A/N: First, thanks to all who have reviewed. The reviews mean so much to me and I am pleased that Jamie's Song is being received well. Thanks to my wonderful beta for all her hard work. Now, here is the next installment! AOE01
Chapter Nine
Thursday evening, Jamie went home after his tour to get ready. Tonight was the night he would introduce Caitlin to his father and grandfather. Deep down, he knew he had nothing to fear; however, there was a question that still worried him, would Caitlin feel comfortable around the senior Reagans. What would Frank and Henry think about her? He looked up to both men and valued their input. It would crush him if they didn't approve of her. Tonight could be a big step towards the life he was coming to realize he wanted badly.
Putting his doubts aside and silencing his nervous thoughts, he told himself firmly that everything would be fine. They would love Caitlin. She would win them over just as she had won him over, with her southern charm and soft demeanor.
Looking through the clothes hanging in his closet, he thoughtfully considered what he should wear. He didn't need to get as dressed up as he had for their first date, but he didn't want to be too casual either. Knowing Caitlin was coming from work and would be wearing a nice dress, he settled on khakis and a white button down shirt. It would be comfortable, yet would match her attire appropriately.
After getting cleaned up and dressed, he slipped on a pair of brown loafers and pulled on his leather coat as he left his apartment. During the drive to Lincoln center his nerves had time to return. He knew he was wasting his time worrying; telling himself, again, they would love her, they had to. It dawned on him that his father and grandfather held the only opinions that counted; he didn't care what anyone else thought.
As he parked his car and walked to her office, Jamie took a few minutes to calm his thoughts, knowing it wouldn't be a good idea to let her see him nervous. If she picked up on it, then her anxiety would increase, and that was something he didn't want.
As he approached her office, he heard the piano playing and realized Caitlin was still with her student. Sitting in one of the three chairs in the outer office, Jamie waited; enjoying the music that filled the air.
At five till six, the door opened and a young female student walked out with a bag slung over her shoulder. He smiled at her as she passed, noting the glances she was sending him as she walked down the hall. He wondered, idly, if she had been in the lecture hall the day he showed up. Leaning his head back against the wall, he could hear Caitlin rummaging around in her office. Standing, he knocked on the door and poked his head in to check on her.
Looking up, Caitlin smiled at him, motioning at him to enter. "Come on in," she said, as she continued to rifle through stacks of paper. "I'll be ready in a moment, I just have to find…" She trailed off as she stopped to think. Walking over to the bookcase, she started sorting through a giant stack of scores.
"Caitlin…" Jamie started to say as he looked at the clock on the wall.
"I know, I know, we need to leave," Caitlin said, distracted. "Oh, here it is. I knew it was here somewhere." Triumphantly, Caitlin pulled out the score she was looking for and placed it on her desk so she could review it first thing in the morning when she got in. "One less thing to worry about now," She told him with a smile.
Seeing him standing there waiting patiently for her, her nerves returned. He looked handsome, as always, and she couldn't help the flutter in her stomach that his presence always seemed to produce. She ran her hands down her thighs, smoothing her simple navy dress.
Sensing her worry, he walked up to her, gave her a smile, and gathered her into a comforting embrace. "You look great. Don't worry," Jamie told her as he pulled back to look her in the eyes. He kissed her lightly on the forehead and held out his arm for her to grab saying, "C'mon, let's go."
With a laugh, Caitlin opened the small closet and took out her coat. Jamie took it from her and held it out, helping her put it on. Walking over to her desk, she picked up her purse and briefcase and walked with Jamie out the door, locking it behind them.
Offering to carry her briefcase, Jamie held out his arm once more for her to take as they walked out to his car.
On the drive to Brooklyn, Jamie realized he was hungry. His tour had been busy with no time to take a full lunch. He wondered what his grandfather was making, but knew whatever it was, it would be delicious. Glancing over at Caitlin, he recognized she was anxious. He reached over and took her hand in his and gently squeezed it, letting her know without words that it was going to be all right.
Parking in front of the house, Jamie got out of the car quickly and came around to help her out. He had a feeling that one, if not both men would be looking out the window trying to get a first look at their guest. He wanted them to see that he treated Caitlin like a lady, just as they taught him.
Stepping out of the warm car, Caitlin looked up at the house. It was imposing, but she liked it. There was a warm, welcome feeling to it and it helped her breathe a little easier. Walking up the driveway, they headed for the kitchen door. Pausing at the door before opening it, Jamie kissed her gently. Twisting the handle, he opened the door and walked in first, holding onto Caitlin's hand behind him.
