The elegant restaurant was abuzz with life, its ambiance warm and inviting under the soft glow of chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. As Jade and Cat entered, hand in hand, the hum of chatter and clinking of silverware created a comforting backdrop. Jade, radiant in a fitted emerald green dress that accentuated her every curve, led the way, her confidence a beacon that reassured Cat.
Cat, feeling the weight of the moment, couldn't help but notice how everything about this outing felt significant. It was the first time they would sit down for dinner with Jade's dad, Jason, since he had learned about their relationship. Cat had met him a hundred times before, but tonight, there was a new layer of intensity in the air. She glanced at Jade, who seemed eager yet calm. Above all, she was more used to this kind of restaurant than Cat was.
As they approached the host stand, Cat's heart raced with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Jason was already sat at their table in sharp navy blazer and tailored trousers. His smile greeted them with a smile, instantly putting Cat at ease. He'd left the house separately from his daughter, who had gone to pick up Cat before meeting him here at the restaurant.
"Hey, girls! You look fantastic," he exclaimed, standing up to wrap them both in a gentle hug. Jade pushed away as soon as possible while Cat accepted happily, giving a polite squeeze back. "Hope you're ready for some amazing food."
"Always," Jade replied, her voice light and teasing as she slid into her booth seat.
As they settled in, Jason took a moment to study Cat, his gaze thoughtful. "So, Cat, how have gou been?" he asked, genuine curiosity evident in his tone.
"Since you saw her what, two days ago?" Jade mumbled under her breath, too quiet for the others to hear.
Cat replied with a amile. "I've been good, just keeping busy with school mostly," Ger voice kept steady despite the nerves she suddenly felt. "How about you?"
"Oh, you know how it is. Just work and the usual chaos of work," Jason said, a chuckle escaping his lips. "It's a balancing act sometimes."
The waiter arrived promptly, presenting the evening's specials with an air of professionalism. As he described each dish, Cat's eyes widened with delight. Everything sounded so so good. Jade had reassured her that the price would be covered by her father, and if she even offered to pay he would probably be offended.
"Cat, what are you thinking of getting?" Jade asked, nudging her playfully as she scanned the menu.
"I'm not sure… everything sounds so good," Cat admitted, biting her lip as she tried to decide.
"I recommend the lobster," Jason interjected, his eyes lighting up. "It's the best dish here. Trust me on this one."
"Lobster it is then," Cat said, a shy smile playing at her lips. She'd never had lovster before; hopefully she liked it.
Once their orders were placed, Jade and Jason fell into a conversation about their day. Every attempt he made to take an interest in her life, Jade shut down. It pained Cat a little, that Jade dismissed him so. How she wished her Dad would ask her about her day. But still, she got it. When Jade's Mom died, it put a wall between Jason and Jade; and it had taken Jason years too long to try and bring it down. He was trying now, but old habits die hard with Jade. She noticed Jade's demeanour shift slightly when Jason began to ask questions about Cat.
"So, Cat, any plans after graduation? Fashion Institute of Technology was it?" Jason asked, tilting his head slightly.
Jade shot him a look, a subtle warning in her eyes. "Dad, don't pry," she interjected, crossing her arms defensively.
"It's okay, Jade," Cat reassured her, turning to Jason. "Yep! I'll be going to study Fashion Design."
Jason nodded, appearing genuinely interested. "I'm surprised it's not for something to do with music. I've heard you sing; you have a gift," he said, his tone warm. Cat felt a blush creeping up her cheeks, the compliment filling her with pride.
"I appreciate that," Cat said, her heart swelling at his words. "I just want to explore my options."
"Always good to have a backup plan," Jason replied, his fatherly instincts kicking in. "You never know how the industry can be."
Jade rolled her eyes, but Cat understood where he was coming from. "Thank you," she beamed, appreciating his concern.
