Engagement

This is a story about Frieda's sister Bobby and how she met her future husband.

The ring burned in Juan Migallon's pocket. He was nervous and thought everyone could read his mind. Of course only his mother Yadra knew what he was up to. She had helped him choose the ring.

It wasn't easy to convince Bobby, short for Roberta Eduarda Leandra Pianas, to leave her family behind and have dinner on St. Stephen's Day. They had been invited by Bobby's oldest sister Frieda and her husband Fin to celebrate Christmas in Seattle. Bobby and her three sisters were very close, but Bobby didn't see too much of them, because they had dispersed to different corners in the world, so it was difficult to separate them when they met.

Finally Bobby agreed.

Juan had booked a table at the Space Needle’s revolving restaurant.

The views were beautiful and the steaks delicious. Juan was a bit absent minded, because he felt even jitterier than before. Bobby was displeased about it and asked him outright if something was wrong. If she went out for dinner with Juan she expected total attention. Otherwise it was a waste of time in her opinion. She rarely did anything half measured, had high expectations on herself and others and was difficult to please.

Juan had met Bobby the first time, when he started working for her father Roberto. His own father Zymon thought it was better Juan left the family business, because Juan and his older brother Aaden constantly clashed about decisions. Since Aaden was going to overtake the company and disputes weren’t good to conduct business, Juan had to go. It hadn’t been easy for Zymon. He wanted the best for his younger son, so when he heard through the grapevine that his old friend Roberto Pianas was looking for a left hand man, he suggested Juan. Roberto met Juan and thought he would be a perfect fit to Bobby’s temperament and supportive when she took the helm.

At first Juan had his doubts Bobby would be suitable as a leader. Bobby was small and petite. She had short black hair and green eyes. It didn’t take him long to understand Bobby liked to wear the trousers – figuratively and literally. She had charisma, was hardworking and tough. She wasn’t very feminine, but she was warm and generous. There was immediately good chemistry between Juan and Bobby. He couldn’t put his fingers on it, but he found the whole package attractive. Bobby felt the same. They had some things in common, like their Colombian background and having three siblings. They shared the same taste in music, films and cuisine. They disliked mushrooms and shrimps. At work Juan and Bobby had the same goals. It didn’t matter for Juan that Bobby was his boss. She did listen to what he had to say and generally took on his advice. Bobby was a bit hot headed and impatient, while Juan thought before talking and didn’t mind to bide his time. They complemented each other and that made them a strong couple on and off the job.

Juan could hardly wait to settle the bill. The butterflies in his stomach had increased. It was crunch time. Dining at the restaurant included also free access to observation deck.

When they arrived at the top it was already dark and the lights of Seattle were twinkling below them. It was romantic. Bobby went to one of the windows immediately to stare out. Juan retrieved the box from his jacket. Bobby was still concentrating on the views. Juan cleared his throat. “Um, Roberta, we have been now together more than two and a half years and I really love you.” He sank to his knees, took Bobby’s left hand and asked: “Will you marry me?” Due to his nerves Juan was a bit clumsy and had problems opening the box. Finally he managed to pry it open. Bobby took the box from him and checked out the trilogy diamond ring. It must have cost a fortune. She still hadn’t given an answer or shown any emotion. “I chose it, because it reflects our past, present and future and its 24 karat gold.” “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” “So, will you marry me?” “Of course I will, dummy! It was about time. I thought you were never going to ask.” Bobby tried the ring on. It fit like a glove. Juan laughed. Part of it was relieve, because Bobby had said yes and the other part was amusement about Bobby being totally unromantic. Well, at least one of them was. Having expected more or less such a reaction, Juan wasn’t disappointed and thought Roberta appreciated his efforts. Later she told him she had enjoyed the evening and it had been very well planned and executed.

Bobby wore her ring with pride and got oos and ahhs when she showed it to her sisters and mother. Vanessa, who was a designer and working in Paris, immediately said she would create Bobby’s wedding dress and help her with the planning if Bobby wanted. Bobby was gracious and said she would happily accept any help she could get, because she wanted a traditional wedding with lots of guests. She wanted all members of his and her family present as well as their friends.

