Jordyn watched Nick as he interacted with his friends, his bandmates. She could tell he loved them all and that they loved him back. She was surprised as to how quickly they all really accepted her, it was like she hadn't just met them or anything...it was like they'd known each other for months, if not years.
Nick looked over at her at one point and caught her staring. Jordyn quickly averted her eyes towards the crowded dance floor, a little embarrassed with herself. 'Damn..why don't I just stare a little bit harder?,' She thought as she watched all the people bumping and grinding with one another.
As much as the group that Nick had practically grown up with accepted her, she could tell they were still a little leary of her and a little bit protective of their youngest member. She had caught Brian watching her when her and Nick first sat down after the introductions. She knew they were close, and she also knew that Brian had been there alot for Nick after Kate left.
She jumped, startled, when she felt Nick's hand on her shoulder as he bent down so she could hear, "You wanna get somethin' to drink?"
Anxiety filled her, she really didn't want a drink, but she had an inkling if she were left with his 'group' that she'd be doing a question/answer session. So, she stood with a nod, "Sure."
Nick once more took her hand to lead her down the steps and onto the dancefloor. She willingly followed, not really thinking much about the whole holding hands thing. They reached the bar and he turned to look at her, "What do you want?"
"Umm..water's fine."
He nodded and turned to the bartender. As they waited for their drinks, they both leaned back and just 'people-watched'. He looked over at her with a slight smile on his face, "They like you, you know."
"They do?"
"Yeah...I can tell."
She smiled, "Truthfully, I really didn't want something to drink."
"You didn't?"
"No. I just...I didn't want them to quiz me on how you and I met and all that stuff..."
He smiled, knowingly and understanding, "Oh..I see. They can be a little....overbearing."
"Actually, I think they all just worry about you."
Nick's eyes darkened and his expression changed, in fact his whole body language changed, but he nodded solemnly, "Yea....I know they do."
"I'm sorry..I didn't mean to make you upset."
Nick shrugged, "It's alright...I know they worry about me and want what's best for me...but sometimes it can be so annoying."
He turned before she could answer to pay the bartender, and get their drinks. She took her water and he carried his beer back to towards the table.
The group left just before one a.m. that night. Nick walked Jordyn to her car, like the gentleman he tried to be.
"I'm sorry about Bri...," He said as they walked side-by-side.
"Why are you sorry?"
"Because he's so...so...."
"Protective?," Jordyn offered.
Nick sighed, "Yeah..."
Brian didn't really like Jordyn for some reason. And he didn't try to hide his distaste, no matter how many glares and 'looks' he was given by LeighAnne. LeighAnne tried to make up for her husband's overprotectiveness, and it had helped. Jordyn really liked her...but Brian...Brian just didn't like her for some reason. He hadn't been blatantly rude or mean, but she could see it in his eyes that he would be watching and waiting for her to screw up.
Jordyn pulled her car keys from her purse as they continued to walk, "It's okay. I think I understand his motives."
"Everyone else really liked you.."
She smiled, looking up at him, "And I like them. They're very nice and cool people. And they obviously love you Nick."
"Yeah..I just...I wish Brian would...would just calm down or something."
"Hey, it's alright..really. I understand why he's like that, right now. He just met me and he's got his guard up. Hopefully, one of these days, he'll see I'm not really a threat."
"You're not a threat at all!"
She smiled, "He thinks I am Nick. I don't know why....but he does."
Nick sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets, "Well...I guess this is goodbye."
She smiled as she used the keyless entry button to unlock her car, "Yeah, it is. I need to get to sleep though...this whole blind date thing just...wore me out."
Nick smiled, "I'm sorry it was a disaster."
She shrugged, "That's how it goes sometimes, I guess. But, hey, after that my night was pretty good."
"Wanna come hang with me and the kid tomorrow?"
She nodded, "Sure..I don't have to work or anything.."
"Okay..I'll call you in the mornin' or somethin'..."
She nodded and stepped into his arms when he opened them for a hug. She grinned and pulled away, "Go home and be with Brayden...I'm sure he'll wanna know aalllll about your night."
Nick rolled his eyes, "I'm gonna worry about him when he hits 18.."
Jordyn laughed, "He'll be alright..enjoy these times though."
"Yea I will. Have a good night Jord."
"You too Nick.."
"I'll call you..."
"Alright..bye!"
Jordyn got into her car and locked the doors on instinct, and started the ignition. She watched as Nick disappeared around the corner to where his car was before backing out of her spot and driving towards home.
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