TIFFANY’S POV
The agency bus dropped her at Shawn’s place and she hurriedly went inside to prepare.
She got to her room and was at a loss on what to wear, not until she remembered the white velvet gown her father got her on her eighteenth birthday.
She was preparing when Shawn’s text came in. “Be ready by 6. I will be coming to pick you up” The text read.
She hastened her preparation and was putting final touches to her look when she heard the car honk.
She checked herself in the mirror one last time before picking up her red clutch purse and heading out.
“Hi.” She greeted, as she got into the back seat.
“Hi.” He had replied, without casting her a single look. It irked her, because she didn’t know why, but she wanted him to look at her.
He didn’t say a word to her until he stopped in front of a wine shop. “I will be right back.” He murmured grudgingly, like he doesn’t want to talk to her.
She watched him walk into the shop in his well fitted suit. She liked the suit. As a matter of fact, she loved his fashion sense.
He soon returned with a bag with wine inside. He got into the car and once again, they hit the road.
After a few more minutes’ drive, they arrived at the Gold’s Mansion. Shawn drove in and parked, and almost immediately, Mrs Gold rushed out the front door.
“Oh, dear. You look good.” She said, and engulfed Tiffany in a hug.
“Oh, my boy. Come here.” She said and hugged Shawn too.
“Hi, Ma. You look lovely in your dress.” Tiffany complimented.
” Thank you. You look good too, My darling.” Mrs Gold said.
“Now, isn’t my boy looking like some hot dude who stepped out of a magazine?” Mrs Gold said, hugging Shawn.
“I’m a man, mum.” Shawn whined.
“Not to me. You will forever be my boy. Okay, quickly, come inside. Your father is waiting.” Mrs Gold said, ushering them inside.
“Hey, Dad.” Shawn greeted Mr Gold, who was sitted on the couch in the sitting room.
“How are you, Son? So good to see you.” Mr Gold said as they shook hands.
“Hello, Sir.” Tiffany greeted.
“Oh, Tiffany. How are you? It’s good to see you.” Mr Gold said, and engulfed her in a hug.
“I’m fine, thank you.” Tiffany replied.
“Now that you are both here, can the feast begin?” Mrs Gold asked, gesturing to the dinning.
Everyone followed her lead and took their chairs in the dining room.
Mrs Gold dished out the food on everyone’s plate, and she kept heaping Tiffany’s plate with varieties of food despite her complaint.
“Let’s make a toast.” Mrs Gold suggested, and presented the wine Shawn brought.
She popped the wine open, and poured it on each person’s wine cup.
“So, we are toasting longevity, more family alliance and more family dinners.” Mrs Gold said and everyone clicked their glasses with chants of “Cheers.” filling the dinning.
“Now, it’s time to eat. Eat as much as you like ladies and gentlemen.” Mrs Gold said dramatically.
Dinner was a lively affair as Mr and Mrs Gold were good conversationalists
“Tiffany, I saw the news. Congratulations on making us all proud in the spelling bee competition.” Mr Gold said.
“Yes, dear. It was a thing of joy to see you spell those words correctly. You are a genius.” Mrs Gold added.
“Thank you sir and Ma.” Tiffany said.
“Lest I forget, I have something for you.” Mrs Gold said and walked out of the dining room. She returned a few minutes later with a wrapped small box. “Here, I got your performance like I promised.” Mrs Gold said, handing the box to Tiffany.
“Thank you so much, Ma. I already forgot.” Tiffany said.
“Well, I didn’t. And you are welcome.” Mrs Gold said.
They ate in silence after then, not until Mr Gold broke the silence with a dreadful question. “So, when are you both getting married? Applying for a marriage license is not enough.” Mr Gold said
Shawn choked on his meal and coughed. “Are you okay?” Mrs Gold asked, offering him water.
“Oh, yes. I’m fine.” Shawn replied.
“You are not going to evade the question. When are you two getting married?” Mr Gold repeated.
“Dad, we are eating. This is not the right time to talk about this. You will ruin the moment.” Shawn said.
“He has a point, darling. We can talk about this after dinner.” Mrs Gold said.
“If you say so, but I’m not going to let the conversation slide.” Mr Gold said and they all focused on their food.
After dinner, Tiffany helped Mrs Gold clear the table and do the dishes and while they were at it, Mrs Gold engaged her in a conversation.
“So how is your relationship with Shawn?” Mrs Gold asked.
“Rocky, I must say. This moment it feels like we are friends and the next moment he starts acting all cold.” Tiffany explained.
“I understand, my dear. I told you before now that Shawn can be difficult to be with at times, but he is so sweet, caring, possessive and doting when he likes you.” Mrs Gold said.
“I’m sorry but I have not seen that part of him.” Tiffany replied.
“You will. Soon. But you have to make an effort too. You Just don’t stay complacent and leave things to chance.” Mrs Gold said.
They were done, but stayed back in the kitchen to continue their conversation.
“What do you mean, Ma.” Tiffany asked, genuinely confused.
“You have to make a move. Show him little acts of kindness. Send him lunch to work, ask to give him a massage or run a bath for him after work, ask to see a movie with him and all those things couples do.” Mrs Gold explained.
“I seriously don’t know how to go about all these. The last time I took food to him at work, it didn’t end well. He ignored me and I ended up giving the food out.” Tiffany said.
“One trial is not enough reason for you to give up, darling.” Mrs Gold said.
“I Know, right? I was very hurt then.” Tiffany said.
“You can also start wearing all these skimpy clothes young ladies wear to show off some skin.” Mrs Gold teased.
Tiffany’s eyes widened in shock and she quickly bowed her head in embarrassment.
“Why are you embarrassed by this conversation?” Mrs Gold asked.
“Nothing, Ma. I just can’t imagine myself wearing skimpy clothes around him. That’s like a subtle seduction.” Tiffany said.
“Of course. That’s the idea. To get him to look at you. You do know that at some point you will have to become intimate, that’s if you both are not already.” Mrs Gold said.
Tiffany’s breath hitched in her throat as her eyes widened. “Ummm…can I please use the restroom?” Tiffany asked.
“Yea. The 3rd door in the hallway.” Mrs Gold said, and Tiffany hurried out of the kitchen to the restroom.
As she sat on the water cistern, her heart thumped at the idea of ever getting intimate with Shawn Gold.