A year later the wedding took place in New York City.

©2015 

Esteemed

Kristin Henriksen sighed. She dreaded going to the dinner her mother had organized. There were going to be a few of her cousins and friends of her mother - a girlie thing. Her mother Helena and the rest were all thin and attractive. Kristin was voluptuous. She had to endure comments about how fat she was or was teased and given odd advise on how to lose weight. It knocked Kristin's self-esteem down.

Encountering the new Chief Security Officer of the company she worked for changed Kristin's perception of herself.
 Coldham Fintan Noose III and she were introduced by Rory Rosales, the head of HR.

Later Fin, as Mr. Noose wanted to be called, flirted with Kristin while waiting for his appointment with Kristin's boss Trace Unger. Trace caught them but didn't comment.

One evening she was more than surprised when she was invited to a private dinner by Fin. It was intimate and only another couple, friends of Fin's wife Frieda, had joined them. Fin flirted again with Kristin. It seemed Frieda didn't mind at all and maybe even egged him on. When the other couple left, Kristin stayed. Before starting anything Fin had admired Kristin's figure and complimented her on her curves. Frieda also said she liked her boobs and well-rounded behind. Frieda was bisexual, but she accepted Kristin wasn't into girls. Fin was one lucky guy, because both women focused their attention on him. Based on Fin's character Kristin was surprised he liked being at the receiving end of anal sex. Fin was lying on the side in the middle of the bed. Frieda was at his back, penetrating him with her strap on, while Fin moved inside Kristin, who was facing him. The sex was amazing. All were satisfied and agreed to repeat it at some stage.

The encounter built up Kristin's confidence.

As always Kristin's mother needed help with the dinner preparations. It was expected of Kristin to give Helena a hand. Adrienne, Kristin's cousin, had joined them. Helena and Adrienne were chatting about which star had gained or lost weight. Kristin wasn't sure if it was for her "benefit". On the other side Adrienne was only fifteen and of course into fashion, make up and stars.
While Adrienne prepared the salad and Helena the main course Kristin made her famous mushroom ragout as a starter. When the ragout was nearly ready the rest of the guests arrived.

All being seated and having their drinks, they caught up with each other. Lori, a friend of Helena and only a few years older than Kristin, commented Kristin looked radiant. Kristin's cousin Brandy couldn't agree less. Kristin had lost a bit weight thanks to shagging more or less regularly with either Fin and Frieda or just Fin. They still showed their appreciation of Kristin's looks. It encouraged Kristin and let her feel more secure about her own body. She didn't react to Brandy's jibe. The subject, thank goodness, changed again to the newest fashion trends. "I've bought a mini skirt. It's black and really, really short." Adrienne said. "Of course it wouldn't look good on you, Kristin." Her cousin Renae added dismissive. Kristin knew what looked good on her and what didn't. Renae's comment hurt, but Kristin didn't react.

