*Alejandro*
I finally understood why Nora was back. She wanted to come back into my life. And she has always been sensitive, so it’s no surprise she could figure out I have a more personal relationship with Anna than it seems.
I was glad Anna had given me the time to explain and that she had listened to me. I was infuriated by Nora’s act. If she thinks she could come between me and Anna, then she has another thought coming in. The last thing I would do is leave Anna for her.
I made a resolve to have a small talk with her when I return, or probably warn her or threaten to get her out of that mansion. I ran my hands through my hair, knowing the last part was impossible.
She was the reason Lucas was finally speaking to me. I spent over an hour speaking to him today, which was the longest time we’ve spent talking. It was clear that it was because his mom was here. It pained me greatly, but if that’s how it would be, then I don’t mind having her here as long as I can have my son.
So, I settled for having a civil conversation with her.
By the time I got back, I saw her in the kitchen. Lucas was seated in the dining room. He smiled and waved when he saw me. My heart almost burst. Lucas was smiling at me.
“Welcome, Dad,” he said.
“How was your day?” I asked, “Very well.” He said his eyes never leave mine.
“Welcome back, Alejandro,” Nora said; she was walking in with a tray of food and some maids behind her.
They placed the food on the table, “hmm.” Was the only response I gave her before turning to Lucas, ‘Mom decided to cook for us today.” He said, beaming, “it has been a long time since I tried her food.” He was staring at one plate to the other, mouth left hanging.
“And I promise you’ll love it,” Nora said.
“I’ll be right back,” she added before dashing out of the dining room. I was supposed to get the remaining food she had made. I kind of know why she was doing this. She must know that I would have a conversation with her about coming to my office.
Maybe she feared I’d throw her out of the house, so she brought Lucas in. I gritted my teeth at how cunning this woman was. How did I end up falling for her all those past years?
“I’ll freshen up,” I said. I walked up the stairs, my hands tugging my tie.
I drew the tie to the side when I got to my room. I have to get Nora out of my life. My phone beeped.
It was a message from Williams, “Don’t forget about the anniversary tomorrow.” He tells me. What anniversary? I wonder, my mind quickly going about to all I know.
Oh shoot, it was the Marcus’ anniversary.
Oh, that’s nice. I’ll go with Anna. It has been a long time since I spent some time with her the way I wanted to. I sat on the edge of my bed and texted her.
I picked up a dress for her and everything she needs for tomorrow’s party through an online shopping app. I arranged for it to be sent to her. I wished I could see her face when she received it.
A knock on the door brought me back from my reverie, “Nora,” I said when the door pushed in, and a head popped into the room. “Lucas must have told you I came upstairs to freshen up.” She nods, “So what do you want?” I asked flatly.
“hmm… you’ve been taking so long that I thought you must have forgotten.” I heard her say. “Come down before the food gets cold. Lucas wants to eat with you today.” She said.
I nodded and waved her off.
I quickly freshened up and went downstairs. I sat on the seat at the head of the table. Lucas was seated by my left, and Nora was next to him.
“I heard mom came to your office today.” He said. I raised my eyes to meet him. How did he know? “Yes, she did,” I replied, not wanting to venture into that conversation lest he think something may happen between us.
“I went to give him some files he left at home,” Nora quickly added, “isn’t that nice of you?” Lucas commented.
Knives clicked with the plates. The sweet smell of food on the table almost drowned me.
“Mom’s food is always the best,” Lucas said after some time. Nora kept adding one dish after the other to his plate.
“What do you want?… Try the chicken… it tastes good, right?” Lucas nods.
“What’s your plan for tomorrow?” I asked Lucas, trying to initiate a conversation aside from food. “I’ve got nothing mapped out yet.” He paused and placed a slice of chicken into his mouth, his teeth grinding it gently.
“But I was thinking we could spend time together.” He said. I felt a wave of joy hit me. “That would be nice,” I said. Never in a million years have Lucas ever wanted to spend time with me, and now he seems to want to? I was ecstatic.
“Where would you like to go? After taking a quick sip from the glass of water beside me, I asked him. “Maybe a picnic would be nice tomorrow. I hear it will be the perfect weather for a picnic.” He said.
I smiled, but then it suddenly hit me. Tomorrow was Marcus ‘ anniversary, and I was attending.
Shot! How was I going to tell him it would not be possible? This is what he has always been complaining about. The last thing I want him to think is that I don’t care about him. Cause I do.
