Page 109 of Unraveling Rain
Xander grins. I know whatever comes out of his mouth next can’t be good.
“Well, well, how the tables have turned, huh, Cherry?” he teases. “Nowyou’rethe one who can’t speak?”
I groan, burying my face in my hands. I want to die of embarrassment.
He just laughs.
I punch him on the arm, and he fakes a wince.
I roll my eyes, then turn to his parents. “I’m sorry. It’s just… this is a big deal, you know? You don’t just bring anyone home to meet your parents.”
I let out a slow breath, feeling a smidge more relaxed now that I’ve said it out loud.
Kristine beams at me. “I agree with you, Rain.”
She looks over at Xander, and he settles as he meets her gaze.
“I’m sure you know about his past,” she continues gently, “and I promise I’m only going to bring it up this once. But I have never seen my son this happy before.”
Xander’s hand finds mine on top of the table, and I feel the weight of her words blanket the space. Her eyes shine with emotion, and something about that makes my own throat tighten.
“I’ve never been this happy in my life either,” I say honestly.
She gets up from her chair and walks over to me, arms already open. I stand to meet her halfway. Her hug is warm, genuine, and full of gratitude.
“I hope I don’t scare you off being so affectionate,” she says with a light laugh. “But thank you for loving my boy.”
She gives me one more squeeze before we take our seats again.
“Alright,” Sam says brightly, breaking the emotional moment, “are you ready to try some more food?”
Kristine laughs as she settles back in. “What did I tell you?” He can’t stop talking about food.”
Sam leans over and kisses her cheek. I smile, heart full. I love how affectionate they are. No wonder Xander is such a softy—having been raised by love like this.
Two waiters arrive: one clears the appetizer plates, the other brings in three large dishes. One is a fragrant rice studded with something golden. Another holds a perfectly crisp fried fish. The third is a fresh, vibrant salad.
“Okay, mija,” Sam says, gesturing to the spread. “This is mojarra frita, coconut rice, and a simple salad to balance it all. And this—” He sets down a drink infront of me. “Iscoco loco. A special cocktail we make with vodka and coconut cream. I hope it’s okay.”
The drink is served in an actual coconut, complete with a little umbrella.
“This is perfect,” I whisper as I take a bite of the fish. The crunch of the fried skin gives way to tender, flaky meat. I hum with delight.
Sam gives me a big smile as he watches me eat.
“See that, Kristi? I told you—this girl’s going to be an honorary Colombian in no time.”
I smile, trying the rice next. It’s sweet from the shredded coconut, with a touch of chew from the raisins. Unexpected and completely addictive.
“I can’t believe you started without me,” a deep voice says from the doorway. I turn and spot an older gentleman, maybe in his seventies, walking onto the deck.
“Gramps!” Xander jumps up and pulls him into a long, tight hug.
They stay like that for a beat, Xander whispering something to his grandfather. The older man rubs his back with a tenderness that hits me right in the feels.
When they pull apart, Xander wipes at his eyes and turns to me.
“Gramps, meet my girlfriend, Rain.”
