Page 32

Rain

A s Xander parks on Harbor Road, I rub my damp palms over my dress, trying to get rid of the sweat. It’s white with small blue flowers—simple, long, and flowy, with delicate spaghetti straps. Tan sandals complete the look, and I’ve let my hair loose to air dry.

I’m a bundle of nerves as we walk toward the eatery his parents own.

It doesn’t take long to spot the place. There’s a shop out front framed by palm trees and a beautiful canoe, with Caribbean Dreams hand-painted in red, yellow, and green across the sign. It looks straight out of a movie—soft waves, bright colors, and energy that feels alive. It’s a work of art.

As we step inside, the scent of coconut wraps around me like a welcome hug. I feel instantly transported to the Caribbean.

Pictures of beaches and forts cover the walls. The air is warm but comfortable, and a faint breeze from the ceiling fans rustles my hair.

There’s soft music playing, something I can’t quite place, but it’s upbeat and makes me want to sway my hips.

This place is a total experience. I haven’t seen the menu, and I already know the food is going to be amazing.

Then, something catches my eye—a wall dedicated entirely to Xander. My heart bursts with pride as I make a beeline for it.

The first photo shows a grinning Xander, maybe around ten years old, swallowed up by an oversized hockey uniform. A few others show him with his dad at various games. But the centerpiece is from draft day—Xander flanked by his parents, proud smiles on their faces.

I press my hands to my chest, overwhelmed by emotion. I commit to memory his many achievements. This man I love has lived such a full life, and somehow, I get to be part of it.

A warm hand wraps around my waist. I look up at him, my voice thick with affection. “You’re incredible. Did you know that?”

He smiles, shy and sweet, but doesn’t say anything.

“Sam, they’re here!” a woman calls out.

Xander’s hand slips from my waist, and he turns and rushes into his mother’s arms.

I can’t help but smile at the scene. He lifts her off the ground like she weighs nothing, and she clings to him like she’s never letting go.

I can’t imagine not seeing Mama for long periods of time. Maybe once I’m settled in Raleigh, I’ll invite Xander’s parents down for a home game.

“Eh, hijo. Finally,” booms his father, joining the hug.

After a few words I can’t catch, Xander hugs his dad separately, the two of them clapping each other’s backs.

A wave of nostalgia rises in my chest. What I wouldn’t give for one more hug with Daddy. I think about him every single day.

Xander turns and extends a hand toward me. I walk straight to him, gripping it like a lifeline.

“Mom, Dad—this is Rain, my girlfriend,” he says, pride and joy lacing his every word.

“It’s so good to meet you, Rain. I’m Kristine,” his mom says, pulling me into a warm hug. “Welcome. We’re so glad you could join us.”

I hesitate for just a second before hugging her back.

“Mija, welcome. I’m Sam,” his dad adds, enveloping me in a bear hug of his own.

“Are you hungry?” he asks, rubbing his hands together.

“We’re starving,” Xander groans, rubbing his stomach dramatically. “We freshened up before coming here, but we haven’t eaten a thing.”

Okay, so dramatics run in the family.

A few clients are mingling around and eating, and the staff is handling everything smoothly.

Sam and Kristine lead us through a side door into the kitchen. It’s smaller than the one at the diner but buzzing with energy. Cooks and servers work in perfect harmony, like a well-oiled machine.

We pass through the kitchen and step onto a deck that opens up to the ocean. There’s only one table set beneath a large umbrella, providing shade from the sun. The sound of waves clashing rhythmically against the shore fills the air. It’s beautiful, calming, alive.

I get lost in the immensity of the sea for a moment, until Xander gently gestures for me to sit.

I give him a grateful smile and settle into the chair. There are a couple of extra seats at the table, and I wonder if his grandfather will be joining us.

“So Rain,” Sam begins as he takes a seat across from me, “have you ever had Caribbean food?”

I shake my head, cheeks still warm. Words don’t come easily.

Is this what Xander felt the first time he saw me?

“Oh, you’re in for a treat,” Sam says, clearly delighted. “We’ll start with a few appetizers, then go from there.”

He stands and chats with someone in the kitchen before quickly returning with a chilled glass pitcher. He pours four tall glasses, and Xander hands one to me.

“Watermelon juice,” Sam says, raising his glass for a toast.

I smile as our glasses clink and take a sip. Cool, sweet, with just a hint of lime.

“This is delicious,” I say, taking another sip. “So refreshing. I don’t think I’ve ever had watermelon juice before—only the fruit.”

Sam beams as a waiter arrives with a massive tray.

“Please, Rain—if there’s anything you don’t want to try, or don’t like, don’t feel bad,” Sam says warmly.

