Beneath The Mask

chapter 23 RD

::hangs up and immediately txts james::
[M&D coming to twn. Meet me at Jer's for lunch]
J:
...
[ok]
C:
::quite excited::
::and nervous: :
::hoping they approve of the match::
::bolts to Jer's asa its break time::
#rm for re cuz idk if he's there early or not#
J:
::will get there on time::
C:
::gets there::
Mom!
::runs up and hugs her::

Mom:
Hey, Cameron
::smiles::

C:
Papi!
::goes over and hugs him::
How are u guys?

dad:
we're doing good, how are u?
#rm for re#
J:
::approaches quietly::
C:
::grins::
Mom, Dad, I want you to meet someone

M&D:
::look at eachother::
::back at cam::
::and then sees jim coming::

C:
::takes Jim's hand::
This is Jim
::absolutely beaming::
J:
Hi. Nice to meet you.
::being polite::
Dad:
::in shock::

Mom:
...likewise.
Let's go in. I gather there will be lots to talk about.
::pleasant yet reserved::
::jim can likely guess he is being thoroughly analysed::
::may even get the feeling that she sees right through him::

C:
::...ok::
...papi?
::leaves Jim's side and takes Da's hand::
J:
::stands patiently::
::why to parents have the power to make people feel awkward::
D:
::gently squeezes her hand and starts walking in::

M:
::follows::

D:
::orders a table for 4::
::all lead to their seats::
....so.
...how did the two of u meet?
J:
We met at an art gallery
C:
There were a lot of people crowded around the featured piece and u know how I am in crowds. So I helped myself to the snack bar

M&D:
::listening intently::
J:
And we started talking.
About people. A subject in which she's very knowledgeable
C:
::chuckles::
Of course, he didnt know that until later

D:
::thoroughly emgrossed in their account::

M:
::noting how he draws attn to Cameron::
::also noting how very comfortable cam is with this Jim::
J:
Yes but I learned it quickly
::half smirk::
## IDK WHAT TO SAY
C:
Now this is true.
but im afraid our meeting was nowhere as entertaining as the way u and mom met
::2 jim::
Trust me.
Its my favorite story

D:
::2 jim::
why do u like my daughter?

C:
::subtle @@::
J:
::...::
...because she's full of surprises. Something you don't find everyday.
::looks at cameron::
...she cares about people and she's teaching me to
care too.
C:
::looks dwn, quiet::
::dad managed to embarass her::

D:
Cameron, what about u?

C:
Dad, he's not asking for my hand
::yet::

D:
How long have u been dating?

C:
....month and a half

D:
well we dont get to see u vry often and u've nvr dated b4. He may as well be

C:
::wishing this embarassment would stop::
.....he's a lot like Xander

M:
::this making sense with her silent analysis::

D:
In what ways?

C:
He's brilliant and keeps his word

D:
::visibly pleased::

C:
::just wants to crawl under her chair and die::
J:
::readjusting the silverware to temporarily shift his attention::
C:
::ddnt think it was going to b so uncomfortable: :
....so, um.
When did u get in?