Julia Naylor-Maconie checked her reflection one last time. She didn't know why she was so nervous, it was only a family roast after all. She took a few deep breaths, trying to install into herself the confidence that everything would be fine; her parents would fall in love with Hattie and be civil and polite. She tucked her long blonde hair behind her ear as she turned away from the mirror, catching her sister grinning at her from the bedroom doorway.
'What?!' Julia tisked, feeling vulnerable and sure her sister was about to tease her about something.
'Nothing' Ava shrugged. 'I'm just happy for you I guess. You don't need to be nervous, I overheard Uncle Jonny telling Auntie Jac to be on her best behaviour today so I'm sure she'll be nice.'
'Thanks that's very reassuring' Juila rolled her eyes. Both the girls knew their adoptive mother was like lioness when it came to their wellbeing and happiness. They were expecting many awkward moments to occur during this lunch as poor unsuspecting Hattie was scrutinised.
'It'll be fine' Ava chuckled 'if things really go bad Markus has promised to fake a coughing fit, that ought to distract Auntie Jac for long enough for Hattie to escape.'
'Great so our only back up plan is reliant on your boyfriends COPD, Julia couldn't help but smile now, finding humour at the thought of needing Markus to fake a near death episode to calm tensions at dinner.
'You have warned Hattie what to expect right?' Ava asked seriously 'I mean you told her exactly who our mother is?'
'Not exactly no' Julia answered guiltily ' I broached the subject that mum could be difficult and she was all "don't worry I'll make your parents love me" so then I didn't have the heart to brake her confidence by telling her mum is THE Jac Naylor.'
...
'You could have told me you mother is Jac Naylor' Hattie whispered furiously to her girlfriend as they took refuge in the garden. It was turning into a beautiful August day and Jonny was in the process of setting up a large table outdoors for the family to dine together.
'I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting her to answer the door. You did great though!' Julia spoke with as much confidence as she could muster.
'I stood on the doorstep mute with shock for about five minutes before your mother eventually said "yes?" as though I was there to sell her double glazing or something' Hattie shook her head with embrassment.
'It was seconds not minutes' Julia stifled a laugh 'trust me it could have gone a whole lot worse. I promise Dad will be much more welcoming.' She squeezed her girlfriends hand reassuringly as she called out 'Dad, come and meet Hattie.'
'I see our guest of honour is punctual' Jonny greeted the girls warmly 'How do you do Hattie?' He held out his hand to the tall slim young woman. She had cropped brown hair and was dressed causally in jeans and a smart blouse.
'I'm good thank you' Hattie smiled warmly as she shook Jonny's hand, pleased Julia's father was at least welcoming.
'Welcome to our home, we've heard so little about you its great to finally meet you' Jonny spoke teasingly.
'Don't start Dad' Julia groaned good naturedly 'I wasn't keeping Hattie a secret.'
'Well now perhaps you girls wouldn't mind finishing off setting the table why I go and carve up the beef. Best not to leave it to your mothers incapable hands' Jonny joked as he headed back to the house.
'See its going to be fine' Julia smiled aa she handed Hattie some napkins to fold 'I can tell Dad likes you already.'
'Yeah he seems nice' Hattie nodded as she nervously folded the small piece of linen into a neat triangle.
'Mum likes to give people a rough ride, she likes to see what people are made of that's all' Julia spoke softly. 'She's protective, just ask Markus. It doesn't mean she doesn't like you.'
'She just thinks I'm the village idiot' Hattie sighed .
...
'Well that was my best yet' Jonny Maconie praised himself as the last fork had been laid down onto an empty plate. 'My wife only married me because of my domestic skills' he joked kindly across the table to Hattie, who had been quiet and shy throughout the meal. 'So you're about to enter your third year of medicine. How are you finding it?'
'Its good' Hattie nodded. 'I mean its hard work, long hours but in the end I'll have a job where I can really help people.' She could feel Jac's eyes on her, analysing her every word and movement.
'How are you finding the change from London to Bristol?' Jac asked, knowing if she didn't make an effort to converse a little with their guest Jonny would have plenty to say to her once the dinner was over.
'Thats the best bit for me' Hattie smiled at Julia as she spoke 'The change of pace has been good, the city can be so rushed and impersonal sometimes. Plus things weren't great with my family, they haven't been the most supportive. So I decided to make a big change, so far its worked out pretty good. Bumping into Julia in the hospital coffee shop was the moment it truly felt like it was the right decision.'
'Well as good as new relationships are you've both got a lot going on, Juila will be starting her second year of her nursing degree' Jac started say before Jonny cut her off.
'So its good that both going through something similar, it will give you an understanding of each other' Jonny rushed in before Jac could begin any lectures. He nudged her foot in warning under the table which earned him a sour glare.
'Who's for pudding?' Ava spoke up brightly to cover up any awkwardness.
'Oh yes' Markus cottoned on, standing up to help clear the table. 'I do hope you like strawberries Hattie, Ava and I went a bit overboard when making the pavlova.'
'Sounds great' Hattie smiled warmly 'would you like to me help?'
'You're the guest, so please just relax' Jonny answered her as the plates, cutlery and dishes were gathered together by Ava, Markus 'my troops are more than capable.' He grinned as picked up the severing platter and followed Ava and Markus to the kitchen.
'Excuse me for just one minute' Jac stood up from the table taking out her vibrating phone from her pocket 'I just need to take this call.'
'She's in the middle of trial' Julia explained. 'Will you be ok here by yourself for a few seconds if i just take the gravy jug into the kitchen?'
'Sure' Hattie nodded 'your family are really nice.'
'yeah I'm pretty lucky.' Julia smiled as she stooped to plant a kiss on Hattie's lips 'I'll be super quick I promise.'
Hattie sat back in her chair as she watched Julia walking back towards the house. She was starting to relax , realising the Naylor-Maconie's were actually pretty great once you got to know them. Jac was a little frosty but at least she'd been civil.
'So my daughter seems fairly smitten' Jac broke into Hattie's thoughts as she sat back down at the table.
'Well she makes me very happy too' Hattie spoke brightly.
'How much has Julia told you about her past?' Jac decided to be blunt, it would be quicker this way.
'She's told me a little' Hattie answered cautiously.
'Julia hasn't had it easy, there are things that she has had deal with which no person ever should. Being in a relationship with my daughter is not always going to be plain sailing or easy. Its going to take time, patience, understanding and more love than it is probably inconceivable for you to understand at your age. Consider this your warning; if you do not feel like you can handle the terror that my beautiful daughter has faced with maturity and unfailing trust then you end this now because what that marvellous girl doesn't need is any heartbreak.'
'Mum?' Julia spoke in shock behind her. She looked across the table at Hattie's pale face. 'What have you told her?'