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Chapter Nineteen
The next morning, Royce woke up at nine thirty, still dreaming of knocks on the door. Men, knocks were giving him shivers. His door opened and a familiar voice bolted him out of bed. “Still asleep, boy? You must have had a hectic night.
“Dad? No way. You’re here?”
Dad opened his arms, and Royce stepped forward for a big hug. “I wanted to surprise you before you leave home.”
“You surprise us all right.” Too late he bit his tongue on his slip.
“Us? You mean you and the girl with you?”
“I mean, me and my roommate.”
“I met Kasem. He opened the door for me. Nice fellow. He’s making coffee. Regardless, Royce, no need to torture your brain for a logical story. I recognize your car plates last night. The officers didn’t betray you.”
Royce huffed, then burst out laughing. “We can never hide anything from you, Dad.”
“What I can’t understand is why hide in a basement at your age, when the house is all yours? Are you trying to remain a teenager as long as you can?”
How could he explain it to his father now after giving him so much exasperation years ago? “It’s a complicated story—”
“Again? Haven’t all your stories been complicated?”
“Agreed.” Royce smiled. “Forget my stories Dad. I’m glad to see you. I can smell coffee and chocolate. Kasem must be cooking something.”
“Nope. I brought coffee and donuts. We can have breakfast together.”
“Right away.”
Royce slipped on pajama pants and a shirt and padded barefoot to the kitchen.
“I heard you met my dad, the most patient father on earth. He put up with my crazy tribulations for years.”
They drank coffee and enjoyed the dozen donuts his father had brought.
“So what brings you to Cincinnati now, Dr. Winston?” Kasem asked. “Are you tired of the Caribbean?”
“Never. But this year, my wife wants to spend the holidays in Cincinnati. Her son Greg will be visiting. He works in London and will be here in two days’ time. On Thanksgiving Day, we’ll have a big gathering at the house with the family and staff from the clinic. Kasem, we’d like you to join us.”
Remembering his Thai good manners, Kasem brought his hands together and bowed. “I’ll be honored. Dr. Winston.”
“Lillian went to visit Susan and meet her mother. They’ll be over, too.”
“Ah.” Royce and Kasem said at the same time.
A party in the house, with Susan in attendance…
“Looking forward to it. That’ll be fun,” Royce said with a cheerful voice.
“That’ll be fun,” Kasem echoed with a mournful voice.
***
AGive Thankswreath woven with burgundy roses, pinecones, and berries set a welcoming Thanksgiving tone at the front door of the Winston mansion.
Steve and Lillian greeted their guests at the door. After hugging his stepmother, Royce introduced Kasem to Lillian.
“Nice to meet you, Kasem,” Lillian said when he bowed to her, hands clasped in the Thai fashion. “I visited your lovely fiancée and met your future mother-in-law. I’ve known Susan for years and didn’t hesitate to let her live in my house. Mrs. Chen told me you plan to marry very soon.”
