Fight Me (Fighting #1)

Chapter 29

Violet

Everyone made it.

Ian's parents, Daniel, Carl, Layla, Isabelle and Kelly.

The house if full of laughter and light. The decorations look amazing at night, especially the lights Nova and Ian hung all over inside and outside.

At the moment, we sit at the table, helping ourselves to dinner. As a child, I always celebrated Christmas the Puerto Rican way. Rice and beans, potato salad, green salad, pork and for dessert tembleque and arroz con dulce.

This year we made everything, but exchanged the pork for a turkey. Ian, Nova and Ava were eager to try things my way and that's what we made for everybody.

"Would somebody like to say grace?" Carl asks as everyone finishes taking what they want. Nova takes the fork from his mouth, chews and swallows before nodding.

"I do." He says. Everyone looks at him expectantly. "Well, bow your heads and close your eyes. We're gonna talk to Jesus." Everyone does as he says, trying hard not to laugh.

"Pray, Nova." I say after he's silent for a while. He takes a deep breath.

"God, we come before you today to thank you. I thank you for our lives, for this wonderful family and for this generous meal. May your Grace provide for others as it has for us. Amen." Everyone else repeats the words.

There are collective hums and moans of pleasure as everyone tastes the food.

"I have eaten this before. Why does it taste so different? This is amazing." Layla praises. She looks very beautiful in her black dress. It's tight, but not too tight. Completely "age appropriate", as she had said when she arrived with Isabelle, who wears a white shirt tucked into a red skirt. They look very beautiful together.

"It's that sazón latino, Layla. Your Amber might look American, but one look at that body and attitude and you just know." Isabelle says, making everybody nod. I look at my plate, face reddening.

Ian chuckles. I look at Isabelle and nod.

"Thank you...and you're right, Isa. I'm half Puerto Rican; this is a traditional Puerto Rican meal." Isabelle nods smugly. Ian winks at her, and they share a laugh.

"I want more of these meals. I demand one at least monthly." Layla says, reaching for her glass of wine.

"I'm the mother. I get to come." Ian's mother, Lucy, says.

"Well, I'm her husband. I have to bring her..." Bryce, his father, follows, making everyone laugh.

"Count me in then." Carl grunts. I smile at them.

"He can't leave his kid behind. I have to come with." Mike says innocently. He earns a few laughs.

"Well, of course I have to be invited." Daniel's voice makes Ava stiffen beside me. "I'm the best friend."

"I'm the annoying nurse. I get to come too." Isabelle says, looking at Daniel. "And what is that? French? It's a little mixed, though, isn't it?" She asks, referring to his accent. He nods, with a side smile.

"Mis le doigt sur la tête, une fois encore, belle Isabelle." He mutters and she melts.

"I don't know what you just said, but that sounds as good as this food." She answers. Layla laughs.

"He said "Hit the nail on the head, yet again, beautiful Isabelle'." Ava translates. We all give her shocked looks. "I take French now." She says coyly. Daniel keeps staring, but nobody else seems to notice.