Authors' note: We hope you all enjoy this chapter. You get more of the Quidditch match aftermath and RJ will meet Audrey's family. Let us know what you think! And as always check out the Orkut group for sneak peeks of the next chapter (usually posted on Sundays).
"Is RJ still in there?" she asked coolly.
"He left a few minutes ago," Daniel replied. "You---you clean up nice, Potter."
Saffron didn't answer, just turned to leave.
"Potter," Daniel called after her. "Look, I'm sorry if I've done something to offend you. I just---it's hard for me, watching you come in here and take over."
"I'm not taking over anything," Saffron said. "I'm doing the job they want me to do."
Daniel smiled. "I know that. I was thinking that you and I could help each other out."
She arched an eyebrow. "How?"
"Well," Daniel said offering her his most charming smile. "I'm thinking that we could practise together. Just you and me. Before the main practise, I mean."
"I don't think so," Saffron replied, turning away again.
"Come on," Daniel said. "You've seen me in practise. I need all the help I can get."
"You're the reserve," Saffron said.
"Yes I know," Daniel said trying to keep his temper in check. "But, I'd like to get better. I think I can do that with your help."
"I'm sure there's someone else who can help," Saffron started walking away.
Daniel reached for her, but Andrew Kirke turned the corner just as he did so.
"Andrew," Saffron hurried towards him. "I'm so glad you're here!"
"Yeah, Kirke," Daniel said forcing a smile. "We're really glad you're here."
"What's going on?" Andrew asked suspiciously.
"Team bonding," Daniel said grinning at Saffron. "I'll see you at practise, Potter. Think about what I said."
"I don't think so," Saffron said, taking Andrew's hand in hers.
"What did you ask my girlfriend, O'Neal?" Andrew asked him.
"Don't worry about it Kirke," Daniel replied.
"I do worry where she's concerned," Andrew glared at him. "You stay away from her, O'Neal."
"I wouldn't want to come between the threesome you're probably having with Weasley," Daniel smirked.
Andrew dropped his duffel bag and lunged at Daniel.
"Andrew don't!" Saffron tried to pull him back.
Andrew shrugged her off and shoved Daniel against the wall. "You want to say that again, O'Neal?"
"Touchy on that, are we?" Daniel's grin grew wider. "Which one of them do you prefer?"
Andrew drew back his fist and hit Daniel square in the jaw.
"Andrew!" Saffron reached for him again. "Come on... it's not worth it! HE'S not worth it!"
"Such frustration," Daniel said laughing. "Must be because your girlfriend's such a cock tease. Gets you all warmed up and then...nothing."
Andrew's hands closed around his throat. "You. Stay. Away. From. Her." he said through clenched teeth.
"Andrew!" Saffron pleaded. "It's not worth it. "Let him go and let's get out of here!"
Andrew released the other man. "Just leave us alone, O'Neal, or you'll be sorrier for it."
"You're going to be sorry," Daniel said rubbing his swollen jaw. "Count on it."
"Just leave us alone," Saffron repeated, taking Andrew's hand again.
Daniel stumbled away, but not before leering at the two of them.
"What a jerk," Saffron said. "Let me see your hand."
Andrew protested, but Saffron gave him a look. He relented and held out his hand.
She ran the tips of her fingers over his bruised knuckles. "This is an easy fix," she said, drawing out her wand.
"I'm not sorry for hitting that bastard," Andrew said.
"I was ready to do it myself," Saffron confessed.
She set a healing charm on his hand. "Thanks," Andrew said.
Saffron nodded. "I'm glad you came when you did."
"What did he say to you?" Andrew asked her.
"He said some nonsense about wanting to practise with me," Saffron shook her head.
"One guess what he wanted to practise," Andrew grumbled.
"Well he'll never get to," Saffron replied. "He seems to think because of New Year's Eve, he's got this past history with me."
Andrew put his arms around her. "I don't want him anywhere near you, Saffy."
Saffron pressed her face into his shoulder. "I don't want to be near him."
"He's dangerous," Andrew said.
"I'll be okay," Saffron assured him.
Andrew kissed her. "We should go. We're already late."
"Of course," Saffron said. "I'm starving."
"Me too," Andrew said grinning at her.
Saffron gave him a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too," Andrew said, taking her hand. "Even if you did beat me today."
"I told you I was," Saffron informed him.
"You did," Andrew said. "And I didn't listen, did I?"
"You blokes never do," Saffron leaned against him as they left the locker room area.
They arrived at the Burrow, where the party was already underway.
"There's the star!" Jon said when he saw her.
Saffron laughed. "I'm hardly a star, Jon."
"Today is your day, Saffy," he told her. "Live it up."
"Thanks, Jon," Saffron said leaning against Andrew.
"Come on," Jon said. "Nana's waiting to see you."
Saffron nodded and she and Andrew followed him into the kitchen. "Hiya, Nana."
"Saffron!" Molly Weasley beamed.
Arthur laughed as his wife embraced Saffron in a bear hug. "We listened to your match on the wireless, Saffy. You were brilliant."
"Thanks," Saffron said, laughing. "It was an easy team to beat."
Andrew nudged her. "Do you see what I have to put up with, Mr. Weasley?"
Arthur chuckled. "Nothing a few drinks can't handle."
"The little ones were telling us all about it," Molly said. "They were so excited!"
"They were on the pitch after the game," Saffron told her.
"Saffy!" Ethan called out from the sitting room. "Come in here!"
Saffron raised an eyebrow at Andrew, who shrugged. The two of them went back into the sitting room where Maddie was holding Kiera. Saffron grinned when she saw her niece was wearing a long-sleeved Puddlemere t-shirt with Saffron's number on it.
