"Do you normally make-out with the people you're hired to kill? It doesn't strike me as very professional."
"Put the gun down," Gabriel panted, not answering her.
"Why on earth would I do that?"
"Because you're not going to shoot me," Gabriel rep...
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"I'm sorry for not telling you about her mama," Gabriel said soothingly, breaking the hug but still staring at Ash with fury burning in his eyes.
"It's okay mijo. I'm just so happy you're all here. And the food is ready! Let's eat."
The five sat around the table as Carmen laid down a dish. "Chiles rellenos. Your favorite Gabriel," she said, beaming.
"Thanks mama," Gabriel replied, but continuing to stare daggers at Ash. Ash looked back at him innocently. The group began eating.
"So how did the two of you meet?" Luis asked.
"It's actually a funny story," Ash began, ignoring Gabriel's intense stare. "Gabriel saved my life."
"Ash," Gabriel said with a sharp tone, warning her.
"Don't be modest Gabriel. That gas station sushi would almost certainly have killed me," Ash said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I was driving home one night and needed gas, so I stopped at a station and figured I would pick up dinner as well. Fortunately, your son stopped me and asked if I'd like to get some proper dinner with him. And how could I resist?" she said, looking at Gabriel with a smirk.
The two made intense eye contact with each other across the table, Ash smiling and Gabriel glaring. "Um, can I use the bathroom?" Kyle said, interrupting.
"Of course," Gabriel's mother said warmly. "Down the hall and to the left."
Gabriel looked at Kyle sharply. Kyle flinched and scurried away.
"Awfully jumpy isn't he?" Carmen said aloud.
"Are you from around here Ash?" Luis asked.
"No, I'm originally from D.C. But don't hold that against me," Ash joked.
"I would love to visit D.C. some time," Carmen mused. "I've heard the cherry blossoms are just beautiful."
"I'd love to see them too!" Ash said happily.
"You lived in D.C. but never saw them?" Carmen asked, confused.
"We drove past them. But growing up my parents were very protective. We never got to go anywhere with big crowds," Ash said quickly. "Now that I'm an adult, we should go together sometime."
"Oh, that would just be lovely!" Gabriel's mother exclaimed happily.
"I've told you I'll pay for you to go wherever you want whenever you want," Gabriel said, irritation creeping into his voice.
"And I've told you, we're not a charity case Gabriel," Luis replied, also irritated.
"No, you're my parents, and I want to repay you for everything you've done for me," Gabriel said in a more raised voice.
"We are perfectly comfortable how we are Gabriel. If we want to go somewhere, we will figure it out ourselves. You don't have to take pity on your poor, blue collar father."
