heavy is the head that wears the crown

“Overdue? Did you think Kevin was hiding me away?” Isla Jean joked with a smile. “I’m afraid I’m just awfully busy here, and with my daughter… It’s quite the task for the man to track me down for himself, let alone his friends.” She was certain Weston knew of the intricacies of Isla Jean’s life from Kevin — she was cautious when it came to introducing him to her daughter, but once that had happened, Isla Jean wanted to integrate their lives further. “Well you know Kevin well enough to know that man could use an ego, actually!” She shook her head, a soft laugh parting from her lips. “He really is just a completely fabulous man. I could gush, but then my employees might never let me hear the end of it.” Isla Jean shook her head, rolling her eyes as Weston teased her regarding Wyatt. “Well, I’d like for the father of Sara’s children to stay gainfully employed, but beyond that, I’ve never paid much attention to his politics. I can say I’m quite pleased with everything you’ve been up to. I just wish I had more time to go to the some council meetings and get a little more involved.” Isla Jean had grown up in a family where politics was king, though her own beliefs differed quite greatly from her parents and close friends.

Isla Jean observed Weston as he checked his phone, not particularly offended a man with his credentials might need to be somewhat glued to it. Her heart warmed at the mention that it was for his father. “And how am I supposed to know what praises he’s already sung? This is quite the task.” Isla Jean found that very quickly, she liked Weston. He was charming, and despite being a politician, was incredibly authentic. “Well you know I own this place, obviously. And it’s quite the career, but my real joy in life is being a mother to my daughter.” She knew that Kevin was discreet enough not to share the intricacies of her complicated relationship with Frankie, but it wasn’t an understatement to say that Isla Jean was a deeply dedicated parent. “So if you’re going to ask me to talk about myself, I might as well talk about her.” That was the truth of it — Frankie was a part of Isla Jean, the most important part. She never really thought of herself, beyond taking good care of herself so that Frankie could at least depend upon Isla Jean’s presence in her life. “She’s in the first grade, spends most of her time with her goats and chickens. Keeps begging me for a dog. And when I tell you that I’m not the type of Southern woman who enjoys getting down in the mud, I’m not. I prefer my sweet tea and pearls much more.”

-

“I was beginning to question it, that’s for sure,” Weston joked with another chuckle. Truth be told, he hadn’t spent too much time getting to talk to Kevin about his love life since most of his time these days were dedicated to the wedding. Still, Weston didn’t want to use that as an excuse. However, he was happy that he finally had the pleasure of putting a face to the name he had heard, more than that, he was happy to know she seemed like a nice person, too. “Yeah, you’re right, he could definitely use more ego, but then I think he’d lose a bit of his charm and we can’t risk that, right?” Weston had to remind himself that he wasn’t in politician mode at the moment and that this was just a friendly encounter, not a time when he needed to sway anyone. “Thanks, I appreciate that. I know it’s hard to get involved when you’re running your own business but feel free to send us emails too, it doesn’t always gotta be at a meeting,” Even though it was highly encouraged. After all, Weston had his own businesses too and it was safe to say he didn’t always have time for everything on his agenda. 

“Hey, that’s only fair. After all, kids are important,” And Weston was entering the next stage of his life where he was beginning to think of having some of his own with Jade. “I think you should get her the dog. It’ll last longer than an iPhone,” He added with a playful grin. Besides, you say that now but if you end up with a dog I bet that mindset changes on you,” He knew it did with his mother who was as prissy as they came. Since then their childhood dog had passed away but Weston still cherished the memories.

“Fine, I guess I can wait a little while longer,” she said with an overly dramatic sigh. Secretly, she was a little bit nervous about the vows part of the big day. While she and Weston had a lot in common, Jade had always lacked the charm and finesse that Wes possessed, which probably explained why he was the politician and she wasn’t. He was good with his words and she just… wasn’t. Speaking from the heart wasn’t something she really knew how to do, but she sure as hell would try her hardest. She’d be damned if she let him outdo her. “Don’t call me judgemental! I’m not judgemental, I like to think I’m… realistic. Don’t act like you trust easily. Also, I’m not sure Kevin’s chronic singleness works in his favor here. It probably just makes him more desperate for the whole white picket fence life. I want to be happy for him, I just don’t want him to get his heart smashed into a million little pieces.” 