"We're sorry we couldn't make it to the game," Maddie said. "So we thought this would make it up to you."
"It did," Saffron said beaming at her niece. "Can I hold her?"
"Of course," Maddie said, carefully handing her daughter to her sister in law.
Saffron kissed Kiera's soft cheek. "Hiya."
Kiera cooed at her with a huge smile.
Saffron giggled. "I am so glad you made it to the party."
"We wouldn't have missed this," Maddie told her.
"You know," Andrew said to Ethan and Maddie. "They do sell Kirke jerseys at the Wimbourne shop. I could pick one up for Kiera..."
"That would be blasphemy," Ethan said solemnly.
"We're a Puddlemere family," Maddie said loyally.
Andrew shook his head.
"Can you say Puddlemere?" Saffron asked her niece. "Hmm?"
"Ooooh," Kiera cooed.
Saffron laughed. "Close enough."
'For now," Ethan grinned down at his daughter.
"Where's RJ?" Andrew asked.
"Eating, most likely," Saffron cracked.
"He's out in the backyard with Audrey helping Josh with the kids," Maddie said. Andrew nodded. "Saf, I'll be right back. I want to have a word with RJ."
Saffron gave him a look. "Andrew..."
"I'll be back," Andrew said offering her a reassuring smile. "You just enjoy being with your niece."
"Don't start anything," she said.
"No worries," Andrew said before slipping out.
"Hey mate," Andrew said as he approached RJ. "Can I have a quick word?"
"Sure," RJ said standing up from the picnic table.
"O'Neal," Andrew began. "He's trying to start something with Saffy."
"What did he do?" RJ asked folding his arms.
"He was saying something to her when I went to meet her," Andrew described the situation. "So I punched him."
"That son-of-a-bitch," RJ muttered.
"Just keep an eye on Saffy around him for me, would you?" Andrew asked.
RJ nodded. "Of course."
"Thanks mate," Andrew said. "I appreciate it."
RJ told his friend about what had happened in the locker room after the match.
"I don't get it," Andrew said. "He knew going into it that he was there until Saffron came home."
"He seemed to think it was going to be more permanent," RJ said, shaking his head. "He's never going to see playing time as long as Saffy's on the team."
"Then he'd better make sure he doesn't try to sabotage her." Andrew snapped.
"Too right," RJ agreed. "We'll look out for her."
Andrew felt better. "Thanks."
"I'd do anything for her," RJ said. "You know that."
"You're a good mate," Andrew clapped his shoulder.
RJ grinned. "I'm a winner. That's what we do..."
Andrew groaned. "Yeah, yeah."
"Hi, guys," Audrey joined them. "Everything okay?"
RJ slid his arm around her. "Great."
Audrey smiled up at him. "Did you tell Andrew what a great boyfriend you are? All because you agreed to accompany to my Aunt Tessie's birthday party tomorrow..."
Andrew grinned at his friend. "Uh oh..."
"He's going to meet MY crazy family," Audrey said happily.
"Are there as many of them as there are here?" Andrew asked.
"Not quite," Audrey replied.
"Almost, eh?" RJ asked. "Do I need name cards?"
Audrey laughed. "No, you'll do fine. You already know my mum and dad. You'll get to my grandparents tomorrow, my Aunt Tessie and Uncle Dave and my cousins."
"Definitely need name cards," he said, which earned an elbow in his side.
"Just for that, I'm going to quiz you afterwards," Audrey said.
"What if I get full marks?" RJ asked.
Audrey winked at him. "You'll be rewarded to the fullest extent."
"I think that's my cue to get out of here," Andrew said.
RJ laughed. "Now, you see what's it like putting up with you and Saffy."
"We aren't that bad," Andrew said.
"Yes you are," RJ countered.
"No way," Andrew shook his head.
Andrew was still laughing when he came back into the house. Saffron was alone in the sitting room with Kiera. "Maddie and Ethan went for a walk. I told them I'd watch her."
Andrew grinned. "Mind if I join you?"
"Of course not," Saffron smiled at him. "Would you like to hold her?"
"You think it'd be okay?" Andrew asked.
Saffron laughed. "Of course. You've held a baby before, right?"
"Yeah," Andrew said. "But it was awhile ago."
Saffron smiled at him. "Don't look so nervous. She's the sweetest baby and she doesn't even have teeth yet so she won't bite."
Andrew gingerly took the infant from his girlfriend. "Hey there," he said.
Kiera stared wide-eyed up at him.
"She likes you," Saffron smiled at him,
"I do have a way with the ladies," Andrew said winking down at Kiera who offered him a gummy smile in return.
Saffron laughed. "Especially with me."
"Always with you," Andrew said. "So, what were you and Kiera doing? You weren't singing to her, were you?"
"I wouldn't' frighten her like that," Saffron made a face.
Andrew laughed. "It's the one thing you can't do."
"Like you're much better," Saffron retorted with a grin.
"Oh, I couldn't carry a tune if my life depended on it," Andrew said grinning as Saffron held her finger out to Kiera who wrapped her little fist around it.
"I just love when babies do that," Saffron said.
Andrew grinned. "I wonder why they do that."
"I don't know," Saffron said thoughtfully as Kiera grinned at them.
"She certainly is a happy baby," Andrew said.
"She's got every reason to be," Saffron replied.
"Yes, she does," Andrew said thoughtfully. "And so do you, Miss Potter."
"Thanks to you," Saffron said softly.
Andrew leaned over and kissed her.
"I love you so much," Saffron whispered.
"I love you too," Andrew said smiling at her. "I always have and I always will."
"Saf!" Emma called. "We're going to eat!"
