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Chapter Six
“Mae, your guests are here,” Susan called from the living room. “I’m getting the door.” Mitzi and Wendy bounced off her lap, and Max stood at attention.
Why on earth was Royce ringing the front door bell when he could have opened the garage door with his remote?
“Come in, Kasem, Royce.” She waved them in, noticing Kasem’s brilliant smile and Royce’s guarded expression. Something must have happened today to delight one of her men and upset the other. “We’ll have dinner on the patio, but first grab a drink, and I’ll bring out the appetizers.”
Max barked, and Kasem jumped. “Keep this monster on a leash before he eats a piece of my… huh… my leg.”
Susan rolled her eyes and exchanged a glance with Royce who burst out laughing.
“Come, Max. We’ll take a run outside.”
“Not now, Royce. Mae said the food is almost ready. Just lock them outside and join us. Kasem, get me a beer, please.”
She led the way with a tray of cheese, sausage, and crackers, and a vegetable platter.
“Did you have a good day?” she asked as she set the appetizers on the table, and he opened a can of beer for her.
“A very interesting day. One can’t get bored in Royce’s condo. There’s so much to do. First, tell me about your day.”
Before she could, Royce and Mae joined them. Kasem stood and bowed to her mother. After they settled around the table, they toasted their first home-cooked dinner.
“Susan, did you get a car?” Kasem asked.
She lifted two fingers. “Pravat and Danai had two cars ready for me. An SUV they’ve bought, and a Toyota Camry they’ve leased.”
“Wonderful. I’ll need to borrow one.”
With a big grin, Kasem reported that he’d called several want ads, emailed his resumes, and had secured two interviews in the coming days.
“I owe it to Royce who gave me links and encouraged me to call. I thought it would be practically impossible to get a job in the US, but here I am with two official interviews and maybe a third one soon.”
“That’s fantastic.”
Susan had trouble believing he would have rushed out to look for a job from day one.
“I’m proud of you, Kasem.”
Mae tossed her a narrow glance more eloquent than words, with the promise of a speech later.
“Tell us more about the jobs,” Royce said, and Kasem obliged, reciting the names of the companies and the type of work required.
“I’ll know more during the interviews. As you said, I need to get some American experience. I’ll accept any offer I get.”
Susan shifted her gaze to Royce. She knew she could count on her best friend to help her.
“I’m sure you are all hungry.” Mae stood. “Kasem, since we are in America, we’ll do it the American way. I mean no men sitting waiting to be served by women. I expect the three of you to come and help carry the food and plates out to the patio.”
“Good going, Mae,” Susan whispered to her mother. “You and Royce are starting his American education.”
“The sooner, the better, sweetie. We don’t have much time, if the wedding is in a month.”
Susan stopped short, studying her fiancé. He was handsome and smart, and knew how to charm a woman. He’d charmed her enough at the beginning of their engagement. Fortunately, she’d discovered his true nature soon enough to retract and guard her heart.
Her mother pointed to the pile of plates, silverware, and napkins. “Susan set the table. Kasem, take this pan. Royce, take this one. Careful you two, the pans are hot. Hold them with oven mitts, and come back for more.”
“Thank you, Mae Chen. I can smell garlic and curry. Delicious spicy Thai food.”
