FicWad

I had arrived on the 15th of December, we were heading to Chicago on the 22nd. The week we had together before seeing his family was spent just learning to be a couple. I spent some time in my studio painting. I also used one of the sketchbooks and some of the pencils. Pete worked on some things for the band and had to go out to a few meetings. We went out and did some Christmas shopping. I wanted to get some things for his family, but needed his help. But mostly, we just spent time together.

We had talked and Pete booked us a room for the time we would be there. His mother had offered me the guest room for the time of our stay, but he would have to stay in his room. I was uncomfortable with that. I didn’t know his family and didn’t want to be stuck in their house. He didn’t want to sleep away from me. Neither of us slept well when we were apart.

We got in late when we arrived in Chicago. We headed straight to our hotel and got checked in. The hotel and the room were much nicer than they needed to be.

I said something to Pete about that once we got settled in. His only response was to remind me of my own words. “If I want to do something nice for you, you can’t and won’t stop me. Just like if you do something nice for me, I can’t and won’t stop you.”

“Fair enough.” I said. I would pay him back for this one day.

Pete called his mom to let her know we landed safely and that we would be there for dinner tomorrow. Then he took me out for dinner. It was a nice place and we had a wonderful meal. We just relaxed in the room for the rest of the night.

I didn’t sleep well that night, I was too worried about the next day. I was feeling rushed into meeting his parents.

We slept in late the next day. After we got up and had breakfast, Pete took me out and showed me a bit of the city. I had never been to Chicago before. We stayed out until it was time to get ready to head to his parents house. I was getting nervous and he noticed.

“Hey. Don’t worry so much. They’re gonna love you.” He told me as we got back to the room.

“Do you know that we’ve only known each other for 50 days? 50. We met on November 3rd. It's the 23rd of December. And I did some counting, we’ve only spent 15 days together, including today. I dated a guy in college for six months and never met his parents.” I sighed and rubbed my forehead hoping to relieve the stress headache that was starting. “I’m feeling a bit rushed into meeting them is all.”

“I’m sorry,” he started to apologize.

“No, don’t be.” I interrupted him. “I agreed to meet them. I do understand why they are so concerned about you. And I do think in the long run, doing it sooner rather than later will be best.”

At this point he had walked over to me and wrapped his arms around me, resting his chin on my shoulder. “We don’t have to stay long. If you aren’t ready for this, I can call it off.” He offered.

“No. We can’t do that.” I hugged him back. “But, on the way over, I want to stop at a florist. I can’t show up empty handed. I’d like to get your Mom some flowers.”

“Ok, we can do that. But you don’t have to.”

“It’s the polite thing to do. This is the first time I’ve been invited over. It’s proper to show up with a hostess gift. Your Mom is taking time to cook us dinner two days before a holiday. I want to thank her for taking the time to do that for me. I know it’s because I asked to not meet for the first time on Christmas.”

He pulled back from me and gave me a look that was very sweet. His mouth turned up in a one sided smile. “You are such a kind soul. It’s very thoughtful to bring Mom flowers. She’s gonna love it. I don’t think I would have thought of it.”

“It’s just good manners.” I said with a smile.

I went and did my hair. I didn’t want to just leave it down, it would get in the way. Pete loved it when I left it down, so I had been leaving it down more than normal. But I didn’t want to do just a braid either. So I ended up pulling the front back in a twist on both sides and left the back to hang loose. I even put on a little makeup.

Then I got dressed. I put on a pair of black tights with a rusty orange corduroy knee length skirt over them and black knee high boots. I wore a nice black button down blouse with a cardigan over it. The sweater was green with an orange, rust, and red design on it. I added some star earrings and a moon necklace to complete the outfit. I hoped I looked respectable, but still showed my personality.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, I asked Pete if I looked ok. He assured me I was beautiful and looked very nice. He had dressed up a bit himself. No jeans and hoodie today. He had on nice black slacks and a dark red button up shirt and a black tie.

As we headed for his folks place, we stopped at a florist and I ran in and picked out some flowers for his mother. I ended up with a huge bouquet of sunflowers, Gerber daisies, and other bright, colorful flowers.

“About my dad, if he gets to be too much for you, we can leave. Just give me a signal or something.” Pete was telling me as we drove.

“Let me handle your dad.” I told him.

“Sky, he’s gonna be an asshole. I’m not gonna let you face him alone.” Pete sounded worried.

“I can handle him. Let me. But, if you hear me tell him ‘Well, bless your heart’ then you know I’ve had enough.” I said.