He begins pointing to everything on the tray. “We have plantains here. You can top them with any of the sauces or meats, or simply eat them on their own.”

I start with one plain—starchy, unfamiliar, but intriguing.

I watch Xander carefully as he loads his with tomato-onion dip and some shredded meat. I follow suit.

The result is delicious: savory, tangy, rich. Each bite packs a flavorful punch.

“I’d be happy if this was the entire meal. It’s incredible,” I say, and Sam lights up.

“I’m glad you like it. Don’t worry—we have more coming.”

“I’m so sorry to interrupt Sam’s food monologue,” Kristine chimes in with a knowing smile, “but if it were up to him, he’d talk about Caribbean flavors all day. ”

Sam clears his throat while Xander smirks, still eating.

“But dear,” Kristine continues, turning her focus to me, “we only have you here for so long, and I’m dying to get to know you.”

I pause mid-bite, wipe my mouth, and set down my napkin, bracing myself for her questions.

“Of course,” I say softly. “What would you like to know?”

Xander grins. I know whatever comes out of his mouth next can’t be good.

“Well, well, how the tables have turned, huh, Cherry?” he teases. “Now you’re the one who can’t speak?”

I groan, burying my face in my hands. I want to die of embarrassment.

He just laughs.

I punch him on the arm, and he fakes a wince.

I roll my eyes, then turn to his parents. “I’m sorry. It’s just… this is a big deal, you know? You don’t just bring anyone home to meet your parents.”

I let out a slow breath, feeling a smidge more relaxed now that I’ve said it out loud.

Kristine beams at me. “I agree with you, Rain.”

She looks over at Xander, and he settles as he meets her gaze.

“I’m sure you know about his past,” she continues gently, “and I promise I’m only going to bring it up this once. But I have never seen my son this happy before.”

Xander’s hand finds mine on top of the table, and I feel the weight of her words blanket the space. Her eyes shine with emotion, and something about that makes my own throat tighten.

“I’ve never been this happy in my life either,” I say honestly.

She gets up from her chair and walks over to me, arms already open. I stand to meet her halfway. Her hug is warm, genuine, and full of gratitude.

“I hope I don’t scare you off being so affectionate,” she says with a light laugh. “But thank you for loving my boy.”

She gives me one more squeeze before we take our seats again.

“Alright,” Sam says brightly, breaking the emotional moment, “are you ready to try some more food?”

Kristine laughs as she settles back in. “What did I tell you?” He can’t stop talking about food.”

Sam leans over and kisses her cheek. I smile, heart full. I love how affectionate they are. No wonder Xander is such a softy—having been raised by love like this.

Two waiters arrive: one clears the appetizer plates, the other brings in three large dishes. One is a fragrant rice studded with something golden. Another holds a perfectly crisp fried fish. The third is a fresh, vibrant salad.

“Okay, mija,” Sam says, gesturing to the spread. “This is mojarra frita, coconut rice, and a simple salad to balance it all. And this—” He sets down a drink in front of me. “Is coco loco . A special cocktail we make with vodka and coconut cream. I hope it’s okay.”

The drink is served in an actual coconut, complete with a little umbrella.

“This is perfect,” I whisper as I take a bite of the fish. The crunch of the fried skin gives way to tender, flaky meat. I hum with delight.

Sam gives me a big smile as he watches me eat.

“See that, Kristi? I told you—this girl’s going to be an honorary Colombian in no time.”

I smile, trying the rice next. It’s sweet from the shredded coconut, with a touch of chew from the raisins. Unexpected and completely addictive.

“I can’t believe you started without me,” a deep voice says from the doorway. I turn and spot an older gentleman, maybe in his seventies, walking onto the deck.

“Gramps!” Xander jumps up and pulls him into a long, tight hug.

They stay like that for a beat, Xander whispering something to his grandfather. The older man rubs his back with a tenderness that hits me right in the feels.

When they pull apart, Xander wipes at his eyes and turns to me.

“Gramps, meet my girlfriend, Rain.”

I stand to shake his hand, but he waves it off with a chuckle and pulls me into a hug.

“So nice to meet you, Rain. I’m Randy—but please call me Gramps.”

I glance at Xander, who just shrugs.

“I already call your grandma Granny,” he says.

I chuckle, and we all sit back down.

Gramps serves himself a plate, and we fall into an easy rhythm of eating. Then, with the same directness I’m starting to associate with him, he speaks again.

“I’m assuming since you’re back in training, the injury is a thing of the past.”

Xander nods, still chewing.

“Well, that’s good,” Gramps says. “Now, I want to know—what’s next? Are you retiring after this season?”