"Hi, Grandpa," he greeted his grandfather as he kept hold of Caitlin's hand.
Henry turned from the stove where he was cooking, and greeted his grandson warmly. Turning his attention from Jamie, he looked over at the woman standing next to him. She was wearing a classic dark blue dress with matching cardigan sweater, setting off her reddish hair and peaches and cream complexion. Even in her matching heels, she was shorter than his tall grandson. He couldn't hold the genuine smile back; they made a handsome couple.
"Grandpa, I'd like you to meet, Caitlin." Jamie started. "This is my grandfather, Henry." He introduced them to each other. Turning himself, he waited to see what would happen.
Henry wiped his hand on the towel next to the stove and smiled at her. "It's nice to meet you, Caitlin."
"It's nice to meet you," Caitlin responded with a smile, as she nervously touched the gold crucifix she wore before letting it go. "It smells wonderful in here." The heavenly aroma of Chicken Marsala permeated the air. Looking around, she noted the décor of the cozy kitchen. It was large, but open and friendly. In the nook, there was a small wooden table already set for four.
"Francis and I thought that we'd eat in here instead of the dining room. Less formal," Henry explained with a friendly smile. "Jamie, would you pour the wine? Francis should be home any minute," Henry asked as he turned back to the stove.
Jamie went and picked up the bottle of wine his grandfather had already set out. Picking up the bottle opener, he twisted the screw into the cork and pulled it out. Pouring three glasses, he turned to Caitlin. "What would you like?" he asked her. Walking over to the refrigerator, he looked over the contents. He knew they wouldn't have any iced tea, but he gave her a choice of what they had.
"Water is fine," she informed Jamie as he picked up her glass and filled it with ice, then poured her a glass of clean, refreshing water.
Just as Jamie placed her drink on the table, the door opened and his father walked in. "Sorry, I'm late. I had a hard time getting out of the office." Frank said as he tugged off his coat and walked into the dining room to set down his briefcase and coat.
"You must be Caitlin," He said when he returned with a welcoming smile, holding his hand out.
"Yes," Caitlin nodded, as she took his hand and shook it. Jamie's father was taller than Jamie and a much bigger man.
"I'm glad you could come for dinner. I like meeting Jamie's friends." Frank tried to put her at ease with a disarming smile.
"Well, you're just in time, Francis. Dinner's ready. Come, sit," Henry said as he put the platter of chicken on the table.
They took their seats, Frank and Henry sitting across from Jamie and Caitlin. Frank looked across and said, "Jamie?"
Bowing their heads, Jamie said grace and they started to pass the dishes, each one taking what they wanted. Henry had made a special effort with dinner, wanting to impress Jamie's guest.
In addition to the chicken, Henry had prepared wild rice, asparagus, and rolls. The food looked and smelled delicious.
Once their plates were full, Henry looked around, something seemed amiss. He realized that Caitlin was drinking water. "Would you like some wine, Caitlin?" he offered as he held up the bottle.
Caitlin quietly said, "No, thank you. I'm fine."
Accepting her choice, Henry nodded; he'd wanted to make sure.
Frank watched Caitlin as they ate. She was as quiet and reserved as Jamie had said, though not unfriendly. He sensed that conversation would be up to him to initiate.
"Jamie tells me you're a music professor?" Frank thought her job was a good place to start.
"Yes, I teach at Juilliard," Caitlin responded, with a smile.
"What do you teach?" Henry was curious.
"Piano, composition, a little music history, but mainly I teach the art of performance," Caitlin replied, taking a sip of water.
Jamie added, leaning back in his seat, "You should see her teach, grandpa, it's really amazing."
Henry looked at Jamie, and raised his eyebrows, "And when did you start attending Juilliard?"
Jamie laughed and admitted, "Well, I kinda crashed a lecture one day."
Caitlin looked at Jamie, "Kinda crashed? Created havoc is more like it."
"Hey, I had to get you to go out with me some way," Jamie retorted.
Henry and Frank shared a knowing look with a smile. Looking at Caitlin, Frank realized that she wasn't as upset with Jamie as her words might indicate. He also noted that her tone was playful and amused when talking with Jamie.
"So, how did you two meet?" Frank was sure there was a story behind a cop and a music professor meeting; he hoped it wasn't duty related.
Jamie glanced at Caitlin before answering, "Remember my friend, Nick, from college?"