“Bless your heart?” He asked as he glanced over at me.

“That is the polite southern ladylike way of saying fuck you.” I informed him.

He actually laughed at that. “Really? Ok. If I hear you say that then I’ll know it’s time to leave.”

I placed my hand on his leg and said, “Peter Rabbit, I’ll be ok. Just let me handle him my way.”

Pete just gave me a look that said I didn’t know what I was getting into. But, I knew how to handle bullies and assholes. If you don’t let them intimidate you, you take their power away.

We arrived at his parents house sooner than I would have liked. It was a lovely home in a neighborhood that looked like it belonged in a John Hughes film.

“Here we are.” Pete said as we parked in front of the house.

“This is where you grew up?” I asked. It was a very nice neighborhood. Much nicer than the one I grew up in, and that wasn’t a bad neighborhood at all.

He just nodded and got out of the car. I started to open my door but he told me to wait so I did. He got to my side and opened the door and helped me out. This wasn’t uncommon of him, but I had a feeling we were being watched and he wanted to show his family he could be a gentleman.

Pete offered me his hand and helped me out of the car. Without letting go, he looped my arm in his and walked me to the front door.

“Sure you're ready?” He asked as we got closer to the door.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

Before we got to the door, it was opened and a young man who looked a lot like a younger Pete greeted us. “It’s about time you got here. Mom’s about to have kittens, she's so excited.”

“Hey Drew.” Pete said with a grin. “I’d like you to meet Sky. Sky, this is my younger brother Andrew.” He did the introductions as we entered the house.

“Hi Sky. It’s good to meet you.” Drew said as he offered me his hand to shake.

I took it and replied with, “It’s nice to meet you too Drew.” I couldn’t help but smile at him, he looked so much like his brother. He flashed a smile at me that was so much like Pete’s it was hard not to grin right back at him.

“Mom! They’re here.” He called out as he closed the door behind us.

Almost as soon as Drew said something two women came out of the kitchen. His mother was in the lead.

“Pete, Honey, it’s good to see you.” She said as she hugged her son.

Pete was happy to see her and returned the hug enthusiastically. “Mom, I want you to meet Sky. Sky, this is my mom.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Sky.” Mrs. Wentz said as she smiled at me.

“It’s very nice to meet you Mrs. Wentz.” I said and then handed her the flowers. “These are for you. Thank you so much for inviting me over. And thank you for doing it before Christmas.”

“Oh, these are beautiful. That’s so sweet of you. And you’re very welcome. I agree with you that meeting for the first time on a holiday isn’t the best idea.”

I noticed that Pete had her eyes but not her smile. However, her smile was warm and welcoming and it put me at ease.

“Sky, I’d also like you to meet my sister Hilary. Hilary, this is Sky.” He introduced me to the other woman that had come out of the kitchen.

“Hi, it’s really nice to meet you. Pete’s been talking about you.” Hilary said as she shook my hand. She was also very warm and welcoming.

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

“You haven’t even had a chance to take your coats off. Put your things down and come on in. I’m going to put these in water. Dinner's almost ready. Your father is out with the dogs. He should be back any minute.” Mrs Wentz said and then headed back to the kitchen.

We took our coats, hats and scarves off and hung them on the coat rack by the front door and then followed her to the kitchen.

“Can we help with anything, Mom?” Pete asked.

“You and your brother can set the table for me.”

“Can I help with anything?” I asked her.

“No, you're the guest.” Mrs. Wentz told me with a smile.

As Pete and Drew were setting the table Mr. Wentz came in the back door with two dogs. Everyone in the kitchen turned to look at him. He took his time and removed his coat and hat, then came into the kitchen. By that time, the boys were done setting the table and had entered the kitchen as well.

Pete stepped forward and greeted his father. “Hi Dad.”

Mr. Wentz looked at his son and smiled at him. That's where Pete got it from. “Hello Pete. I’m glad you decided to come home for Christmas.”

“Dad, I would like to introduce you to Sky.” He gestured at me to come over and I did. “Dad, this is Sky, my girlfriend. Sky, this is my Dad, Peter the II.”

Mr. Wentz did not smile at me, nor did he greet me in any way. He looked me over very sternly and critically. I didn’t flinch at his gaze, in fact I held it. I didn’t smile or try to be my normal, friendly self. I knew I would need to be the unflinching one tonight and I was ready for it.

“Hello Mr. Wentz.” I finally said to break the ice. I still had manners even if he didn’t. I didn’t bother to offer my hand to him. I realized that everyone else in the kitchen was silent.

