After helping Damon tidy up the office, we headed to the dining room where his parents were waiting for us.
Damon and Lorenzo's parents, sitting at the table, looked up as we arrived. Their father now that I paid attention was an imposing man with graying hair. As soon as we arrived, he displayed an enigmatic smile.
-Well, it took you two a while, he said in a slightly mocking tone, his words implying something a little salacious.
Lorenzo, still red from our earlier altercation, tried to maintain an impassive expression, but I could see the uneasiness in his eyes. For my part, I decided to play the game, with an innocent smile on my lips.
-Oh, you know how young people are, always having fun, I replied with a touch of sarcasm in my voice.
Their father burst out laughing, a deep sound that echoed through the room.
-Yes, I suppose that's true, he said, shaking his head. Sit down dinner otherwise it will get cold
Damon took a seat across from me, Lorenzo sitting next to him, trying to hide the marks of our recent struggle. Damon's mother, an elegant woman with silver hair and soft eyes, looked at us with a slight smile, as if she knew more than she let on.
-I hope you enjoyed your little... session, she said softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I smiled back, feeling a certain complicity in his eyes.
-Absolutely, I replied. Lorenzo and I always have interesting ways to pass the time.
Lorenzo coughs slightly, trying to hide his embarrassment, while Damon watches the scene with amusement.
-Good, good, said their father, raising his glass. To the family, and to our... memorable moments.
We all raise our glasses, toasting this ambiguous statement. The conversation continued, lighter, and the atmosphere gradually calmed down. Despite the underlying tensions, the meal went off without a hitch, everyone playing their role to perfection.
Damon gave me a knowing look.
-It seems that the evening has only just begun, he murmurs.
-Indeed, I answer confidently, and I am ready to face whatever comes.
Lorenzo, for his part, remained silent, his gaze moving from Damon to me, a mixture of defiance and resignation in his eyes. This night was a turning point, and everyone here knew it.