After Frank nodded, Jamie continued, "Well, he talked me into one of his projects so I went to help plant what seemed like a million flower bulbs at this park and Caitlin was one of the volunteers."
"Central park?" Henry asked. He thought it was a great way to spend a day.
"No, grandpa, Fort Tryon Park, just north of the George Washington Bridge," Jamie said, as he took another sip of wine.
"I've heard of it," Frank commented. He prided himself of knowing his city through and through. "How long have you been seeing each other?"
Jamie put his arm across Caitlin's chair and pondered the question, "Well, that depends on who you ask, I guess. We met at the end of September and spent time with each other almost every Saturday at the same park."
"Those were not dates," Caitlin declared, looking at Jamie.
Frank and Henry looked at each other not sure whether to join in, but listened closely trying to figure out the dynamic between the two.
"Well, let's see, you knew I would be there, you left clues where you would be so I could find you, and we spent several hours together. They were dates." Jamie declared.
"I don't think so," Caitlin maintained.
"Who bought the coffee every week?" Jamie countered.
Henry laughed, "Sounds like a date, to me."
Caitlin looked at the three men. Leaning towards Frank she said, conspiratorially, "I feel a need for a tactical retreat."
Frank smiled and laughed. He liked this young lady. His son had chosen well. "Is there coffee, Pop?"
Henry got up and spoke to Caitlin who had started to stand and help clear the table, "No, young lady, you're a guest. Jamie and I will clear."
Jamie stood and picked up both his and Caitlin's plate as Henry took his own and Frank's. Walking over to the sink, Jamie helped with the dishes but kept an ear open to what was being said at the table. He wanted to make sure Caitlin didn't feel left alone, and was willing to jump in if needed.
Frank asked, "Where are you from, Caitlin?" Like most men he had been enthralled with the southern accent.
"I'm from Mississippi," she told him.
Jamie couldn't hear the rest of the conversation over the running water, but he saw Caitlin smiling and nodding as she talked with his father. Relaxing, he helped his grandfather get the dessert out and ready to be served.
Once the dishes were rinsed off and loaded in the dishwasher, they returned with coffee and pie for dessert. They kept the conversation light, and after finishing, Caitlin thanked them for the wonderful meal and complimented Henry on his cooking. "It was delicious, thank you."
Henry thanked her for her kind words, suggesting Jamie show her the rest of the house. He remembered what it was like to be young and he thought they would like some time alone and to themselves.
Jamie led her through the dining room and into the living room, leaving the older men behind.
Henry looked over to Frank, and understanding the signal, Frank closed the swinging door to the dining room.
"So, what do you think?" Henry asked.
"I like her, Pop. They make a good match," Frank gave his assessment.
Henry nodded his agreement. "Jamie is right about one thing. She's really quiet. I don't know how Danny and Erin will be with her."
Frank commented, "I think they'll have to learn to deal with it, if I don't miss my guess."
Henry laughed, "I think so."
Frank's phone rang and he looked at the display and saw it was Erin. He answered it, hoping everything was all right.
Henry listened to the one sided conversation and when Frank hung up asked, "What was that about?"
"Erin needs to work late on that big case she has coming up and asked if Nicky could stay here tonight."
"You said, yes, didn't you?" Henry prodded.
"Of course I did, a friend is dropping her off soon," Frank loved to spend time with his granddaughter and he never turned down his children when they needed his help.
~Blue Bloods~
In the living room, Jamie and Caitlin sat on the lush couch. Jamie had shown her the layout of the downstairs, not wanting to make her uncomfortable by taking her to the second level. He loved this house; it was always warm, comfortable, and welcoming. After showing her the framed pictures that were about, he pulled a photo album out from the side table drawer. Sitting next to her, he opened it and started to show her pictures of his family.
He hoped that showing her the pictures would help her when it came time to meet the rest of the family. With each turn of the page, he related stories about each photo. He enjoyed sharing more about himself and his childhood.
~Blue Bloods~
"Hi Grandpa." Nicky said as she walked through the kitchen door. Frank wrapped his arms around his granddaughter in a tight hug. "Hey, pops," she smiled over to Henry.
"Is that Uncle Jamie's car out front?" Nicky asked, pointing over her shoulder.
"Yes, he's here somewhere," Henry said, making a motion with his hands.
Pulling away from her grandfather, Nicky made her way out to the dining room in search of her uncle; heedless of the two older men trying to stop her. Walking into the living room, she could see Jamie's head over the back of the couch.