“Hello Sky.” He answered. I could hear Pete exhale, he had been holding his breath.

Mrs. Wentz announced that dinner was ready and that we all should go sit down. Mr. Wentz insisted that I sit next to him. When Pete went to sit on the other side of me, his father told him no.

“Why can’t I sit next to my girlfriend?” Pete asked.

“Because I said so.” Peter answered.

I glanced at Pete and could see the anger and worry in his face. I laid a hand on his arm and told him, “It’s alright. Go sit down.”

Pete looked at me and then nodded, but he took his seat on the other side of the table. I was sitting with Peter on my right at the head of the table. Drew was to my left, Mrs. Wentz was at the other end of the table from her husband. Pete was across from Drew and Hilary was across from me.

Mrs. Wentz had cooked a very nice lasagna dinner for us. As food was being passed and plates filled, Peter started his questioning. I was ready for it, so once again, I didn’t flinch.

“Tell us about yourself, Sky. Pete’s told us a few things, but I like to hear what you have to tell us.”

I calmly looked at Peter and asked, “What would you like to know?”

Peter seemed a little taken aback by my answer and replied with, ”Start with the basics.”

I glanced over at Pete, he looked worried. I smiled at him to reassure him and myself. I turned back to Peter and said, “I’m 28 years old. I’ve lived in the D.C. Metro area my whole life. I grew up on the Virginia side of the Potomac, in a city called Falls Church. It’s a very nice and well to do city, and very small. It’s only two square miles. Small town feel in the suburbs. I have a BA in Fine Arts from Georgetown University. And I own my own company.”

“I have a younger brother named Cloud. And yes, that is what our parents named us. They had a thing for unusual names. He’s a professional chef at a nice french restaurant on The Hill. Lots of senators, delegates, and other politicians eat there. My father died when I was eight and my brother was five. My mother raised us on her own. She’s an architect. I introduced her to her husband. They married four years ago. My step-father is a corporate attorney.”

I paused and took a bite of my dinner. I looked at Peter as I chewed to see if he had another question for me. I had just established that I had an excellent education, my family were not destitute and we had lives that didn’t involve Pete in any way.

“You went to Georgetown?” Peter asked a bit in disbelief.

I swallowed my food and answered. “Yes, sir. It’s an excellent school.” Then I smiled just a little. “You’re familiar with it?” And then took another bite of my dinner. I was going to enjoy this food, it was very good. I glanced at Pete and gave him a wink. I was going to show him I wasn’t afraid of his father.

“Yes, I do know of it. It is an excellent school. And very expensive. How much student loan debt do you have?”

This was an accusation and I knew it. And it was a rude question. You don’t talk about money, politics, or religion at dinner with guests. It’s not polite conversation and it’s no one's business. But, I had the upper hand in this one.

“I didn’t take out any, I didn’t need to.” I told him. I knew he would want to know why, so I told him. “Between the college fund my parents started for me as a baby, and the number of grants and scholarships I received, there wasn’t a need for loans. And I also sold a lot of my work to help fund my needs.” I took another bite of the lasagna and turned to Mrs. Wentz. “This is delicious Mrs. Wentz.” I complemented the cook.

“Yeah, Mom, you outdid yourself.” said Drew, who had been devouring his plate of food.

“Thank you Dear.” said Mrs. Wentz. “Your brother is a chef?”

“Yes, Ma’am. He’s very good. I think Pete got a bit spoiled when he visited. Cloud cooked for us almost every day. He’s had to deal with my cooking for the past week.” I said as I smiled at Pete.

“You’re just as good a cook as Cloud. That chicken stew you made the other night was delicious.” Pete said, returning my smile.

“I’ll be sure to make it again for you.”

Peter interrupted us, “You said you own your own company?”

“Yes, I created my own LLC, and then opened my business when I graduated from college. I knew I wanted to make a living off my art, and to do that I would have to create my own opportunities. With some advice from my now step-father, and a few of my professors, I decided to start my own business. I took some business and finance courses in college. I wanted to know at least a little something about business before starting my own.”

“How much are you expecting Pete to put into your business?” Peter asked. He seemed sure I was only after Pete’s money.

I sighed internally. Looking Peter in the eye I said, “Nothing. I don’t want Pete’s money. I’m sure he makes more than I do. To be honest, I haven't even asked him how much he has. I don’t care because I don’t want it. I make my own money and I do very well for myself. And I don’t like it when he spends too much on me. A coffee or a dinner is one thing. Plane tickets to see him is another thing. I’m perfectly capable of paying my own way. I’ve always made a profit. The first few years weren’t big ones, but each year has been better. The past two years I’ve cleared just at six figures.”