"Come here," Saffron said crooking her finger at the little girl. "It looks like you've already gotten into the chocolate." Emma's face was smeared with icing.
"It's a secret," Emma giggled.
"Did you sneak a bite?" Saffron whispered.
"This big," Emma held her fingers apart.
"Ooooh," Saffron said grinning at her. "I bet I know what it was too. Nana's Triple Chocolate Fudge cake. Right?"
Emma nodded. "It had my name alllllllll over it!"
Andrew chuckled. "Was there a piece of that cake that had my name on it? Because I like that cake, too."
"You better eat it quick," Emma giggled.
"Is that so?" Saffron asked tickling Emma's side.
"Yes!" the little redhead squealed. "Before me and Grandpa eat it all!"
"And your Aunt Maddie," Saffron said picking her up. "Come here, you."
Emma hugged her. "You were good today!"
"Thank you, Em," Saffron said. "And I was soooo glad that you were there to cheer me on."
"I yelled the loudest," Emma told her.
"I know," Saffron said. "I heard you screaming for me."
"Me and Han yelled the loudest cause we love you," Emma said.
Saffron gave her another hug. "I love you guys, too. So much."
"Em, what did you think of me today?" Andrew asked the little girl. "I played well too, right?"
"Not as good as Saf," Emma replied.
Saffron laughed. "I love this kid."
"I tell it like it is," Emma recited.
Andrew and Saffron laughed at this. "You sure do, Emma," Saffron said. "How about we go into the kitchen and eat?"
"Um," Andrew said unsure of what to do with the baby. "Should I stand up with her?"
"I'll take her," Saffron set Emma down.
"Thank you," Andrew said gratefully. He liked holding Kiera, but he didn't know if he'd able to master walking and carrying her at the same time.
"You need a bit of practise that's all," Saffron carefully took her niece into her arms.
"It's easy," Emma said. "I held Adam all the time!"
"And I'm sure you did a great job," Andrew assured her.
"I did," Emma said leading the way into the kitchen. "Mummy said I was the bestest helper."
"She sure was," Allison said as they entered.
"Still am," Emma said putting her hands on her hips. Molly was just about to put the last dish on the table when she noticed that her Triple Chocolate Fudge cake had a big chunk missing. "Who got into my cake? George Weasley! Did you take a piece of my cake? I thought I told you not to go near that cake!"
"I didn't!" George replied.
"Fred!" Molly exclaimed, turning to George's twin. "I should have known it was you!"
"I didn't either!" Fred squawked. "Mum!"
Molly hit Ron on the back of the head with her dish towel just as he was helping himself to some chicken. "Ow! What the bloody hell was that for, Mum?"
"You stole the cake," Molly said sternly. "Just because you're older now Ronald doesn't mean you can't be punished!"
"I-I didn't," Ron stammered.
"It was me, Nana," Emma said in a small voice.
"What was that, love?" Molly asked.
"I took the cake," Emma whispered.
"Sweetheart, you don't have to cover for your grandfather," Molly told her, patting the top of her head.
"But I took it," Emma said, her eyes teary. "I'm sorry Nana."
"Emma, you know that we told you to wait," Jon told his youngest daughter.
"I was just so hungry," Emma wiped away the last little smear of chocolate.
"Bad Em," Adam said shaking his head.
Emma started to cry. "I'm really sorry!"
"Oh, sweetheart," Molly said kneeling down in front of her granddaughter. "Don't you cry."
"But you were mad," Emma said.
Molly handed Emma a handkerchief. "Dry your tears, sweetheart. Do you know that in all my years of cooking and raising children, I don't think I've ever had a meal where someone didn't sneak a bite of something."
"But next time we tell you no, Emma," Jon warned. "You'd better listen. Understood?"
"Yes, Daddy," Emma said her lower lip trembling.
"No bad Em?" Adam asked.
"No more bad Em," Allison said. "She's going to help us clean up after dinner instead of playing with her cousins."
"Yes Mummy," Emma nodded.
"I believe you owe us an apology," Fred said looking pointedly at his mother. "Thinking the worst of us..."
Ron snorted. "At least you didn't get smacked in the head."
"You should have seen the look on your face when she did it," Harry chuckled.
"Sod off Potter," Ron replied.
"Behave, both of you," Molly said sternly. "You're supposed to set an example."
"Behave," Adam nodded.
"He started it," Ron said looking at Harry.
"Behave Grandpa," Emma wiped the last of her tears away.
"Yeah," Saffron chimed in. "We're impressionable youth and you're not setting a good example for us, Uncle Ron."
"I don't worry about you, Saffy," Ron told her.
"Thanks, Uncle Ron," Saffron beamed at him.
"All right, all right." Molly said. "Time to eat, everyone."
"My favourite words," Ron said gleefully. "Chin up, Emma. No more tears, okay?"
"No more," Emma agreed. "I'm going to eat with you."
"That's my girl," Ron said.
"I really couldn't eat before the match today," Saffron said. "I'm starving now."
"I made all your favourites," Molly said. "I'm so proud of you and RJ and Andrew."
"Thanks Nana," Saffron said.
"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley," Andrew said.
"Dig in," Molly urged.
"You don't have to ask me twice," RJ said loading his plate with everything.
"I'll wait until Maddie and Ethan get back from their walk," Saffron said. "They shouldn't be long."
"I think you have a new number one fan," Luna said smiling at Saffron. "Kiera looks happy and content."
"I'm her number one fan as well," Saffron looked down at her niece.
"Maddie and Ethan are so lucky," Darla said. She was alone at the celebration. Hans was back in the States shooting some commercial.
"So are you," Saffron said. "I mean... you just found out you're having a son!"
