Dinner Time

 

                “Breit, table for…11?
                “That’s us.” Danny stood up, brushing off her dress. “Has Dee come in yet?”

                “Not yet.”

                “I’ll wait for them.” Sean offered.

                “I’ll wait too!” JJ blurted out. Alex glared at him, he’d been cut off before he could speak.

                “I’ll be fine on my own. Bikky likes me.” Sean smiled.

                Danny grabbed JJ’s arm. “We’ll be off then.” She led the group, Josh, Alex, JJ, Dirk and Hilde, after the waitress. Sean sighed. “I hadn’t realized there were so many of us.”

                He shifted in his seat. By the time he got there everyone should have picked seats, he hoped Danny remembered to leave four vacant so Dee’s family could sit together. They were late… How unlike them. Ryo was usually so punctual.

                He’d waited about five minutes when a waitress came up to him. “Umm, sir, are you waiting for someone?”

                He nodded. “Yes. Is someone looking for me?”

                She smiled. “No. Just checking that you weren’t waited to be seated.”

                “Thank you.” He watched her leave and sighed. He should enjoy the silence while it lasted. Around the Breit’s silence was a rarity.

                “Hey, Sean!” Carol and Bikky pounced him, hugging him.

                He hugged Carol back. “You’re finally here. I suppose she insisted that you pass her fashion exam.” He smiled fondly down at the girl.

                Carol grinned and flashed a peace sign. “Of course!”

                She was so cute. He looked over at Bikky. “You know, this’s the first time I’ve seen you in something other than jeans and a t-shirt.”

                “I keep telling him he should wear nicer clothes more often but…” Carol shrugged helplessly.

                Bikky glared at her. “What’s wrong with the way I dress?”

                Dee hit him. “Don’t start a fight. We’re in public.”

                Bikky kicked Dee in the shins. “Shut up, old man.”

                “Bikky…” Ryo frowned warningly. Bikky sniffed and left Dee alone. Sean sweatdropped. “Actually, they’ll probably fit right in.” He gestured. “The others are already seated. Let’s go look for the fighting.”

                Dee blinked. “That bad, huh?”

                Carol grabbed his hand, following him. “What’s Danny’s family like?”

                “Uhh… They’re… Umm… They’re all very attractive.” What else good could he say about them without building her hopes up?

                “Really? Does she have a brother about my age?”

                “Hey!” Bikky protested.

                “Sorry. Alex is the youngest and he’s 23.”

                “Really?...How old is Danny?

                “25.”

                “Really?” Carol looked surprised. “I thought she was 23.”

                Sean laughed. “Nope. Although, people often think she’s the younger one.”

                “What’s his name?”

                “Didn’t Ryo tell you? Alex.”

                “Alex? That’s a cute name.”

                “That’s a girls name.” Bikky declared. He looked annoyed.

                “Well, Alex isn’t a girl.”

                “And Sean’d know.” Dee smirked slightly. Ryo hit him on the shoulder. “Dee…”

                “Eh?!” Carol stared up at Sean who was frowning at Dee. “I knew it!”

                “Huh?” He blinked down at her.

                “You’re gay.” She winked.

                “But he had a girlfriend!” Bikky protested.

                Carol shrugged. “Bi then.”

                Sean turned red. “Carol…”

                “Sean, you bad boy.”

                Sean jumped and turned to find Dirk standing behind him, smiling slightly. “Sorry, sir?”

                Dirk gestured at Carol. “If you’re going to go out with a younger woman at least go out with a legal one.”

                “Dirk!” Sean protested. Carol laughed and wrapped her arms around his waist, winking at Dirk. Bikky kicked Dee.

                “OW! What was that for?”

                Bikky fumed.

                Dee turned to Ryo with a pitiful look. Ryo sighed. “Bikky, please don’t start any fights.”

                “She isn’t my girlfriend.” Sean was explaining. “She’s part of Ryo and Dee’s family.”

                “Ahh, I see. I was wondering about that.” He looked at Bikky. “And the street rat?”

                Bikky glared at him. Ryo answered for him. “That’s Bikky.”

                “Ryo’s adopted son.” Sean explained.

                “I see. Well, I’m Dirk Breit.”

                “So?” Bikky glared insolently at him.

                Dirk raised an eyebrow. “So?”

                “Daddy!” Danny stalked up. “What’s taking you so- Dee!” She hugged Ryo and Bikky and quickly kissed Dee. “You’re late.”

                “You created a fashion monster. She wouldn’t let us out until she was satisfied.”

                “Not my fault. Blame Sean. I’m perfectly willing to sit around in flannels myself. Unfashionable flannels.” She grinned. Sean made a face. “Far too willing.”

