A/N: It's been a bit, but I finally came up with my idea for this chapter and I hope you like it!
Hailey stopped walking down the aisle of the grocery store and grabbed a bag of chocolate to toss in her cart. She hesitated then grabbed another bag.
"I saw that."
Hailey turned to see Jay walking over to her carrying a gallon of orange juice in one hand and a package of hotdogs in the other.
"Is there a problem?" Hailey smiled.
"Yeah," Jay nodded and set the food in the cart, "You didn't grab skittles." He stepped past her and tossed a bag of skittles into the cart.
Hailey laughed, "Okay then," she picked up one of the bags of chocolate.
"Whoa, what're you doing?" Jay grabbed her arm.
"We don't need three bags of Halloween candy," Hailey raised an eyebrow.
"But we're having people over," Jay tugged the chocolate from her hands, "And you live in a condo, we'll see kids."
Hailey smirked, "Fine. I guess we can bring the leftover stuff to the district for kids there too."
"Exactly," Jay set the chocolate back in the cart, "It's for the children."
"Mhmm, the children," Hailey nodded, "Come on, we need some ground beef too."
"So burgers and hotdogs?" Jay asked.
"Yeah, I thought you said you'd grill," Hailey led the way to the meat section.
"I will, just making sure," Jay said, "What else should we have?"
Hailey laughed softly and shook her head, "You keep saying 'we' like it's at our house and we're throwing it together."
Jay smiled at her, "You okay with that?"
Hailey slowly nodded, "I think so."
Jay set a hand on her back and leaned over the refrigerator to pick up a package of ground beef, "I can definitely stop saying it. I just thought since we're dating and-"
"Jay," Hailey lightly tugged the back of his shirt, "It's okay. We've been dating for months and now you're helping me with food and setting up and you stay at my house in my room, it's okay to call us a 'we.'"
Jay smiled a little, "Okay."
"And we're wearing matching costumes, right?" Hailey bit her lip over a smile, "That's a big 'we' thing."
Jay laughed, "I was hoping you forgot about that."
"Oh, never," Hailey lightly grabbed his waist, "What kind of lion would I be without my zoo keeper?"
"An untamed one and that's perfectly fine with me," Jay said.
"Not with me," Hailey smiled and wrapped her arms around his middle.
"Hailey Anne."
Hailey froze against Jay.
"What?" Jay whispered.
"Hailey, public affection? Really?"
Jay looked around and saw an older man walking toward them with a case of beer in hand.
Hailey stepped back and turned to face the man, "Hi, Dad."
Jay instinctively grabbed Hailey's arm and tugged her back against him.
Rob Upton smiled, "There's my slugger. Come here."
Hailey glanced up at Jay and raised an eyebrow at his hand firmly wrapped around her elbow.
He hesitated then loosed his grip enough for Hailey to step forward and lightly hug her dad.
Rob patted Hailey's back, "It's been a while. I've been wondering what you've been up to. Wasn't expecting to see you hugging a strange man in the grocery store, though."
Hailey winced and stepped back, "Uh, this is Jay. Jay Halstead. He-He's my boyfriend."
"Ah," Rob nodded and looked Jay over, "So you're the one in all the Facebook pictures my wife shows me?"
"Um, I guess so," Jay chuckled and stuck his hand out, "It's nice to meet you, sir."
Hailey bit the inside of her cheek and set a hand on Jay's side.
Rob nodded and shook Jay's hand, "Nice to meet you too." He looked to Hailey, "Strong grip. Where'd you find him?"
Hailey breathed shakily and tightened her fingers on Jay's shirt, "Work."
"Work," Rob stepped back, "I'm assuming that means you're also a cop."
Jay nodded, "Detective."
"Fancy," Rob breathed and crossed his arms, "Well, Hailey, how long have you been seeing this Jay?"
"Since the end of May," Hailey said.
"Oh," Rob turned to Jay, "You've been seeing my daughter close to five months and I'm just now meeting you? Says a lot about your character."
"Dad," Hailey hissed and stepped in front of Jay, "He does not need your permission to date me. I'm a grown woman."
"Hailey, it's the thought," Rob waved his hand, "It's respectful to meet the girl's parents."