Darla nodded. "And I'm very happy about that, but I just wish Hans were here to share it with."
"I wish he were here too," Saffron said sympathetically.
"You say the word and we can take care of him for you," Fred told his niece.
Darla shook her head. "I'll be all right."
"Yes you will," Drew said confidently. "You have us."
"That's right," Darla smiled at her twin.
"And we always stick together," Maddie said. "No matter what."
"When did you two get back?" Saffron asked.
"Just now," Maddie said. "How's my little one?"
"Perfect," Saffron reluctantly handed the infant back to Maddie.
"How was your walk?" Drew asked her sister.
"Lovely," Maddie answered.
"Thanks for looking after Kiera for us, Saffy," Ethan said. "We appreciate it."
"I told you, anytime you want," Saffron replied "She's an absolute angel."
"Of course she is," Harry said. "She's a Potter."
"Sure," Ron smirked.
"What's that look for?" Harry asked him with a grin. "You know I'm right."
"You're forgetting the more attractive Weasley side to her," Ron answered.
"And what's the Potter side of her?" Harry asked him. "Chopped liver?"
"That does sound awfully appetizing," Ron said thoughtfully.
Harry threw a dinner roll across the table at his friend.
"Fight!" Noah crowed.
"Fight!" Aidan joined in, banging his fists on the table of his high chair. "Fight! Fight!"
"Nice job Dad," Saffron said wryly.
"I think that Harry and Ron should help Emma with the clean up," Hermione suggested.
"I'm not a child," Harry complained.
"Oh really?" Hermione asked. "Because you and Ron are behaving like children."
"Grandpa can help me," Emma nodded.
"Your Grandpa would be happy to help you," Luna said.
"Yay!" Emma said happily.
"With no magic," Luna said looking at her husband and then at Harry.
Ron groaned. "Who made up that rule?
"We did," Hermione said. "How is it a punishment if you can use your wand to clean?"
Ron sat back sullenly. "Now I don't' even want to eat."
"I'll have your plate then," RJ said gleefully, reaching for it.
"That's for Grandpa!" Emma shook her finger at him.
"He said he didn't want to eat, Em," RJ told her.
"He still will!" Emma replied.
"That's my girl," Ron said. "Back off, Junior. It was just an expression."
"Whatever," RJ replied.
Saffron looked at Audrey. "You really sure you want to have him meet your family after seeing how savage he is with his food?"
"I'll make sure he behaves," Audrey said with a grin.
"Her parents already love me," RJ said. "I just have to win over the rest of the family."
"Just don't open your mouth then," Saffron cracked.
"She's so funny," RJ said sticking his tongue out at her.
"Mature," Saffron shook her head. "Really mature."
"Ronald Junior, how would you like to join your father, godfather and niece in cleaning up?" Luna asked him.
"Mum!" RJ said, mortified that his mother would chastise him in front of everyone.
Caroline looked at her sister. "If this keeps up, you'll have all the grown-ups helping you, Em," she whispered.
"Let them do it," Emma nodded. "I don't mind!"
Caroline giggled. "The more the merrier, right?"
Emma laughed. "Right, Sissy!"
"No one else is getting in trouble," RJ said. "You'd think we were kids the way they're treating us."
Andrew grinned. "Guess you're just not as grown up as the rest of us RJ."
"Kirke, you are pushing it," RJ said. He was tempted to throw something at his best friend, but he thought better of it.
Andrew's grin grew even wider.
"Don't fall for it," Saffron warned her boyfriend. "He's just trying to get you on kitchen patrol."
"No chance," Andrew slid his arm around her.
Molly grinned at the younger couple. "I must say I'm so happy to see the two of you back together. I can tell when people belong together and you and Andrew belong together, Saffron."
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," Andrew replied.
"It's been great seeing her smile again," Harry said to his daughter.
Saffron nodded. "I feel like I'm finally putting everything behind me."
"Yes you are," Hermione said beaming at her daughter. "Your life is just beginning, baby."
*** *** ***
After practise the next day, RJ begged off going to the pub with his mates so he could get ready to go to Audrey's aunt's party. He was looking forward to getting to know more of her family.
He'd heard stories about all of them so he felt like he knew them already. He just hoped that they liked him. Because he was magical, he would have to lie to them and he didn't like starting it off like that, but it couldn't be helped.
He and Audrey had agreed he would swing by the pub and they would head over from there.
Jon smiled at his brother from behind the bar. "Who died, Junior?"
"What?" RJ asked. "What are you talking about?"
"You look like you're dressed for a funeral," Jon said with a grin.
"I thought I looked nice," he said.
Victoria hit Jon on the shoulder. "You do look nice, RJ. Don't listen to your brother."
"Thanks," RJ said gratefully.
"Audrey's in the back getting ready," Victoria told him. "She's really looking forward to tonight."
"Me too," RJ replied, adjusting the coat Audrey had given him for Christmas.
Victoria excused herself to go and let Audrey know RJ was there.
"I'm just giving you a hard time," Jon said to his brother. "You're going to be fine. You're a Weasley. Everyone loves us."
"Her parents already do," RJ told him. "Now I've just got to use my charm on the rest of her family.
"Aud said you were going to tell them that you were a student like her," Jon said.
RJ nodded. "She's told me some things about her University."
"Just remember less is more," Jon told him. "Don't embellish. Be vague."
RJ nodded. "Yeah I know."
Audrey and Victoria came out from the back room and Audrey beamed at her boyfriend when she saw him. "You clean up nice, Weasley."
"Have to for my girl," RJ grinned back at her.
"Are you ready to go then?" Audrey asked.
"Sure," RJ said taking her hand.
