Rason & Eliza - Cee Bowerman Page 0,25
any pressure on her or anything, but how’s she going to fit in with your mom? I know you understand how I feel about this, but this is your mom’s sanctuary, Rason Dai, and we had those bumps in the road with your sister-in-law…”
“Dad, if I was ever going to bring a woman to meet mom, I’m pretty sure Eliza is the one. She’s listened to me talk about Mom and is honestly curious. She said a couple of times already that she’s going to study up so she can get a better understanding. Besides, she’s a really nice person, and I know she’d never do anything to hurt Mom’s feelings on purpose.”
I pulled the equipment I’d been using off of the metal and scooted over to the side to shine a light across it and make sure I hadn’t missed anything.
“Now let’s quit talking about girl shit and get to work. We’ve established that I’m not going to run off to Vegas and get married and that when Mom kills you, I’ll eat your portions of dinner and think of you kindly. I’m cool with that if you are, and I need your help on this panel.”
◆◆◆
“How was your time with your parents?” Eliza asked me soon after she answered the phone. I’d dialed her number as I pulled out of my parents’ driveway. I didn’t even want to acknowledge how badly I’d needed to hear her voice. “Did she use the bamboo?”
“She did.” I laughed. “She was so excited when I handed it to her. I can’t even describe the look on her face. She sent leftovers home for you and wanted me to tell you that she wishes blessings on your garden.”
“That’s so sweet.” I could hear the smile in Eliza’s voice. “I get leftovers; I feel so lucky. You’ll have to show me the right way to eat everything. I want an authentic experience. I’ve been reading, and I . . . Okay I’m not going to tell you what I’ve learned because you already know it all. But I’ve been reading and it’s all very interesting to me.”
“Let’s have dinner tomorrow night at my house. I’ll heat up the leftovers and set the table just like my mom does so you can have the whole experience.”
“Oh, good! Oh, no!”
“What? Is that good or not?”
“I have to practice some more!”
“Practice what?”
“Chopsticks! I just can’t work them right. I can’t pick up anything at all!. Children can eat with chopsticks - why can’t I?”
“Because we’re handed chopsticks the instant we can eat real food.” I laughed. “You can use a fork and a spoon, Eliza.”
“No! I want an authentic experience. I’ll keep practicing.”
“Okay. Whatever makes you happy, babe. How was your visit with your family?”
“Hank cooked and it was delicious as usual. I ate too much and wanted a nap, but I loved on Janis instead and that was great. I read a few books to her while we rocked in her nursery.”
“Sounds like a relaxing afternoon.”
“It was, and now I’m ready for some sleep. You kept me up last night and I’ve been dragging today.”
“Okay, sweetheart. You head to bed. I’m almost home and I’m going to do the same thing. If I don’t talk to you before then, head over to my house when you get off work.”
“Goodnight, Rason.”
“Night, baby. Sweet dreams.”
I closed the phone and thought about the upcoming week for the rest of my drive. I had a meeting at the bank tomorrow afternoon to set the wheels in motion to get my credit just right so I could buy a house next year. Other than that meeting and dinner with Eliza, I didn’t have any pressing plans other than working out at the gym and going to work at the garage.
I turned down my street and everything looked quiet and normal until I got closer to my house. The lights were on and the front door was wide open. I pulled up a few doors down and called Atlas.
“What’s up?”
“Did you or Jaz go into my house today?”
“No. Jaz is visiting her sister in Austin and I’ve been back at my desk. I saw your lights on earlier but didn’t think anything of it.”
“I’ve been out at Mom and Dad’s since before lunch.”
“Shit.” I could hear Atlas moving around his house. “Are you out front?”
“No, I thought I should pull over down the street and see what was up first. Robin’s hold ended today, so she’s probably out. There’s no telling what