Facing their approaching separation, Evan asks Chan what he thinks about the idea of their living together, and Chan is more than happy to take that step! Now Evan is going to meet Chan's family, and he's a bit nervous. Will they like him? He's never done this before. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!
Super Trooper #28 (6.1)
Evan debated with himself whether or not to bring
his gun with him when he went to meet Chan’s family. As a State Trooper, he had
the right to carry when off duty, but it wasn’t the law he was concerned with,
it was the safety of Chan’s young siblings. In the end, he decided to take it
with him and to remain vigilant. Better to have and not need than to find
himself in a situation where he wished he had his weapon.
But he also didn’t want to frighten the children, so
decided to wear a shoulder holster with a jacket which would conceal the bulge.
He had a taupe suit that he knew looked good on him, with a pale blue long
sleeve shirt and a chocolate tie. A pair of rose gold cufflinks completed his
ensemble. He decided he could do without the brace on his wrist. The doctor had
said he could remove it at his discretion. He certainly didn’t intend to wear
it when he returned to work the next day. The injury was mostly healed, with
only slight discomfort. Amazing what a few days of TLC could do, something he’d
never received before.
As he finished fastening the cufflinks, he heard a wolf
whistle from the direction of the doorway. He turned to find Chan gazing at him
in open admiration. “Do I look all right?” Evan asked, although he suspected he
already knew the answer to his question.
“You look amazing. Good enough to eat.” Chan gave
him a naughty grin.
“We’ll have to do something about that when we
back.” Evan winked. “Too bad we don’t have time now. “ He gestured toward
himself with his good hand. “You sure this isn’t too much?”
Chan’s dress was a little more casual, although
still very nice. But then he wasn’t trying to impress his family, and Evan was.
First impressions were the most lasting, in his experience. Evan knew the
scrutiny would be all for him, for a number of reasons.
Chan shook his head. “Not at all. My mother will
fall in love with you, I guarantee.”
Evan thought he would be happy if she just liked
him. Having her acceptance would mean everything to him, and he knew it
mattered to Chan. Although he’d originally been reluctant to meet Chan’s family
because of his own issues, now that the die was cast, he found himself looking
forward to getting to know them. Especially now that he and Chan were going to
live together. He started to ask Chan if he intended to give his mother that
piece of information, then decided they’d cross that bridge when they came to
it. So much was happening so fast. He didn’t want to seem impatient, not when
everything was working out so perfectly.
Chan had called his mother to find out what time she
expected them. She’d told him about one o’clock and to come hungry.
“Prepare yourself for a lot of eating,” Chan warned
him, rolling his eyes. “She will be highly insulted if we don’t eat our body’s
weight in her cooking.”
Evan had laughed. Eating was never a problem with
him, especially if there was good food involved. He was lucky to have a high
metabolism, and he also enjoyed working out when he had the time. Although he
didn’t visit the gym as often as he did before he started seeing Chan. He would
have to ask Chan if he was interested in getting a membership. If so, they
could always go together.
Evan’s stomach knotted slightly when they drew up in
front of Chan’s family’s home. They lived in a nice part of Tucker Falls on a
wide tree-lined street. Chan had
insisted on driving, claiming it would be easier since he already knew the way.
But Evan knew he was being considerate of his injuries for one last day.
As he exited the car, he thought he saw curtains
rustle, as if someone had been impatiently awaiting their arrival. Before he
had a chance to comment, the front door opened wide and a boy ran down the
front steps. He looked to be maybe seven or eight. He was followed at a more
sedate pace by an older girl. Her large dark eyes were framed by white gold
glasses. “Kamal, it’s not a race,” she told her brother, but he paid her no
attention.
The boy threw himself at Chan. “Bhaiya!” he cried, clinging tightly to Chan.
Chan laughed as the young boy began to literally
climb up his body. He detached the child and set him firmly but gently on the
ground. “Don’t be so dramatic. It has not
been forever since I was here last.” He turned toward Evan. “This is Kamal. The
drama queen.”
Kamal giggled, clearly not offended, and play
punched Chan, who easily blocked his throw. He threw a side-eye glance Evan’s
way. “Who’s the kancha?” he asked.
What
does that even mean?
“Kamal! You will behave this instant!” A woman had
come out of the house while Evan was focused on Chan and his brother. Evan
glanced toward her when she spoke. He could see where Chan got his looks from.
His mother was very striking. They shared the same dark eyes and high cheek
bones. She wore a red and silver sari.
“Yes, maa,”
the boy said immediately.
The girl hadn’t said anything, but she seemed to eye
Evan critically, as if evaluating him.
Chan’s stepfather stood beside his wife, a small
girl in his arms. She took one look at
Evan before burying her face in her father’s chest shyly.
Unexpectedly unsure of himself, Evan began to take a
step back but Chan arrested his movement, linking their arms.
“Welcome to our home, Evan,” the woman said. She
gave him a warm smile. “Please come in.”
Chan patted his arm, as if to instill confidence in
him, as they followed Chan’s parents into their home.
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