The starter was a success and Kristin was praised for it. Helena's entree, a venison meat loaf with carrots, green beans and Adrienne's salad, followed. Cider and white wine was free flowing. There were a few more barbed comments from the others, especially when Kristin took a second helping of the meat loaf. "I see the pounds already piling!" Reva, a friend of Helena, said sarcastic. "You will never find a man, if you are too fat." Michelle, another friend of Kristin's mother added. Kristin had enough. She dropped her fork with a loud clank. The conversation around her went dead. "I have enough of all of you! Just for your information I don't care if I don’t' get a man because I'm fat! There are some out, who love curves and being thin didn't help you keep your men, did it, Lori? In future I don't want to hear about eating nothing, following the cabbage diet, South Beach diet, Atkinson’s or whatever else is out there! You have made me feel bad about myself long enough, that's over now! Either you take me for who I am or leave me alone. Is that understood?" There was stunned silence for a while. Kristin expected an angry retort, but to her surprise Helena got up and hugged Kristin awkwardly. "I'm sorry. It was never my intention. I simply thought you need an incentive to get fit and healthy." "There are better ways to motivate me, Mom. I would have appreciated your support much more, but I'm happy the way I am." "I only fear you get diabetes or suffer a stroke when you are older, because of your diet..." "Mom, I'm eating a varied and healthy diet. The only thing I have to work on is getting more active..." "Why don't you join a fitness center?" Kristin's cousin Jerri suggested. "It's boring." "I go regularly to a Zumba class. Would you like to come and join me?" Jerri number two, a friend of Helena's, invited. "It involves dancing and aerobics, doesn't it? Adrienne asked. "Yes. It's fun and burns a lot of calories." "As you know I'm a cheer leader. You could look into that too." Adrienne offered. Swimming, Pilates, Boot camp training, boxing or kick boxing were other suggestions. Michelle and Lori were less supportive and had their doubts Kristin was able to change. They said Kristin would always be fat, because she wasn't going to get her lame ass off the couch. Kristin told them their snide remark was out of place. The other two didn't back down, so there were tensions in the air. Kristin hoped that her mother would support her for the first time in her life and wasn't disappointed. "Kristin is an adult and if she's happy how she is, we should leave her be." Kristin was very proud, but it didn't go down well with Helena's friends, who tried to make Helena decide between her daughter and them. "Blood is thicker than water! My daughter is always going to win over outsiders. It's up to you if this is a reason to forget about the good times we had or not." Grumbling the two friends stayed, but they were disgusted with Helena's lack of back bone and that Kristin was standing up for herself.

Kristin found an activity she really liked beside sex. Frieda, Jamie Lu, Fin's PA and friend of the Nooses, and Kristin went wall climbing one afternoon. It was fun, exhilarating and a challenge. Frieda wasn't such a big fan, but Jamie Lu and Kristin were hooked, so the two went regularly. While Jamie Lu was always trim, Kristin shed more pounds. Kristin had never felt better then after being taking up an activity and even started to take part in competitions. Her favorite was pitching herself against another climber. This type of wall climbing was called dual competition, because it used a mix of lead and speed discipline. An identical, parallel route was laid out for both competitors and whoever reached the top first won. Kristin never came in first place, but sometimes was in the top ten. It made Kristin very happy when her mother found time come to a comp and cheer her on. Their relationship changed for the better and they spent more time with each other, going even shopping together.

©2014 

Promotion

Philip Maxwell felt utterly relaxed. He had been away for two weeks. His peace of mind was shattered within seconds.

The new Chief Security Officer Coldham Fintan Noose III had been attacked while Philip had been on vacation. He had been knocked unconscious and beaten up while on duty, stopping a burglary in its tracks. Fin, as the CSO wanted to be called, had asked Philip to come and visit him at his home, when he was finally able to reach him. Philip wondered what Fin wanted from him.

