean! What a surprise. Come in. John!” She calls her husband. “Sean’s here for a visit.” She pecks my cheek and directs me to a couch. “How are you? What do we owe this visit too?”

“I’m fine.” John walks into the living room, and I rise with my hand out. He shakes my hand and gives me a pat on my back, then sits beside his wife. The questions about my visit are written all over their faces.

“Would you like something to drink?” Lenny asks. “I have water, soda, tea—”

“I’m fine.” I smile. “Thank you very much.”

“You know Jamie isn’t here?” John says. “Jessica isn’t, either.”

Chuckling, I nod. “I know. I’m here to see you both.”

The couple exchange a glance. “Is everything alright?” Lenny asks worriedly.

“Everything is fine. I want to talk to you about Jess.”

Lenny’s eyebrows arch as she glances at John again. This time they wait for me to speak.

“Our families have been close for a long time. I’ve known you, Jamie, and Jessica since grade school. And I hold each member of this family close to my heart.” I’m not sure why, but I pause to see if they have anything to say. Maybe I’m hoping that they’ll agree with me or coo over how they always thought of me as their son and it would make it easier for me to ask their permission to date their daughter. When they say nothing, I continue.

“With how close our families are, I didn’t think it would be polite to date Jessica without letting you know first.”

Their lack of reaction has me rubbing my hands on my shorts and fidgeting in my seat.

After what seems like forever, John speaks. “You want to date my daughter?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Have you told her this?”

“No. I’ve only spoken to Jamie. I decided to come here before telling her anything.”

Lenny’s expression cracks, and I peep a smile, but John’s face remains blank.

“What took you so long?” He says sternly.

My mouth falls open, and I glance at Lenny for support, but she keeps her lips pursed and I can see her shoulders shaking.

“I—I am not sure I understand you, sir.”

“What took you so long to decide you want to be with our daughter?”

Understanding dawns, and I let out a sigh of relief. Jamie is right and everyone does know about my feelings for Jessica. I truly can’t believe that I’ve been this oblivious to my feelings. So much so that everyone, except Jess and I, apparently knew.

“I don’t know. I guess sometimes you just don’t know until you know. Jessica and I have always had a weird type of relationship. I guess I never realized that it was something other than it was.”

Lenny is already smiling and nudging John. “Leave the boy alone, John. Stop teasing him.”

At her words, John grins. “He’s just so easy to tease.”

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