-

“Look at that, someone’s learning a little bit of patience. I’m not saying my good qualities are rubbing off on you, but, I mean, c’mon,” Weston couldn’t help the bout of smugness. When he first met Jade she was completely immovable and stubborn, but within a years time she seemed to have softened, even if it was just for him. “Being judgmental isn’t always a bad thing. It’s about reading people, you weed out of the bad ones with a little judgment even if God frowns upon that, it’s alright, I got you, okay?” And he always would have her back no matter what. “Apparently that chronic singleness has gone into remission because my boy is in love... well, he hasn’t said it, but probably, right?” He thought for a moment before nodding to confirm his initial thought since he knew Kevin, “Definitely.” Still, Weston understood Jade’s concerns when it came to Kevin, and Weston understood them completely because they were his own concerns. Despite that, he knew better than to meddle in the love life of his friends, “Just promise me you’ll be nice. He seems happy, isn’t that all that matters?”

Light, surprisingly easy laughter leaves her to join in with her brother’s before she aims a fond eye roll in his direction. “So gracious of you. With great power comes great responsibility, right?” The smile on her lips slowly drops to be replaced by a more thoughtful expression at Weston’s theory behind what was really bothering their father.  “I hadn’t thought of it that way. But you’re right, it must be hard for him. It’s a reminder of the future that they lost together as much as a reminder of their past too. A lot of could and should have beens.” If his previous statement had made her pause, the question he posed just about knocked the air from her lungs. It was one she’d considered herself endlessly and only made her question her choices in life even more, but she hadn’t thought it would be on the agenda for family dinner. She says as much, words dry in an attempt to turn how she felt into a joke. “Did I miss the memo warning me that you were bringing out the heavy hitters tonight?” It buys her a moment to consider her answer once more, never ceasing to find it ironic that she strung words together for a living and yet always seemed to struggle to find the right ones when it mattered most. Honesty became her ally once again, a soft admission as she weighs her words even more. “I hope so.” There was no doubt in her mind that their mother would be proud of Weston, her hesitation was purely on her own behalf when she couldn’t help but question her own worthiness. A small breath is taken as thoughts are slowly turned into speech. “A mother’s love is supposed to be unconditional but pride - I don’t know - I don’t think I can see that being conditional from Mom either. As long as we’re trying to live a good life, be a good person that’d be enough, right?”

-

“I don’t know, I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m happy — happier than I’ve ever been, but I also can’t fully enjoy it without a little bit of guilt slipping in,” Weston tried to explain as he let out a soft sigh and shook his head with a faint smile. “I know that sounds crazy, but I always imagined mom and pops being there when one of us got married, you know? I wanted them to be part of my future, too,” And unfortunately that wasn’t a possibility anymore. “I guess I just miss her...” Weston said quietly. While he might have been extremely successful from the moment he started growing up, he couldn’t help but feel like the same little brother who used to come to his sister when he was being bullied or when his feelings were hurt. It didn’t matter how much time they had spent apart the last decade or so, she’d always be his big sister and he’d always feel comforted by her. After a moment, Weston managed to crack a smile as Ava called him out on bringing up the heavy topics. Truth be told, it wasn’t his intention but it seemed like even someone as logical as himself could sometimes be led by his emotions. “Look, heavy hitters wasn’t on the agenda but I guess it kinda snuck up on us there,” He added with a faint chuckle. “Well, I received the humanitarian award last year from the better business bureau so I’m pretty sure I’m a good person, arguably, a better person than you,” he said with a sneaking grin to let her know he was only teasing her. After all, they wouldn’t have been siblings if there wasn’t some friendly competition. “Anyway, sorry for being a downer. On a more positive note, Jade’s still working through seating arrangements and all that, so are you bringing a plus one?”

When Isla Jean had gotten her degree in hospitality management, it had been largely accepted by her that the only use it would get was as a homemaker for her husband. That all felt like an entirely different life now — one that almost couldn’t have once been her reality. Now, she owned her own stake in the industry, a bustling bed & breakfast that kept her happily busy. Its staff had become a second family, the grounds had become a playground for her daughter, who always seemed to be underfoot at the least convenient moments. It was Isla Jean’s own slice of heaven on earth. 

