Jayce:   It has been three months since Easton moved to Korea and he is thriving! I was so concerned about how he would fit in, but I worried for nothing. He has a unique ability to befriend anyone and he never met a person who he does not call a friend. Since we live in the hotel, we do not have quote on quote neighbors to speak of, but Monique the hotel’s manager has become a close friend and she hangs with us often. She has a niece and nephew Ethan’s age and she brings them over every chance she gets. On top of that he is beloved at his school and his teacher constantly complements me on how well behaved and smart he is. I told her I cannot take credit for his brain, but I thanked her kindly about the compliment on his manners. It is like they are surprised that an American child, an African American male child is so smart and well behaved. I tell you the television has given Koreans a terrible view of black youth, black people. I cannot really do anything about that but be who I am, and they can decide for themselves to like me or not. I am not concerned with their approval of me just do not mistreat my child or we will have some problems. I brought Easton to the hotel to meet everyone and he took an immediate liking to Joseph. Much to my dismay and shock he literally loves the guy and feeling seems to be mutual. Ever since that day he apologized to me and we decided to start over he has been great. He comes to the pastry kitchen to check on me even going as far as to help bake when we were short staffed. It is on those days that Easton is in my office because I must work later than usual, and he and Joseph hang out. He has taught him how to make beef wellington, steak, and eggs benedict. Even hollandaise sauce from scratch. I had no idea he wanted to cook, and I was kind of jealous he did not ask me to teach him. However, I quickly got over that when I saw how much fun he was having. God knows I would never begrudge my baby any kind of fun. “Hey mom Joseph wants to teach me how to make shrimp and veggie kimbap.” ‘Wow honey that sounds delicious.” I reply. “Yeah I know can he come to our place and we make it there?” He asks. I stiffen and look at him. “Well honey, I don’t think that is a good idea?” I look at him and his smile fades. “But why mommy?” He asks dramatically. Yes, mommy why? I think to myself. The truth is recently I find myself somewhat attracted to Joe. Yeah, I know how typical, at first, he is jerk then he changes, and the girl begins to like him. This is a tried and true K drama plot and I am the lead actress. I do not know if him being in our personal space is a great idea because there is nowhere for me to hide. At least in the kitchen I can run to my office and close the door in our suite? Not so much. I look at Easton and his expression looks so sad. I sigh heavily. “When is he wanting to make it?” I ask looking over as Joe walks by. “There he is let me ask him, Hey Joseph, Joseph.” He says excitedly. He walks into my office and smiles that megawatt dimpled smile and I plaster on one just as bright. “Hey buddy, how are you?” He says ruffling Easton’s hair. “I am great, mommy wants to know when you want to come by to teach me how to make kimbap.” He says excitedly. “Hey Easton, he is busy right now.” I say looking up at him. “We can ask him later on.” “Oh no worries I am not doing anything at the moment.” He smiles down at Easton. “Well what are you guys doing later on?” “Since we are off tomorrow, we could make it a late night and make some kimchi, bulgogi and rice and have it or dinner.” He says looking at me. My mouth begins to water thinking about it. “Can we make kimchi fried rice and put a fried egg on top as well.” Easton asks. “Whatever you want little man.” “Mommy, can we?” “Pretty please!” Easton begs. “How much longer do you have to work tonight?” I ask looking at my watch. “I am done now actually I was just going to get some of that caramel cake you made today to bring home.” He smiles sheepishly. I smirk at him. “No need I have a whole one already packed for you it’s in the fridge with your name on it.” He raises his eyebrows shocked. “I remember you saying it was your favorite, it’s no biggie.” I shrug. “In that case how about I share my good fortune and we have it for dessert?” He asks. “Yay!” Easton says jumping up and down. We both laugh and I stand coming around my desk. “Alright we are about to leave now, if you want you can come with us up to our suite or you can come back later.” “Well”, He says rubbing the back of his neck. “I really wanted to hit the gym and shower first.” “Oh of course come by when you are done, we will be there.” “Oh, ok I actually was going to the gym here at work because it is free.” He grins. I point to him grabbing my purse. “Smart man.” I chuckle picking up Easton’s things. “Easton put on your jacket and grab your bookbag.” “Ok mommy, so Joey we will see you, soon right?” “Yes, I will head to the grocery store now, bring the food to your room and then go to the gym for an hour.” I look at my watch it is 3pm. “So, we should expect you at what 6 ish?” I ask. “Yes, I will be in and out of the store in less than 30 minutes, in the gym by 4 out by 5 so sooner than that.” “Great, we will see you in a few.” “Mommy I am so excited!” Joseph gives him a high five and heads out first. “I am too sweetie.” I say and find that it is the truth.   We go to our suite and Easton heads to his room. I run to my room and pull out some comfortable stretchy pants and a short sleeved teal t shirt and lay them on the bed. I grab some clean underwear and throw them on top. I put on my shower cap, brush my teeth, and wash my face. I hop in the shower and let the hot water beat on my sore muscles. 30 minutes later I am washed, moisturized, and pulling on some comfy socks when the doorbell goes off. I open my door to go and check it and see Easton has already answered it. It is Joseph and he comes in with loads of bags. As I am about to offer help Easton swoops in and grabs the remaining bags from the hall. I chuckle and head back to my room and finish up my hair. I slick it back into a low curly ponytail and put some simple gold studs in my ears. I apply a thick coat of my favorite lip balm and spritz myself with my favorite body spray. I take one last look at myself in the full mirror and sigh. “Girl what are you doing anyway?” “He is here to teach Easton not to see your .” I say to myself. Sobered by that thought I walk into the kitchen to see if I can be of help. “Hey, you guys, wow did you buy the entire store?” I ask looking at the spread of food before me. He chuckles and shrugs. “I would appear that way huh?” I grin and sit down on the stool at the island and watch him expertly chop, dice, and begin to prep everything. “Wow!” You are like a ninja with that knife.” He says with awe. We both laugh and I ruffle his hair. “Oh, this is nothing, I am sure your mom’s knife skills are just as good if not better than mine.” He says looking up at me smiling handsomely. My stomach flip flops at that. “Nah I am ok; I can cut to ensure even cooking but I am rusty as heck to making all the cuts we learned in school.” I say. He chuckles “Yeah I can see that as you do more baking these days heh?” He replies. “Exactly, ask me to cut brunoise