Hailey shook her head, "I cannot believe you."
"Excuse me," Jay set a hand on Hailey's shoulder, "Sir, if you'd like, I could sit down with you and we could talk."
Hailey spun to look at him, "Jay, you don't-"
"I'd like that," Rob nodded, "You know what? Both of you should come over. We'll all have dinner together. Your mom will make pastitsio."
"Sounds delicious," Jay smiled.
"Jay," Hailey snapped.
"We'll see you Friday," Rob nodded, "Dress nice." He then turned and walked toward the front of the store.
Hailey sucked in a breath then turned and pushed Jay's chest, "What did you do?"
"What was I supposed to say?" Jay asked quietly.
"I don't know," Hailey sighed and ran a hand through her hair, "I just…he's such an ass. Did you hear him? 'Dress nice.'" She rolled her eyes, "Like shut up."
"It'll be okay," Jay set his hand on Hailey's back and walked with her to the liquor aisle, "Pick what you want."
Hailey laughed softly, "Fueling my anger with alcohol?"
"Just trying to soften the sting," Jay chuckled.
Hailey smiled and grabbed a bottle of whiskey, "Usually how I deal with my parents anyways."
"I feel you," Jay nodded.
Hailey laughed again, "It's the only way."
"Of course," Jay followed her up to the register.
"Turn left," Hailey breathed.
Jay nodded and turned down the street. He glanced at Hailey playing with her fingers in her lap.
"Hey," he said softly and reached his hand out, "Give me your hand, it'll be okay."
Hailey shakily set her hand in his.
"There we go," Jay breathed and rubbed his thumb over her fingers, "Don't be nervous. He'll feed off of that."
Hailey weakly laughed, "You're right. What an ass."
"I know you don't want to do this," Jay started, "But I do want to know you and prove to them that I'm serious about us, okay? So if it takes an uncomfortable dinner, so be it. Nothing that happens tonight will change that."
Hailey nodded slightly, "Thank you."
Jay kissed her hand, "Tell me when to stop, okay?"
Hailey looked out the window and breathed shakily. After a minute, she said, "House on the right. The grey SUV in the driveway."
Jay squeezed her hand then let go to park the truck in the street.
Hailey jumped out and grabbed the bottle of wine from the backseat. She waited at the edge of the driveway for Jay. When she saw him, she sighed and passed him the wine to quickly smooth out his shirt.
"What're you doing?" Jay chuckled.
"He's going to comment on the wrinkles," Hailey said softly.
Jay raised his eyebrows, "What?"
"Just…crap," Hailey stepped back and shook her head, "Let's just pray," she grabbed Jay's elbow and pulled him up to the house.
"I was driving," Jay said, "I don't think it looks bad."
Hailey shook her head and knocked on the door.
The door finally opened and Christine smiled at her daughter, "Hailey! I'm so happy you're here," she reached forward and hugged Hailey tightly, "You look like you've gained a little weight, are you-"
"No, I'm not pregnant," Hailey said and pulled away.
Christine nodded, "Well, it's a little early for holiday weight, but that's okay."
Hailey blushed and turned to Jay to grab the wine, "Jay and I brought this for you."
"Oh, my favorite," Christine smiled and ushered them both in, "Hi, Jay, so nice to see you again."
"Hi, Mrs. Upton," Jay nodded.
"Is that Hailey and her boyfriend?" Rob asked while walking to the front door.
"Yes, and look what they brought," Christine held up the wine.
"White wine," Rob hugged Hailey, "Hailey, we're adults, why didn't you bring a red?"
"I know Mom likes that one," Hailey said softly.
Rob shook his head and stepped back to hold his hand out to Jay, "Jake."
Jay hesitated then shook his hand, "It's Jay, sir."
"Bold to correct me," Rob nodded, "Well, Jay, thank you for coming over. I'm glad I finally get to sit down with the boy entertaining my daughter."
"Oh my god," Hailey breathed.
"She's not pregnant," Christine said.
"Good, I'm glad he knows better," Rob turned and walked back to the dining room.
Christine followed with the wine, "Hailey, would you like a glass? Jay?"
"Sure," Hailey said softly as she walked, "We'll both have some."
Jay took a deep breath then followed behind.
