Chapter 18
Tessy’s POV
I need to stop having these thoughts, as long he doesn’t possess those scary qualities, my Anthony is a perfect gentleman and I love him.
I finally got a taxi and joined my father, beside him was Eddy, I should have guessed it.
“I am here now.” About bringing out my seat, Eddy stopped me and did it himself, “You shouldn’t have bothered.”
“Tessy, stop being rude and just say thank you.” My father warned and I just nodded my head because I had no strength to argue with him. “Thank you!” I said in a soft tone.
“You are welcome.” He smiled at me.
“So what’s the meeting all about?” I asked getting impatient, I just wanted to get straight to the reason he called me here, I am also happy he didn’t suspect anything in our last phone call, I feel calm now.
“Let’s just wait for your future mother-in-law, she will be here soon, held in traffic.”
“You mean Mrs Ruth Wilson is coming?” I asked to be sure again and he nodded his head.
My dad acted like he got a call and excused himself to get it, I knew he was faking that call, he wanted me to have a good conversation with Eddy, no problem, I will just play along.
“So how was school today?” Eddy asked getting his seat close to mine.
“Stressful as always, are you aware of this?”
“I have forgotten that you are the blunt type, I know you don’t love me but as a friend, I expected you to also ask how I am fairing, my work too, I guess you really hate me.” He sounded so down, what is wrong with me? I guess I have been too rude to him, none of us wanted this, yes I agree he is really sweet and nice to me, I should also be nice to a friend.
“How was work today?” I dropped my bitchy attitude and tried to flow with him.
“Fine and I have no idea about this meeting.” He replied and judging by his look, I could tell he was upset with me, well I have tried being nice, it’s all up to him if he chooses to remain angry or be at ease with me. I really hope I have the means to cancel the so-called marriage with him.
I suddenly thought of something else, maybe he wants to let his mom know he can’t be with me, he finally realizes we can’t be together and he is just pretending that he had no idea of this meeting. I just need to be calm and patient, in a few moments from now, it will all be resolved and I can’t wait to rush home and have great sex with Anthony. This is great, thank you Lord for answering prayers, now I will be thinking of ways to let my father know about my love for his best friend. He will kill me for it but with time I am certain he will adjust.
“You are smiling, tell me what are you thinking?” Eddy asked me.
“Oh nothing, I just feel like smiling.” I lied to him.
“You got a beautiful smile!” He fixed his eyes on me and I was out of words, “Your smile can light up the world.”
“Really??”
“Guess you two are getting along already, what an amazing sight!” Mrs Ruth’s voice brought us to reality and I felt embarrassed a little.
“Good evening ma’am.” I stood up to greet her and she hugged me saying, “Just call me mother now, you are going to be part of the family soon.”
I looked at my father and he just wore a smile saying, “And I also think Eddy can call me dad!” They both laughed, I found it annoying but why do I feel there is absolutely nothing I can do at the moment? This is crazy!!!
We had our seats together and just like that, they all started planning my life with Eddy in my presence, this is so not right at all.
I created an illusion of Anthony to calm my nerves, but it lasted only minutes. My dad’s tap on my shoulder shattered the fragile peace.
“So, what do you think?” he asked, his face redder than usual.
“Think about what?” I replied, lost.
Eddy intervened, noticing my confusion. “Dad’s asking if our engagement party on the 25th is okay with you.”
My mind raced. Engagement party? Already?
“Oh, sure, it’s okay. Anything is fine.” I forced a smile, trapped.
Dad beamed. “Okay then, it’s a date! Let’s celebrate.”
Mrs. Ruth interrupted, “I think we should give the lovebirds some privacy.”
Dad kissed my cheek. “Be a good girl.”
I nodded, feeling suffocated. Immediately they left, I turned to Eddy. “Are you really doing this?”
He shrugged. “No going back, I guess.”
“Okay, see you on the 25th. I’m heading home now.”
As I stood up, Eddy grasped my hand. “Please come with me.”
“Why should I?” I raised my left eyebrow!
“Because you’ll be my wife someday?” He smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, let’s just hang out.”
I hesitated, but his pleading eyes wore me down. Why is he doing this to me already? I can’t turn down a sincere pleading just like that.
“Fine.” I had no other choice but to accept, he was so excited about it as he walked me to his car, opening the door like a gentleman.
We drove in silence, the city blurring outside my window. Where were we going?
Eddy parked, and I followed him out. We walked through Central Park’s gates, and my resistance melted. The sunset, the lake, the blooming flowers it was breathtaking.
I forgot, for a moment, that I didn’t want to be here.
“Wow!!” I breathed.
Eddy smiled, his eyes crinkling. “Glad you like it.”
We strolled hand in hand, the tension between us dissipating. For the first time, I saw Eddy, not the arrangement.
But reality lingered, waiting to pounce.
What was I getting myself into?
TBC.