A HUGE thank you to Celticvampriss for kicking my butt in gear and helping me get over the hump that has been plaguing this story for over two months now. So many good things are coming in this story, but I hit a huge wall right in the middle before I could even attempt to get to everything else I have written.
I'd also like to thank Joyful-Sound for letting me assist her with editing her magnificent "Don't Let Me Be Lonely". She gave me the motivation to continue on with a multi-chapter story again. And a salute to Mayalala for keeping the forum moving so we can all get a little fire going under us and finish some of the stories clogging our docs folder.
To anyone still reading this, a thank you for sticking around through the long delay. I'm confident that I can post pretty quickly from this point forward, so ... enjoy.
Nick closed the bathroom door behind them and took Jess' hand as they started down the hallway toward the reception. He brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles, smiling widely at her. She let out a laugh and started to say something when a voice called from down the hall.
"NICKY!" Bonnie was running towards them, waving her arms frantically to get their attention.
Nick mumbled. "Here we go..."
When she reached them, Bonnie had a confused look on her face. "Where have you two been, I've been looking all over for you?"
They nervously glanced at each other before Jess blushed and averted her gaze toward the floor.
"What do you need, Ma?"
Bonnie took a deep breath, glancing back and forth between them, confusion visible on her face. "Nicky, I need you to talk to the bartender. He's arguing with me about the champagne, and I just can't deal with it right now."
Nick nodded, giving Jess' hand a quick squeeze. "I'll handle it." He turned to Jess, leaning over to give her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll be right back, promise."
She forced a weak smile as Nick gave Bonnie a gentle pat on the shoulder, before running off down the hall.
"Are you alright dear?" A look of concern crossed Bonnie's face.
Jess felt her cheeks still flushed as she ran her hand quickly across her forehead, embarrassed. "Oh, um, just a little warm in here I guess."
Bonnie stepped forward and curled her fingers toward her palm, resting them on Jess' cheek. "Are you sure?" Jess just smiled as Bonnie put her arm around her and started walking them toward the reception. "Come on. Let's get you some water."
"Thanks Bonnie, but really, I'll be fine. You should go help with Deanna."
They stopped walking for a moment and Bonnie waved her hand with a laugh. "Oh, I think I've already driven Deanna crazy enough today."
Jess nodded slowly, not wanting to do anything that would make Bonnie dislike her. It seemed like they had made such great progress on this trip so far, and she desperately wanted Bonnie to approve of her. They started walking again. "You're really being very sweet to me. I'm so happy that you allowed me to be a part of all this."
"Oh Jessica, you're all Nick can talk about. Of course we want you here, you're part of the family now." She looked at Jess and gave her a wink. "Well, not officially."
Jess took a deep breath and nervously ran her fingers across her waist, feeling the cool, silky fabric against her skin. "Bonnie, can I ask you something? It's a little personal," she paused, "it's about you and Walt?"
She smiled softly, "Sure thing, what would you like to know?"
"How long were you together before you got married?"
Bonnie's smile widened, letting out a small laugh. "Almost 3 years."
"Hmmm" Jess pursed her lips and frowned. "And you guys really made it work, didn't you?"
"We did. Well, I mean, you know how Walt could be, but...we did our best for the boys." Bonnie nudged her arm with her elbow. "How about your parents?"
"Well," Jess bit her lip, "they eloped right after my mom graduated college. They hadn't known each other long. I think maybe they always thought it was a mistake, but she got pregnant with my sister right away, so...I don't know if they were ever really happy."
"I'm so sorry." She shook her head, a little confused. "Nick never mentioned that you had a sister."
Jess shook her head. "He didn't know until a month ago. She's eight years older, we never got along very well."
At that moment, Bonnie glanced over at Jamie and Nick shoving each other near the entrance to the lobby and she let out a deep laugh. "Sounds like those two over there." She nodded toward them as Jess turned and smiled. "My boys always kept it interesting."
They took a few more steps, stopping in the doorway of the reception room as a woman waved to Bonnie as she made her way through the maze of tables. "I don't mean to interrupt, but..." She glanced at the woman and then back at Jess, "would you mind if I introduced you to one more person? She's a good friend of mine and she can't wait to meet you" She gave Jess' arm a squeeze and leaned in to whisper in her ear. "She's known Nicky since he was a baby."
A woman with dark brown hair and light blue eyes walked swiftly to Bonnie's side and gave her a quick hug. Dressed in a belted, red wool sheath dress and a light gray cardigan, she smiled warmly at Jess as she held out her hand.
"Elise." Bonnie glanced between the woman and Jess, smiling. "This is Nicky's girlfriend, Jessica."
Jess smiled and reached out her hand to greet her. "So happy to meet you."
Elise laughed. "Bonnie has been talking about you all day."
Jess smiled, nervously resting her arms across her waist. "That's so sweet. I'm really happy to be here."
"Well, you must be so excited! Nothing like coming to a wedding and knowing your own isn't too far off."
Jess shook her head and glanced quickly between Bonnie and Elise. "I don't..."
Bonnie reached out to playfully swat Elise's arm "Oh Elise really, Nicky and Jess aren't getting married."
"Oh, I'm so sorry," She looked back towards Jess, clearly embarrassed. "I thought you were engaged." Narrowing her eyes at Bonnie, she asked "Didn't you say they lived together?"