"Uncle Jamie…" she said with a smile only to stop when she saw he wasn't alone. Taking in what she was seeing, she blushed. Her face heated up as she saw her favorite uncle holding a woman she didn't know while kissing her.
Embarrassed at getting caught, Jamie broke away from Caitlin and looked behind him and saw his teenaged niece standing in the doorway. Nicky's face was just about as red as his was.
"I'm sorry, Uncle Jamie." Nicky apologized as she looked over to Caitlin. She was curious about the woman Jamie had been making out with, and from what she could see, she was beautiful.
"It's ok." Jamie sighed; there were definitely disadvantages that come with being part of a large family. "Caitlin, this is my niece, Nicky. She's Erin's daughter." Jamie introduced her. "Is your mom here?" Jamie asked. He hoped she wasn't, this was supposed to have been a small, quiet dinner. He didn't want Caitlin to feel outnumbered any more than she already was.
"No, she has to work so I'm staying the night with grandpa and pops." Nicky explained.
"Jamie…" Caitlin started to say, quietly.
Jamie reached down and took her hand. "Yeah, we need to go." He held on to her hand as they stood and walked back to the kitchen, Nicky trailing behind them.
"Dad, we have to go. We both have to work tomorrow," Jamie said.
Frank stood and walked them to the door. "Caitlin, it was nice meeting you."
Caitlin smiled at Frank, "Thank you, I had a good time." She liked him and could see Jamie took after him in some ways.
"This is Jamie's home and you're welcome anytime. If you would like to join us for Sunday dinner, we'd love to have you," Frank extended the invitation, smiling.
Caitlin smiled at Frank, "Thank you. It was a lovely evening."
Saying their good byes, Frank grabbed a quick hug from Jamie before they left. Closing the door behind them, he thought back on the evening and dinner. He looked forward to spending more time with Caitlin, and getting to know her better. She seemed like a good match for Jamie, and he was proud that his son seemed to have found someone with whom he could be himself.
Turning around he saw Nicky sitting at the table. "Is your homework done?" he asked.
"Yes, sir. I did it in study hall this afternoon." Nicky explained. "I didn't know Uncle Jamie has a new girlfriend." She quickly added, jumping on the opportunity to find out what was going on.
Frank looked at his father. Nicky was a very smart young lady, and they both knew this would take some finessing in order to maintain Jamie's privacy.
"Nicky, that's your Uncle Jamie's business and I think he would prefer it if you kept that information to yourself." Frank said, sternly.
"Okay, grandpa." Nicky said, and then looked up concerned, "Is that why he and Uncle Danny were fighting on Thanksgiving?"
Henry took over, "Nicky, your uncles were fighting because Danny tried to push Jamie to share something he wasn't ready to share yet, and when Jamie's had enough he pushes back just as hard." He continued, gravely, "Let your Uncle Jamie tell everyone in his own way and in his own time."
"Would you want your mother to share news with the whole family if you had a new boyfriend?" Frank added, to further make the point.
"No," Nicky answered. "So, do you like her, pops?" Nicky asked. She was curious about Jamie's new girlfriend.
"Yep, though it only matters that Jamie likes her," Henry pointed out.
"He seemed to when I went in the living room," she said, humorously as her cheeks heated up. "They were kissing," she informed them with a wide smile.
"All right, Nicky. Off to bed," Frank ordered, laughing.
Nicky came over and gave him a hug, saying, "I heard you and pops, grandpa. I won't say anything."
"Good girl, now off to bed," Frank said.
As Nicky went upstairs, Frank walked into the living room to relax. Frank saw the photo album out and looked at the pictures on the open page. There were a lot of Jamie and Joe. He closed it carefully and put in back in the drawer where it belonged. He was glad Jamie had been showing it to Caitlin. He knew Jamie missed Joe almost as much as he did and it gave him a warm feeling to know Joe was not forgotten.
Sitting with a drink, Frank thought about the night in general and Caitlin in particular. He liked Jamie and Caitlin together. Jamie was more relaxed and happier than Frank had seen him in a long time. In fact, he didn't think Jamie had been like that with Sydney at all.
Catlin was easy to like, even if she was very reserved. He liked the way they interacted. The mutual teasing was nice and she showed a strong sense of humor. He could tell with time, she would warm up to them. He only hoped the rest of the family would let her adjust on her own, and not force her. He looked forward to seeing how this new relationship would play out for his youngest.