SHAWN’S POV
His father engaged him in a man to man conversation as the women left for the kitchen. “So, tell me, Son. How do you find Tiffany? What is your general view of her?” Mr Gold asked.
Shawn’s heart skipped a bit. That was one conversation he was wary of. Speaking to anyone about Tiffany. “I find her Interesting and at the same time annoying. She doesn’t seem like a oneman lady.” Shawn finally said.
“And why do you think so?” Mr Gold asked.
“I can’t really tell, but I just have that feeling in my guts.” Shawn lied. He doesn’t want to talk to anyone about the pictures.
“Well, you are being paranoid, Son. You have to give her the benefit of doubt. She is a sweet girl.” Mr Gold said. “And very beautiful too.” He added.
“I know all of that, Dad. But at the same time, she is a handful.” Shawn replied.
“A handful? What do you say of your mother, then? Your mother leaves me all by myself and goes on vacation trips, seminars and conferences. I still cope and love her regardless, because I can’t overlook her good aspects and focus only on the bad. Your mother is a supportive wife who has contributed immensely to the growth of our company, and she is family oriented too. So, why do I ignore these aspects of her? Women are our responsibilities and we have to deal with any thing they throw our way. And note, only a woman you are committed to.” Mr Gold advised.
Shawn smiled broadly. This part of his father was always heart-warming to see. No doubt, his father was a wise man who offered the best of advice.
“I love to see this part of you, Dad.” Shawn said with nostalgia.
“I love this part of me too, but my Son is so stubborn that he won’t do what he is asked to unless he is threatened. I have to resort to the method that works for him.” Mr Gold said.
“I’m not stubborn, Dad.” Shawn whined.
“Yes, you are.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are.” And they burst into hilarious laughter.
“See us arguing like women. Speaking of women, where is your mum and fiance? Are you sure those two are not planning how to show us more doses of palaver?” Mr Dion asked playfully.
“You might be right.” Shawn said, and called out to his mum. “Mum?” He called.
“We are coming, Son.” Mrs Gold answered from the kitchen and almost immediately She appeared from the kitchen with Tiffany.
“Sorry we were catching up a bit in the kitchen.” Mrs Gold said.
“Or you were conspiring against me and my son?” Mrs Gold teased.
“You might be right, but be rest assured that it is a good conspiracy.” Mrs Gold said.
“Lest, I forget. Shawn and Tiffany, when is your court wedding?” Mr Gold asked.
“Not again, Dad.” Shawn complained.
“You seriously thought I was going to let the conversation slide, didn’t you?” Mr Gold asked.
“Wel, I didn’t, but some part of me did. I guess I should have gotten used to your not forgetting memory.” Shawn said.
“Tiffany, when is your wedding coming up? We agreed to the court wedding first then after your graduation you can have a white wedding.” Mrs Gold asked.
“I don’t think I have a say in that, Sir. Shawn here will decide when the wedding will take place.” Tiffany said.
“Beautiful! You will make a good wife to my son and I have no doubt about that. Now, I ask again, Shawn, when is your wedding?” Mr Gold asked.
“Fine. In the next two months.” Shawn replied.
“No! The time is too far. Why not in three weeks?” Mr Gold asked.
“Dad? Three weeks? To plan a wedding?” Shawn asked, surprised.
“Money is not a problem, is it? And by the way it doesn’t have to be a big occasion. It could just be within the two families and maybe a few members of the board.” Mr Gold said.
“And a few of my friends too.” Mrs Gold chipped in.
“With this number, we might end up having a crowd after all.” Shawn said.
“I will only accept a month’s interval. If you don’t adhere to it, I will plan the wedding myself.” Mr Gold threatened.
“Noted, Dad. You don’t have to do anything.” Shawn said in surrender.
“Well, I might have to, if you don’t step up and do the needful.” Mr Gold replied.
“Thank you, Mr Gold. I appreciate your concern, but I have things under control.” Shawn said and everyone burst into laughter at his mock professional tone.
“It is actually good to see all of us like this. A family get-together.” Mrs Gold said.
“Yes. Soon, it will be with our grandchildren.” Mr Gold said, staring at Shawn.
“Yes, that reminds me, we have to go now, Dad and Mum.” Shawn said, suddenly jerking up.
“Cant you stay longer? Tomorrow is Saturday. You are not going to work and Tiffany is not going to school either.” Mrs Gold asked.
“I just remembered I have some email to reply to.” Shawn replied.
“And ma, I have to sleep early so I can wake up on time to do the laundry.” Tiffany added.
“That’s fine. Drive safe, Shawn.” Mrs Gold said.
She engulfed them in a hug, and Mr Gold hugged Tiffany while he shook Shawn’s hand.
TIFFANY’S POV
She inhaled the night cool breeze as the car raced on the highway. Shawn was focused on the road while she looked out the window of the car.
Dinner with the Gold’s was a fun-filled affair. The couple had matching energy.
And it felt good to see them so in love and at peace with each other despite years of being married. At that moment, she wished she could share that same peace and harmony with Shawn.
For once, she wished they could look beyond their differences and get to know each other better.
“You have not asked how my trip to Burnaby was. Do you dislike me that much? Not even a call to know if I got there safely.” Tiffany began, softly.
“It slipped my mind. How was the trip?” Shawn asked not looking away from the road
“It was fine. The shoot was a success.” Tiffany replied.
“Did you have fun?” Shawn asked.
“Yes, I did. It was fun doing the shoot, because it’s been a while since I did anything modeling. There was this joy of being back to what I love to do.” Tiffany said, dreamily.
“Well, I’m glad you enjoyed the trip.” Shawn said.
“How about you? How did you dare?” Tiffany asked.
“Well, I have gotten used to your presence so I couldn’t stay in the house alone. I slept at the company’s penthouse.” Shawn replied, and Tiffany picked the grudge in his tone. It was more like he hated to admit that he missed her presence.
“I missed your presence too, even though we had a fight that morning.” Tiffany whispered softly.
Shawn looked away from the road to stare at her momentarily before returning his gaze back to the road.
“What can I do to get on your good book?” Tiffany asked. She was curious and wanted to know what it would cost her so he would stop acting all cold to her.
“Nothing much. Just be original. Be you.” Shawn replied.
“I doubt that’s all. Maybe I’m missing something or you are not telling me something.” Tiffany probed.
“Fuck!” Shawn yelled and brought the car to a stop on the highway. He unhooked his seat belt and leaned towards her on the front passenger seat, and immediately he captured her lips in his.
He bit her lips a little and she moaned in slight pain, he used it as an opportunity to gain entrance to her mouth. He twirled and lapped his tongue on the walls of her mouth.
Suddenly, he stopped and broke the kiss.
“Why did you stop?” She asked, searching her eyes with hers
“I don’t trust myself to stop.” He whispered.
“Then, don’t ” And with that, she grabbed his head and took his lips in hers.