As the meal progressed, the atmosphere remained light. Jason occasionally asked Cat about her family and her interests, each question more thoughtful than the last. "How is your brother doing?" he inquired, leaning forward with genuine curiosity. "I haven't seen him since you girls were, what, 7? Leo, him and I went on that fishing trip."
Cat hesitated for a moment, weighing her words. "Matteo is… different. He's been through a lot, but he's got a great heart," she said softly, her tone laced with affection. She glanced at Jade, who seemed to be listening intently.
"Different how?" Jason pressed gently, sensing Cat's reluctance.
Jade cut in quickly, a protective edge to her voice. "Okay, maybe let's not dive into family stuff too much, Dad."
"It's fine, Jade," Cat reassured her again, grateful for her girlfriend's concern but okay to share. "Matteo has some health issues. It's been tough on my family, but we manage. He's a good kid."
Jason nodded, his expression turning serious. "I'm sure it's challenging for you."
"Yeah, sometimes," Cat admitted, her gaze steady. "But it's made me who I am."
As they finished their meals, Jason leaned back in his chair, an appreciative smile on his face. "You know, Cat, I'm really glad Jade has you in her life," he said, sincerity in his voice. "You bring out a side of her that I haven't seen in a while."
Cat felt her heart swell at his words, a mix of pride and gratitude washing over her. "Thanks, Jason. That means a lot," she replied, smiling back at him.
Jade's expression softened, and for a moment, Cat could see the flicker of appreciation in her eyes. It was a reminder of how complex their relationships could be. Jade had always felt distant from her father, a lingering resentment stemming from years of miscommunication. But Cat could see that beneath Jason's exterior was a good man who truly cared about his daughter.
As they drove home, the hum of the car filled the comfortable silence between Jade and Cat, the glow of city lights casting fleeting shadows across their faces. Cat leaned back in her seat, a small smile lingering on her lips as she reflected on the evening. It had been more than she expected—Jason's warmth, the laughter, the shared memories—it all felt… right.
But the quiet was broken as Jade suddenly slowed down, her gaze locked on a car passing them in the opposite lane. She could recognise that car anywhere. The flash of headlights illuminated a familiar face in the driver's seat—Beck, his profile unmistakable even from a distance. Sitting beside him was a girl, laughing as she reached over to playfully nudge his shoulder. Jade's eyes narrowed.
"Is that Beck… with a girl?" Jade muttered, a slight edge creeping into her voice.
Cat noticed the shift immediately, sensing the spark of jealousy in Jade's expression. She nudged her gently, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Uh-oh, here comes the interrogation squad."
Jade rolled her eyes, her hand instinctively reaching for her phone. "I'm calling him."
Cat laughed softly, shaking her head. "Jade, don't. If Beck's on a date, he's allowed to keep it to himself. Let him have his night."
Jade's lips pressed into a line as she looked back at Cat, a hint of stubbornness in her expression. "It's Beck. Why wouldn't he tell me?"
Cat sighed, reaching over to take Jade's hand in her own, squeezing it gently. "Babe, you're being a little silly," she said softly, her eyes warm. "If he's on a date, he'll tell us when he's ready. He doesn't owe it to anyone to report every detail, not even you. Not anymore. Just give him some space."
Jade glanced down, her fingers wrapping around Cat's hand. "I know, it's just… I don't know why it's bothering me."
Cat's thumb rubbed soothingly over Jade's knuckles. "Maybe it's just habit," she suggested, her voice gentle. "You and Beck had your time, and that's not something that just disappears. But you're with me now, and we're here, and that's what matters."
Jade's shoulders relaxed, the tension easing from her face as she leaned back against the seat. "You're right. I don't need to know every detail of his life anymore," she admitted, her tone softening.
With one last glance out the window, Jade's hand tightened around Cat's, and a small smile curved her lips. "Thanks, Cat. For… grounding me. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Cat smiled back. "Don't worry about that. You're pretty much stuck with me now."