Jess jumped in. "Oh well, yes we do, we just..."
"They've only gotten serious in the past few months." Bonnie reached out to squeeze Jess' arm.
"OH, gosh. Listen to me, looking like an idiot."
Jess smiled as Bonnie began to pull her away. "It's fine, really."
They had already taken a few steps when Bonnie called casually over her shoulder. "I'll be back Elise, we'll chat later."
Jess gave a quick nod as Bonnie pulled her towards a back table and motioned for her to sit down. "Jessica, I am SO sorry for all of that. I really didn't mean to put you on the spot. I don't think she paid much attention when I tried to explain everything..."
Jess waved her hand in front of her face. "Oh, it's fine really. I understand. It really IS confusing." She bit her lip and clasped her hands in front of her, trying to hide the fact that she was a little shook up.
Bonnie leaned over and rested a hand on her arm. "Jess dear, is everything okay?"
"I...It's just." She started to say something, but paused. She saw the concern in Bonnie's eyes and took a deep breath. "Bonnie, if I'm being honest, I'm a little overwhelmed. We haven't been together that long and..."
"Oh, don't be. Elise is harmless. But I AM sorry if it was too much, she's just heard so much about you, and Nicky is SO proud to have you here with him."
"I really appreciate you being so nice. I just... Bonnie, Nick is really um, well...sensitive about all this. I just don't want him to..." Jess paused to look at Bonnie, who had a very intense look on her face. Feeling silly and over dramatic, Jess just quickly shook her head and smiled. "You know what, it's fine. We shouldn't be talking about all this anyway, it's Jamie and Deanna's day."
Bonnie smiled and started to stand up. "Well, you just relax here for a minute and I'll go check in with the caterer."
Left alone for a little while, Jess had taken the few minutes of quiet to catch her breath when she felt hands laying gently on her shoulders as Nick leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Hey beautiful". Placing her hands on top of his, he slid into the chair next to her, and wrapped his arm around her to pull her close.
Jess rested her head on his shoulder and gently poked his side. She tried to push away the nagging anxiety she was feeling, and nudged his side. "Hey...Shouldn't you be keeping track of the groom?"
He shrugged. "Nah. I've got a minute." He paused for a moment, expecting a response, then pulled away to look down at her, noticing a distant look in her eye. "You ok?"
Her response was slow, as she seemed lost in her thoughts. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Everyone is so nice, there's just so many people..."
He frowned and rubbed her shoulder. "I'm sorry, I can stay here if you want. Do you want me to get you a glass of wine?" Jess nodded slowly. Maybe a drink would help her relax a little. "Wait here, I'll be right back." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek before disappearing toward the bar. She watched him signal the bartender and shake his head several times as he held up bottles of wine for him. Finally, Nick smiled before glancing over at her and giving her a thumbs up. She smiled back and wrapped her arms tightly around her waist, trying to ignore the sudden chill she felt.
It was going to be fine. They were going to be fine. They'd enjoy the wedding, have a few laughs about how inquisitive everyone had been about their relationship, and then they'd go back to the loft after the holidays and everything would be fine.
Of course it would.
Jess was startled out of her thoughts as Nick placed a glass in front of her on the table and sat back down next to her. He smiled proudly, "It's your favorite." She grabbed his hand and sighed in relief as she reached for the glass. She closed her eyes and took a long, slow sip.
Everything was going to be fine.
Nick noticed her devour almost half the glass in one gulp and leaned closer to her, concerned. "Jess, are you sure you're okay?
She pulled the glass away from her lips and glanced at Nick, confused. "Me?"
"You seem really nervous. Did Ma say something to you?"
"Bonnie?" She placed the glass back onto the table and waved her hand dismissively. "She's been amazing. NO, I just...well." She looked at Nick's bewildered expression and thought better than to bring up anything that might cause a fight. Not here. "I'm good." She took a deep breath, before grabbing the glass and tilting her head back to finish it's contents.
Nick frowned, knowing full well that something was wrong. "Jess..." He tried to wrap his arm around her. "I'm not leaving you here alone until you tell me what's wrong."
She pulled away from him stiffly, waving her hand. "Don't be ridiculous. I can hang with the guys, it's not a big deal. You don't have to worry about me." She let out a small laugh. "Your mom just likes introducing everyone. It's just a odd situation to explain..."
Nick grimaced and shook his head, slightly confused as to what she was talking about. He was starting to worry that his crazy family was starting to wear her down a little. She seemed to have become increasingly frustrated and distant as the night wore on. It wasn't long ago that she had been laughing with him and now this. What had happened in that short period of time since they had met in the bathroom? He grabbed her chin with his hand, forcing her to look him in the eye. "Hey, what's wrong?"
She pulled her head away from him, not able to hold his gaze. Her voice was soft. "Nothing Nick." She turned to give him a quick kiss on the lips before standing up. He couldn't help but feel she was trying hide her expression from him. "You should get back over there."
He shook his head and stood up, becoming more and more agitated with her odd behavior. He reached out to grab her hand, but she had already started to walk away. She gestured toward Bonnie, who was waving her over to her table. "I'll be over there if you need me."
Nick pushed the chair into the table a little bit harder than he needed to and briskly walked back over to Jamie.