Page 101 of Strictly Against Policy

“Although that was quite a scare for all of us, I’d say Jonathan’s quite happy and proud of himself,” she said. “What matters most is that everyone is safe. That’s all that matters.”

Uncle Gary let out a thundering laugh, causing people walking by to stare at us. “You’re a sweet girl for apologizing so profusely. But it’s a little cut,” stated Uncle Gary, gesturing to my eyebrow.

Auntie Gao smiled. “It’s alright, Lina. The cut Anthony gave him was even worse than this. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

At the reminder, Anthony flashed me another apologetic look. I nodded at him and turned to Lina. “It’s true,” I said.

“Unless that cut turns into a scar, and you won’t like him anymore because his handsome face is ruined. Then, we’ll have something to say,” said my mom.

“No, of course not!” Lina retorted quickly.

Julie laughed first, followed by the rest of my family. My sister’s grin was so big I was certain those cheeks of hers were hurting as she glanced between Lina and me.

“Mom’s just kidding with you, Lina,” she said. She turned to the rest of our family. “Since we all rushed out of work and haven’t eaten anything yet, should we go and have dinner together?”

“You guys haven’t eaten yet?” I asked, mortified. It was already three, almost four, in the afternoon.

Anthony and Shoua shrugged in tandem. “Not if you haven’t,” he said.

I shook my head at them while they laughed. “I was only getting stitches. Not having a dire medical emergency,” I muttered.

“Just pick somewhere to eat, Jonathan,” said Andy, laughing. “None of us wants to eat hospital food.”

Lina and me turned to each other. “I think it might be best if we return to the pharmacy first. We should go help clean up,” she stated. “We need to talk to John about how we’ll be operating the pharmacy tomorrow.”

Everyone nodded. My mom and sister looked a little apprehensive at the mention of the pharmacy but understood. I pulled a reassuring smile across my face to ease their worries.

“We’ll try to be quick, but I can’t make any promises,” I said.

“Why don’t we just cook?” suggested Auntie Gao.

She and my mom nodded, looking from me to Julie. “Honey, you’ve been craving some kapoon, right?” my mom asked my sister. “How about I make some of that, and sweet pork?”

My mouth instantly salivated. They wanted to make kapoon—a deliciously rich and spicy coconut Lao noodle soup that we all loved—and sweet pork? Forget counting macros today. I got hurt, received some stitches I was proud to wear like a badge, and I was going to stuff the fuck out of my face.

“We’ll just do that!” answered Julie excitedly. She grinned at Lina and me. “You two go take care of whatever you need to do. We’ll be cooking at Auntie Gao’s place.”

She glanced over at Mary and Eric as well, gesturing to them. Before she could speak up, Shoua said to them, “You two should come by our mother-in-law’s place for food, too!”

Lina’s friends were about to deny the invitation when the twins and Uncle Gary all spoke up and insisted they come. As the others all gravitated to Mary and Eric, I looked back at my mom and aunt.

“Sounds good.” I nodded at them. I glanced back at Andy and Anthony. “Andy, Anthony, which one of you wants to take us back?”

An unfamiliar deep voice with a thick accent spoke up. His cadence was slow, but intentional. “I was wondering if your mother and I could take you back to your pharmacy,” said the man I saw my mom on a date with.

He was average in height, had a lean build, and bronzed skin. His demeanor was calm and steady as he stepped up front from behind the twins. My mom walked over quickly and stood by his side. She turned to look at everyone as she gestured for Julie to come to my side.

“Would it be alright if Kham and I talk to Julie and Jonathan in private?” she asked.

I let go of the clasp I had around Lina’s hand. She gave me a gentle pat on the shoulder before leaving my side and joining the rest of my family and her friends, giving the four of us—Mom, Kham, Julie, and me—privacy.

“I’m sorry I’m introducing myself to you two under such circumstances,” Kham said, drawing my attention back to him. “I am Kham, and I am your mother’s friend.”

He was middle-aged with salt-and-pepper hair. Lines creased at the corners of his soft, warm eyes and mouth. He looked kind, the same way my father had looked kind.

“Your mother was so worried about you. Which also made me concerned about her own safety, so I offered to bring her here instead,” he continued. He looked at my mom. She flashed him that same gentle, reassuring smile she showed Lina. “She loves you two very much. There is never a day that goes by when she does not remind me how much you mean to her. I hope our friendship and companionship does not change or affect the relationship you have with her.”

I reached out and offered him a welcoming handshake. “I’m Jonathan,” I said. “Thank you for looking after my mom and taking care of her.”