Chapter 43

We were on the road at the ass crack of dawn. I woke up at 4:00 (which was a record for me), and by 5:30, we left in his truck. After dropping the evidence off to my dad around 6:30, we officially were on our way. So to say the least, I was very tired. It's not like my anxiety allowed for much sleep last night to begin with.

Naturally, I figured those heavy worries would stay with me into today. However, thanks to Blake, my mind stayed present. Aware of my fear and stress, he made sure to make our five hour drive a laid-back and light-hearted one.

Yes, five hours. We were driving south from our little town in Vermont to Long Island, New York. When he told me that's where his parents moved to a few years back, I immediately grew excited. I've never been to Long Island, but it was a rich and crowded area, so I would probably feel at home. Until we get there though, we were stuck in the truck with each other. And surprisingly, there was no awkward air between us.

The early morning sun slowly rose over the sky, beaming through the windows and lighting up the dusty dirty truck. We were in the middle of a bet; Blake claimed he could go the whole five hours without needing a GPS. Yeah right. He was doing fine so far (I was secretly checking the GPS map on my phone), but I knew it wouldn't last. He said he has only drove to their home in Long Island a couple of times, so he was bound to get lost.

After traveling the main interstate for an hour, he merged onto a different highway. Curious, I opened my phone again. Damn. The cocky driver was still on the right track. I wasn't worried though. I was sure he would start fucking up once we get closer.

He must have seen my lips purse in disappointment. Over the smacking air against the open windows, an amused hum left his throat. "It's like you want me to get lost and make this five hour drive into a six hour one."

"It would be worth it to see you fail," I teased, putting my phone away.

"Why?"

Sore after not moving for a bit, I turned towards him and folded my legs under me. "Because you're being cocky."

"And?"

"Listen, you are going to get lost. Long Island is huge," I chuckled.

"Which one of us has been there before?" he asked with a smirk.

"Fine. You know, when you get lost or turned around, I'll be here to rub it in your face."

Watching him, his hair ruffling in the wind, his strong steady hand on the wheel... it was easy getting wrapped up in this light and fun teasing. Which was not a good thing; we weren't even there yet and it was difficult not wanting him. Of course, for now anyway, it felt like a necessity to be in a fun and relaxed head-space. Anything to avoid this new level of anxiety.

Around the two hour mark, both of our growling stomachs could not take it. We got off the highway and stopped for lunch in Connecticut. Talk about the least inviting place to eat, by the way. Stepping inside, the restaurant had wood paneling – which went great with all the stuffed moose and deer heads mounted the wall. Obviously, Blake liked it immediately. That made one of us. Talk about tacky and god awful style.

While sitting in a booth, looking over the breakfast menu, we refreshed each other on our 'relationship' since we had to act like a couple. Honestly, it was well needed. I've only met his mom and brother once – and it was for only a few hours over dinner. Now, I'd be spending days around them, and all I could recall was that my name was Ashley.

"Remember, we've been together two years already. You are a real estate agent, specifically focusing on summer cottages," he said, sipping at his water.

"What else did you tell them? Like about me?"

"Just that you moved in as my tenant, and from there, we got closer over time."

"That's too basic – kind of like this menu. What if they ask for details? Either about me or our history together?"

"Well, it's not like we need to make up a completely new identity for you."

Our waitress, who introduced herself as Morgan earlier, walked back up to our table. She wasn't exactly the most chipper girl – probably because I voiced earlier how it would be hard to eat with dead animals staring at me.

With a sigh, she flipped open her notebook. "Have we decided on anything yet?"

After scanning over the unimpressive menu again, I glanced up to her. "Um, I have a question first. Is it only breakfast right now? No lunch?"

"Sorry, lunch doesn't start until noon. You are more than welcome to take a bite out of old Bart though," she said unamused, nodding up to the deer head hovering over our table.

Wow, thanks for the reminder.

After we both ordered the western omelet and she left, Blake caught my eyes with humor across the table. "I don't think Ashley would have been that prissy."

"Look, wanting a lunch menu doesn't make me that prissy. And I didn't ask for light onions or extra cheese like I usually would with an omelet," I defended. "You have to admit, I'm better than I was before when it comes to that."

"You are," he admitted. "Anyway, like I said, don't worry about coming up with personal information about you. Just be you, use your past, your likes. It's not like you need a new pretend life or anything."

"That's fine by me, because that would be a pain in the ass."

"Plus, you already talked a little about yourself when my mom and brother came to town. Just tell the truth about the stuff that doesn't matter. But since you'll be around them for more than a couple hours, I agree we should come up with details about our history together."