"Mom, do you need help with the food?" Hailey asked as her mom went into the kitchen.
"Hailey, no," Rob said, "Come in here, let's talk. Introduce me to your friend."
Hailey briefly closed her eyes and glanced at her mom then went to sit down with Jay at the dining room table.
"So, Jay," Rob looked at him, "You said you're a cop."
"Detective," Hailey corrected, "Dad, he told you he was a detective at the store, just like how he told you his name was Jay and you were still stubborn enough to forget it."
Rob raised an eyebrow, "I'd watch the sass, Hailey Anne, this is my home."
Hailey shook her head and rolled her eyes.
Jay set a hand on Hailey's leg, "Sir."
Rob turned to him, "Yes?"
"What would you like to know?" Jay asked.
Rob took a deep breath, "How long have you been on the job?"
"About ten years," Jay nodded.
"And before that, what'd you do?" Rob continued.
"Army. 75th Rangers," Jay answered.
Hailey smiled at him and set a hand on his arm.
"The army?" Rob slowly nodded, "What'd you get your degree in?"
"Dad," Hailey breathed.
"Uh," Jay cleared his throat, "No degree. Army then the police academy. Did some time on the streets, then in Organized Crime, and now Intelligence with your daughter."
Rob sat back in his seat and crossed his arms, "So-"
"Okay, I have the appetizers, I hope you're all hungry," Christine said while walking in and setting the plate of food on the middle of the able, "Oh, the wine." She turned and quickly walked back to the kitchen.
Rob kept his eyes trained on Jay while reaching forward to place a couple of the keftethes on his plate.
"Here we go," Christine said softly and sat at the table with the wine and corkscrew.
"Christine," Rob put his hand out and she passed both to him. He opened the wine and poured it into his glass until it was almost full.
"Dad, that's a lot," Hailey bit her lip.
"Hailey, don't tell me what to do," Rob filled the other three glasses halfway then passed them out, "It's just white wine."
Christine accepted her drink, "Thank you. So, what did I miss? What were we talking about?"
"Jay here was saying he doesn't have a degree," Rob said.
Hailey squeezed her eyes shut.
Christine nodded, "Just jumped into a career."
"How do you plan on providing for my daughter without a degree?" Rob asked.
"I…," Jay swallowed, "Sir-"
"Stop with the sir," Hailey whispered.
"It's polite," Rob said.
Hailey shook her head, "He doesn't need to provide for me. I make enough money on my own."
"Hailey, it's okay to have a man provide for you," Christine said softly.
Hailey glared at her, "Mom, do you realize how old fashioned that is?"
"I'm just saying," Christine sipped her wine.
"While Hailey can provide for herself," Jay started, "I do believe that I have the ability to give her a home and care for her."
Rob shook his head, "Degrees are important, Jay. I guess you still have time to go back to school."
"He's not going back to school," Hailey snapped.
"I'm fine," Jay said quietly to her.
"You do not have to put up with this," Hailey gripped her fork.
Rob raised an eyebrow at her, "Hailey, calm down. It's some simple talk between a father and his daughter's friend."
"My boyfriend," Hailey sighed, "Dad, he's my boyfriend."
"Were you friends first?" Christine asked.
"You could say that," Jay nodded with a smile.
"So you work together," Rob swallowed his food, "What's going to happen if you break up?"
"I have no intention of breaking up with your daughter," Jay said quickly.
"Then why haven't you asked me for her hand yet?" Rob asked.
"It's been a few months!" Hailey shook her head and ran her hand through her hair, "I cannot believe this is happening right now."
"Hailey, hair," Christine said under her breath with a glance toward Rob.
Jay slowly drank his wine, not quite sure what the right move to make was.
"Christine, where's the salad?" Rob stood slightly to look into the kitchen.
"I thought we'd have it with the meal," Christine said.
Rob blew out his breath, "Not sure what the point of that is, but okay."
"Get it yourself," Hailey mumbled.
Rob turned toward her, "What did you say?"
"I'll get it," Jay stood.
"You will not," Hailey grabbed his arm, "If my dad wants the salad, he can go get the salad himself. This is his house."
"It's okay, it's just salad, right?" Christine hurried into the kitchen. When she returned to the dining room with the bowl, Jay was still standing holding a hard gaze with Rob across the table.