                Carol and Bikky were gaping at Dirk. “He’s your father?!”

                Dirk frowned at them. “How surprising is that?”

                “I thought Danny’s last name was Mills.”

                Dirk shook his head. “Daniela,” He stressed her real name. “never has been or will be a Mills.”

                “Technically I am, Daddy.”

                “Blood is stronger than law.”

                “Well, the law isn’t exactly strong in our family.”

                “Don’t be cheeky.”

                “But I have such cute dimples!” She smiled. “See?”

                “Hopeless.” He shook his head.

                “I like her.” Bikky attached at Danny only to get hit by Josh. He glared up at the assassin, rubbing his head. “What was that for?”

                “My girl. Go hug yours.” Josh looked back at the adults. “I don’t suppose you could wrap this up? Alex’s fingering his gun and I think JJ’s only a second behind him. I bet Alex’s a faster draw but JJ’s got him on aim any day and a gunfight isn’t my idea of a good beginning for a dinner date.”

                Sean groaned. “’Lexie…” He detached from Carol and rushed off.

                “Where’s he going in such a rush?”

                Danny shrugged. “He’ll be back. We should go ourselves.”

                Josh blinked at her. “Why would he be back?”

                “He forgot to ask where the table is.” She smirked.

 

                It took Sean a couple of minutes to remember that himself. Mentally cursing he stopped a passing waitress to get directions. She led him right to the table and smiled, asking him if he wanted anything. He shook his head then considered. “… Alcohol. Lots of it.” He glared between Alex and JJ, who hadn’t spotted him yet. “The strong stuff.”

                She took one look at the seated pair then nodded. “I’ll be right back with it.”

                Just his luck. Alex and Jamie were seated on opposite sides of the table. He’d have to sit by one or the other. He checked the other chairs to see who was sitting where. Besides JJ there were two empty chairs then  Hilde, Dirk’s coat, Danny’s, Josh’s, Alex and then three empty chairs before coming round to Jaime again. He hesitated, torn by indecision.

                “Hey, Sean! You got here ahead of us? Should’ve known you’d manage it somehow.”

                He turned, relieved. Danny had arrived just in time. “I asked a waitress.”

                “A man, asking directions?” Hilde sounded astonished. “What is the world coming to?”

                “It was just common sense.” He replied.

                “Another thing most men lack.” She looked pointedly at JJ and Alex, who ignored her. Dee took in the table at a glance, as Josh, Danny and Dirk sat again. He grabbed Ryo’s hand and started pulling him towards a chair but Bikky kicked him in the ankle and grabbed Ryo possessively. Dee and Bikky glared at each other as Ryo sighed resignedly. Carol tugged on Sean’s sleeve. “Can I sit by you?”

                “Hmmm…” Sean looked at the table. She couldn’t sit by Danny, no way she’d move. She didn’t care that much for Jaime or Hilde, or Alex for that matter. He bit his lip, turning table seatings over in his head.

                Ryo hit both Dee and Bikky, who were starting to bicker over who got to sit by him and walked towards the nearest chair.

                Sean pondered. Would sitting next to Dee be OK for Jaime? No, probably not a good idea. But…Sitting anywhere near Alex was a bad idea, and…

                Alex shook his head and he watched Sean thinking. He turned his attention to the girl and winked, pointing to the seats nearest him. She frowned at him then looked over at JJ who was watching her just as intently. She looked between the two for a few minutes as Ryo tried to calm Dee and Bikky down.

                Hilde sweatdropped. “Araa… Your friends are very…spirited, Daniela.” She smiled at her step-daughter who glared venomously at her.

                Dirk sipped his drink, how he’d managed to get alcohol before everyone else even got their drink orders was anyone’s guess, and shook his head. “We shouldn’t be talking.”

                Danny gave up trying to kill Hilde with her glare alone and turned to Josh. “Who do you think should sit where?”

                “Obviously Dee, Ryo, Bikky, then Carol.” He replied.

                She looked over her shoulder at Sean. “…” She turned back to Dee. “That work?”

                “Huh?”

                She sweatdropped. “You weren’t even listening, were you?”

                “This brat was yelling too loudly.” He glared at Bikky who glared right back. “You were the loud one.”

                “Be quiet, both of you.” Ryo was obviously impatient. “We’re going to get kicked out at this rate.”

                Josh sighed. “It’s only a matter of time.”

                “Don’t be so negative.” Danny chided. She gestured at the empty chairs then frowned. “Jamie, sweetie, you’re going to have to move.” She turned back to Dee and Bikky and pointed imperiously. “Dee, you sit by Ryo, Bikky on the other side, then Carol. Good?”