Philip felt a bit awkward, when he arrived with his beat up Honda CR-V at Fin's very posh neighborhood. He found the house easy and was welcomed by Frieda, Fin's wife. She was a surprise. Fin was light ash blonde and of European descent. He preferred to wear only black designer clothing. Philip thought it was an Italian brand. Frieda was Latina and wore a simple jeans and a colorful t-shirt. She looked very young. Philip liked Frieda immediately. She was warm, seemed down to earth and less stern than Fin. Frieda explained Fin was asleep. They heard screams. "Uhm, it seems Fin has a nightmare. I'll better wake him up." Before rushing off Frieda offered Philip to take a seat at the kitchen table. Philip hadn't been comfortable for long before he jumped up in fright. Something had touched him. Overcoming his shock Philip checked under the table and found a toddler, grinning broadly at him. The little girl looked very much like Frieda, so Philip assumed she was Frieda's daughter. Philip burst out laughing, amused he had been frightened by a small kid. Frieda returned at that moment and said smiling: "I see you have met Casey already." "How old is your daughter?" Philip asked. "17 months." "Casey is really cute." "Yes, and a lot of work too." Frieda replied with a smile. "By the way Fin is ready for you." Fin had come down to the living room, where Frieda brought Philip to. Fin was looking rough around the edges and not as well groomed as he usually did. Philip had a hard time not to stare at the cast on Fin's left leg or the fading bruise on Fin's cheek. He couldn't see any further injuries, but he noticed Fin was in pain. Fin didn't pause for small talk. He came straight to the point. "Where have you been on the night between 01.00 am and 02.00 am of the 19th of August?" Philip understood immediately what this was all about. He bristled and in his anger jumped up from the sofa. "Come on, you can't be serious!" Fin just looked calmly at Philip. Cooling down somewhat Philip replied: "I was in Portland. At first at a Dinosaur Jr. concert and then hanging out with some friends at a bar. I think we were there until two or so." "Alright." "That's it?!" "Yes, it was just pro forma. I know you're not the one, who broke into the company and attacked me." Philip was outraged. "Why are you asking then?" "Mr. Powell wanted an alibi." Philip blew through his nose. His uncle and CEO of the company he worked for, suspected naturally him being behind the break ins and fraud, since Philip's father was a criminal. Philip had enough and wanted to quit. He said as much to Fin. He also said resigned: "I guess you are going to investigate behind my back again if it's true what I'm saying." Fin had done some back ground checks when he heard from a "source" Philip’s father was a robber and serving a long prison sentence. Philip thought the source had been his uncle Stanford Powell. "No, but if you could provide me with the invoice of the hotel you have stayed at..." "Like hell I will!" "Look, if you do what I ask you for, I might can do you a favor too." "Really?" Philip asked sarcastic. "Really." Fin replied with a grin. "And what would that favor be?" "I'll have to get Mr. Powell first around to support my idea... If I'm successful it would definitely proof to everyone that you aren't guilty." Philip looked up startled. Someone had spread the rumour he was behind the crime and a few co-workers ostracized him. He suspected the situation was worse now thanks to the new burglary attempt. Philip wondered how Fin knew about it. The offer was tempting. "I'd like to see how you get my uncle around." Now it was Fin's turn to be surprised. "He's what?" "My uncle. My mother and he are siblings. He is seven years younger than Mom." "Okay." If Fin had come to his own conclusions why Stanford had been so adamant Philip was the thief and so totally unwilling to promote his nephew within the company he didn't show it. Philip promised to drop his evidence by.
Frieda knocked and told them dinner was ready. Philip didn't expect the invitation was extended to him and another reason he wanted to leave was his dislike for burritos and chili con carne. He believed Frieda was Mexican, where the majority of Hispanic immigrants to the US came from. Philip's experience with Latinos was limited, because they only made up around six per cent of Seattle's population. Since Frieda and Fin didn't take no for an answer, Philip agreed to have dinner with the couple. He offered to help Fin up, who told him it was okay. It seemed Fin had experience with crutches and didn't need support. The dinner was a pleasant surprise. The setting was simple, but elegant. Casey was already sitting in her high chair and couldn't wait for the meal to begin. She made urgent noises and stretched her arms out, when Frieda served Philip first. Fin told Casey soothing: "Guests come first, darling. Don't worry, it's your turn next." Casey quietened down as soon as she received her portion of the Khmer beef salad. It was delicious Philip admitted and not what he had expected. When he asked where the recipe came from, Frieda told him they had picked it up during their honey moon trip two years earlier. Turning to Fin Philip asked about the nightmare. Fin said short: "I don't want to talk about it." Frieda gave Fin a concerned look, but he ignored it. Philip cleared his throat and instead talked about the first part of his vacation he had spent at Salmon River, just a little over an hour outside Portland, with his grandfather. They both loved fishing. Fin admitted freely he was an urbanite and didn't care very much about fishing. He and Frieda liked water sports, especially scuba diving. After dinner Philip went home, wondering why he had agreed to hand over evidence he had been really in Oregon and how Fin was going to proof to the public Philip wasn't the bad guy and convince Uncle Stanford of it too.


Philip dropped off the invoice he had received for his stay in Portland the next day.