That shut Peter up for a little while. Hilary asked if it was true what Pete had told her about me being a dancer. I told her about my ambition to be a ballerina, and how I decided to go to college and pursue my art education instead. The conversation around the table turned more friendly with questions about me, how Pete and I met, and such. I wasn’t being grilled by the rest of his family, just genuine interest. Pete spoke up and answered some of the questions that involved him.

When everyone was about done with their dinner, Peter had another question for me. “Are you with Pete for his fame than? You don’t seem to want his money, so is it his fame that you’re after?”

“Dad!” Pete exclaimed. He was angry.

I shot him a look that said stop it.

This one did take me aback just a little. I really hadn’t given Pete’s fame any thought. We had been lucky enough that we had just been us and we hadn’t had to deal with any of that yet.

“No. Not at all. I still have yet to deal with any of that. I’m not looking forward to it to be honest.” I looked over at Pete when I said that. He only gave me a small smile.

“I don’t want you to feel obligated to deal with that part of my life.” Pete said to me.

I smiled at him and said, “It’s part of your life, so I’ll deal with it as it comes. But maybe your private life can stay private?”

Peter had another question for me. “When are you moving to California?”

“That’s something we haven't talked about. If I had my way, I wouldn’t. I don’t want to move to L.A.” I answered. I could see Pete’s face out of the corner of my eye. He wasn’t expecting that answer at all. I went on to explain, “I love my life in D.C. My family, my friends, my work, my life are all there. I’d be happy if Pete moved out there with me. Right now, we’re still learning how to be a couple and deal with being long distance. We can decide later if we want to live together and if we do, where it will be. There isn’t any rush.”

He had one last question for me, “Is it the sex then? Is that why you’re with Pete?”

“Peter!” came from Mrs. Wentz.

“Dad! What’s wrong with you?!” Pete was pissed.

I wasn't expecting that question at all. And this one got me angry too. I am usually a calm person, not quick to anger. But when I do get mad, it can be really bad. You know what they say about redheads being fiery? Yeah, It’s true.

My answer to Peter's invasive question was not what he expected. I don’t think any of them expected what I said. I sat up straight, squared my shoulders, and looked Mr. Wentz in the eye. I know my face showed just how pissed off, disgusted, and offended I was. I never raised my voice, but my tone had an edge.

“Why do you think your son has so little to offer that the only reason anyone would be with him is his money, or fame, or to fuck him? Do you really think so little of him? Do you not know what an amazing man he is? Is it so inconceivable to think that maybe, just maybe, I’m seeing him because he’s smart, and sweet, and caring, and so much fun to just talk to?”

In my peripheral vision, I could see the three siblings exchanging looks.

“I have sat here and politely answered every rude question you have asked tonight. I have answered you truthfully, and I didn’t tell you to fuck off as I should have. I am an independent adult and I do not answer to you. My finances, my business, my education, my family, my sex life, are none of your Goddamn business.” The table was silent, but all eyes were on me. “If you want to know why I am seeing Pete, that’s simple. He gets me. I can be my true, authentic self with him. No bull shit, no games. I can be my artistic, scattered brained, hyper self and for some reason, he likes me. And he can just be himself with me. I like him for who he is, not what he can give me.”

By this time, everyone was done with their dinner. Mrs. Wentz got up and started to gather plates to take to the kitchen. I got up and offered to help her. “Please let me help you with the dishes, Mrs. Wentz.” I turned to Mr. Wentz and said, “This conversation is over.”

I think she understood I wanted to step away from her husband and all his questions, she agreed to let me help. Pete started to get up too, but Peter stopped him and asked to speak to him in the other room. We exchanged a look before he followed his father and I followed his mother out of the dining room.

Mrs. Wentz started to apologize for the way Peter had grilled me at dinner. “I’m sorry for Peter's behavior at dinner. He’s just concerned about Pete. It’s because Pete likes you so much that has him so worried. I’ve never seen my son so taken with anyone before.”

“It’s alright, I know you both worry. It’s understandable.” I assured her. “I hope you both know now that I’m not trying to take advantage of Pete in any way. I just enjoy his company. We’re still getting to know each other in a lot of ways. We really haven’t had the chance to spend much time together. It’s been a lot of talking on the phone for us.”