So, during our breakfast (and while pissing off our feisty waitress by asking for a bunch of condiments), we came up with a basic backstory. Going over a couple scenarios, we decided on this: I moved in as a tenant, and since Blake also rented out cottages and I sell them, we started talking more about that. From there, we hit it off at a night at Louie's. Very simple.

Yes, how romantic, right? Boring as hell was more like it. Regardless, it made me feel a little more comfortable. After all, his family – especially his mom – wasn't the easiest to please. Having a backstory would help. However... after that was established and we got back on the road, I became more than just nervous about pulling off this lie.

Relaxing back against the truck seat, the one memory I had with his mom and brother kept flashing through my mind. Blake's birthday dinner... it just went just terribly. His mom hinted how he should to do better in life, offered him money out of pity, and was snooty. Recalling it stirred up different emotions within me. Mostly agitation. I was not looking forward of seeing him get treated like that again.

"Are you nervous to see them? Or on edge?" I asked, breaking the peaceful silence as I aimlessly stared out the open window.

"I'm not nervous. On edge? Maybe. I don't want you feeling those things though. Remember, my mom really liked you."

"Yeah because she said you have no chance of finding someone better than me," I mumbled.

"Why is that a bad thing though? She thinks you a great for me."

He was kidding, right? She pushed for us to marry and settle down because she didn't think he could do better than me. He might think that was a compliment... but it wasn't. "No, she thinks I'm better than you – or the best that you can find in your 'half-ass' life. Doesn't that make you angry?" Fuck, just saying that aloud pissed me off.

His eyes and arched brow found mine for a second before they returned to the road. "Where is this coming from?"

Maybe because I care about you? And think you are better than how your family looks at you? "I just... I don't know. I hate how they don't think you do well enough in life. I hate how they have higher standards and judge you. I just don't want you to deal with that while we are there."

I already knew this trip would test me. We would be around each other more, together more, and had to act like a couple. It would test my will-power and desire for him. But I didn't realize until now it would also test my temper. My love for the guy would make it harder to watch them judge and disrespect him. Remembering how his family was... it instilled an annoyance that I could not shake. That's why now, I was more concerned about their treatment towards him rather than being liked and accepted by them. Like I instinctively wanted to defend and protect him from it. God, I just hope it goes smoothly.

***

Staring down at my phone, I was trying hard not to smile. We were currently on the outskirts of Long Island. And guess who just took the wrong exit.

Oh, that satisfaction was fucking real. Secretly glancing over to him, he remained as straight faced as possible. When he took several more wrong turns though among the string of cars and winding fast highways... he continued forcing a confident expression on his face. Yeah right. He was aware I knew he was confused and lost. Which was why he started having a hard time hiding a smile.

Licking my lips, not saying a word yet, I flat out stared at him. It filled the space with a light playful air. "You doing okay?" I asked casually.

"Of course," he said just as nonchalantly.

"Sure looks like it."

"Why? Oh, wait, does it say I took a wrong turn? Don't worry, I'm just going an alternative way."

"Oh yeah? In the complete opposite direction?"

Driving along the busy highway, he swallowed a humor-filled smile, knowing I was basking in satisfaction. "Yeah, you know, it's a little out of the way, but I like taking the back roads."

I took in all the branches of highways and skyscrapers ahead of us. "Yup... it's quite the scenic route for sure," I teased.

With the busy unending traffic and highways, he finally caved in and asked for me to direct him. So, after rubbing it in his face how I was right, I navigated him back onto the right track. It lead us towards the center of the city, which I was increasingly excited to see.

However... once we passed through it... I don't know. Staring up at the skyscrapers, the crowded streets on the side, the numerous highways we followed, it weirdly didn't seem as special as I expected. I was still excited to check everything out, but... man, it was almost claustrophobic. Sure, it was massive compared to my home city, but I've been to large cities before. I've even been to other areas around New York City like this one with my family. But in the past, those city areas never seemed too... busy or noisy like they did now.

Jesus. I lived out in the country for too long.

Blake, not accustom to busy and fast changing highways, sat forward to navigate the road. It was honestly cute to watch; he looked so focused, clearly out of his comfort zone. Reaching more residential areas made him relax more – but it made me tense up. We were getting closer. Hopefully, his family wouldn't be too bad and we could all get along.

After we finally arrived, I started to believe I wouldn't have to worry about that. Entering the average two-story white house, his mom, Dawn, enthusiastically greeted us. I didn't expect her to be so welcoming – or how cute and cozy the inside of the house would be.

It was homey, especially with the few birthday decorations for his dad's party. With his dad turning 60, there were a few picture boards prepared too for the party that was taking place Saturday. Since he was still at work, I would have to wait to meet him, but looking over the pictures were reassuring. He seemed like a fun active guy. Maybe he wouldn't be as judgmental and pushy (like his mom) as I expected. Then again, even she didn't come across like that yet.

