The Change

-Brian's POV-

I was pretty shocked when Jen had invited all of us over for dinner but I wasn't about to say no. As promised I called all of the guys but they all had other plans. I wasn't surprised. We were all pretty busy all the time. If we made plans we usually had to do it weeks in advance. I guess I was the only one with no life.

Jen told me to be at her house around five thirty but I decided to head over a little early. I had no idea what we were having but I didn't really care. It was food and I didn't have to cook it.

When Jen answered the door I couldn't help but stare at her. I had only ever seen her in t-shirts but today she was wearing a dress and holy shit did she look good. It amazed me that she didn't have a boyfriend and if by chance she did I'm sure he was going to have plenty of competition.

"You're early." She said after opening the door.

"I know." I said stepping inside. "It's just me tonight. Everyone else had plans."

She nodded and I could tell she was disappointed. I hope she didn't go out of her way to cook for us. I'd be fine with a grilled cheese sandwich.

I followed Jen into the kitchen and sat down at the table. She looked like a pro in the kitchen and I wondered why she didn't want to work in one instead of one of my offices but if she did I wouldn't see her as often and I didn't want that.

What the fuck is going on with me? I didn't even know this girl and here I was wanting to be around her all the time? I must be crazier than I thought.

"So what are we having?"

"Sticky Sweet Chicken Drumsticks, Bacon & Pancetta Potatoes, Veggie Dippers, and Raspberry Granita for dessert." She told me as she got the plates out of one of the cabinets.

I had no idea what half of the stuff was that she said but it sounded good. I could smell the food as soon as she opened the door and I really couldn't wait to taste it.

Tyler and Hannah came running in and climbed up into their chairs. I guess I wasn't the only one that was hungry.

"Do you need any help?" I asked getting to my feet. I could at least help carry something. My arms weren't broke and that baking dish with the chicken looked pretty heavy.

"Well.." She trailed off looking at everything. "Would you mind filling up a couple glasses of juice for the kids then just grab whatever you'd like?"

Nodding I stuck my head into the refrigerator and grabbed the large bottle of Juicy Juice. Their glasses were already on the counter waiting for me so I filled them up and put the container back into the fridge. She didn't seem to have any alcohol which I was fine with and just grabbed a can of Coke.

Looking over I couldn't help but smile as I watched her. If I hadn't known Jen was their sister I'd still swear she was their mother but in a way she kind of was. She was responsible for them now. They depended on her for everything. She gave up her life for these kids and it showed me just the kind of person she really was.

She put others before herself making sure they were happy and taken care of before her. She was such a sweet girl and I felt terrible that she had no one she could turn to. She was alone in all of this. It wasn't like she could tell the twins how she was feeling. They wouldn't understand. She needed a friend and I was more than happy to be that for her. I'd be there if she needed someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on. Fuck I'd even babysit so she could have a night to herself.

"Dinner's ready."

I shook the thoughts from my head as Jen placed two plates down in front of the kids. I followed with their drinks and just watched as they dug right in.

"Here's your plate Bri." Jen said holding a plate filled with food for me. I smiled and thanked her before sitting down to eat.

I had to admit that this was one of the best meals I had ever had. I'd definitely be coming over here for dinner again.

"So, what do you think?" Jen asked looking at me.

"I think.. you should own your own restaurant."

"Really?" She was blushing and I loved it.

"Yes really." I smiled.

"Thank you."

We continued to talk throughout dinner with all of us having seconds. All of us except for Jen. She finished her plate and waited patiently for the rest of us to finish before having dessert. She said we were having Raspberry Granita and oh my god was it good. I thought it was like ice cream until I saw it and it was kind of like shaved ice but not really. It was really good.

"Thank you for dinner." I said about an hour later as Jen walked me to the door.

"Thank you for coming."

We just stared at each other for a few minutes and I got the sudden urge to kiss her. I slowly leaned down and was only a few inches from her lips when Hannah yelled for her. I pulled back quickly and cleared my throat.

"I should uh.. go." I said before turning and walking out of the door.



-Jen's POV-

I sighed as I watched Brian walk across the yard to his house. He had tried to kiss me then Hannah yelled for me. I guess I needed to get used to this. Not only had my dreams been put on hold but so had my love life. I wasn't going to have time to go out and meet anyone. I was in charge of these kids until they turned eighteen. By that time I would be thirty three and it would be too late to finish school, meet someone, and have a family of my own.

Moving away from the door I made my way up the stairs and into Hannah's room where she was waiting for me.

"Will you play with me?" She asked holding up one of her dolls.

I smiled. "Of course."

I sat down on the floor with Hannah and I played with her until Tyler came running in demanding I play with him for a while. I did and by the time we were done it was time to get them ready for bed. I showered them and put them into their pajamas. They loved it when I read to them so we all piled into the middle of my bed with a book. They were fast asleep by the time I was done so I carried each of them into their rooms and tucked them in.

Going back into my bedroom I walked out onto the balcony and breathed in the California air. Looking down I noticed cigarette smoke. My eyes followed it until they landed on Brian who was sitting on one of the patio chairs in his back yard. He hadn't noticed me and in a way I was glad.

This was the way it would always be. The way it had to be. Not only was he my neighbor but he was also my boss. I couldn't let myself get attached to him or anyone else. We didn't really fit into each others lives. He was a rock star who probably had girls falling to his feet. I was just the girl next door struggling to make ends meet and raising my five year old siblings.

Turning on my heel I made my way back in my room and let the tears fall. I quickly wiped them away and sat down on the edge of my bed. I heard my cell phone go off so I reached over to get it.

I had a great time tonight. Wish it could've lasted longer. BTW you looked beautiful standing on the balcony. - B.

I smiled and got up from the bed. I headed back outside and saw Brian was staring at his phone. I quickly replied and waited as he read it. He smiled before getting to his feet and headed into his house. I jumped when my phone went off again and read the new message.

Don't ever say you aren't beautiful. I will be forever jealous of any guy that gets to call you his. Good night Jen. - B.