Watching Sunsets With You (Original, English Version)

Chapter 4 - Carin Mae Sanchez

I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to dating him, but I had to give it a chance. For Keith's sake.

I think focusing on my son all these years really took the romantic cells from my body. I don't get attracted easily, no matter how good-looking a person is. Even Gabe. Although aside from that, he does give off a different vibe than the rest of the people I might be interested in. To be honest, I've deluded myself into simply fantasizing about romance. I have celebrity crushes and I adore fictional characters from some stories I've read in the past. I feel like wanting a man that fits their description. Oh wait, I really do have to date someone if I am to check that aspect.

So, yeah. I managed to show enough interest in Gabe without turning him off with boredom. I could be boring when I dislike a person. He's aloof and yet... approachable. I shook my head. Things that don't make sense.

He does act like Keith, especially when he observes people. His stare is a bit...

"So, you're one of those guys who don't mind a step-son?" It was a direct opener.

He didn't answer immediately and his stare is somewhat bordering uncomfortable, for some reason. But not creepy.

"Keith's a great kid. You raised him well."

"You could pass as his father, the way you speak like him."

He only smiled. The dinner went slowly. It has nothing to do with savoring the food, but more about the conversation.

"Lee mentioned that you're just taking a break, though. You still want to continue working in dangerous cases?" This one I'm genuinely interested in.

"Yes. It has been my life, and I've always known how dangerous it would be. Is that a deal breaker for you?"

I suddenly felt more uncomfortable. I mean, he's doing a great thing but...

"I just feel like I wouldn't be able to stand the worry. I would be anxious every time you had to go and work. I've watched Oliver and Cara, and though they haven't said anything... I could almost feel their fear whenever the conversation shifts to Lee and Mike... oh wait, Cody."

I slipped. I looked around a bit but I heard him chuckle instead.

He looked around, too, when I turned to look at him, frowning.

"I'm getting old, but some cases require older agents. The level of danger doesn't change, though. I can understand your misgivings."

Why did my heart ache a little? He sounded heartbroken and I could only stare. His smile... I suddenly felt bad.

"How long have you been working?" I'm still curious and I really wanted to know more about him. Maybe... just maybe... and I realized he's making it my decision, instead of his. It's as if he has decided already and he's just waiting for my response. That didn't feel right.

"About twenty years. I started when I was twenty. It's half my life now."

"I see." I was suddenly reminded that Keith likes him too much. His browser history on my phone didn't escape my attention.

"As a parent, do you think I should discourage Keith? He seems to want to become a policeman, if not someone like you and Lee."

"It would take a lot to support someone you love who chose to endanger himself. But if you love him..." He left it open.

"What did your parents say when you chose your career?"

He was silent for a short while. "My mom died in the middle of a shoot-out. It has nothing to do with my decision, though, as it has always been what I wanted at an early age. She's supportive, but that's probably because she hasn't experienced waiting for me at home. My father, on the other hand, is out of the picture."