She was used to friendly guests — loved, as always, to see how her guests were getting along, if they were enjoying themselves, or just to share a few anecdotal notes. “Well I’m sure glad to hear it,” Isla Jean offered with an inflection to her tone that very much suggested her region of origin. There was a familiarity to the man’s face, a connection Isla Jean hadn’t yet placed, but it wasn’t simply that she’d seen him about the inn before. No, it was something else entirely. But it didn’t take very long for the man to identify himself — Weston — and Isla Jean quietly kicked herself but not having picked up on his identity more quickly, having seen loads of photos of him since Kevin had come into her life. “I know him a little.” She replied coyly, offering her hand then. “I’m Isla Jean. It’s a pleasure to be properly introduced, then.” Isla Jean wasn’t surprised to find that Kevin’s best friend was polite and charming — she knew the man must keep good company. “Nice seems like an understatement for that man.” She said with a soft laugh. “Is now the time I confess that I voted for Wyatt Hill in your mayoral run? I owed it to Sara, being her flesh and blood and all.”

-

Weston let out a soft chuckle when Isla Jean said she only knew Kevin a little. It was a bout of sarcasm he could appreciate, after all, Kevin had spoken so highly of her and it was nice to know that in addition to all those nice qualities she was also quite funny. Reaching out, Weston gave her hand a firm shake and a smile to match, “ I assure you the pleasure is all mine. Besides, I think the introduction is a little overdue in my opinion,” Truth be told, Weston had been meaning to schedule some sort of dinner or drinks situation between himself and Jade and Kevin and Isla Jean but the timing hadn’t been the most favorable lately. “Oh it’s definitely an understatement but if I spout anything more than that his ego might get out of control,” Weston joked with a chuckle. As she went on and brought up the past election, Weston couldn’t help the amused expression that found its way to his features, “Hey, i don’t take offense at all. If you voted for him purely on his policies then I’d be a little offended, besides, I know Sara and she’s a wonderful person. Didn’t hold it against her, definitely not gonna hold it against you.”

Checking his phone for his father’s text, Weston soon returned his attention to his present company, “Sorry, my pops isn’t really a fan of technology. Getting him to text me back is kind of like a miracle.” Thankfully, his father said he’d be down in a few minutes which meant Weston had some time to get to know Isla Jean a little better. “So Kevin’s pretty much sang your praises. Why don’t you tell me something I probably don’t know already.”

The offer of family dinner was one that she had been all too happy to accept when she saw it as an opportunity to make up for lost time. She wanted nothing more than to be able to be the one who had just the right thing to say to reassure her brother but with all her time away she felt as though she lacked the insight into her father to give a clear answer. Instead she settled for honesty in an effort to create the space for more open conversations, knowing that she’d kept so much to herself for too long. “I don’t know.” The words were soft and trailed off slightly to make it clear that she was still thinking the subject over, wishing that she hadn’t let herself become so much of a stranger. She settled for what she thought might have been an obvious opinion but she hoped it still held some merit. “I mean, he wants us to be happy, right? And anyone can see that’s what you are with Jade. It’d be pretty hard for him to ignore that forever.” As far as she was concerned she was almost certain that their father would thaw sooner rather than later. Jade was a welcome addition to their family in her eyes and she felt sure that Henry would see that too. The corner of her lips turned up as she resorted to playing the teasing younger sister. “Besides, aren’t you supposed to be really persuasive or something? If anyone can bring him around it’s you.”

-

Despite the fact that Weston was a fairly confident and well-rounded person, even he had moments of insecurity and doubt, and nothing calmed that faster than a few words from his big sister. There was an easy smile that rose to his features at the hopeful words and Weston instantly felt a little better about the situation that had been plaguing him. “I guess you’re right. Besides, he’s not as tough as he seems,” He added with a faint chuckle before shaking his head. Their father had always intimidated him during their youth and given how free and outspoken Ava and their older brother Daniel had been towards him, Weston always felt somewhat small around the man. Even with all of Weston’s successes, a part of him would always feel like he wouldn’t be measuring up to his father’s expectations. “Hey — I’m pretty damn persuasive, you just can’t use that power of persuasion on your family all the time,” he said, features lightly up with a smile. “I guess I just don’t think it’s about me and Jade getting married. I think it’s about mom not being around to see it, you know?” Their mother had always been supportive of all of them, and knew all her children were on their own paths that sadly led away from her. Knowing that, Weston felt guilty. It was the reason why after their mother’s diagnoses he came back home and put down roots with no intention of leaving ever again. Ava was a more difficult child to get back home, Weston had known that but didn’t blame her for it even if he often found himself missing her.  Thankfully she had returned and he instantly felt better about everything. Weston paused for a moment, deep in thought he added, “Do you think she’d be proud of us if she were here?”