"Sit," Hailey breathed and rubbed her thumb over Jay's elbow.
"Something you'd like to say?" Rob asked.
Jay set his jaw and sat down, "No."
"No longer saying 'sir' it seems," Rob served himself salad then passed the bowl back to Christine.
Jay's fist clenched in his lap and he swallowed down all the words he wanted to say.
Hailey glanced down and set her hand over his fist.
Jay turned to her when he felt her cold, slightly shaking hand on his. "You okay?" he whispered.
Hailey nodded and accepted the salad from her mom, "Jay?"
"Um, yes please," Jay took a deep breath, "Thank you."
"Mhmm," Hailey set some on his plate then served some to herself.
Jay took a bite and looked at Christine, "Mrs. Upton, everything has been delicious. Thank you for having us."
"You're always welcome," Christine smiled.
"Call first," Rob said.
Hailey rolled her eyes and silently ate her salad.
Everyone ate quietly until the timer buzzed in the kitchen. Christine excused herself and returned with the pastitsio.
Hailey's face lit up, "Oh my gosh," she turned to Jay, "This is my favorite, I swear my mom makes the best pastitsio you'll ever have."
Christine laughed softly, "I used to always make it for her birthday."
Even Rob smiled slightly as he nodded and said, "She loved it."
"Here, you can have the first piece," Christine scooped out a piece for Hailey and set it on her plate, "Jay?"
"Yes, please, thank you," Jay held up his plate for her, "This looks delicious."
"It is," Hailey said through her mouthful.
Jay laughed, "Look at you. Here," he took his napkin and wiped the side of her mouth, "Little messy."
Hailey blushed, but still swallowed and smiled, "Thank you."
Christine placed a slice on Rob's plate then one on her own before sitting down, "Jay, what's your family's heritage?"
"Irish," Jay answered with a smile, "Both of my parents were Irish, so we followed a lot of the same traditions they had growing up."
"What do they do now?" Rob asked.
Hailey closed her eyes and wished her mom would have said something to him before they came.
"They've passed away, sir," Jay said.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Rob nodded and, for the first time that night, he looked genuine.
"I'm so sorry," Christine said softly, "I should have told him earlier."
"It's okay," Jay shook his head, "I don't mind. It's not a secret."
Rob looked at Christine, "You knew?"
"I…well…they…" Christine bit her lip and looked to Hailey.
Hailey breathed in and glanced to Rob, "I told her."
"You told your mom but you didn't tell me?" Rob asked, "Hailey, I just embarrassed myself in front of your friend by unknowingly poking an old wound. Why would you let me step into that?"
"I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking," Hailey shook her head.
"Clearly not," Rob sighed.
"It's really okay," Jay said, "It's nothing to hide. My parents are dead. You shouldn't be embarrassed, sir."
Rob glared at Hailey and continued eating.
Christine looked around the tense table before saying, "I knew because they told me at lunch a couple months back."
Hailey's eyes widened, "Mom."
"You saw Hailey for lunch?" Rob asked, "Months ago?"
"Yes," Christine nodded, "Hailey told me about Jay, so the three of us had lunch."
Rob's eyes flashed toward Hailey and Jay, "When was this?"
"I think July," Christine answered, her voice steady.
"And what did you three talk about?" Rob asked.
"Dad, it was just a catch-up lunch," Hailey said quickly, "It was nothing."
"If it was nothing, why am I just now hearing about it?" Rob's face started turning red and he clenched his hands around his silverware, "Christine, may I speak with you in the kitchen?"
"No," Hailey reached across Jay to set a hand on her mom's arm, "No, it's fine. Everything is fine."
"Hailey, you know as well as your mother that I do not tolerate secrets in this house," Rob stood, "Christine, kitchen."
Hailey stood as well, "So help me god, I will call the cops. Do not step away from this table."
"Hailey, sit down," Rob put a hand out, "I just want to talk to your mother about any possible ideas you put in her head."
"I did no such thing," Hailey breathed, "If she wants to leave, then let her leave," she pointed toward the door, "You are not treating her like a wife. You treat her like an animal."
"Hailey, no," Christine shook her head.