                Bikky and Dee considered a minute. “… Good.” They moved immediately to sit in their assigned seats as JJ stood, trying to decide where to move too. Dee took the chair by Hilde. Ryo moved to sit between them, muttering something about alcoholic drinks and Tylenol. Carol pulled Sean behind her as she moved to sit on the other side of Bikky. Both Alex and JJ moved at the same time, for the chair next to Sean. Dirk shook his head. “I told you this was a bad idea.”

                “Maybe you were right.”

                “We can’t even all get seated…”

                “On the other hand,” Danny mused. “We are entertaining the other customers.”

                “Oh yay.” Dirk replied dryly. He gestured for their waitress, holding up his empty glass. “Keep it full. Please.”

                “Daddy, you shouldn’t drink too much. It’s bad for you.”

                “Everything’s bad for me. Let me kill myself in peace, thank you.”

                “Dirk.” Hilde chided him.

                “Agh, I forgot my own rule.”

                “Which one?”

                “Never sit between two women.”

                Josh snickered. Danny shook her head and went back to watching Alex and JJ. Sean had finally had enough. He patted Carols shoulder and whispered to her, ‘Sorry, next time maybe’, and moved to sit in the chair the two were fighting over. Alex, who was half sitting in the chair himself, grinned. “Are you staying this time or just deliberating?”

                “Staying.” Sean proclaimed as JJ sat on his other side.

                “Took awhile.”

                Sean glared at him wordlessly as the waitress returned with a few bottles of alcohol and some glasses. “What would everyone like?”

                “Brandy.”

                “Beer.”

                “Scotch.” Dirk held his glass up.

                “Vodka for me, he’ll take a scotch too.” Alex replied for himself and Sean. Sean didn’t protest.

                “I’ll take a-”

                “No.” Sean and Danny cut him off. JJ sulked. Alex smirked.

                “We’ll have some red wine.” Ryo smiled apologetically at the waitress.

                Hilde thought a bit. “I’ll have some wine as well.”

                The poor waitress nodded, and handed out various glasses, pouring the adults their beverages. Everyone, except JJ, Sean’d stopped the waitress from pouring him any, immediately gulped down their first couple glasses. Dirk gestured to the waitress. “Just leave the bottles.” He looked around. “I get the feeling we’ll need them.”

                She sweatdropped, obviously under the impression they were one, big, dysfunctional family. Close, they were several dysfunctional families. She left them menus and promised to return in a few minutes, leaving them to choose their meals.

                “Daddy.”

                “Yes, Daniela?” Dirk replied absently, downing another glass.

                “Why are you here? You never did tell me.”

                “Business.”

                “But you don’t work up here.”

                “They do.”

                “You aren’t starting a gang war, are you?” JJ stopped glaring at Alex a minute to try and stare down Dirk. Dirk won.

                “He isn’t.” Josh replied.

                “How do you know?”

                “No one’s asked me or Brett to get involved.”

                “Would they?”

                “Of course. Nothing but business as usual, lately.”

                Dirk nodded. “If you don’t mind I’d like to hire you while we’re working up here.”

                “Daddy’s pathetically ignorant about ‘the business’ up here.”

                “So’re you, Danny.” Alex teased. “You’ve been living here for years and probably know less then them.” He nodded his head towards Dee and Ryo.”

                “I’m clean.” She shrugged.

                “I still can’t believe you just gave it all up.”

                “I’m relieved.” Sean pronounced. Everyone turned to look at him as he nursed his drink. “It’s too dangerous.”

                “No more than police work, I’d imagine.” Alex eyed JJ.

                “I guess…”

                Alex filled his drink. “You shouldn’t drink it all in one go like that. It always goes to your head.”

                Sean shrugged. Carol slipped around JJ into his lap. She smiled up at Alex who was watching her warily. “You must be ‘lexie.”

                He hid a grin. “Only a few people get to call me that, madchen.”

                “Madchen?”

                “It’s German. For girl.” Sean told her.

                “You’re German?”

                “Yeah.”

                “I thought Germans were blond?”

                “’lexie’s unusual.” Sean gently slapped her hand as she went for his drink. “Not unless Ryo says it’s OK. Can you see the menu?”

                “Yeah!” She smiled at him. “I already decided, anyway.”

                “That’s nice. Shouldn’t you go back to sitting by Bikky before he decides I’m a rival? I’m afraid I’m not quite as sturdy as Dee so I don’t think I’d stand up too well to his punishments.”

                Carol shrugged, dismissing the problem. “You’re too old for me.”

                “Gee, thanks.”

