I wasn’t sure if that was a goodhuh, a badhuh, or an indifferenthuh. But she was absolutely judging us. I desperately wanted to pass a judgment. I got the idea that this one, she was the one who mattered the most.
“Auntie Kiki, yes, this is Ashton and Steven, the hockey players I met in the bar.” Kai’s voice shook a little bit.
“Fate, I tell you,” Auntie Cookie said.
The aunties knew. But then Kai had thought one of them arranged all of this. It made sense that it would come to light at the game.
“This is Auntie Mimi. She’s Auntie Kiki’s sister. Auntie Kiki lives on the big island like I do. Auntie Mimi lives on O’ahu. Auntie Cookie lives in Vegas and Auntie Tiff lives in Florida,” Kai explained.
“You’re so big and strong,” Auntie Mimi remarked, eyeing me.
“They’re athletes, Auntie, it’s their job to be big and strong,” Kai replied.
“The boys are going to take us out for a drink,” Auntie Cookie announced.
Auntie Kiki checked her phone. “Yes. I’d like to talk to these boys.”
Kai shot them a warning look.
“Let’s walk across the street,” Steven suggested. “When does your flight leave again?”
“Five am. I think we have to be at the airport around three. They’re going out to see one last performance,” Kai said as Steven led us out of the arena.
“After we have a beer with the aunties, we can talk? Maybe get some food?” I asked. It was about dinner time. “I’d like to spend a little bit more time with you before you leave.”
“We can do that, but only if you want.” The words came out quickly. Kai looked down as if the suggestion were an imposition.
“We’d love that,” I assured. I looked over and Steven was already charming the Aunties.
“I didn’t expect it to be so violent. But I liked it,” Auntie Cookie said.
“Hockey’s a very violent sport. I get in a lot of fights. It’s one of the perks.” Steven gave her a boyish look, the kind that showed off his dimples and made him look adorable, and disarming.
Kai squeezed my hand. “Just warning you, this will be something. They really did have fun.”
I pulled them closer as we walked across the street. “I put your scrunchie in.”
“I’m glad I wore one.” Kai laughed.
The seven of us went into the crowded bar and managed to find a spot on the patio. The Aunties all ordered cocktails, and the three of us ordered beers. I also ordered a couple of appetizers for the table.
“Tell me about yourself,” Auntie Kiki asked, still judging me through her glasses, as she sipped her cocktail.
Steven happily told them everything they wanted to know about our hobbies, whether or not being a hockey player was lucrative, how long our career span was, and our plans for after. I chimed in when relevant.
“You’re going to help your family’s business. What a good boy.” Auntie Cookie nodded as if we passed some sort of test.
We probably had.
“You’ve all known Kai forever, right?” Steven asked.
Kai covered their face with their hand but didn’t say anything. I squeezed their knee.
“That one was always in trouble. Also, very independent. Like their mother,” Auntie Tiff said.
“You know your mom would be waiting for your ex’s flight from Bali, then punch him in the face, and kick him in the balls,” Auntie Mimi added.
“I know. I might do that if I can make sure it doesn’t get me in trouble.” Kai took a sip of beer.