Rob grabbed Hailey's arm, "You don't know what you're talking about."
Jay pushed away from the table and quickly tugged Hailey behind him, "Don't ever set a hand on her."
"I'm fine," Hailey tried stepping back out from behind Jay, but he kept his hand firmly on her waist, holding her back.
Rob chuckled low, "You think you can come into my house and tell me how to treat my daughter?"
"When I see the way you treat her, yeah, I'm going to tell you how to act," Jay said.
"Jay," Hailey set a hand on his back, "Watch-"
"No, Hailey," Jay turned to look at her, "This isn't okay."
"I know," Hailey said quietly, "But I can handle him for myself."
"Hailey, get out."
Jay, Hailey, and Christine looked at Rob.
Christine shook her head quickly and stood, "Rob, no. This is just a disagreement. Everything's fine."
"Get out, Hailey," Rob repeated, "Take your boyfriend and get out of my house."
Hailey pursed her lips and grabbed Jay's hand, "Fine." She turned toward her mom, "Thank you for having us."
"No, please," Christine said quietly with tears in her eyes, "Hailey."
Hailey shook her head and walked around to briefly hug her mom, "I'll talk to you later."
"I love you," Christine whispered as Hailey stepped back.
Hailey swallowed and walked out of the room.
Jay nodded toward Christine and said quietly, "The food was very good, thank you." He took a deep breath and gave one last glance toward Rob before following Hailey to the front door.
"You sure?" he whispered, his hand on the doorknob.
Hailey nodded, "It's time."
Jay blew out his breath and opened the door for Hailey. They walked to the door and silently got in; Jay driving away with his eyes trained equally on the road and Hailey.
After a few minutes, Hailey reached her hand over and grabbed Jay's wrist, "Pull up to this corner store."
Jay glanced to her, but said nothing as he drove through the driveway and parked the truck.
"Come on," Hailey said softly and jumped out. She waited for Jay at the front of the truck and grabbed his hand to pull him inside.
"Is that Hailey Upton?" came an elderly voice.
Hailey turned toward the cashier and her smile widened, "Mr. Theo!" She laughed and dropped Jay's hand to hurry over and hug the man, "How are you?"
"I'm doing well," he chuckled and lightly patted the side of her face, "Especially now that you're back. It's been too long, but you look the same."
"Thank you," Hailey smiled, "And you don't look a day over thirty."
The man laughed and shook his head, "Always a charmer." He looked over her shoulder, "Who's your friend?"
Hailey lowered her voice, "I don't know, he just looked lonely so I thought I'd get him one of your famous pieces of pie."
Jay smirked and crossed his arms, "Oh really?"
Hailey laughed, "Mr. Theo, meet Jay Halstead, my partner at work and, more importantly, my boyfriend. Jay, this is Theodore Masalis. He's owned this corner store for as long as I can remember."
"It's very nice to meet you," Jay reached forward to shake Theo's hand.
"And you," Theo nodded.
"Do you have any apple pie?" Hailey asked.
"Of course," Theo pointed to the back corner, "Back there as always. I'm getting a little old, so I hope you know I'd usually get it for you, but I took a bad tumble and hurt my hip."
Hailey's face fell, "Are you okay? Do you need me to go out and get you anything?"
Theo waved her off, "Your mom's stopped by a few times and helped me out. Go get your pie, little star."
Hailey smiled slightly and patted Jay's back before walking away.
"You come from her parents'?" Theo asked Jay.
"Yeah," Jay breathed out.
Theo nodded, "It's usually the only reason she stops by. I haven't seen her in a couple years though."
Jay rubbed his face, "Do you know her parents then?"
"Too well," Theo tried to keep a straight face as Hailey came back with two pieces of pie in a plastic container.
"I picked the two biggest ones, hope you don't mind," Hailey winked.
"You can take anything you want," Theo smiled.
"How much do I owe you?" Jay pulled out his wallet.
"I can get it," Hailey shook her head and set the pie down on the counter.
"For Hailey, on the house," Theo said, "And for you," he turned to Jay, "Do you make her smile?"
Jay looked at Hailey and smiled himself. He nodded, "I'd like to think that I do."
Hailey smiled back and stepped closer to him.
"Then on the house for you too," Theo said softly.