“Ah, tell me more about these qualities I possess that you like so much,” she said with a grin, always interested in hearing about all the things he enjoyed about her. No one understood her the way Weston did. The way he saw her went so much deeper than just surface level. He saw everything about her that used to scare people away and he liked it. She would never tire of hearing him remind her of that. “How can I prejudge her? I barely know a thing about her, which is the problem. What if she’s got an unhinged baby daddy back home? These are the things we need to know about. I’ll talk to Becky and, if she’s clean, we can meet her. Then I’ll do the actual judging and think about giving her my blessing.” Jade couldn’t help the laughter that burst out of her after Weston’s comment. “I would never because I agree. He needs us.”

-

“They will all be in my vows,” Weston said with a grin, his features unable to tell her if he was actually joking or not. Truth be told, he loved Jade and if she needed to hear all the things he liked about her then he could do that. However, he’d take his time since there was no fun in showing your hand. “Exactly, you don’t know a thing about her and yet you’re going to begin to make some prejudgements on her. Besides, she honestly seems like a nice, well-put-together woman, and I think we should give Kevin the benefit of the doubt when it comes to dating. “Plus, Kevin’s been single for awhile now, I’m sure seeing us together all the time makes him wish he had someone too. Now he does, shouldn’t we be happy for him?”

Every year since Weston had been a kid, he and his father would take a little weekend trip fishing. As he got older and started to hang out more with his friends and focus on his future, the tradition died. However, ever since he had come back to Eureka, he had done his best to revive those old days. Their cabin up by the lake had been sold a few years back when Weston’s mother had to undergo cancer treatment, but lucky enough for him there were plenty of alternatives, like the Seaside Bed & Breakfast that he hadn’t had the luxury of staying at... until now. 

Walking through the doors, Weston caught sight of Isla, someone who he and Jade had thoroughly researched under the guise of making sure their friend wasn’t dating a serial killer, so spotting her had been easy. “You know this place you got here is real special, my pops can’t get enough of it,” Weston said, figuring a little polite conversation with Isla Jean would give him an opportunity to know her better while he waited for his dad to come down. Besides, being part of the city council meant he had met so many of the small business owners around town, however, this wasn’t a campaign, this was someone one of his best friends really liked so it was a little different. “I’m sure we’ve met before while I was on the clock, but I’d like to reintroduce myself, I’m Weston. I think you might know my friend, Kevin — history nerd about ‘yay high and probably the nicest person I know.”

“I don’t know how to not try. That sounds so… lazy and unambitious,” she said with a drawn out sigh. Her being overly… everything wasn’t her trying too hard or not being herself. It was the opposite actually. Jade Liang was a doer. She didn’t know how to be anything else. “I’m not prejudging, I’m being cautious. You know there’s a lot of… odd people out there. You take care of Twitter and Instagram and I’ll handle the serious business.” Not that social media wasn’t often a mine of compromising information. How many people had lost everything over old tweets dug out or unfortunate pictures surfacing? Too many to count. “Why does it sound like we’re discussing our child and not a friend?”

-

“Yeah I know you don’t, it’s actually one of the qualities I like best about you,” Weston said, if only because he himself could be described as a go-getter who always put in the effort so it was nice to know Jade was also that way too. “Oh you’re definitely prejudging,” Weston corrected with an amused smile now sneaking its way to his features. “Well, first of all, it think you should stay off twitter, it’s got a lot of unhinged people on there. “However, if it’ll make you feel better, that intern — Becky, I think her name is, her dad’s in the FBI, ask her to run the girl’s name through their database and if it comes out clean then we should give Kevin’s new girlfriend our blessing,” Weston had been mostly joking though now that he said it out loud it didn’t sound like the worst idea either. “Because Kevin is our child — well, manchild. Don’t tell him I said that.”

It was a relief to hear that Weston wasn’t keeping something from her as far as the way she was acting around his family. She trusted that he would tell her if she were being rude in one way or another. Although she was never purposefully impolite, she was perfectly aware that she could come across as such regardless. “Alright, alright, if you say so. I’ll just… give it some time and stop trying so hard?” Maybe it didn’t help that she was constantly trying to prove herself. “She literally sounds like a country song. I’m going to run a background check. You can never be too safe. Don’t worry, I’ll get it all done before the dinner. Well, if there’s still a dinner to be had after I’ve run the background check.”

