AFTER DINNER CONVERSATIONS:

Joe and Tony were sitting in a quiet corner of the Bahmra's back yard. Tony had been right. It was the best meal of his life, and he decided he could get used to meals like this. And once he got over the initial shock of Jess' family, he fit right in. Mrs. Bahmra was impressed at the young man's appetite. It's not often, you see a young white man devour traditional Indian cooking. He even enjoyed the dishes that most white people don't like. She knew her husband was up to something regarding Joe, but she decided to respect her husband's privacy and wait until he decided to reveal his thoughts. But one thing she knew for sure, is that whatever it was, it centered around the young man at their table. And even for a white man, he was handsome, even she had to admit that.

Joe relished the peacefulness of the back corner of the Bahmra's back yard. He and Tony sat back there talking about the day's events and drinking beer. They chose not to talk about Jess in regards to Jess and Joe, lest they were eavesdropped on. Joe couldn't afford to offend anyone at this moment. So, they stuck to a "safe" topic, football. Besides, it was something the 2 young men had in common besides Jess. The more and more the two talked about football, Joe realized that Tony would make an excellent assistant coach. With the women's team going pro in the upcoming season, he needed more help. He decided he would ask Tony if he wanted to coach at a later time…..besides, it would keep him in closer contact with this amazing family.

Pinky soon approached the two young men. She wanted a moment alone with this Joe. Fortunately for her, her father needed Tony's help with something. Pinky and Joe had never really met, except for that day that Joe showed up at their door to talk to her parents about her sister.

"Hi, I'm Jess' older sister, Pinky." she stated after Tony went into the house.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Joe……I'm…uh was Jess'…uh……c-coach." stammered Joe. He wasn't sure how this "interview" was going to go.

"I know." Pinky smiled. "Relax…..I'm not going to hit you or anything. And don't worry, your's and Jess' secret it safe with me."

"Secret?" replied a bewildered Joe.

"Joe, Tony told me what happened at the airport….and I had a feeling that it was inevitable. But I can see why she chose you. You do have an uphill battle, you know that don't you?" asked Pinky

"Yes." Joe said……and he bent his head in defeat.

"Don't worry. You have Tony and I in your corner." said Pinky, trying to reassure Joe. "And if you continue to behave as you did tonight at dinner, you will have my parents eating out of your hand. But promise me ONE thing."

"Sure." replied Joe. "What is it?"

"That when the time comes, you go to our father FIRST. Our parents will react better, if their permission is received prior to anything serious happening." stated Pinky. "And if you promise me that, you will have me in your corner, should you need it."

Joe smiled. "Jess and I are planning on dealing with your parents when she comes home for Christmas."

"Good. And until then, Tony and I will make sure you are around my parents until then, so you can continue to make a good impression on our parents."

At that, Pinky and Joe were laughing like they were long time friends. Pinky's husband joined his wife and soon Tony returned. The three were enjoying each other's company, laughing at each others jokes. So much so, they didn't notice that the group of young adults didn't see Mr. Bahmra approach them. He smiled, and asked if anyone needed anything.

Pinky excused herself, because she really needed to have one more conversation. She felt extremely good about Joe. No matter what happened, he was a part of this family now. Although, part of her wish she could somehow listen into this conversation with her dad, Joe, Tony, and Teetu.

Pinky didn't have to go far to have her conversation with Mrs. Paxton. She was sitting outside enjoying a cup of coffee. Now she could talk with this woman, and more importantly watch her father interact with Joe.

"Mrs. Paxton, I was hoping to have a chat with you." stated Pinky.

"As I with you." responded Mrs. Paxton.

Pinky was about to say something, but Mrs. Paxton stopped her. "I am terribly sorry about my horrendous behavior at your wedding. My daughter and I had a huge misunderstanding, and unfortunately for all involved, I took it out on you and your family, when I should have gotten the whole story from my daughter before flying off the handle."

"Thank you for your explanation." replied Pinky. "I knew there was more to the story. Jess was just as confused as the rest of us. Jess, said it was an interesting night in the living room, and you were the topic of conversation."

"Oh, I can imagine." replied a relieved Mrs. Paxton. "I have to laugh at myself when I think of how horribly I behaved. They probably thought I was drunk."

Pinky laughed. "It's okay Mrs. Paxton. I'm just glad we got this opportunity to clear the air. I'm also glad that you're here tonight. Jess' absence is going to be hard on my parents. I think you and my mother could be of great help to each other in getting through this."

"I believe you're right." agreed Mrs. Paxton.

"Please excuse me Mrs. Paxton, but I need to see if my parents need anymore assistance." And with that, Pinky left her spot next to Mrs. Paxton.

Pinky's mom did not need any help, so she went back outside to join her husband and friends. However, when she got outside, the only people left out there were her father and Joe. This was a conversation that she had no place in, so she went back and chatted with Mrs. Paxton…..a place where she could carefully monitor the body language of her dad and Joe.

"Thank you Mr. Bahmra, for your generous hospitality tonight." Joe said to his host.

"No Joe, it is I, that should be thanking you." replied a quiet Mr. Bahmra. "You have made some of our daughter's dreams come true. And for that, we are eternally thankful. Education in our family is very important, and you have made a free one available to her, and a chance for her to play football. While we don't fully agree with the football part, she is good and will only get better. I hope she can come back to England and play."

"Jess made her dreams come true, not I sir." responded Joe. "I only hope I can make all her dreams come true. She is a special person, and much of what has happened, Jess has done. She has a talent, that few people possess. And I'm not just talking about football. She can make anyone believe in themselves. She made me believe in myself, and because of that, I am talking to my father again. I think she has given me a far greater gift, than I have given her."

With that, Mr. Bahmra shook Joe's hand. He got up from his seat, and told Joe he was welcome in his home at any time. Joe was just getting comfortable, and Jess' father couldn't bring himself to make this young man uncomfortable in his house tonight. To so, would defeat the purpose of getting to know him. The two walked into the house, laughing at some joke. That scene made all of Jess' family wonder, what bond these two very different men had with each other. The men silently knew what each other was thinking…..that the family would know soon enough. That bond had a name. Jess.