"Thank you, sir," Jay shook his hand again, "It was nice to meet you."
"Pleasure was mine," Theo set his other hand over Jay's for a second.
"It was so great to see you," Hailey hugged him.
Theo looked in her eyes, "Don't be afraid to come around. I like seeing your smiling face – always lights up the store, little star."
Hailey smiled softly and nodded, "We'll be back."
"Thank you," Theo squeezed her hands, "Until we meet again."
"Always," Hailey lightly kissed his cheek then led the way out to the truck with Jay.
Jay started the car, but Hailey said, "Hey, no, turn it off."
"What?" Jay chuckled.
"You eat it in the car in the parking lot, that's the rule," Hailey set the pie on the center console and passed him a fork.
"Well," Jay turned the car off, "Who am I to break that rule?"
"Right?" Hailey laughed softly, "Jay Halstead doesn't break rules," she winked and took a big bite of pie.
Jay shook his head with a laugh and poked at his slice of pie. After eating a few bites, he said, "This really is the best apple pie I think I've ever had."
"I know!" Hailey licked her fork, "I think he puts caramel in it, but he's never given me the recipe."
"Did you come here a lot?" Jay asked.
Hailey shrugged, "I'd pop in when I needed a pick-me-up. His wife was a literal angel – actually, we all called her a goddess to play along with our Greek roots," she laughed to herself, "Unfortunately, she passed away from breast cancer about ten years ago. Mr. Theo stayed open though. I think he needs the place to stay alive; it gives him a purpose and keeps him happy."
"How's he know your parents?" Jay continued.
"Just from the neighborhood," Hailey said, "Mrs. Angelina became like an older sister to my mom. She always seemed to come over the day after my parents had a huge fight. I don't know if my mom told her or if she just somehow knew."
"I'm sorry," Jay said softly.
"Don't be," Hailey shook her head, "It was just my life. I'm sorry for dragging you into it tonight."
"Hey, never apologize for your family," Jay reached over to and wiped his thumb over her bottom lip.
Hailey smiled slightly, "Thank you."
Jay sat up and kissed her lightly, "Till the end."
Hailey closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his, "I love you."
Hailey yawned and shook her head at her desk.
Vanessa looked over and smirked, "Long night with your man?"
Hailey laughed, "Actually, yes."
Vanessa glanced back to where Jay was pouring coffee with Adam in the breakroom, "Hope it was worth it, I think we're in for a long day."
"He's always worth it," Hailey smiled.
"Special delivery for a Ms. Hailey Upton," Kevin said as he walked up into the bullpen with Kim. He passed Hailey a blue cooler, "For you, my dear."
Hailey laughed and set the cooler on her desk, "What is it?"
"A blonde woman flagged us down in the parking lot," Kim shrugged off her coat, "She said she thought we knew you?"
"I told you, I think it was her mom," Kevin said.
"Oh," Hailey's eyes widened and she opened the cooler. She weakly laughed and shook her head, "Oh my god," she started pulling out all the leftovers from the night before – even the baklava and kataifi that hadn't been eaten.
"Whoa," Adam said when he came back into the bullpen with Jay, "Look at that picnic. I sure hope you're going to share."
"How'd you get that?" Jay chuckled.
Hailey smiled at him, "My mom." She looked back into the cooler and pulled out a square piece of paper that had her mom's curly writing scrawled across.
- To my wonderful daughter: Eat up! I love you and I'm ok. -
Hailey softened at the note and placed it in her desk.
Jay leaned against her desk and brushed her hair back, "Everything okay?" he whispered.
Hailey looked up at him, "Yeah, it is."
Jay nodded and smiled at her.
"So," Kevin looked over Hailey's shoulder and chuckled, "That looks good."
Hailey laughed, "I will share." She stood, "Let me get it ready for you all first, then we can feast."
Adam clapped his hands together, "Yes, I love Greek food."
Hailey winked at Jay before packing all the food up and bringing it into the breakroom to warm it all up for her true family.
A/N: Sorry! I know it's been a while, but I actually started the next chapter of "We Can" while in the middle of this one, so I'm guilty of being distracted. I hope you like it though! I'm pretty happy with this new piece of my giant universe :)