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“We take our shoes off inside,” I whisper to Connor. “My grandmother likes to keep some Japanese traditions.” I ring the bell and almost immediately the door opens. My mother is there front and center, with my grandmother peering around her, and my father in the rear.
“Kennedy!” My mother says. Then she turns her attention to Connor. “And you must be Connor.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Connor says, nodding. “Thank you for inviting me.”
My parents are dressed in business casual. My mother’s wearing a sweater over her blouse, and my father still has his suit jacket on. My grandmother is dressed in a kimono made from pale blue fabric with large white and orange flowers and a blue sash.
My mother steps back and motions for us to enter. Connor follows my lead as I take off my shoes and set them on the floor just inside the foyer. I slide my feet into the smaller of two pairs of slippers set out for us, and he uses the other pair.
My pulse is racing, and to call me nervous would be a gross understatement. “I’d like for you to meet my boyfriend, Connor Murphy.”
“Mrs. Takahashi,” Connor says, sounding quite formal. He nods and makes a slight bow. Then he nods to my father. “Mr. Takahashi.”
Finally, my grandmother steps forward. She’s a tiny thing, not even five feet tall.
“And you must be the very lovely Mrs. Takahashi, Kennedy’ssobo. I am honored to meet you.Konbanwa.”Good evening.And then he bows to her.
My grandmother’s eyes widen in pleased surprise. She bows deeply in return. “Konbanwa, Murphy-san,” she says in her soft, lilting voice. Then she lifts her head and winks at me.
“Please, come into the living room,” my father says, motioning us inside.
I glance at Connor. “Where did you learn that?”
He grins at me. “You’ve heard of the Internet, yes?”
We follow my parents to a formal living room, where we sit. After exchanging pleasantries, my mother and grandmother disappear into the kitchen to check on dinner, leaving us alone with my father.
“So, Connor,” my father says, as he leans back in his seat. “How are you enjoying your visit in our fair city?”
“I’m enjoying it immensely,” Connor says as he reaches for my hand.
I suspect Connor’s feeling just a bit nervous himself.
“I understand you work in capital investments, too. Is that right?”
“Yes, sir,” Connor says. “I’m an account manager at Carmichael & Son. I’m sure you’ve heard of it.” His thumb absently strokes my palm, sending shivers down my spine. I don’t even think he’s aware he’s doing it.
My father smiles. “Yes, I believe I have.” Then he winks at me. “Excellent firm.”
Before my father can ask another question, Mom returns to invite us to the table. Dinner is served in the dining room, at a formal table set for five. It looks like we’re having a traditional Japanese meal this evening—Miso soup, steamed rice, pickled cucumber, salad, steamed vegetables, and grilled tuna steaks as the main course. We have hot green tea to drink, as well as sake served in small, traditional blue-and-white hand-painted cups.
“We usually don’t eat like this,” I whisper to Connor as he tastes the soup.
The meal is delicious and expertly prepared. My mom and grandmother are both great cooks.
When they return to the kitchen to get the dessert, I whisper to Connor, “They’re trying to impress you.”
“They’ve succeeded,” he whispers back, squeezing my hand beneath the table.
After the meal, we return to the living room to chat. My parents ask Connor all sorts of questions about London, his career, and his family. It’s a bit embarrassing the way they’re grilling him. It’s practically an interview. But Connor doesn’t seem to mind. He looks quite content to relax back in the sofa beside me, holding my hand.
“I love your family,” Connor says to me on our ride back to my apartment. “But I especially adore your grandmother. It was a lovely evening, and your family was very welcoming.” He squeezes my hand. “I just wish my family had been as welcoming to you. For that, I’m truly sorry.”
* * *
On the way back to Brooklyn, Connor instructs our Uber driver to drop us off at Brooklyn Bridge Park so we can take time to enjoy the view of Manhattan from across the East River. It’s still light outside, so we walk around the park, passing Grimaldi’s pizza restaurant and Juliana’s. We stop for ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and continue on our way toward the river. Lots of pedestrians are taking selfies of themselves with the bridge in the background. I even catch Connor snapping a few pics with his phone.
We walk out onto the boardwalk to get a front row view of Manhattan from across the river. Ferry boats and speed boats meander up and down the waterway.