Three days later Stanford Powell's Personal Assistant arranged an appointment with Philip. Stanford was pretending to be busy, when Philip entered. "Take a seat." Stanford said, not looking up from his papers. He let his nephew stew for a few minutes before he paid any attention to him. "You are lucky you have such a staunch supporter in Mr. Noose. He's 100% sure you are innocent and since he is the authority in his field I trust him." Philip gave his uncle a baleful glare. Their relationship was difficult. Philip had found out by coincidence that Stanford had only given him a fulltime job in return of Philip's mother cleaning Stanford's house for free for years. It had made Philip resentful, because Stanford could have easily afforded a cleaning lady if he had wanted to. Philip’s mother Deana had a hard enough life in the first place and Philip thought they all were family, so Stanford should have supported him and Deana without making demands. Returning to the present he didn't reply. Stanford sighed. "Mr. Noose suggested the company should look for an additional security guard. For the moment it's only when one of the other team members is sick or on holiday. You will of course receive full training if you agree to take on the position and it includes night shifts. The position might turns into something more permanent, if it proves to make sense. Would you be interested in being our reserve security guard?" Philip wanted to refuse out of rebellion, but decided to take on the job. First it would rankle Stanford, Philip had finally managed to escape the warehouse - if only partly; second it was a challenge and third it definitely proved Philip had nothing to do with the break ins. The Chief Security Officer wouldn't invite the suspected perpetrator to join his team. So much was for sure.

Fin had been right. People, who had eyed Philip before with suspicion, were suddenly back to treating Philip as usual.

For Philip it meant spending a lot of time with Fin, Aurelio and Adrain from the security team.
Philip found out soon why Fin had been selected to replace Michael Kuraite, the former CSO. He was younger than all team members, but seemed to have quite a lot of experience in security matters. He was better than the others and saw things they overlooked. Philip realized Fin could get easily into the mind-set of a criminal and wasn't surprised when Fin solved who was really responsible for the theft and fraud. It was a bigger shock that nearly all the management had to be replaced and Fin's announcement he was going to leave the company. He chose his successor, which caused a few tongue wagging. It had always been assumed the new CSO would be Ty Hansen, Michael Kuraite's and later Fin's deputy. Instead Fin selected Sammy Metz, another security guard. It meant Philip was offered a permanent position on the security team, which he accepted. Sammy proved to be a worthy successor - it was no wonder having been handpicked and intensely trained by Fin before he left. Philip liked his new job. It was sometimes boring, but could be also demanding and exciting. Philip had never thought he had a talent for it and surprised himself and his uncle. They never were very close, but they started to trust and respect each other. When Sammy retired he suggested to Stanford to promote Philip. He had groomed the CEO's nephew any way and was glad when the CEO agreed to make Philip Chief Security Officer. At first Philip was worried if he would be able to fulfil the demands of the job. Slowly he grew into the position and if he needed help he knew he could always contact Sammy or Fin, with whom he had stayed in contact over all those years.




©2014 

After Dinner

This is the continuation to "Dinner" and describes how Sammy made it up to Fin.

Josefina Hale was furious with her boyfriend Sammy Metz. He had not only embarrassed the whole family, but also endangered his well-paying job as security guard at an import company. "How could you attack your boss?! Are you totally mad? What has gotten into you?!" Sammy cradled his head. He had a hangover. Sammy couldn't explain exactly why he had thought at the time it was such a brilliant idea to pitch Judo against Tai Chi. He had lost. His boss Coldham Fintan Noose III had looked at him as if he wanted to murder him. Instead he had threatened him with being fired and a law suit if Sammy was ever going to do that again. Sammy didn't plan to repeat it. The near fight had spoiled an otherwise very nice dinner. Fin, as his boss wanted to be called, had invited his team to get them to know better. He had just started his job a few days ago.
Josefina shook her head. "You have to get back into Fin's good books at all costs. If you only do one misstep he's going to fire you! Do you understand?" "Yes, I do, Josefina." Sammy's girlfriend was walking up and down, trying to figure out how they could salvage the situation. "Apologize on Monday first thing in the morning." "Alright." Sammy wasn't looking forward to that. "Maybe you could bring something to pacify Fin..." On Sunday Tamika, Sammy's eighteen year old daughter from his first marriage and living with him, had an idea. "Didn't Deante McDonnell ask Fin to get cooking lessons?" Deante was the son of a work colleague and friend Adrain Bennis. "Yes, you are right," Josefina confirmed. Sammy could remember Deante and Fin had agreed to have a lesson the next day, so it had hopefully happened already. If Sammy's behavior hadn't caused a cancellation...
Sammy called Adrain and asked if he could talk to his son. Maybe he knew more about what Fin liked.

