Underworld Ties

The Date

Mia stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her hair for what felt like the hundredth time. Tonight was a big deal—her first date with Shawn, a boy from school who had finally mustered the courage to ask her out. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, her stomach fluttering as she thought about the possibilities of the evening.

"Hey, kiddo! You ready?" Bobby called from the living room, his voice breaking her focus.

"Almost!" she shouted back, applying a final touch of lip gloss.

She could hear her father shuffling around, likely trying to find something to occupy himself while he waited. Mia rolled her eyes, knowing he'd probably have a million questions for her about Shawn.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang, and Mia's heart raced. She quickly checked her reflection one last time before heading to the door. Bobby was already there, standing tall with a slightly intimidating presence, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Let me handle this," Bobby said to Frances, his younger brother, who was lounging on the couch, chuckling at the impending confrontation.

"Good luck," Frances replied, grinning as he grabbed a handful of popcorn.

Mia opened the door to reveal Shawn—tall, with tousled dark hair and a nervous smile that immediately put her at ease. He wore a crisp white shirt and jeans, clearly trying to make a good impression.

"Hey, Mia," Shawn said, his voice a mix of excitement and nerves.

"Hey! Ready to go?" she replied, stepping aside to let him in.

Bobby stepped forward, his expression shifting from fatherly to protective in an instant. "And you must be Shawn," he said, extending a hand. "Nice to meet you."

Shawn shook his hand firmly, though it was clear he was a little intimidated. "Nice to meet you, sir."

Bobby leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "So, what are your intentions with my daughter?"

"Uh, we're just going to grab some dinner and maybe see a movie," Shawn replied, glancing nervously at Mia.

"Dinner and a movie, huh? Sounds innocent enough," Bobby said, his eyes narrowing. "But let me make one thing clear: you better keep her safe. You understand?"

"Yes, sir," Shawn said, his confidence wavering.

"And if you think I'm joking," Bobby continued, stepping closer, "I've got a .45 in the safe, a shotgun under the bed, and a few other surprises if you don't treat her right."

Frances burst out laughing, clearly enjoying the show. "Just don't mention the grenade launcher, Bobby!"

"Shut up, Frances," Bobby shot back, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward.

"Seriously, though," Bobby said, turning back to Shawn, "I've got eyes everywhere. I know the neighborhood. I know the boys you run with. So you better think twice before messing with my little girl."

"Dad!" Mia interjected, stepping in front of Shawn as if to shield him from her father's intensity. "He's not going to mess with me!"

Bobby raised an eyebrow, his expression softening slightly. "Just saying, you know how it is out there."

Mia sighed, rolling her eyes. "I know, Dad. But Shawn's a good guy. Right, Shawn?"

"Yeah! I promise I'll take care of her," Shawn said, his voice steadier now.

Bobby studied Shawn for a moment, then finally relented. "Alright, fine. Just remember, if you hurt her, I'll find you."

"Got it," Shawn said, visibly relieved.