Page 21 of Accidental Proposal

“Yeah, I got it.” Seeing her move around the kitchen, I instantly knew she did a lot of cooking. She walked around like she owned the room and could probably grab something blindfolded. After she grabbed a bottle of red wine from the fridge, I followed after her to the dining room. I didn’t really have the heart to tell her I didn’t drink, nor was I of age to do so. Liam’s mom set the wine down and started grabbing the glasses from me. I looked around and saw expensive-looking plates and even silverware on the table. I felt like I was in the wrong house. I was used to eating off paper plates or cheap plastic ones from the dollar store, not ones that were easily the amount of my rent.

“I hope you like lasagna, Jenna. I didn’t have time to make anything more than that. And I hope you’re not a vegetarian,” Lilly apologized, looking at me pouring wine into every glass.

“No, that sounds wonderful, and I’m not,” I said sincerely. It had been such a long time since I’d had a real homemade meal, that anything sounded good.

“Mom! Dad! Is Liam here yet?” a sudden voice yelled as I heard the front door close, the sound of heels clicking on the tile coming in the kitchen. Before anyone could reply, a gorgeous, tall brunette came into view. She had long, thick dark hair that fell in waves down her back. She was wearing a pair of light blue skinny jeans that showcased her long legs and a cute lace shirt that hugged her upper body. Staring at her, I felt really self-conscious. She had a gorgeous face and just as gorgeous of a body. I felt little and ugly next to her. Liam’s parents moved away from the table and hugged her before a pair of matching grey eyes like Adam turned to me. They landed on Liam, who was next to me, her smile widening.

“Baby brother!” She grinned, coming toward us.

“I’m not your baby brother. I’m older than you, dimwit,” Liam said but grinned widely at his sister, coming around the dining table to hug her.

“Well, you act like a baby even though I am the youngest, so that makes me older than you,” she retorted. I held back my grin, liking the way she talked to Liam. “And you are Jenna,” she said, once her and Liam had separated. It seemed like everyone already knew me.

“And you must be Julie,” I said, rubbing my sweaty palms on my jeans and sending her a small smile. I was surprised yet again as she pulled me into a hug.

“I am. It’s nice to meet the girl who tamed my brother,” she said, pulling away. We were all silent for a minute, and I quickly took that time to look her over. Liam or even Lennon hadn’t told me what Julie did for a living, and I couldn’t ask her point blank since I’m supposed to already know. Just from first glance I figured she was a model. With her tall, slim body and good looks, she had to be one. In the second I’d seen her walk in, that confirmed my theory. Having worked at the diner for hours with nothing to do, I would people watch, and I got pretty good at it. It was actually pretty sad that I could figure out a random stranger’s life but not my own. I turned to Lilly after Julie and studied her. Liam’s father, of course, founded their company, but from looking at Lilly I could tell she wasn’t really a business type of person. She seemed more free, or at the very least less uptight. Seeing as the house was beautifully decorated, I was also going to guess she was a designer. I really hoped my guesses were right or I’d make an utter fool out of myself.

“Okay, let’s eat,” Lilly said, clapping her hands. We all moved to the table at the same time. Going around to the opposite side of Lilly and Adam, Liam pulled out my chair for me. I shot him a smile in thanks, taking a seat. He sat to my left, Julie sat at the end of the table to my right, and Liam’s parents sat across from us. I grabbed the napkin under my silverware and placed it in my lap, watching as Lilly stood up and spooned portions of lasagna onto everyone’s plate. Liam grabbed mine and held it out for his mom before placing it back in front of me.

“There is plenty more, you guys, after you’re done. I made extra, just in case.” Once everyone had their plates filled with food, Adam raised his wine glass.

“To Jenna. I know we have just met you, but I can already tell you are perfect for my son,” he said with a smile at me. “You’re already great for putting up with him. Cheers.” I laughed softly and clinked glasses with everyone. I took a small sip and had to force myself not to make a face. To me it tasted bitter, but I didn’t want to offend anyone.

“Nice, Dad,” Liam said, shaking his head and taking a bite of his garlic bread. When I took a bite of my lasagna, I almost moaned. It tasted amazing!

“So, Jenna, tell us a little bit about yourself. Liam here hasn’t been too forthcoming about you.” Feeling all nervous again, I swallowed my food.

“There’s not really much to tell,” I said quietly.

“Yes there is. About how old are you?” Lilly prompted, eating her food and looking at me patiently, waiting for an answer. I felt Liam’s father and sister staring at me as well, waiting.

“I am nineteen. I’ll be twenty in a few weeks.” She raised an eyebrow at my age but didn’t say anything, thankfully. “I, uh, grew up here in New York, and I work at a coffee shop called Juice N’ Java,” I said, not wanting to talk about myself.

“Isn’t that the place across from the office?” Lilly asked, turning to Liam.

“Yes, it is. That is how Jenna and I actually met,” Liam answered, reaching for his wine. She nodded at him.

“How are your parents taking this engagement, Jenna? Are they excited? I bet they and your siblings were surprised,” Adam said suddenly. I instantly froze at the mention of my parents. This was the part I had been dreading. I was hoping the subject wouldn’t come up, but I knew that thought would be too good to be true. I didn’t want to say anything and get their pity. They all sat there waiting in silence for my answer, even Liam. I could tell Liam was confused on why I wasn’t answering, but my throat seemed to be clogged. Feeling all of their gazes, I forcefully swallowed, knowing I had to answer.

“I…I don’t have any parents or siblings,” I said softly, looking down at my plate.

“Oh…I…” Adam trailed off, obviously looking over at Lilly for help.

“We’re so sorry, Jenna,” Lilly said, her voice filled with sincerity and sadness. I looked up at them, sending them all a small smile.

“It’s okay. It was a long time ago.” I could tell they knew I didn’t want to talk about it anymore, so Julie started talking. I could have hugged her in that moment.

“How long ago did you guys meet?” she asked, chewing and waiting for our answer.

“About a year ago,” I answered before I could stop myself. I felt Liam’s hand suddenly on my thigh, squeezing it, making me look toward him.

“That’s weird. I thought you were still with Carmen a year ago,” Julie pointed out, clearly confused.

“Well, we met a year ago, but we didn’t start dating for a while. It was a good two months before we even went on our first date. I had spilt coffee all over his suit the first day we met,” I lied. Time to get my acting on. “He wasn’t the happiest at that moment, and he didn’t say anything to me. He just walked out.” I turned and faked a smile up at Liam. He seemed surprised at first but quickly recovered.

“Sounds like Liam,” she said, grinning and shaking her head.

Thankfully no one asked anymore questions after that, but I knew after dinner Liam and I were going to have to come up with some good lies to tell his family. I sat there, quietly eating and watching as everyone talked to each other. Liam seemed relaxed and had a carefree look on his face, which made me wonder why he acted so cold toward me. Lilly and Adam included me in their conversations, and I could feel myself relaxing and enjoying myself throughout the meal. Something about Liam’s family pulled at something inside of me that I hadn’t felt before. I felt myself letting down my walls a little bit as I smiled and laughed.

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