Deante McDonnell was an intelligent, shy thirteen year old African American. Unlike his father, who was tall and bulky, he was slight and looked more like his mother Emily with light brown skin, black hair and amber colored eyes. Deante liked Sammy, so he tried to help him. He described what Fin and he had been up to. Fin was interested in locally sourced, organic food and seemed to like pastries, like macaroons. Sammy believed that was a starting point.
Returning home he told Tamika and Josefina what he had learned. Tamika rang a friend, whose mother had a stall at the University District Farmer's Market in Seattle, trying to find out which bakeries had been there. Deante hadn't remembered the name. He hadn't been that interested, because he was excited about the frozen yogurt he just had had and about the impending cooking instructions. Fitting Fin's tastes and profile Josefina and Tamika worked out Belle Epicurean would fit the bill. They were relieved when they found out Belle Epicurean had also a real shop and not just a stall. "Go there tomorrow morning and buy maybe macaroons or something Fin could like. Use your common sense." Josefina advised Sammy. He nodded. "Of course the cost is subtracted from your allowance." Finding out early in their relationship that Sammy wasn't good with money, Josefina took over the finances. Josefina gave Sammy a monthly allowance, which he could generally use as he liked, but if he ran out of money before the month was over she didn't give him more.

Sammy was standing at the counter of Belle Epicurean. He had difficulty to choose and asked for a recommendation. "Why don't you try our Belle's Buns?" The lady behind the counter showed him the brioche and explained the different flavors. Thinking hard, Sammy decided to buy 5 pecan caramel brioche buns. He shuddered when he heard the price. It hurt handing over twenty dollars. For the same amount he could get at least two dozen donuts at his favorite Krispy Kreme.

Sammy hesitated at the entrance of his work place. He really didn't want to go in. Sammy knew exactly what he had to do and he was embarrassed about his behavior. Adrain hadn't treated him differently after the shameful incident. Sammy was relieved his other work colleagues stood by him as well. Fin wasn't there yet, so Sammy had to stew a bit longer. He hoped Fin didn't hold a grudge and forgot about it quickly, if Sammy apologized and bribed him with the pastries. Fin arrived and greeted them all, pretending not to notice the tensions. At Ty Hansen's nudging Sammy knocked on Fin's door. He was invited in. Sammy's boss was cold. Sammy offered a heartfelt apology and promised he would never ever get drunk or try to start a fight. Fin replied icy: "Good." He didn't make the impression as if he was ready to forgive his subordinate. Sammy stammered: "Does... Does it have any implication in regards to my work?" "If there are no future incidents, no. If you excuse me now, I've got to catch up on a few things." Before fleeing the office Sammy gave Fin his peace offering. He felt relieved, but also angry and hurt about Fin's coldness.
Shortly after Sammy had gone back to work, Fin bought coffee for his team and shared the pastries. He thanked Sammy, to make it clear where the treats came from. It pacified Sammy and tasting his bun Sammy realized why they were so expensive.
Sammy found out Fin held a grudge and it took more than a months to be back in Fin's good books. Sammy took his boss serious and made sure he never gave him any reason to distrust him and worked hard. He even started to like Fin and was sad to see him go after a year.

