You're the One - Part 1 || Greta Van Fleet

Chapter 52: Jake's P.O.V

Jake's P.O.V

"Hey Dad" Jess said, leading us over to the table in the back of the bar. Her dad sat back, drinking his beer, carefully watching us as we walked over. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.

"Well, don't you look great." He said, getting up and giving Jess a kiss on the cheek. "Now I feel underdressed." He looked over at me, giving me a small smile. I felt my cheeks burn, but did my best to at least appear confident.

"Don't worry, we all look underdressed compared to her." I laughed, gently placing my hand on Jess' back, helping her into her chair. I couldn't help but smile, pulling my chair closer to her. "I just wanted to get her something nice for tonight." I said. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She was.. radiant.

"Oh, so you're dressing up my daughter now?" Her dad said, smirking at me. My stomach dropped and my body went cold. Well, when he said it that way...
"N-No, I just.. I-" I stammered, trying to find the words. It was impossible. I just wanted to make a good first impression, and I already felt like I was blowing it.

"I'm kidding, Jake." He said plainly. I sighed, my cheeks turning bright red. I felt Jess move her leg under the table, her foot now touching mine. I couldn't help but smile. "Though.. don't think we didn't see you guys down there after the show."

I saw Jess tense up, but I kept my eyes on him.
"Seemed a little.. too friendly.. to just be friends." He said, giving us both a look.
"That's what I said." I chimed in, peeking over at Jess. "But for the record, she kissed me first." I giggled to myself. She shot me a look. 

I knew I'd hear about that later. 

"I'm gonna go get a drink." Jess said, quickly hopping up from her seat. My stomach dropped. She was already going to leave me alone with him? My heart was racing as I turned back, giving him a small smile. He held his stare on me.

"So what's really going on with you two?" He finally asked, taking a big sip of his drink. He wasted no time. I felt my cheeks burn.
"Well.." I sighed, turning away. Jess was standing at the bar talking to Josh. My heart dropped, but I quickly shook the thought, looking back.

"Honestly.. I really wish I knew." I said softly, looking down at the table, awkwardly fumbling with one of the sugar packets. I saw him nod.
"Ah, okay." He said quietly. I could hear the smile in his voice. We were quiet for a moment, and I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. When I looked back up at him, he was already staring back at me.

"I love her." I finally sighed. "And.. she might not want to be with me like that yet, and that's fine. I told her I'll wait for her, however long. But.. I just wanted you to know.. she's the one. And I know it."

He held his stare on me, a small smile escaping from his lips. I held my stare, hoping he couldn't tell how nervous I was. I knew out of everyone, her dad's opinion mattered the most to Jess, so getting his approval was.. everything.

"You love her?" He asked, leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms. I nodded, biting down on my lip.
"I do." I said quietly, holding my stare on him. "I would do anything for her. I.. I feel at home when I'm with her. She's home." He held his stare on me, nodding.

"Hey." I heard from behind me. Jess sat down close, placing her hand on my leg. I couldn't help but smile, feeling my cheeks burn again.
"What are you guys talking about?" She asked. I placed my hand on top of hers, gently squeezing it.
"Nothing." I said simply, feeling my cheeks burn even more.
"Whatcha drinking?" I asked, trying to change the subject. I reached over, taking a sip. "Oh.. that's dangerous." I said. Figures Josh would order her his favorite. "I'm gonna have to keep an eye on you." I smirked, shaking my head.