69
-Eri Jones-
Since June had been in Dubai, life had been peaceful.
There was no need for anyone to be worried about her stalking or sending threatening messages.
I was happy and so was Don.
Apart from basic arguments, there hadn't been any fight between us.
We were living life like a normal couple should.
Today, as a way to celebrate our happiness, we'd organized a family dinner where everyone was invited.
“How do I look?” I twirled around in the gray flared knee length gown.
“Beautiful as always.” Don's admiring look made a blush crawl up my cheeks.
“Thank you, you don't look too bad yourself.”
Hot was the definition of how he looked.
He hadn't overdressed like me, but still looked capable of making women faint.
Especially since the shirt he wore popped up his biceps and broad chest.
Gosh, how did I get this handsome dude to myself alone.
He was just too fabulous.
Maybe that was why June was so keen on having him.
“I'm just gisd June and her insane nature is somewhere else.” I stared at myself in the mirror, picking a brush from the desk beside it, which I used to start brushing my hair.
“Has she been found?”
“Not yet, but I'm sure she'll soon be found.” He sounded so certain, I had to be assured.
“Well, as long as she's not in New York, she's not my problem.” I said matter-of-factly.
“You're right,” he agreed with a smile, then said, “now let's go wait downstairs for anyone who'd be arriving early and not let any insane person ruin the mood.”
Since I felt satisfied with the look, I dropped the brush. “Okay.”
So we both ambled out with intertwined hands to the dining table, where he pulled out a chair for me, before sitting at the head.
“I really love how things are.” I admitted. “Sometimes it all just feels weird to think we got married without the thoughts of love.”
“Right.” His thumb gently rubbed my palm in a soothing kind of way.
“One second I don't like you, the other, we're in bed together.”
He chortled at that. “I know, it all just seemed to happen within an eye blink.”
“Yeah.” So weird how love works.
Leila, with Violin, walked in, and I found myself involuntarily rising to my feet.
Then Violin and Leila walked in, causing me to involuntarily rise to my feet.
“Leila, it's good to see you.” A bright smile was on my lips as I greeted the woman who replied my merriness with one of her own.
“Yeah, ‘cause she's the only one here.” Violin didn't hide the sarcasm from her tone.
My smile dropped when I turned to her. “Didn't see you there. Thanks for coming.” I made sure to return her sarcasm.
She eyed me in irritation before taking the second seat at Don's right.
(Internal huff) Now I could see why she and Don seemed to always be involved in an argument.
“Where's dad?” Don asked.
“He had some business to attend to.” Leila took the first seat to his right.
The sound of them talking about Marc reminded me of the dirty work he'd wanted to involve me in.
It also made me wonder what he'd ended up doing.
I hadn't told it to Don so he wouldn't be mad as his father, because, as it is, it didn't seem like they were very close.
No use being the reason they disliked each other even more.
When Suzy walked in with a smile on her lips, I decided to not give in to any bad thoughts.
Let's just forget about Marc and June, and gave fun.
“Hi, I hope I'm not late.” She waved at Leila who did the same.
“Suzy,” I moved to give her a warm hug, “where's Rose?”
“Apparently, she has some work to do and will head here as soon as it's over with.” From the way she said it, I could sense Rose hadn't just gone for ‘work’.
“Well then, since Rose won't be early, why don't we start eating.” I went to sit on the first chair at Don's left while Suzy sat beside me.
The table had been blessed with a variety of foods, arranged neatly by the maids.
“Let's start eating then.” Don said, grabbing a spoon from his side of the table.
“Sure thing.” Leila took her own spoon, heading for the rice. “This is actually good.”
When I turned to Suzy, she seemed to be— praying?
Did she always do that?
“This is nothing compared to the food I ate when I visited Thailand.” Violin started.
“Thailand? When was that?” Suzy asked through a mouthful of spaghetti.
“Two years ago. I was dating this Thai guy and wanted to impress him so I paid for his flight to Thailand so he could give me a tour of his land.” She seemed so proud of herself saying it.
“Wow, really?” Suzy's impressed self only made her feel more proud.
“Yep.”
“You removed the part where he dumped you for his ex that was in Thailand.” Don added in his usually cold tone, earning a glare from her.
“I don't think that's important.” The words made us erupt in laughter.
Later, Rose and Darien arrived together.
Wait, why would they come together and why had he pulled the chair for her and why was she unusually silent, blushing whenever his gaze shifted to her.
Hmm… something was up with my friend and her boss.
“Darien, you should get married. You're not getting any younger.” Leila said, not seeming to notice how red Rose had turned by just those few words.
“Oh, yeah I will.” Darien's gaze didn't leave the Rose who was staring at the food she wasn't eating.
Suzy and I both shared a knowing gaze and smile.
She turned to me with a glare I returned with a wink.
“I will, thank you.” Then shifted her gaze back to the food. “The food is delicious.”
Anyone could tell she wanted to change the subject.
At least Suzy helped her with that. “Yes. You know, Violin was saying how Thai food is better than this one.” She said with a sigh. “I'm so jealous, I've never been out of the country, ever.”
“Me neither.” Rose added.
“Hmm, well I have.” I winked at both of them.
“Good for Mrs Jones.” Suzy said sarcastically. “I wish I had a guy to take me out of the country.”
“I can take you to whatever country you want to go to.” Darien's voice caused all gazes to direct to him.
It took us a few seconds to realize he wasn't talking to Suzy but to Rose who seemed out of breath as she stared at him.
Everyone went silent. An awkward one at that.
“Uh…” Violin seemed like she searched for a word to break it, but probably didn't find
“I'm sorry.” Darien said, turning to all eyes that were directed to him.
“It's okay. We get it.” Don teased, causing everyone to hurl teasing laughter at the couple.
This was nice. The happiness we all deserved.
Where June was not involved…