"Good luck," Jon said to his brother.
"Thanks," RJ said. "We'll see you lot later."
Audrey grabbed her coat on the way out and RJ helped her with it.
"You look beautiful," RJ said.
"Thanks," she said, blushing just a bit.
"I hope your family likes me," RJ said to her.
"I'm sure they will," she said.
"What's not to like?" RJ asked as they stepped outside. "I'm handsome, charming, funny..."
"Completely modest," Audrey deadpanned.
RJ laughed. "That too."
Audrey snuggled against him. "The house isn't too far from here."
"I didn't realise they lived so close," RJ commented.
"A lot of my family does," Audrey told him.
"You've been holding out on me," RJ said squeezing her hand.
"I have not," she laughed as he poked her side. "We just haven't really had a get together in awhile."
"Unlike my family who gets together on a regular basis to celebrate even the slightest thing," RJ said grinning.
Audrey laughed again. "It doesn't take much, does it?"
"No, it doesn't," RJ said.
She led him down the sidewalk to a townhouse.
"So this is your dear old aunt and uncle's place?" RJ asked looking up at it.
"Yeah," Audrey said. "They've been living in it since they were married. I love it here."
RJ looked at her. "Your uncle is a....salesman, right? And your aunt's a nurse?"
"Right," Audrey beamed at him.
"And they have two children," RJ remembered. "Becca and....Steven?"
"Very good," Audrey said approvingly.
RJ sighed in relief. "I think I'm ready."
"You'll be fine," she gave him a quick kiss. "If you're not sure, just ask me."
RJ took her hand and together they climbed the steps. Audrey knocked on the door.
"Audrey, dear!" Olivia Marlowe opened the door.
"Hi, Aunt Olivia!" Audrey said warmly, giving her aunt a hug.
"We were hoping you'd be here soon," Olivia replied, her eyes moving to RJ.
"Aunt Olivia," Audrey said stepping inside. "This is RJ Weasley."
"Hello," RJ extended his hand. "It's lovely to meet you."
"It's great to finally meet you," Olivia told him. "We've heard so many great things about you. Audrey's quite smitten."
Audrey flushed bright red as RJ grinned at her. "Smitten, eh?"
"I've never used that word," Audrey said rolling her eyes.
"Sure," he teased as he helped her off with her coat then hung his next to hers.
"Everyone's in the sitting room," Olivia told them. "Come on then."
RJ reached for his girlfriend's hand again, his palm a bit sweaty.
There was a crowd of about fifteen people in the sitting room and all conversation seemed to stop when he and Audrey walked into the room.
RJ turned red as Audrey began making introductions around the room. He hoped he'd be able to remember the names and the faces.
RJ felt someone staring at him from across the room and he looked up to see a tall blonde smiling flirtatiously at him.
"This is my cousin Becca," Audrey said, leading him over to the blonde. "We grew up together."
"The one who went shopping with you after Christmas to save me the torture," RJ joked.
"That would be me," Becca drawled. "It's nice to finally meet you, RJ. Audrey talks of nothing else."
"Becca," Audrey blushed.
"You should see me with my best mate Andrew," RJ said. "She's pretty much all I talk about too other than Qui-- football."
Audrey squeezed his hand.
"So you and Audrey are at University together?" Becca asked.
"Yeah," RJ said. "I'm um... I'm there playing football."
"Audrey, dear," her grandmother called out. "Could you come here for a moment?"
"Sure, Gran," Audrey said. She looked at RJ. "I'll be right back."
RJ nodded, watching her as she hurried across the room.
"Would you like something to drink?" Becca asked him.
"Sure," RJ said. "That'd be great."
Becca grinned. "Coffee? Tea? Or...me?"
"I beg your pardon?" RJ thought he'd heard wrong.
"Only joking," Becca said touching his arm before heading over to the table where the drinks were.
He suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable and hoped Audrey would come back over soon.
Becca came back over with a glass of punch and handed it to him. "Aud says you come from a large family. I imagine you're used to this."
"Yeah, definitely," RJ said.
"You have a lot of brothers and sisters?" Becca asked.
"Five," RJ replied. "Six including me. Two sets of twins and then me and my sister."
"I think I've met your brother at the pub," Becca said thoughtfully. "He's cute, but not as cute as you."
"Thanks..." RJ replied, rubbing the back of his neck.
Becca smiled at him. "Am I making you uncomfortable?"
"No," RJ lied.
"I'm really quite harmless," Becca said setting her glass down on the table.
RJ nodded. "This is a pretty nice house," he said, changing the subject.
Becca looked around the room. "I've lived here all my life."
"How old are you again?" RJ asked.
"I just turned 18," she replied. "Why? Age isn't anything but a number..."
"I'm just curious," RJ drank some of his punch.
"Curious," Becca said thoughtfully. "I have to say I was curious about you, too. I heard enough about you from Audrey and I didn't know if it was all too good to be true."
"What did she say?" RJ asked.
Becca looked over at her cousin who was still talking with their grandmother. "She told me about how handsome you were and what a great kisser you are..."
RJ turned red. "She said that? Really?"
"Mmmhmm," Becca said giving him the once over. "And now that I've seen you in person, I'd have to say you seem to live up to all that she said."
RJ's face grew even redder and he gulped his punch to cover his embarrassment.
"I guess I'll have to take her word on the kissing part," Becca said boldly.
"Um yeah..." RJ said. "I uh... I think I need to use the loo."
"I'll be right here," Becca said winking at him.
RJ nodded and hurried into the hall. He wasn't quite sure which room was the loo so he opened the first door he saw.
"RJ?" Audrey called after him. "Where are you going?"
"The bathroom?" he answered.
