My phone went off. I woke with a start. I looked at my phone it was time for work and it was raining. I jumped out of bed and ran off to brush my teeth. When I came back into my room Jason, Jake, Kyle, and Evan were in my room. "Ooooo. Jess has a boyfriend!" They yelled. I rolled my eyes. "Good morning to you too. Unless you guys want new toys next week keep that opinion to yourselves." Evan frowned. "Okay." Evan walked away.

"We can pick the toys, right?" Kyle asked, rolling his eyes. I swear. "Yes, but nothing over $30 each. Okay?" He nodded and left with Jason trailing behind him. I stared at Jake. "I'll give you the 30 bucks upfront and a guarantee that Mom and Dad won't find out about Jaylinn for another month." He grinned and walked away. I swear 12 year olds were the hardest to convince.

I changed into black jeans and a green long sleeve shirt. It looked like I was going to have to rain check on that sundress.  I went into my bathroom and brushed my teeth. I did my makeup right after and kept it to a minimal. I let my hair stay down in it's natural  curls. I grabbed my sketchbook and my purse and locked my room door after me.

The sound of laughter bounced up to me. I raced down the stairs. My Dad, Jason, Evan, and Kyle sat at the table. Mom was at the stove cooking, and Jake was pulling his bag full of football gear to the table. I sighed. Even though Everett and Evalyn were with my aunt and Dean was with his mother, the house seemed full. And loud.

But somehow it only took the sound of the doorbell I silence everyone. "I'll get it." I ran to the door and opened it. Blake stood there with the rain pouring down behind him. "What are you doing here?" I hissed. "I came to ask for  your Dad's permission. I am taking you out today." Blake said in his 'duh' voice. "Rain check. Literally. I can't wear a sundress in the rain." I growled. Blake rolled his eyes. "Then I'm taking you out tomorrow. I still want to ask your Dad." I really wish he would get the message. "It's not like we're going to start dating. No one is saying I'll be your girlfriend."

"Look it's Blake!" My dad's voice chilled me to the bone. Why me?!  I moved to the side and let Blake in the house. “Shoes.” I hissed. I watched him slip off his sneakers. With great reluctance I led him to the kitchen. “You've already met my father and Jake, but this is Evan, Jason, and Kyle. And that is my wonderful mother. Everett, Evalyn, and Dean aren't here today.” I sat down and stared at the wall. Why the fuck did he come over today? I was going to see him later.

Blake POV

Jessamine's siblings were all over me. Asking questions, giving facts, and throwing punches. They were really fucking strong for little 7 year olds. “Jess. I didn't know you had a boyfriend. A cute one at that.” Her mother said leaning on the table. “Mom!” Jessamine whined. “He's not my boyfriend.”

“So Blake why are you here?” Everyone went silent. If her brothers were hard punchers and they were only playing, I couldn't imagine what her father punched like. He was definitely a bodybuilder. And Jess said he was a boxing coach. “I'm here for permission to ask your daughter out sir.” A small smile appeared on his face, but was gone in an instant.

“You have my permission, but do you have hers?” All eyes rested on Jessamine. “Yeah. Sure. Fine. Whatever. It's not like we're dating or anything.” She said quickly. “Jess has a boyfriend! Jess has a boyfriend! Jess has a boyfriend!” Her brothers chanted. “We still have work. Got to go.” She grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the kitchen. We slipped on our shoes and then she pulled me out of the house.