After visiting for a bit, she dropped something I didn't quite expect. From where we were standing in the kitchen, she smiled and said, "Well... after that long drive, I'm sure you guys want to relax. Grab your stuff. I'll take you to the guest house out back."

Yes. She said guest house. Because rooming together and having complete privacy was sure to help keep us from caving. Grabbing our bags, we followed her through the back door. "You didn't mention we'd be staying in a guest house, sweetie," I said lightly, but shot him a glare.

"Well... you know I like surprising you," he said with an apologizing glance.

The backyard wasn't very big, but it was homey and private, with a wooden fence and tall shrubs along the perimeter. Off the back deck was a beautiful inground pool. Only a few yards behind the pool was the guest house. It was originally a shed (which I was not a fan of), but they converted it when they moved in. It even had windows with a flower box; how cute was that?

Following her through the door, it was just one large room. There was half a wall protruding from the right, creating a little kitchen up front. A few white cabinets were attached to the wall we faced along with the stove; the sink and fridge were adjacent to it. Off to the left where the wall ended was more open space for a small round dining table. And behind the wall, we noticed was a bedroom. Honestly, I had to give them credit; this was like a one room mini-home.

Slowly smiling as I took it in, we walked onto the vinyl floor, peering around the wall. Gray vinyl covered the entire floor, but around the corner to the bedroom, the majority was covered with fluffy teal area rugs. The white panel walls had matching wall art and a clock. Even the large queen sized bed on the far wall was white and teal too. On the right wall was a dresser. On the left was a tan sofa that rested just below one of the windows. Next to it, in the corner, was one of those fake mini-fireplaces. It was amazing – too amazing.

It was cozy, private, and almost romantic. It felt almost like the type of bait Sid would use to get us to give into our temptations. Thankfully – and not thankfully – he wasn't around to watch us. The guy would have no idea where we disappeared to.

"Mitch stays here sometimes when he comes home to visit; he calls it his apartment," she chuckled, watching us take it in.

"It's... it's very homey and I love the colors. You can hardly tell it was a shed," I said, setting my bags down. Well, the bags I brought inside anyway. Blake gave me shit for packing too much and the rest was still in the truck.

"Well, I personally tried making it my little home project. I mean Blake's dad Ron obviously did the major stuff. He installed the wall, laid the paneling and floor, and added the bathroom," she said, glancing to the door next to the bed. It was open, showing a tiny bathroom. "It's obviously a small guest house, but it's a shed, we did with it what we could."

"No, I think it's perfect," I said, looking up to her with a smile. It almost was up to my standards of interior design, which was impressive. "Thank you very much for letting us stay here."

"No problem. We're so happy you guys could make it," she said, wrinkles around his face deepening with a genuine smile. "Anyway, you guys relax, unpack, do whatever. I'm still getting dinner ready. Mitch will be here soon and so will your dad," she said to Blake as she started to leave.

"Thanks mom," Blake said, sounding almost surprised.

I was surprised too. After she shut the door, I crossed my arms and approached him next to the bed. "I feel almost guilty for worrying about your family earlier. So far, your mom seems really happy you're here. She didn't say anything... like to put you down."

"I know, I'm kind of blown away, but it will happen. She is just happy we are here for now. It will be a miracle if it lasts through dinner. Regardless, I'm just happy to be here," he said, staring out the window with a hopeful expression.

It made me smile. "Good. You deserve to be happy."

His eyes shifted back down to mine, this time, more intimate and warm. They lingered for a long second before glancing away. "Um, I'll take the couch."

"Cool," I nodded, feeling the awareness of each other grow. Grabbing my luggage, I headed towards the dresser. "I'm just going to get unpacked."

"Ruth?"

Pausing, I looked back to him.

Tucking his hands in his khaki pockets, his calm expression was reassuring. "It's going to be okay. Try not to think about everything going on back home. You more than deserved a break anyway. So, let's just enjoy our trip and forget about it all, okay?"

I more than agreed – and was flattered that's what he wanted for me. I knew that was why he made sure to avoid being awkward with me all day today. God, he was so caring. "You're not suppose to be sweet to me, remember?" I said, trying not to smile.

The edge of his lips tilted up. "Fine. You're wearing too much make-up today. Is that better?"

"Yes, that's better. To be fair, I wore extra today for a reason. I'm seeing your family – and meeting your dad today. Ashley has a right to look her best. I plan on getting dressed up for dinner too."

As I would learn later that evening... dressing up and looking nice wouldn't help make anything better. That night's dinner turned out to be a huge test of how well I could hold my tongue – because nobody else seemed to be able to.

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Well, that is the start of their trip! Only the start of their trip, so get hyped for more!