Dad
[He spots the whole exchange and a spark of rage, embarrassment, and anxiety washes over him. His Dad is gonna do it again, he can feel it. She holds his hand under the table and he tries to focus on that instead of the tension he feels.
James studies everyone at the table. Steve's on top, then goes James, then Mary, then Nicole, then Jake, then Dawn, then Tom at the bottom of this pecking order. He needs to see Nicole broken down. He's quiet for most of the dinner except for the point where he asks Steve if they have any openings at the station. Steve doesn't miss a beat, actively avoiding Nicole's eye contact and says yes. He's hired on the spot. The rest of the dinner is uneventful but pleasant. Each couple heads their separate ways.
James takes Nicole home and tells her] I love your family. Your Dad is so cool and the knockers on your mom- I just can't wait to see you when you fill out.
I'm... no, forget it... no you know what? I have something to tell you. [He leans in and whispers into her ear] I'm gonna hurt you.