CHAPTER 12 - THE FIRST INTRODUCTION
Meanwhile inside Courtney’s hotel room her hunger was changed to anxiety because she will be meeting Ben’s mother. She hoped this dinner will not turn into disaster because she is very nervous. She went to buy some clothes that will be good for dinner instead of clinic appointments. She decided to wear a black off-shoulder dress and matched it with black pumps then she put her hair in a French twist bun and made her make-up light. At exactly 17:45 she’s done and just waiting for Ben to arrive at her door, just in time the doorbell rang.
"Hey! I see you're early unlike the airport incident." Courtney opened the door for him.
"As far as I can remember, you were ogling me back then and you still do it." He smirked at her.
Courtney can't deny he is attractive on his blue rolled up sleeve and his black satin pants. She can't help but checked out his built that really captivates her attention.
"I - I was just checking if the clothes suit you. I never thought you'd clean up yourself well." She stuttered but remained on her grounds.
"Right you were, so aren't you going to let me in?" Ben placed his hand on the doorway.
"Uhm - sorry please come in. I will just get my purse and we are ready to go." Courtney opened the door widely.
"You look gorgeous by the way." He complemented.
"Thanks. I'll be right back." Courtney was sure her face turns red.
Courtney rushed to the bedroom and tried to relax. Oh God! She needs to breathe and tell herself that this is all part of the contract. Soon as she got the purse she went back to the living room where Ben is currently waiting.
"Ready to go?" Ben checked her out again.
"Yeah.” She pulled her key out.
After making sure the suite is locked, they proceed to the elevator. Ben placed his hand on the back of her dress that gave Courtney goose bumps. They walked to front door of the hotel where Ben intentionally parked the car.
"Are you really sure about this Ben? I mean... we can always turn the car around." Courtney fiddled her nails.
"I'm sure besides its part of our deal to help each other, right?" Ben assured her tensed date.
"Okay let's get this over with. I hope you're ready to be grilled tonight." Courtney tried to calm down while waiting for the Valet guy for the car.
"You should too she's my mother. I'm introducing you as my girlfriend and soon my fiancé." Ben holds her elbow as he guided her to car.
"How far is it?" Courtney sat comfortably on the front seat.
"About half hour from here.” Ben gave a tip to the guy.
"Does your mother know I'm coming?" Courtney spoke after some minutes.
“I had to because she won’t let me go until I told her that I’m picking you up." Ben gets in to the car after his date.
“What did she say?” Courtney is anxious to know.
"She's too excited to meet her daughter-in-law that was her words not mine and planning her grandkids name as we speak.” Ben started the car engine.
“Wow that’s how advance she is.” Courtney giggled softly.
“You bet she is.” Ben confirmed.
“Is there anything I need to know beforehand you know, like a taboo conversation?” She needs to make sure that the introduction is perfect.
“Oh yeah! I forgot to tell you my mother is speaking a little bit of French and Italian. Is that going to be a problem?" Ben notified her.
"I am Italian of course I know my birth language and so as French, so worry not. Thanks for telling me anyway.” Courtney placed her hand on top of Ben’s without thinking.
"That's great! At least there's no need for me to translate everything." Ben chuckled.
Ben pulled his hand for a moment to switch gears and decided to hold Courtney’s hand again. He knew it will somehow bring comfort seeing she is all tense, but at the back of his mind he likes the feeling too.
"Relax. You'll do just fine just breathe okay. I'm here." Ben held her soft hands since it still shaking.
"I'm just really nervous Ben. Do you think she's going to like this dress? I mean... I need to be presentable." She bit her lower lip.
"You are perfectly fine, we can do this." Ben placed a hand on her lips.
"I'll try." She smiled back as they got out of the car.
"That's much better to hear, now let's go before my mother takes you away." Ben placed my hand on her back.
They were assisted on the front porch with house help and were told that Mrs. Venoso is expecting them at the lounge area. As soon as they entered the old woman approached Courtney first.
"It's nice to finally meet you my dear.” Mrs. Venoso hugged her that took Courtney by surprised.
“Mamà, you’re suffocating la mia fidanzata (my girlfriend).” Ben had to pull them apart lightly.
“Mi dispiace mia figlia (I’m so sorry my daughter).” The old woman apologizes.
“It’s okay Ben.” Courtney smiled at him for assurance.
“I’m just so happy to finally meet you.” Mrs. Venoso touched her cheek.
“My pleasure to meet you too Signora Venoso." Courtney offered her hand after the tight hug.
"Mamà, I like you to meet Courtney. Hun, this is my mother Liliana." Ben introduced while giving Courtney’s hand a little squeezed.
“Lei è bellissima mio figlio (She's gorgeous my son)." His mother grinned from ear to ear.
"Grazie Signora Venoso (Thank you Madame). I can tell where Ben got his looks, you look stunning too.” Courtney complimented.
“Just call me Liliana or better yet Mamà.” Mrs. Venoso corrected her.
"Mamà is the dinner ready, I’m starving.” Ben had to help Courtney on that.
“Yes it is, let's head to the dining room, the food is set to serve I believe.” His mother went ahead of them.
“I think my mother likes you.” Ben whispered to Courtney’s ear.
“That’s a good start I guess.” Courtney whispered back as they followed Mrs. Venoso into the dining area.
