Page 77 of In the Line of Ire

"I'msorry," I said when Solomon and I walked hand-in-hand towards myparents' front door.

"Why?For saying the safe phrase?"

"No, forinviting Maddox to dinner without considering yourfeelings."

"I don'tmind."

"Youdon't?"

Solomonshrugged. "We work together occasionally. I see him around. He's agood man. I'm not sitting next to him at dinner or making smalltalk but I don't mind."

"Thanks."

"Plus,it kind of makes sense that we can all travel in convoy to thestakeout later."

I openedthe door and we stepped inside, a sonic blast hitting us straightaway. Sounds of the game on TV, my nieces and nephews squealing andlaughing, my sister loudly criticizing someone's shirt, and mymother cooing the joyous sounds of someone who just received thebest gift ever.

"AuntLexi! Aunt Lexi!" My nephew, Sam skidded to a halt in front of me."Guess who's here?"

"Who?" Iasked as I ruffled his hair.

"UncleAdam! He said he's staying for dinner. Grandma set him a place atthe table with his date."

"Adambrought a date?" I frowned.

Maddoxstuck his head around the kitchen door. "I did not bring a date. Ibought Special Agent Sadiq Farid. I told you that, Sam."

"It'sokay, Uncle Adam," said Sam. "Mom and Dad said we don't judgeanyone."

Maddoxsighed. "Sadiq is nevertheless not my date."

"Hey,"said Sadiq as he walked from behind Maddox. He ditched his jacketand tie but still wore his gun as he chewed on a cheese straw."Your mom and dad are great. Very welcoming."

"Yourmom welcomed Sadiq to this country," said Maddox. "She asked ifhe'd ever eaten an all-American home-cooked mealbefore."

"I grewup in Nebraska," said Sadiq. "My mom made great spaghetti but thesedays, I mostly just eat a lot of microwave meals."

"Thepoor boy," said Mom, squeezing behind them. "Did you hear that?Microwave meals? I'll send you home with some homemade food to keepin your freezer. If you come by on Sundays, I'll batch cook forboth of you."

"Mrs. Gyou are truly an amazing woman," grinned Sadiq.

"AdamMaddox!" exclaimed my father, behind us. "Come and watch the game.Bring your friend. John, so glad you're here. Hi, sweetheart." Dadleaned in and kissed my cheek and whispered, "Did you date Sadiqbefore too?"

"No,Dad!"

"Huh.Nuts, I had ten bucks riding on that." He reached for his walletand headed back into the living room as I pulled a face at hisretreating back. "You won," he said, handing a bill to someone. Ileaned around Solomon and stuck my tongue out at Daniel.

"I'mcleaning up," said Daniel as he waved a few bills andgrinned.

"Isdinner ready?" I asked, wondering who else would bet that I datedSadiq. I couldn't be offended. He was very cute with his jet-blackhair, sparkling eyes and easy smile.

"Tenminutes," said Mom. "I'm whipping up an extra dessert so Adam andSadiq can take some home with them."

"Theydon't live together," I said.

"I knowthat, darling. I have two separate tubs." Mom rolled her eyes andretreated. Sadiq barked a laugh and followed her.

"I'm ondrinks duty apparently," said Maddox. "Can I get you both abeer?"

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