©2014

Dinner

"Did your boss say what we should wear?" Ines Hansen asked her husband Ty. "He said nothing about that. Just that the dinner was going to be a casual affair and nothing too fancy." Ty worked as a security guard at an import company and had a new boss, who had invited all his employees to dinner at his home.
Ty and Ines were in their mid-forties. Ty over towered most people with his 6 ft. 5 in. heavy frame. He loved to eat, especially steak and potatoes. Ines didn't mind Ty's stomach was bulging.
Ines took more care what she looked like and spent a lot of time at the fitness center and used Botox to smooth out her wrinkles. She was reaching up to her husband's chin, had colored red hair and blue eyes.
She was also slightly more ambitious than Ty and had been upset when she heard Michael Kuraite, the head of security had been fired for being unable to solve the thieving happening under his watch at the company, but Ty, who was second in command, had been overlooked for the promotion and instead some unknown young guy had been given the position.
"I wish we could refuse. Did you tell Mr. Noose David is coeleriac?" "Yes, I did. He knew about it and promised to make sure there weren't any gluten in the meal." Having no choice Ines started getting ready to go out.


"Do I really have to go?" Deante McDonnell asked his mother Emily in a whiney tone. She nodded. "It's very important for your father to be in the good books of the new boss." "But what has it to do with me? Can't I simply stay at home? I promise I behave." "No, Deante, Mr. Noose wants to meet the whole family." "But there is nobody my age..." "You heard your mother. Get dressed appropriately and be ready in ten minutes. We don't want to be too late." Deante's father Adrain Bennis ordered, his tone allowing no further protests. Adrain was muscly and strong. He was African American like his wife and son. Emily and Deante were fine boned and light skinned, but not very tall. Deante was thirteen and drove his parents mad, when he proved to be stubborn and wanted to do things his way. Deante believed he was mature and could take care of himself. He wasn't a baby!
Deante knew his parents well enough they weren't going to budge on this one, so before they were shouting at him and threatening to take away privileges, he decided to fight another time.


"But, Dad, I promised Kendall to meet with her at the mall tonight!" Tamika Metz protested. She had been looking forward to the outing. "I know, honey, and I'm really sorry. If you go tonight with us to the dinner, you can go to that party of yours." Tamika thought about it. The high school senior was long legged, blond and had a honey colored teint. Normally her parents didn't allow her to go out during the week, so this was a real sweetener. "Alright." She considered the two or three hours the party was going to last wouldn't kill her. Tamika was also pleased to hear David and Samantha Hansen were invited as well. She wouldn't be too bored then.

Jeana Stansfield was looking forward to the dinner. She liked Adrain Bennis and his family. Ines Hansen was a bit too superficial in her opinion.
Jeana was curious about her husband Aurelio's new boss. She had heard he was her age and seemed to be interested in healthy cooking, which she was too. Jeana's mother had diabetes and her father high blood pressure. Jeana wasn't interested in going the same way, so the dark haired and brown eyed petite beauty, wanted to change her lifestyle. Aurelio, who was bulky and a former college football player, had other ideas. For him salad was rabbit food and refused to eat even a tiny leaf. Jeana thought Mr. Noose was a fresh change of wind and maybe he could influence Aurelio to consider picking up healthier eating habits. Jeana was stupid enough to bring up her concerns and Aurelio should take an example on his new boss. Aurelio reacted hurt and counterattacked. They soon were having a blazing row, causing them to be late and they forgot the chocolates, a gift for their hosts. Both were disappointed, because they had wanted to make a good impression.

When they finally arrived all the others were already there. Jeana was surprised about their hosts. She thought Fin, as Mr. Noose wanted to be called, was good looking, but his wife was plain. Fin was tall and blond with blue grey eyes. She had expected Frieda would have also model looks. She was roughly Jeana's height, black haired and had dark brown eyes.

Ines was wondering how Fin and Frieda could afford a three bed room house with views over Mount Rainier near Washington Park, here in Seattle. The rent and house prices in the area were sky high. Ines assumed the rent was either as high or more as Fin was earning in a year. Maybe Frieda had a high earning job as well. Ines was going to find out.

