Rick turned to Han and observed Han. To him, Han was a hardworking and caring individual. He knew the kid cared for Stella, and Han had shown Rick he was capable of handling real world difficulties. The silence was palpable. Tension hung in the air as Han looked between Rick and his wife. Sweat dripped down the back of Han's neck as he turned to Rick. "Sir. I know you are wary of Stella and I am getting married so quickly after high school. I know to you we are just some crazy kids that don't know anything about life. I'm aware that you think I'm- "Han was suddenly silenced as Rick waved his hand to tell Han to shush.
Rick crossed his arms as he looked at his wife. The two of them had already begun discussing with each other the possibility of Han and Stella deciding to get married. Janel had been voicing her concerns about the situation, she thought the two of them were too young. Marriage was different than dating in High School after all. Rick had agreed at first. Over the last few months, however, Rick was beginning to change his mind. Both Stella and Han were wise and mature beyond their ages. Han was working almost 80 hours a week at this point, showing his dedication to their daughter. Janel had a soft smile as she alternated looking at Han and Rick. It seemed that she would go along with whatever her husband decided.
Rick sighs as he looks at Han. "To be frank. When I first met you, I didn't like you. In the past, you seem to care more about football or work than anything else. I have always been grateful to you for taking Stella home that night, but that was the extent of my feelings. Over the past few months, my attitude towards you has changed." The man smiled as he pats Han on the back. "I'd be happy to have you as my son in law. What do you say, Janel?"
Janel smiles at the two men as she looked happily between them. She rests her hand on Han's back. "You treat Stella the way a man should. Before you came into her life, Stella was dealing with the trauma of Gert and his asshole ways. I agree with my husband. You have my blessing, dear."
Han smiles as Janel finishes speaking. He sighs in relief, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding in. "Thank you. Both of you. I promise not to let you down." Rick chuckles as he pats the young man on the back again. His pats were getting rough, for some reason. "It ain't us you gotta promise that to, bud. It's Stella you gotta say that to."
A few months after his talk with Stella's parents, Han was taking Stella on their trip. He was a man of his word after all. A bet was made, and he had lost that bet. Han grumbled as they packed their belongings into his car. His old rusted 2032 Toyota Camry wouldn't make the trip, so Han's dad had lent him his 2048 Dodge Ram. "New York would have been better." Han said for what seemed like the thousandth time. Stella just smiled and kissed his hand as she chuckled. "A bet is a bet, love. It's not my fault you're terrible at mini golf."
It was true. Han had lost every game of mini golf they had played.
Han simply sighed as he put the truck in reverse and backed out of the driveway. "I know, I know. I'm terrible at mini golf." He didn't mind that most of what they had done was mini golf for the bet. He would gladly lose 1000 more times just to make her happy. The smile on her face and the delight she had were worth more to him than any amount of money he would ever make.
As they drove, Han's hand rested on Stella's left thigh. Today, she was dressed in a white sun dress that came to her mid thighs. The dress was adorned with yellow flowers across it. She had bought it just for the trip because she loved the way Han would get distracted and allow his eyes to travel along her body. She loved teasing him in little ways like that. With Gert, she was never allowed to dress pretty or girly. He had always said that women should only dress that way to please their husbands. Han always told her the opposite. One time he said "Dress however you want. I can fight." She jumped his bones when he said that. Han was irresistible, and when he said stuff like that, she couldn't hold back.
The drive took them a total of 11 hours to make. Texas was a massive state, so the trip consisted mostly of backroads and I-35. I-35 was always a mess in the middle of the day, so they tried going around it. Finally, they arrived.
"8 fucking hours in Texas." Han groaned as he stretched out. Everything was sore. Legs, arms, back, and shoulders. He wasn't looking forward to the drive back. Han looked up at the massive structure they were parked in front of.
Han read the pamphlet he received from the front desk while checking in. The Omni Royal Orleans has a beautiful rooftop observation deck with a bar, heated pool, and spectacular city views. And it was true. The hotel was a massive building in downtown New Orleans. It sprawled out against the buildings nearby; it was certainly a sight to drink in with their eyes. Stella and Han came from a small town, so buildings like the one they were looking at were a novelty.
Once Stella and Han got to their room, Stella audibly gasped as she looked out the window. The nightscape stood in the backdrop, with the sprawling city laid with neon lights and vibrant colors as far as the eye can see. Music reached their ears, giving the city a lively feel. The atmosphere from below was palpable, and filled the young couple with energy as Han wrapped his arms around Stella's waist. He smiled as he kissed her neck, running his hand along her thigh.
"Is the view everything you thought it was, my love?" Han said with a grin as she melted into his touch. Her breathing was slightly labored as she leaned against him. "It is." She responded as she leaned her neck to the side so that he could have better access. "It is such a beautiful city, and I can feel the energy from here."
Han chuckled at her response and pulled her into bed with him. "Let's explore the city tomorrow. I'm beat from all that driving."
She chuckled at his tired eyes before she pulled her dress off and straddled his waist. She pulled his hands up, putting them on her breasts. "Are you too tired for some fun."
Han simply said, "If I ever say I'm too tired for that, shoot me."
That night, their neighbors probably didn't sleep very well.