Susan stormed through the hallway. When she reached the garden, where her mother usually loved to have tea.
“Mother how could you?!” She shouted which made all the birds surrounding the fountain fly away.
Susan’s mother was confused; why was her daughter was looking at her with nothing but disgust in her eyes.
“What have I done to offend you dear?” Taking another sip from her tea.
“What did you ask Jason to do?!” Susan said, very pissed at her mother. If she wasn’t her mother, she would have slapped her. She also wondered why she was defending him when just yesterday she didn’t want anything to do with him.
“Dear keep your voice down. Let’s talk like civilized people,” she said softly, a small smile appearing on her face. Susan just took a seat on one the chairs.
“This isn’t funny mother,” she said crossing her arms over her chest. Her mother wasn’t surprised by her daughter’s little outburst but amused.
She placed her tea cup on the table, “I’m listening dear.”
“Fine, play dumb, I know you know what I’m talking about,” Susan said rolling her eyes.
“Hmm…honestly I’m confused.”
Susan was taken aback at the way her mother was acting.
“Fine! Play dumb! I know you asked Jason to give you a massage.”
Mrs. Peyton stood up and walked towards the fountain, picking up a bird. She gave Susan the bird to hold but Susan just looked at her like she was completely insane.
“Mother! What are you doing giving me a bird to hold?”
“Nothing really, I wanted you to appreciate nature more,” she said letting go of the bird.
Mr Peyton came into the garden and then Mrs Peyton embraced him.
“What can I help you with darling?” she asked, giving Susan a stale look.
Susan began to wonder, was this really the woman she called mother.
***
Susan was in her room studying, when she heard a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Clarissa, another maid, came in,
“Mr. Jackson is waiting for you downstairs.”
“Okay, I’m coming.” she said, before Clarissa left the room.
Susan kept her books back on the shelf and touched up her appearance then went downstairs.
She saw Jason standing at the end of the staircase.
She finally reached where he was standing, “Jason! What brings you here?”
“I want us to have lunch together, if that would be alright,” he said taking her hand.
Susan blushed and nodded. “But I’m not ready.”
“You look beautiful,” he said kissing her hand.
“Okay, Let’s go!” She was happy as long as she was away from her mother. She was such a pain.
He led her to the car, which was parked just near the fountain. He opened the car door for her. “You’re such a gentleman,” Susan said.
He smiled at her and quickly entered the car, starting the engine before they drove off.
After a while they reached the cafe, he opened the door for her. The cafe was simple, the sign read ‘Carlyle’s Cafe’ on it. Different people: families, couples and friends hanging out.
It’s been so long since we went out as family, she thought.
When they entered soft music was playing; everybody was chatting softly, they dressed casually. Susan started to feel overdressed but she just let it go.
They went and took a seat at a free table. She was used to booking a table ahead of time. This was a new experience for her. She never expected Jason to go to a place like this.
They sat opposite each other, “I know this is not one of the usual fancy places you’re used to, but I wanted a homely place for us to get to know each other better,” he said taking her hand with his own.
***
Mrs Peyton went to her book club party, to welcome the new members. She was so excited to meet the newbies, different potentials to tap into.
She walked into the hall; decorated in golden and white, different booths with authors giving out signed books; tables with different types of snacks, pastry, and many others.
She was dressed in a white flowing grown lined with golden thread. She wore golden heels and held her cloche purse.
She walked up to one of the booths to get a signed copy of ‘The Missing Thrown’ by Anna Kenny herself.
After the book signing everybody gathered at the hall. Many speeches were made and finally the introduction of the new members.
Different women lined up, some dressed in a gold, white or both. They looked so excited to be apart of the book club. The President of the book club gave each of them a significant.
Everybody applaud and went up to welcome the newbies. Mrs Peyton walked up to the stage and hugged them, one person caught her attention but she just brushed it off.
People just mingled with each other and ate snacks. The authors left leaving their signed books for those who hadn’t yet picked a copy.
A woman came and tapped Mrs Peyton on her shoulder. “Jenny!” She said then hugged her tightly. She was shocked but still returned the hug.
“And who may you be?” Still recognizing her as one of the new members.
“Seriously Jenny!? Have you forgotten me so soon?” she asked “It’s me Sally.”
“As in Sally Walker?”she said waiting for a response.”Yes, it’s me!” Mrs Peyton hugged her again-she couldn’t believe that she would ever reunite with her childhood best friend.
They spent the rest of the party catching up. When it was getting dark, Jennifer called her driver and he dropped Sally at her house, and proceeded to take Mrs Peyton house.
***
Jason called over a waiter and he took their order, then left to get their food.
Meanwhile, Jason was staring at Susan intensely. Susan turned,”Is there anything on my face?” He held her hands,”You look absolutely beautiful.” Her cheeks turned a hue of pink, Jason was really working his way into her heart.
The waiter came with their order and placed it on the table. “Is there anything else?” He said waiting for a response, “No, This is all.” Jason replied.
After the waiter left, they ate their food quietly. When they were done, Jason took her to see the stars.
They went home, it was getting dark already and Susan was already asleep in Jason arms. This night went beautiful, I think I’m getting through to her.
Jason carried her to the car and they drove home. He opened the car door and a maid assisted him in opening the front door. He carried her to her room and placed her on the bed. She really looked lovely when she slept.
He kissed her goodnight on her forehead and left the room. On his way out of the house, he saw Mrs Peyton coming out of a car. He greeted her and walked past her. She had this glow, but he could not place a finger on it. He entered his car and drove off.