"Well, you're not going to find it in the closet," Audrey said with a laugh.
"Sorry," RJ said sheepishly.
"It's okay," Audrey reassured him. "The loo is the third door on the right."
"Thanks," RJ said, smiling at her. "Be right back."
"So far so good," Audrey told him. "My Gran kept telling me what a handsome young man I had."
"I think I like her," RJ replied.
Audrey grinned. "Hurry back."
He gave her a quick kiss. "I will."
Audrey headed back into the sitting room and joined her cousins, Becca and Steven. "You guys really did a great job planning the party. Everything looks great."
"Thanks Aud," Steven gave her a one armed hug. "You were a great help... not." he joked.
Audrey laughed. "Hey, I have work and school! I would have helped if I could..."
"We know," Steven said.
"You can help us with the next one," Becca said with a grin.
"Promise," Audrey replied, laughing.
"So where did Mr. Perfect run off too?" Steven asked her.
"The loo," Audrey said. "He'll be back in a minute."
"He seems nice," Steven asked. "You should bring him around more often."
"I will," Audrey said. "Maybe sometime you, me, RJ and Lilah can go out on a double date."
"We'd love that," Steven said. "Oh, here he comes now...."
"Feeling better?" Audrey teased as she wound her arms around RJ.
"Yeah," RJ replied, avoiding Becca.
"Steven and I were thinking that sometime soon we could double date with him and his girlfriend," Audrey told him.
"Sure," RJ replied with a grin. "That sounds like fun."
"You all are forgetting about me," Becca pouted.
"Bex, we could never forget about you," Audrey said. "You came come with us."
"But I wouldn't have a date," she said, looking meaningfully at RJ.
"I'm sure you could strong arm some poor soul into dating you," Steven teased his sister.
"Becca has a new boyfriend every week," Audrey joked.
"I just haven't found the right one," Becca said smiling demurely at RJ.
"Yeah well... everyone has to go through a few wrongs to find their right," RJ pulled Audrey close to him.
"Having fun is important too," Becca said softly. "It's not always good to settle down too soon. You're only young once."
"Yeah but I believe you can only find the right person once too," RJ countered.
"I think so too," Audrey said happily.
RJ kissed the side of her head. "When do we eat?"
Audrey laughed. "I think I told you all that he's on a strict feeding schedule."
"Once an hour," RJ joked.
"I'm hungry too," Becca said looking pointedly at RJ. "Very, very hungry..."
"I love food," RJ said quickly.
"You should be very pleased with tonight's dinner," Audrey said. "There's quite a bit of food in the kitchen. Gran said she'd been cooking all day."
"It sure smells great," RJ said. "Makes me even hungrier."
"She's as good a cook as your Nana," Audrey said. She smiled at her cousins. "You should see the spread that RJ's grandmother puts out for their get togethers. I gained a stone just sitting in front of it."
"Sounds great," Steven said. "I'm all up for that."
"And you should see his nieces and nephews," Audrey said. "They are the cutest, especially Emma. That little girl has a bottomless stomach."
"I love that name," Becca said.
RJ smiled. "Her older sister named her and her middle name is Madeline, after my sister."
"That's so sweet," Becca said, her voice lowering.
Steven called his own girlfriend over to introduce her to RJ. RJ was all too aware of Becca's eyes on him and he wondered what her deal was. If she was so close to Audrey, why was she being so flirtatious with him?
"You'll like Lilah," Audrey was saying. "She's really sweet."
"I'd love some," RJ said absently.
"What?" Audrey asked. "Love some what?"
"What?" RJ asked sheepishly. "I-I guess I zoned out there for a moment. Sorry."
"It's okay," Audrey kissed his cheek.
Audrey's father asked for everyone to go into the dining room.
"Time to eat," RJ said with a grin, taking Audrey's hand in his. "I get to sit next to you right?"
"Of course," Audrey said grinning back at him. "Unless you want to sit beside my great aunt Ida."
RJ laughed. "You win."
He followed his girlfriend into the dining room and frowned when Becca moved fast to sit on his other side.
Becca pulled out her chair and brushed against RJ as she sat down.
RJ sighed. This was going to be a long night.
"Gran, everything looks delicious," Audrey said, unaware of what had just happened.
"Smells almost as good as my nana's meals," RJ chimed in.
"Your young man is loyal," Audrey's grandmother said to her. "I like that."
Audrey grinned. "Very loyal."
"What are you studying at University, RJ?" one of Audrey's uncles asked.
"Um..." RJ quickly looked at Audrey for help.
"He hasn't really declared a focus of study yet, Uncle Richard," Audrey said. "He's still trying to figure things out."
"I enjoy sport," RJ replied.
"We've got season tickets to Manchester's matches," Steven said. "You and Aud should come with us. Right, Dad?"
"Sure," Steven's father replied.
"That would be cool," RJ nodded.
Becca yawned. "Can we please not talk about sport all evening? It's bo-ring!"
Steven rolled his eyes. "What should we talk about? The latest celebrity gossip?"
"It's sight more interesting than football," Becca shot back.
"Okay you two," Olivia said. "Enough."
RJ shared a look with Audrey. This was a little like how he was with Saffron.
"You're doing well," she whispered.
RJ grinned. "You think so?"
"Definitely," she squeezed his hand.
"Your family is great," he whispered.
"You're a shoo-in," Audrey told him. "I knew they'd love you."
RJ felt someone's hand on his thigh and for a second thought it was Audrey.
"Something wrong?" Audrey asked him.
"Uh..." he cast a look at Becca."No."
Becca smiled innocently at him.
He moved his leg away. "Nothing's wrong."
