Signed, Sealed...Undelivered

Chapter 29: Dinner Date

Last night's dinner was probably the most awkward I had with my family and Mike. They managed to sit us next to each other. I still don't know if he got my letter, though. Being aware of his feelings for me, I felt overwhelmed with his actions towards me to a point that I'd blush. This went unnoticed by Dy.

"Lytes, here, your favorite," Mike said softly and placed a spoonful of kare-kare on my plate.

"Thanks," I replied almost in a whisper. I felt my cheeks burn.

"Why are you blushing, Ate?" Dy observed. He was across the dining table.

I jerked my head and squinted at him. "It's hot. My body's adjusting to the weather here", I used the temperature alibi, hoping my brother would quit it.

But he didn't, "Isn't it summer there?"

I replied calmly, "It was the tail-end of spring and summer had only started. The weather's still cool."

"Ah...okay." He nodded and went back to his plate. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.

My family had kept me talking about my trip during dinner. I accommodated their questions and delightfully shared my Japan experience. After eating, I distributed the gifts and souvenirs I bought for my family. Don had been itching to get his hands on the Gundam model kits I bought for him and Dy. I gave my parents matching kimonos.

For Mike, Driggs, and Kat, I got all of them a daruma doll. But I still have particular gifts for each one: Kat – gamaguchi, a clasped purse; Driggs – hanko stamp; Mike – omamori, a traditional Japanese charm.

I had purchased boxes of sweet treats and items for home display. And of course, apparel from popular Japanese brands.

Mike went home quite late. I made sure he stuffed the souvenirs for Auntie Tessa and Jane in his take-home bag. I escorted him out to his car. We walked out silently. I had my hands clasped behind my back. Mike reached his car while I stayed a few steps away, waiting for him to get in his vehicle.

He had his hand on the car door handle when I bid him goodbye. "Drive safe, Mike. And thank you again for the ride home." I smiled. "Goodnight!" I quickly turned around and marched into the house.

"Lytes!" He called out. I stopped and slowly moved to face him. He strode my way and halted three steps away from me.

"Yes, Mike?" I gave a faint and nervous smile. I still have my hands at my back.

"Uhm...I...Can I?" He couldn't look straight at me and he was rubbing his nape. I stood there amused with his shyness.

He cleared his throat, "Aherm...I'd like to invite you for dinner tomorrow." He paused and stared at me, "If you're not doing anything."

I stiffened at his gaze and replied in a whisper, "Sh...sure."

"Is that a yes?" He clarified.

I realized I responded softly. I repeated my answer, "Yeah, yup!" I nodded, "I mean, yes."

"Yes!" He made a fist pump. "Great! I'll pick you up at 5," with a satisfied smile, he stepped back, still facing my way. "I'll get going then."

"Alright," I was still rooted at my place, stifling my grin.

Mike had pulled open his car door and before getting in, said, "You should get inside now."

"I will."

"Goodnight." He held a hand up. "Bye!"

"Bye," I waved and strode to the house.

I closed the door behind me and leaned on it for a few seconds to let out a giggle. But I had to suspend my elation and calm down. My family's nearby, in the dining area. I don't want any of them to catch me this exhilarated. I gathered myself and put back my things, scattered on the couch, to my luggage. I asked Don to assist me to carry my suitcases to my room.