Free Just Breathe Trilogy Box Set by Martha Sweeney

found her perch on Joe’s shoulders again who is standing on the other side of Sadie.
    Back at the house, after more introductions, everyone sits down to start eating. The meal is slow and long, but entertaining. Everyone is speaking to each other in Mandarin during the entire meal but Nǎinai, Mŭqīn and Mrs. Wú are doing most of the talking with the exception of Fŭqīn, Henry and Mr. Wú on occasion.
    Mŭqīn and Fŭqīn find out that they indirectly know Henry’s parents, Lin and Nuo Wú, through mutual acquaintances and share pleasant stories of their friends and the differences between living in China and America. Later into the meal, the conversation eventually steers over to Maggie and Henry and then over to general topics for discussion. Everyone talks from time to time, even Jade and Rey except for Joe and myself. Mr. and Mrs. Wú question how Jared and I became a part of the family and all eyes turn to us.
    I know that Mŭqīn, Fŭqīn and Nǎinai are being respectful by allowing Jared and I to tell our own stories, especially me since I’m not generally one to speak about myself. If we were all more familiar with the Wú’s, I know that Nǎinai would be adding some of her own points. Jared instinctually knows to take the lead. I add in a sentence or two here and there, showing my respect to the Li family’s guests, though it’s uncomfortable for me. By the look on their faces, Mr. and Mrs. Wú seem impressed with the level of Mandarin both Jared and I speak.
    Jared explains that he and I had met on my first day in California and that we became instant friends. His lack of a full explanation as to how I came to California comes up and he only mentions that I had just traveled across the country by train from the East Coast. He left a number of details out which he knows not to disclose. There is still a bit of information Maggie’s parents don’t know about me — I should say, I don’t think they know about me, unless Maggie has filled them in.
    Jared goes into describing how I started working with him at the florist shop that is across from the Peking Wok in downtown LA and how we met Maggie. He adds to his story how I was very shy and didn’t speak much. He teases how Mŭqīn and Fŭqīn instantly fell in love with me because the first words that I spoke to them were in Mandarin. This creates smiles all around the table and Mr. and Mrs. Wú nod acceptingly of us. Jared jokes how Maggie’s family was a little suspicious of him at first, but when they found out he was gay and not interested in dating Maggie, he was instantly accepted. Jared is not in the closet, but confirms who he is to certain people who may question it as well as to see how receptive they are to his orientation. Mr. and Mrs. Wú seem pleased with Jared’s story telling and don’t pry for more details.
    Nǎinai asks how Henry and Blue Eyes know each other. I guess she feels it’s only fair for them to share their story since Jared told ours. Before Henry begins his story, I look to Joe to watch for his reaction — nothing but smiles. Henry briefly explains that he and Joe had met their freshman year of college. They were roommates and have been like brothers ever since. Henry kept his story simple and short as well, obviously leaving out many details like where they went to school, what they were studying and other incidentals.
    Later, as most of us finish eating, everyone continues sitting around talking and Jade joins me by sitting in my lap. She loves everyone in her family, but she usually singles me out at some point or another when we’re all together. Her legs are on either side of my lap as she faces me and twiddles with a lock of my hair.
    “Do you think he likes his gift?” Jade asks me in Mandarin.
    “Who?” I question to make sure I know to whom she’s referring.
    “Joe silly,” She indicates with a giggle.
    “I would think so. He’s wearing it isn’t he?” I encourage, smiling back at her.
    “Yeah . . .