"How about I fix your plate?" Audrey asked. "You want a little of everything, right?"
"More than a little of everything," he smiled at her.
Audrey grabbed his plate. "I'll be right back."
RJ looked at Becca once Audrey was gone. "Please don't do that," he told her quietly.
"Do what?" she asked sweetly.
"I love Audrey," he said.
"So?" Becca asked picking up her glass. "I love her too. She's like a sister to me."
"She's the only girl for me," he said firmly.
"Is that what you said about ...Alexa, was it?" Becca asked.
His eyebrows knit together. "Beg your pardon?"
"She was your girlfriend before Audrey, right?" Becca asked.
"That was awhile ago," he told her.
"Ancient history?" Becca asked with a grin.
"Yes," RJ said.
Becca opened her mouth to say something else, but Audrey had returned with her and RJ's plates.
Becca stood up. "Did you leave some for me, Aud?"
"A few crumbs," Audrey teased her.
Becca laughed. "I'll be back."
"Everything okay?" Audrey asked. "You look tense."
"I'm fine," RJ said quietly. He looked down at his plate. "This---looks great."
"Eat up," she patted his leg.
RJ offered her a half smile as he picked up his fork. "You--you and Becca are close?"
"We used to be closer when we were kids," Audrey replied.
"But you talked to her about me and Alexa?" RJ asked her.
Audrey looked surprised. "Well... I talked to her a bit about it when Alexa... first lost her memory."
RJ couldn't really say anything to that. He supposed that was a normal reaction given how he'd had to spend so much time with Alexa after that. Audrey probably needed someone to talk to.
"I didn't really get into it," Audrey told him. "Did she say something to you about it?"
"She mentioned it," RJ replied.
"I wouldn't worry about it," Audrey said. "I know how you feel about me."
"I love you," RJ said honestly.
"I love you too," Audrey gave him a quick kiss.
In the kitchen, Steven tapped his sister on her shoulder. "I know what you're trying to do, Becca."
"What do you mean?" Becca asked.
"Batting your eyes at RJ," Steven told her. "Back off of him, Bex. He and Audrey seem very happy."
"I'm not doing anything," Becca shrugged.
"I know you," Steven told her. "Audrey still doesn't know what you did to her last boyfriend."
Becca glared at him.
"Back off of RJ or I'll tell her," Steven warned before he left the kitchen.
Becca threw a bread roll onto her plate, along with a few other things and went back into the dining room.
RJ didn't even look at her as she sat back down beside him.
She pouted a bit but then brightened up. She always did love a challenge.
Audrey's family asked RJ questions throughout the meal. Luckily, they didn't ask him too many questions about University.
"I think I could pass for a Muggle," RJ said once they'd put their coats on and headed out.
"You did very well," Audrey said proudly.
He slid his arm around her. "Just wanted to make you happy."
"You did," Audrey said. "Very happy and my family loved you."
"Long as you love me," RJ told her.
"I do," Audrey said softly. "More than anything."
"I always want to be with you, you know." RJ said.
"I know," Audrey said smiling up at him. She was about lean in for a kiss when Becca called out to them from the door.
"I had a great idea,'" Becca told them. "How about we go down to the pub and celebrate the evening's success?'
It was the last thing RJ wanted to do, but he looked at his girlfriend.
"Bex, I thought you were going to stay behind and help your mum?" Audrey asked.
"I can get out of it," Becca said, her eyes on RJ's.
"Sure," Audrey replied. "That sounds like fun."
RJ nodded, trying not to seem unenthused.
"I'll just get my coat," Becca said before disappearing behind the door.
"We don't have to stay really long if you don't want," Audrey began.
"It's okay," RJ interjected. "One drink and I can tell Jon how well I did."
"That's right," Audrey kissed him.
"Break it up, you two," Becca teased as she came down the steps.
Audrey grinned sheepishly. "Sorry... he makes it hard to stay away."
"I can certainly see that," Becca teased linking her arm with her cousin's. "So do we get a discount since you work at the pub?"
"Oh maybe," Audrey replied.
"Fantastic,'" Becca said.
RJ followed the two girls with a sense of dread.
"Come on slowpoke," Becca turned around.
RJ nodded. "I'm right behind you."
The three of them entered the pub, which was decidedly less crowded than it was earlier. Jon was still behind the counter, busily cleaning some glasses.
RJ asked the girls what they wanted to drink and then left them to go to the bar.
"Hey, Junior," Jon said. "I didn't realise you'd be back tonight. How'd it go?"
"Pretty good," RJ said. "Her family really liked me..."
"As we knew they would," Jon said grinning at his little brother.
"Her cousin is a bit forward," RJ replied.
Jon looked over at the table where Audrey was sitting with Becca. "That her?"
"Yeah," RJ replied. "She wouldn't stop flirting with me."
"Maybe she was just being friendly," Jon said thoughtfully.
"I don't know," RJ said. "She had her hand on my thigh."
Jon winced. "Oh...well I guess that clears things up then."
"I told her that I love Audrey," RJ said quietly. "I don't know what else I can do to make sure she knows."
"I take it she hasn't done any of this in front of Audrey?" Jon asked.
"Audrey was sitting right next to me!" RJ exclaimed in a quiet voice.
Jon gaped at him. "She's a bold little thing, isn't she?"
RJ nodded. "I guess I'll just keep close to Aud." he took the drinks his brother put in front of him.
"Good luck, mate," Jon told him.
"Thanks," RJ said, heading back for the table.
"How's Jon?" Audrey asked him.
"He's fine," RJ told her. "I think he wants to go home and be with the kids."
"He should be heading out soon," Audrey said. "I know he likes to be home to tuck them in."