“Well, tomorrow…” I dragged my word, rampaging my head for the best words to say, “I have an appointment tomorrow.” I decided to say it plainly, and I would not forget his disappointed look, followed by a look that could be interpreted as ‘I knew you were going to bring an excuse.’
I quickly tried to correct whatever thought he may have, “I want to go with you to the picnic. I mean, it would be nice, but I was invited for an anniversary.” I explained and hoped he understood.
“I get you; no need to explain.” He said flatly, and I have never felt so much urge to explain. It was better to be ignored than given a nonchalant behavior. It was clear he was not satisfied with my response. I can’t pacify him. I want to reassure him so he knows I care about him and would do anything to spend some alone time with him.
“Maybe we could reschedule the panic. Weekend seems fine to me.” I said. He nodded and turned to me. “Whatever you want.” He said.
Nora seems to notice the tension between us, “Uhm.. how about we go with you to the anniversary? We can always spend some time together there. It doesn’t matter where we spend time, as long as we are together.” She said.
I looked at Lucas; I had no reason not to allow them to come. I’ll be glad if he agrees. “Will you be fine with that?” He asked me. “Of course,” I said. He nods, “it’s settled then.”
After dinner, Nora left us alone, and I decided to have a quick drink with him. When I asked him if he wanted a drink, he agreed.
We sat opposite each other in the sitting room. It was awkward at first; we don’t do this every time, so there was nothing much we could talk about.
“How’s the week been?” I asked him. I just realized I didn’t know much that went on with him. It was safe to say I knew nothing about him. I have to spend more time with him, at least on weekends, well that would be if he wants to.
“The week went well,” he said.
Silence.
What should I say next? What should I do next? Think Alejandro, think of a conversation.
“How’s your girlfriend? You should invite her over so I get to know her.” I said. I still haven’t forgotten the girl I saw the day I went to have dinner with Anna.
He took a sip from the vodka in front of him. This seems like a topic he didn’t even want to branch.
“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he said. I squinted my eyes as I twirled the glass of vodka in my hands.
“How about the girl I saw you with in the restaurant?” I asked.
He took a while before he answered, and I wondered if he was trying to think of whether he should be discussing this with me or not, “We broke up.” He said.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I didn’t know that it was a sensitive matter; I would not have asked.” I said, feeling flax for him. I couldn’t imagine how a girl could break up with him. Lucas was everything a girl would want.
He was handsome, smart, tall, and rich. “There are other girls. Don’t worry, son, you’ll find the one for you.” I said.
“I’m not sure. This breakup is not such a big deal. I didn’t even feel half as pained as I felt when my girlfriend before this one broke up with me; she’s the only girl I ever loved.” he said, trying to sound nonchalant, but he couldn’t. It was clear he still felt pained.
“I know that there’s nothing like that first love, but you are young, and you will find someone who loves you,” I said.
“I know. I am fine. I’m trying to forget about her. Andrea.” He mumbles the last word, but I still hear him.
“Andrea,” I whispered, tasting the name in my mouth.
The name sounds familiar, and I wondered where I heard it. “Now, enough about me.” Lucas said, and I was surprised he wanted to know about me, “how about you?” He asked.
“Do you plan to chase after mom, or…” Oh, this is what he wanted to know. I thought about beating around the question, afraid he may stop speaking to me if he found out I didn’t intend to be with Nora for long.
I settled for honesty, “I’m with someone.” I said. He made an oh with his lips.
“Who is she?” He asked. I didn’t think he would want to continue the conversation, but he did. “A pretty girl who stole your Dad’s heart,” I said, smiling like a teenager.
“I guess she makes you so happy.” He said.
“Yes. Her name is Anna.” I said. I didn’t tell him how I met her, nor did I tell him she was my secretary. “I would like to meet her,” Lucas said.
I beamed. Very well, I will introduce them to each other tomorrow. “I think she would want to meet you, too,” I said, which was partly true since I had always spoken to her about him.
We spent the rest of the night talking about other things. I was the happiest, us having a drink, speaking like father and son, then like man to man. It felt surreal, and I wanted to bask in the moment forever. Lucas slept in the mansion that night. I saw him get drunk and listened to his mumbled words and loud laugh.
Thinking about it now as we drove to the anniversary venue, I couldn’t help but smile.
I couldn’t wait to introduce him to Anna. I looked forward to having dinner with both of them. I didn’t need Lucas’s approval to date Anna, but if I could get it, I’d be the happiest.