                Alex snickered. “I don’t think anyone’s accused you of being old before, geliebt.”

                “Guess not.”

                “You don’t have an accent.” Carol returned her attention to Alex.

                “I grew up speaking both. Danny took forever to learn the civilized languages.”

                “Since when is German considered civilized?” She retorted.

                “How many languages do you all speak?”

                “Three.”

                “Why so many?”

                “Danny’s mother was Spanish, and so is most of Miami and LA, so we all learned that. Pretty much everyone speaks English so we would’ve been odd if we hadn’t learned that and mother prefers German so…” He shrugged. “Three languages, at least, for all of us.”

                “Wow.” She turned to Dirk. “Do you know three too?”

                “Four. Dutch. A smattering of Italian, but not enough to count.”

                “Wow! You’re all so… so…international.”

                “What about you, Sean?”

                “Only one, really. A bit of German and a little Spanish, but that’s all. I’m British so I didn’t need many other languages.”

                “British? That explains a lot.” Dee grinned teasingly at Sean who smirked.

                “Yeah, like the fact I have manners.”

                “Hey, hey!”

                 “It’s OK, Dee.” Danny grinned. “We all know you’re an uncultured lout but we put up with you anyway.”

                “Who’s rude?”

                She smirked.

                “So Sean’s British, Ryo’s half-Japanese, Dee’s a mongrel-”

                “Bikky! You little-”

                “Except for Danny you’re all German, she’s half Spanish and Josh’s Italian.”

                “Sì.”

                “Quite a group.”

                “Indeed.”

                “You know, I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced yet.” Alex eyed Carol.

                “This is Carol and that’s Bikky. This is Alex, you’ve already met Dirk and that’s Hilde, Alex’s mother.” Sean introduced everyone.

                “So, Carol,” Alex smiled at the girl. “Did you have a reason for moving or did you just decide that you didn’t like the seating arrangement?”

                “Why? Are you jealous?”

                “I’m a bit big to be sitting in peoples laps.”

                “Then there isn’t a problem, now is there?”

                “It might make eating awkward.”

                She considered that then nodded. “OK.” Hopping off Sean’s lap she returned to her seat.

                Sean looked confused. “It’s OK, Carol. You don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. We haven’t even ordered yet.”

                “It’s OK. I wanted to meet him.” She settled in her seat. “Besides, you’re all bony.”

                “Sorry.” Sean sounded a little hurt.

                “I didn’t know you were British.” JJ looked a little put out himself.

                “I did.” Alex smirked.

                “’lexie.”

                “Verzeihung.”

                “What’s that mean?” Carol asked. Bikky was pouring over the menu as Dee and Ryo chatted with Hilde. “And that other word, ge-ge-“

                “Geliebt?”

                “Yeah. That one.”

                “Verzeihung means sorry.”

                “And Gelie…gelei…”

                “A nickname.” Alex smiled.

                “Oh… Can you teach me?”

                Dirk choked on his drink, laughing. Carol blinked at him. Sean blushed slightly as Alex snickered. “No, madchen, I don’t think I will.”

                “Why not?”

                “Because then it wouldn’t be my nickname, now would it?” He smiled reasonably.

                “I guess so…”

                “Sean…”

                “Yes, Jamie?”

                “Why’d you leave England?”

                “My parents moved. Business… Real business, not criminal.”

                “Oh… how long have you lived here?”

                “Since I was eight. We moved between England and the US fairly often though. Tended to spend winter there, vacation time here. Mother didn’t approve of the schools.”

                “What’s your mother like?”

                “She was rather nice. Kind of reserved but sweet.”

                “And your father?”

                He blinked. “Why all this sudden interest in my family?”

                “Cause you normally won’t talk about them.”

                “No one asks.”

                JJ couldn’t refute that. “Why’d you leave?”

                “I grew up.”

                “But what were you doing in Florida? That is where you met Danny, isn’t it?”

                “Yes. We were visiting friends. The first time I’d ever been there.” Sean looked around the table. Alex was, as he expected, watching him and JJ; Danny was talking to her father and Josh and Hilde was still talking to Ryo and Dee, something about childcare from what he could hear. Strange, he wouldn’t have thought that’d interest Dee. He looked over the menu quickly as JJ tried to decide what to ask next.

                “Do you have any siblings?”

                “Actually-”

                “Pardon me.” The waitress was back. “Is everyone ready to order?”

                There was some small chaos as everyone checked their menus one last time and tried to decide who would go first. The poor, poor waitress fought the urge to bury her face in her hands or scream. It was going to be a long night.

                “More alcohol, please.”

                She rushed off to get more. If they were feeling anywhere near how she was they really needed it.

 

End