“I know you’re not taking advantage. I think he had me convinced before he brought you here, but now I know for sure. And I want to thank you for what you did for him that first night. Pete told me how you met, and what state he was in. I know my son very well, and I believe if you hadn’t found him and taken him back to the other boys, well, I’m not sure I would still have a son to worry about. Thank you for being so kind to him.”

“It’s not hard to be kind to him.” I told her with a smile. By this time Drew and Hilary had come into the kitchen with the rest of the dishes.

“Sky, I’ve never seen anyone make it through the first dinner with Dad.” Hilary told me.

“What do you mean?” I asked her.

“Every girl Pete or I have brought home and every boy Hills has brought home has had to go through a dinner like this one. And none of them made it without tears, or getting so mad they just got up and left.” Drew told me. “But you...” he flashed that Wentz smile at me, “I am an independent adult and I do not answer to you.” He mimicked my voice and the way I had said it. Then he started laughing. “That was amazing to watch.”

“You handled him like a Boss.” Hilary said with a huge smile on her face. “‘My sex life is none of your Goddamn business.’ That was priceless. It was nice to see someone actually not be afraid of Dad and stand up to him.”

Pete came into the room at this time and he did not look happy. The scowl he had on his face was worrying me. I questioned him with my eyes. He just shook his head a little. I’d get it out of him later, when we were away from his family.

“Are you ready to go?” He asked me.

“Only if you are. But I'm ok if you want to stay longer.” I don’t think he expected that answer.

“You sure?” He seemed to think that I was ready to run away from his father.

I nodded at him and assured him I was fine and if he wanted to spend more time with his family, we could.

“Ok, then would you like to see the rest of the house? I haven't had a chance to show you around.”

“Sure, I’d like that.”

He actually smiled at that and seemed to relax just a little. “You’ve seen most of the first floor. I’ll show you the rest of the house. Come on.” He ushered me out of the kitchen and up the stairs. He showed me the second floor. Everyone else had a room on this floor, but not him. He took me up to the third floor and showed me his room. It was almost like a little apartment, he had a living room space, a bathroom and then a bedroom.

“Twin beds?” I asked with a chuckle.

“Mom’s way of keeping me from bringing home girls.” He laughed. “Didn’t do much good.” He turned to face me and then said. “I’m sorry about my Dad. I told you he was gonna be an asshole. Are you sure you’re ok with staying a little longer?”

“I told you I could handle him.”

“I shouldn’t have doubted you. No one has ever stood up to him like you did. I know that last question pissed you off. But, man, it was so good to see you tell him off.” He was grinning by the end.

“What about you Peter Rabbit? Are you ok?” I asked him.

“Just pissed at Dad. But I’m ok.” I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around him. We leaned against each other for a few moments. When we pulled apart, I gave him a soft kiss.

“How badly did I piss him off?” I asked.

“Not at all actually. He wanted to ask me a few things.” He took a big breath and then said, “But, he’s not mad.”

“We should probably go back downstairs.” I said and then kissed him one more time.

We stayed for a while longer. Peter didn’t really speak to me the rest of the night. But that didn’t bother me. Everyone else was talking to me, and more importantly, Pete and his father were talking.

Once we were ready to leave his mother and father walked us to the door. We were saying our goodbyes to them when Pete held my coat for me. But Peter took it from him and offered to help me with it.

“Thank you, sir.” I said as he helped me into it.

“I have one last question for you, Sky.”

I nodded to show him I was ready for it.

“Do you love him?” Peter asked me.

I smiled a genuine smile at him. “Yes, I do.”

Peter offered me his hand to shake and said, “It was good to meet you. Will you be back for Christmas?”

I shook hands with him and nodded my head. “Yes, we will.”

“Good night you two. Drive safe.” Peter said as he opened the door for us.

Pete gave me a dazed look, he was not expecting the night to end this way. As we left his childhood home, he took my hand and walked me to the car.

“I think Dad likes you.” He told me.

“I don’t know. Maybe, maybe not. But I think I have his respect at least.”

We stopped just in front of the car. He pulled me to him and kissed me gently. Then he said, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“The way you stood up for me. No one’s ever said those things about me before.”

“You’re worth standing up for, Peter Rabbit. Don’t you ever forget that.”

The look he gave me was full of love. He placed one hand on my face and leaned in to kiss me. It was one of the most amazing kisses I’ve ever had.

“You know we’re being watched, don’t you?” I asked him after the kiss.

His grin told me he was aware. He just kissed me again and then opened the car door for me.