-

“Yeah, that might work. My pops is an expert bullshit detector so the less you try the more he’d appreciate it,” Weston offered the advice freely. He knew his father had grown especially bitter and a little lost after his mother’s passing but with both he and Eva around he was warming up to change. He knew eventually he’d warm up to Jade, perhaps not up to her standard, but it would take some patience. However, Weston was happy to delve into Kevin’s love life now than his own family issues so he took the bait and ran with it, “Hey, let’s not pre-judge her. But also, what kind of friends would we be if we didn’t run a background check. Or at the very least a little twitter and instagram stalking,” Perhaps they were enabling each other or maybe they just really wanted to make sure Kevin found someone nice, Weston would say it was probably fifty fifty. “I’m sure she’ll check out just fine. Besides, it’s been a while since he’s had someone he’s into, you know? Might be good for him.”

“Alright, that’s fair, but you would tell me if I were doing something wrong, right? Because you know if there’s one thing I lack it’s self-awareness,” she told him, in a rare show of vulnerability. Self-deprecation was not Jade’s thing. “If you say so. Hopefully before the wedding. Might make for an awkward speech if he still hates my guts at the reception dinner.” Perking up at the mention of someone special in Kevin’s life, immediately wanting to be privy to every single Weston knew. “Is he? Who is she? What does she do?”

-

“Of course I would,” Weston said, almost buying it himself. However, thankfully it was mostly true because he didn’t think Jade was actually doing anything wrong. Did he think she made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches the wrong way? A little. Only because he grew up in a household that buttered the bread before the peanut butt and jelly, but he could admit that maybe he was the wrong one there. But everything else? She seemed perfect. “My pops is a man of few words, it just takes time. Doesn’t mean he hates you by any means,” And Weston genuinely thought so too. “All I know is that her name’s Isla Jean, she’s from Mississippi, she’s got a seven year old daughter, and she makes him happy,” Weston said, shrugging his shoulders with a knowing smile, “What else is there to know? Besides, Kevin seems a bit peppier about life, I’ll chalk it up to this girl. I told him we should grab dinner and introduce us.”

Kevin: yeah, definitely a good kind of different. like i don't have to overthink everything, i can just, be

Kevin: i guess i'm not actually surprised to hear that, it's … it's different with her. but, thank you, i'm happy for you, too

Kevin: it's that obvious, huh?

Kevin: yeah, fair enough. alright. well, she's from mississippi originally, she has a seven year old daughter named frankie, she owns the b&b out in bayview. she's pretty; when she smiles it's like her whole face lights up. and she's. she has the biggest heart, and a spine of steel, she doesn't take any nonsense from anyone. she's absolutely devoted to her daughter, she loves that girl so much. i laugh when i'm with her.

Kevin: i will do my best

Kevin: thanks, man. that means a lot. okay, okay, i promise, i will ask. though i will admit i'm surprised jade hasn't tried to do more meddling before now, i was texting her after my first date with isla jean

Truthfully, Jade constantly overthinking and over-planning wasn’t so much a sign of cockiness as it was a sign of crippling anxiety over all the things that could go wrong. The wedding planning was coming along nicely, but what was even the point if she couldn’t get Weston’s parents to approve of her by the big day? She couldn’t control their feelings about her and it was driving her to the brink of insanity. “Unless you can brainwash your family into liking me, I doubt it. That’s the one thing I don’t have handled.”

-

“Look, my mom would have loved you, my pops, however, he’s a bit more stubborn,” Weston began, though he figured that’s probably where Eva got her own stubbornness (and perhaps himself as well). “Regardless, he’ll come around, so don’t worry about, alright?” Weston said, wrapping a comforting arm around Jade’s shoulder. “You let me know any way I can help, I’m here for you,” And he was, no matter how busy his schedule tended to get. “By the way, Kevin’s seeing someone, I think we should get dinner and maybe meet her, you know, see what’s been keeping him happy lately.”

Kevin: then here's hoping you remember at least some of this one

Kevin: i don't know, i'll ask her. we're taking things slow, and it's been really good

Weston: Oh I better, so make it memorable.