Episode 17

...Hunter Andrew narrating (Continuation)...

Julios_ It almost feels like it was yesterday when you were bringing girls here; the funny thing was you’d sneak in through the back of the house thinking we didn’t notice.

Hunter_ I can’t believe you still remember that, Dad.

Nana_ Yeah, I used to find bras or panties thrown around the garden; you guys didn’t even try to hide your giggles.

Hunter_ And here I was thinking I was being discreet.

Night fell, and we went inside; after dinner, we gathered in the living room and chatted late into the night.

The next day, we woke up early, not out of obligation, but because my dad made me leap out of bed. He wanted to go fishing, something we always did here when I was younger.

We left the pier and stopped by the market to pick up some things that Nana had asked us to get.

It’s good to see my dad doing well, happy, and enjoying retirement even better than I thought he would.

Hunter_ So Dad, when are you going to confess your feelings to Nana?

Julios_ What are you talking about, Andrew?

Hunter_ Come on, I’ve seen the way you two look at each other.

Julios_ That’s just your imagination; nothing is happening.

Hunter_ Seriously, Dad, it’s about time you found someone, and who better than Nana? She knows you better than anyone; she helped raise me, and I’d be more than happy if you two got together someday.

Julios_ Stop it, besides, I don’t even know if it’s mutual.

Hunter_ At least you’re admitting you feel something; I’m going to do something about this.

Julios_ Don’t come to me with your crazy ideas.

With that, I left him alone; I need to plan a romantic evening for him and Nana. I’ll have to come up with my best lie to get her to help me set it up.

I arrived in the kitchen, and there she was, busy with her tasks, so distracted that she didn’t even see me come in.

Hunter_ Nana.

She stopped what she was doing and looked at me.

Nana_ Son, do you need something? Want something to eat?

Hunter_ No, thanks, Nana; I wanted to ask for your help with something.

Nana_ Sure, what is it?

Hunter_ I’ve scheduled a date with an old friend; we haven’t seen each other in years, and I want to host it here at home.

Nana_ Oh, my son, that’s lovely; I’ll help you. What time does she arrive?

Hunter_ At seven-thirty.

Nana_ Great, what’s your plan?

Hunter_ Well, we’ll use that area in the garden; we'll set up a table for two with soft lighting and candles.

Nana_ Sounds very romantic.

Hunter_ Yes, that’s the idea.

We finished organizing everything just in time, and I have to admit it turned out perfect. I hadn’t seen my dad since I left him earlier, and I needed to think of something to keep them both from suspecting anything.

I searched the whole house for my dad and couldn’t find him, except in his bathroom, which I hadn’t checked. When I got there, he was finishing up his shower.

Hunter_ Dad?

Julios_ Hey, it’s open; come in.

Hunter_ Dad, hurry up and get dressed; we’re going out for dinner; I invited someone special, and I want you to join us.

Julios_ This dinner has nothing to do with that ridiculous idea of you trying to set me up with Nana, right?

Hunter_ Of course not, Dad. Can you be ready before seven-thirty?

Julios_ I think I can manage that.

Hunter_ Great, I’m going to take a shower.

Perfect, he took the bait. Now I just need to convince Nana. I went to the living room where she was organizing the couch.

Hunter_ Nana, go get ready to join us for dinner like I mentioned earlier.

Nana_ Huh? I thought it was a romantic date, dear.

Hunter_ I’ll explain later, now go!

I basically pushed her out of the room. After that, I ran to my bedroom, took a quick shower, and dashed to the backyard to turn on the lights leading to the garden so they wouldn’t suspect anything.

I went to my dad’s room; he was already ready, waiting for me. The old man had really dressed up.

We arrived at the garden, I left him sitting there and made an excuse that I had to answer the door. I hurried over to see if Nana was ready; she looked well put together as well. I just know my dad is going to be furious with me, but I don’t care. I just want to see them happy, and that's what matters.