Out of Nowhere

is very pretty Angel but only because you are wearing it”. Angel’s face beamed with happiness.  Vicky looked lovely too.  As a matter of fact Jason thought she was a vision in a midnight blue dress that looked incredible clinging in a tasteful way to her curves.  She’d taken her time and done her makeup.  She’d even taken her hair down from her usual pony tail and wore it swept up with a few curls hanging low.  Jason couldn’t wait to take her home.  He’d been as patient as any man could be with such a temptation sitting in front of him.  Tonight he was going to make love to her. “Hey Jason, I thought that was you”.  One of the people Jason had hoped to avoid came over to his table.  Jason stood up to shake hands with Edward Thornton.  He was a friend from college, a really good friend of Bridget, and one of the partners at Bridget’s family’s law firm.  “Ed it’s good to see you. Let me introduce you to Vicky and her daughter Angel.  Vicky this is Edward an old buddy of mine from college and business associate”.  Ed smiled politely to Vicky and Angel while everyone exchanged pleasantries.  “Can I talk to you for a moment about the Hartwell deal?” “Ed, now is not a good time we’re meeting my parents for dinner”. Ed raised his eyebrows and looked over to Vicky for help “This will only take a minute I promise”.  Vicky smiled “Of course it’s fine with me.  I’ll just take Angel to the little girl’s room while we are waiting”. Angel and Vicky left for the ladies room.  “I’m glad I ran into you here.  It will save me a drive out to your home.  I talked to Bridget today.  She asked if I would come over to check on you.  She said something about you were having a hard time getting over the break-up with her and had started dating the help.  Was that her?” Jason was pissed.  “Edward, you might want to be careful, Vicky is not the ‘help’ she is my girlfriend”.  Edward could see that Jason was getting irritated and was relieved to see Jason’s parents had arrived.  “Jason, sorry we are late.  Your mother spent forever trying to find the perfect outfit.  Edward, how are you my boy?” Miriam chimed in “Hello Edward.  Oh John, I’m sure I was well worth the wait. Where is Vicky?” Edward chimed in “You know Lilly and I just sat down for dinner we should join you.  I’m sure she’d love to meet Vicky”. Jason had wanted a nice quiet dinner with Vicky and his parent’s. “Ed…I don’t think that is a….” Edward cut him off before Jason could finish.  “Come on Jason don’t hide her to yourself she seems lovely”.  Edward slapped Jason on the back and walked off to go get Lilly before Jason could utter a word.  Lilly also happened to be Bridget’s best friend.  Jason didn’t have a good feeling about this.  He had wanted an intimate dinner with just his parents.  By the time Vicky and Angel returned to their table everyone including Lilly had been seated.  “There they are what took you guys so long?” Jason stood up and walked over to where they were standing. When his parents turned around the looks on their faces were priceless.  Vicky walked over to their table holding one of Angel’s hands and Jason took hold of Angel’s other hand.  He was very proud of them.  They looked great.  “Mom and dad, Lilly, I’d like to introduce you to Vicky & Angel Martin.  These are my parents John and Miriam Rutherford and Lilly is Edward’s date”. Vicky extended her hand to Jason’s mom and dad then to Lilly.  Miriam and John shook Vicky’s hand and Lilly appeared surprised to see her.  “It’s very nice to meet you all”. Miriam couldn’t stop looking at Angel.  She was beautiful and for anyone who didn’t know better could easily pass for Jason’s daughter. After everyone was seated and had placed their orders Miriam asked Vicky & Jason how they met. Jason held and squeezed Vicky’s hand to reassure her “It’s really a funny story actually.  We met the day of the budget meeting in the elevators.”  Lilly interrupted, “So, Victoria Martin is it? What do you do for CkR International?” Vicky was taking a sip of her drink and stopped mid-air. She cleared her throat “I work in the Customer Service department I’ve been there for a little more than a year”.   John steepled his hands together “Which VP do you report to?” Vicky looked down at her plate. She shouldn’t be embarrassed about her job but she was very embarrassed.  It was obvious that everyone at the table had a higher education and were people of means.  Vicky took a deep breath and looked Mr. Rutherford into his eyes before answering “I don’t report to a VP Mr. Rutherford.  I am a customer service representative”.  John always came across so hard even though he was an old softy.  However, Miriam needed to step in as she could see Vicky was getting uncomfortable which meant Jason would soon follow. “I admire a career woman. However, I never worked.  It must be tough working and taking care of Angel” Vicky nodded in agreement.  “Vicky is an incredible mother and a great employee.  I’d hate to lose her but I do hope I can convince her to maybe give it all up and move here with me to Atlanta”.  They made eye contact.  Jason supported and encouraged her with his eyes.  Vicky felt she could be strong with Jason by her side.  Miriam noticed the exchange between the two. “I’m sure your parents would really be upset if you moved all the way from Minnesota to Atlanta.  However, I have to admit the weather is much better here”.  Vicky chose not to tell Miriam that she was basically an orphan. She didn’t