"And they'll wait up for him to do so," RJ nodded.
"They're the cutest kids," Audrey told her cousin who looked bored.
"I'm not really a kid person," Becca shrugged.
"You would be if you saw these three," RJ told her.
"Are you the favourite babysitter then?" Becca asked, leaning forward.
"They love their Uncle RJ," Audrey told her. She was about to tell her about how RJ would take them flying, but she stopped herself just in time. "You should see RJ reading them a bedtime story..."
"I like to change it up a bit," RJ replied. "They love it."
"He's going to be a great father some day," Audrey said smiling at him.
"I try," RJ said with a grin.
"How about I put on some music?" Audrey asked them. "We put some new things in the jukebox."
"Go for it," Becca replied, sitting back.
"I'll go with you," RJ said, starting to stand up.
"I've got it," Audrey replied.
Reluctantly, he stayed in his seat and watched helplessly as Audrey walked away.
"So here we are alone," Becca said in a sultry voice.
"She's going to be right back," RJ said leaning back in his chair.
"In a few minutes," Becca shrugged.
"I think you're a nice girl, Becca," RJ said. "And you're important to Audrey."
"You're right on both counts," Becca replied.
"And I'd like to be your friend," RJ said. "But, as for anything else, that's not going to happen."
"Uh huh," Becca tipped her head to the side.
"I love Audrey," RJ said. "And I'm not going to do anything to screw that up."
"I didn't say you would," Becca sounded amused.
"I'm just telling you where things stand," RJ said.
"Okay," Becca replied in a neutral tone of voice. "But I'll tell you something too. I don't give up easily."
"She's your cousin," RJ said taken aback.
"I know," Becca replied. "And I love her dearly... but I always get what I want."
RJ couldn't believe she was saying these things. "At Audrey's expense?"
Becca simply smiled.
"Nothing is going to happen between us," RJ said firmly. "Nothing."
She laughed. "If you say so."
"I played that song you love," Audrey said as she sat back down.
RJ nodded, breaking his gaze away from Becca's.
"Do you mind if I steal him away for a dance?" Audrey asked Becca.
"Be my guest," Becca replied.
Audrey stood up again and held out her hand. "May I have this dance?"
"I'm supposed to ask that question," RJ said, taking her hand.
"I like mixing it up, too," Audrey grinned.
RJ pulled her close. He partly wanted to put on a show so Becca could see just how serious he was about Audrey but at the same time he thought he could just keep away from her as much as possible.
Audrey rested her head on his chest. "This is the best part of tonight."
"Yeah it is," he agreed.
"Becca was telling me how much she likes you," Audrey told him.
RJ coughed. "She was?"
"Yeah," Audrey said softly. "When you were at the bar with Jon. "
"Like I said earlier," RJ was eager to move off the topic of her cousin. "Long as you love me..."
"I do," Audrey said smiling up at him. "Very, very much."
RJ gave her a kiss. "Coming over tonight?"
Audrey smiled. "Maybe..."
"What can I do to convince you?" RJ asked softly.
"Breakfast in bed," Audrey said. "For a start..."
"Already done," RJ replied.
"Well, then," Audrey grinned. "We have a deal."
He tightened his hold around her waist and spun her around.
Audrey laughed. "Look at you with the moves!"
"Its all you, love," RJ told her.
Audrey caught her cousin looking in their direction and she gave her a little wave. She knew that Becca loved to play the field, but she wanted her cousin to find a good guy who would help her settle down.
"We don't have to stay that much longer," Audrey whispered to him. "Becca just gets bored sometimes and likes to get out."
"Yeah, I kind of figured," RJ muttered.
"What was that?" she pulled back to look at him.
"I was just agreeing with you," RJ said.
"Oh," Audrey smiled.
"I really liked Steven," RJ told her.
"He and I were always close growing up." Audrey said.
"He told me he'd kick my arse if I hurt you," RJ said.
"What?" Audrey was mortified.
RJ laughed. "It's okay. Jon, Josh, and me would do the same thing when my sisters brought someone home."
"I guess since I don't have any siblings, he's a close second," Audrey said.
"I told him he had nothing to worry about," RJ said. "Because I don't ever want to hurt you again."
"I don't think you will," Audrey told him softly.
RJ leaned in and kissed her.
"I love you," Audrey said dreamily when they pulled apart.
"I love you too," RJ said softly. "How about we get out of here?"
"Let's finish our drinks with Becca then we'll go," Audrey said.
"Right," RJ said taking her hand and leading her back over to the table.
"Couple of the year," Becca greeted them.
Audrey smiled. "Did you see his moves?"
"I sure did," Becca drawled.
RJ took a drink to avoid telling her off.
"We have to get going after this," Audrey told her cousin
"Oh, so soon?" Becca pouted.
"We made other plans for the evening," RJ replied.
"We'll get together again soon," Audrey promised her.
"I'll ring you tomorrow," Becca said, her eyes skipping to RJ's.
Audrey stood up to give her a cousin a hug. "Love you, Bex."
"Kisses," Becca said, her eyes still on RJ.
RJ stood up. "Nice meeting you, Becca."
"It was a real pleasure, RJ," Becca said with a flirtatious smile.
"She's something else, isn't she?" Audrey asked RJ when they were alone.
"Sure is," RJ said.
"So, Mr. Weasley," Audrey said. "You ready to take me out of here?"
"You better believe it," RJ said, waving to his brother. "Later, Jon."
"Later, Junior," Jon said. "Audrey."
"Bye Jon," Audrey smiled at him.
RJ helped her on with her coat. He was glad that they were finally alone and that he didn't have to put up with Becca. But, he also knew that this wouldn't be the last he'd see of her.