The Escort S2

Part 39: Go for those panties

Tae's POV

After showering and dressing I hear movement downstairs. It must be Kookie. I'm excited and want to share with him how my meeting with Jin went. Kookie took on the task of telling Namjoon and dad about my past and how we met. As I move down the stairway, I hear Kookie and dad coming into the living area and quickly pause. Oh God, he must have just shared our story with dad. Namjoon's behavior won't be a shock if it doesn't go well. And after talking with Jin, I'd be shocked if it went well. But dad is different. Of all the rejections that might come our way, being rejected or harshly judged by Kookie's father would be the worst. I love dad dearly and he has been nothing short of loving and accepting to me. But what will he make of my past? I just couldn't bear it. It would be a crushing blow to my soul.

I start to back up the stairs as I decide to wait for Kookie to come up later. Yes, that would be better. I place one foot on the step behind me and it creaks. Kookie and dad look up.

"Hey, babe," Kookie says, turning, as my near escape is foiled.

"Oh hi, Kookie. Hi, dad," I say, trying to keep the shiver in my body from taking over my voice. "I-I uh was just going back upstairs. I -I—"

"Why would you do that, son? I haven't seen you all day. I've missed you." His voice is pleasant as is his smile. "Would you please come here?" Kookie's smile comforts me and he knows me too well. He knows I'm frightened.

Kookie mouths, 'It's okay.' And with that, the weight on my chest lightens. I slowly and apprehensively go over.

Dad opens his arms and suddenly I could breathe again. He envelopes me tightly and whispers, "I love you and would never judge you. I'm so happy that my son found you." He holds me as only a parent can, giving loving comfort and support to their child.

"Thanks, dad, that means a lot to me, and I love you too." Kookie stands close with a wide smile. We move into the kitchen and sit at the table as Kookie brings over the last of my lemon cake. He then retrieves a cutter and three dessert plates and forks.

"Thank you, Kookie," dad says, as I slice up the large chunk of cake into three pieces. "Mmm," dad moans as he takes a bite and closes his eyes. "Tae, this icing is delicious. It's not overly sweet and has just the right balance and not overpowered by the lemon flavoring. The cake is moist with an amazing burst of flavors that play with the palate in the best way." What?

"Dad, you cook?" I ask.

"Yes, I know my way around a kitchen." He chuckles. "If things go well, I hope to cook up something for Ms. Lisa. What's in your icing to make it so perfect?" Kookie then laughs.

"Dad, Tae's lemon cake with cream cheese and icing is Tae's most guarded possession. That will never happen." He then doubles over with laughter.

"Kookie, what are you talking about?"

"Okay, then give him the recipe." He challenges.

"What?" I stall.

"Certainly, dear old dad can have it. Of course, I'll keep it a secret," dad says as he takes another bite of his cake. Kookie leans in with a smirk and watches me closely.

"You guard that secret like it's a pot of gold." Kookie teases. Oh God, dad's placed me in an awkward position. Dad's fingers thrum in rhythm as he waits.

"Well dad," I say slowly, "seeing that your family and I love and trust you—"

"What? Is dad about to break you?" Kookie's mouth hangs wide open.

"Stop it, Kookie."

"Dad, I'm going to have to say ... no." Kookie slaps his knee and gawks out a laugh as dad grabs his chest as if he has just taken a shot to his heart. We all laugh as dad starts to share.