Deante thought he was going to be bored. As always the older teenagers wanted nothing to do with him. Somehow Deante managed to get seated near Fin. "What would you like to drink?" Frieda asked. The teenagers wanted all Cola. Fin brought in the casserole he had made. Deante was impressed. His father could make fried eggs, but that was it as far as his repertoire went. His mother Emily claimed she could cook, but her meals were always dreadful, either too salty, burned or raw. The family had agreed to have take aways or go out eating. Deante was wondering how Fin managed to cook by himself. Deante felt a bit awestruck and shy in Fin's presence, so he didn't dare asking yet.
Fin gave everyone a generous portion of the lemon chicken bake. There was also a side salad. The guests seemed satisfied. It was moreish and Deante liked that there were a lot of vegetables in it. Deante noticed an immediate difference. Normally his meals made him full and lethargic. Now he wasn't hungry and felt energized. They talked about Deante's favorite subject at school. Fin told him about his own. The guests found out Fin had been a rebellious teenager and had been sent to a military boarding school. He regaled them with a few of his adventures there. Deante liked the idea of sneaking out during the night, going to a party and never getting caught.
The theme changed to fitness and what regimes the adults followed. Fin, for example was running five times a week and trained every day in Tai Chi, while Frieda went to yoga classes and swam regularly. Deante's father and Aurelio were into weight lifting. Sammy had a black belt in Judo. The other women went to the gym regularly.
When Fin's team heard he was practising Tai Chi they thought he was a sissy. Being influenced by their father David and Samantha believed the same. Fin rose in Jeana's and Deante's esteem. Ines had never spent any thought men would be interested in Tai Chi. The rest didn't care.

Ines asked about Frieda's job. Frieda explained she was a house maker. She also said she still breast fed Casey and it was more convenient to stay at home. Most of the guests came to the conclusion Fin was from a well off family, based on what Fin had told them about his upbringing, and that he was supported by his parents. Otherwise his lifestyle wasn't possible. Some of them were a bit jealous and thought about how hard they had to work to achieve where they were.

In the end the guests also met Casey. She was wailing loudly for a few minutes before Fin went to check on her.
Parenting wasn't easy and the Bennis' and Hansens believed to let the baby cry until it stopped by her/himself. The Metzs had a different approach. They had always reacted to Tamika's crying. In each parents' opinion the Nooses were treating the issue wrongly. They reacted too slow or too fast.

Fin and his daughter were back in time for dessert. At first Casey was a bit shy. Casey took a bite from Ty's passion fruit and orange jelly and smiled broadly. After playing peek a boo with Tamika for a while she got cranky and Frieda brought her back to bed.

Deante had been struggling with his own shyness, but overcame it and asked Fin to teach him to cook. Fin agreed. He was only surprised Deante wanted to start the next day. It wasn't an issue for him. Emily gave her permission.

The evening came to an end and everyone left, but before there was some added drama. Sammy had a bit too much to drink and thought he should test if Tai Chi was really good to defend oneself from an attack. Fin blocked a Te-waza - a hand technique in Judo to force an opponent to the ground - from Sammy. For a moment everyone thought there was going to be a fight between Sammy and his boss. Instead Fin threatened to make sure Sammy was fired and that he would drag him before court if Sammy ever tried to attack him again. It brought an abrupt end to a pleasant meal. Tamika was mortified. Josefina did the right thing and apologized immediately.  Fin accepted and seemed calm about the whole affair. Josefina and Tamika bundled Sammy into their car and left.
The
 others didn't know exactly what to do or to say. Ty, being Sammy's best friend, looked for an excuse. "I think Sammy had simply too much to drink. He didn't mean it..." Seeing Fin's eyes flickering dangerously, Ty trailed off. "Can we change the subject?" Fin's voice was surprisingly gentle. Ines thanked Fin and Frieda for the dinner and complimented the flavors of the casserole. Emily and Jeana agreed and shuffled with their feet. The atmosphere was tense. Deante suddenly didn't want to have cooking classes from Fin. He feared him a bit and wouldn't dare messing around. Finally after the silence was too awkward the guests said good bye and left.

©2014