CHAPTER 13 - THE EXCITING DINNER
They seated on a ten-seater mahogany rectangle dining table that has three small vases at the center with fresh daffodils. The same house help serves them with cold cuts like prosciutto, pancetta and lardo on a two different platters.
“Martha, can you please check on Enrico if he is ready for the dinner? Grazie.” Mrs. Venoso kindly ordered the woman.
“Si Madam.” The house help timidly answered.
“You might be wondering who Enrico is, he is my youngest son. I hope you don’t mind him joining us.” Ben’s mother looked at Courtney.
“Not at all Liliana, Ben talks about him a lot right sweetie?" Courtney pretended she doesn't know him yet.
"Speaking of the devil, here he comes." Ben saw his brother heading towards the table.
"I heard my name from the stairs.” Eric was not surprised to see Courtney.
“Enrico, thank God you’re finally here. We have a guest and you’re late.” Mrs. Venoso eyed Eric and back to the couple.
“Sorry for the wait.” Eric answered politely.
“Anyway Enrico, meet Courtney; your future sister-in-law.” Mrs. Venoso introduced them.
“But I—” Eric was interrupted when Ben patted his shoulder.
“Play along.” Ben mouthed discretely to his brother while their mother is busy talking with Courtney.
"Enrico be nice." Mrs. Venoso gave her strict tone.
"Pleasure to meet you sister-in-law." Eric kissed Courtney's cheek and acted as if they haven’t met.
"Same here Enrico." Courtney did her part as well.
"Now the introduction is over, let's have dinner." Eric sat on the chair.
They started eating and Mrs. Venoso keep on interrogating Courtney about random topics like how they met; their plans on their relationship and what the type of job she does.
“How is the dinner figlia?” Mrs. Venoso talks after sipping her wine.
“It is delicious and I love how good the crust with mozzarella filling.” Courtney took another bite of the pizza.
“I personally prepared your favorite food since Ben told me about it.” Mrs. Venoso informed.
“Wow, that’s very kind of you Signora Venoso, but you really didn’t have to.” Courtney immediately looked at the guy beside her.
“Remember its Mamà.” Liliana reminded her.
“Mamà, sooner or later she will get to call you that.” Ben interrupted them to save Courtney.
“It’s only right that she calls me Mamà after all we are going to be family soon, unless you don’t want to marry this sweet figlia Benjamin.” Mrs. Venoso eyes her son.
“Of course not Mamà, we are just taking one step at a time.” Ben defended.
“Have you talked about how many kids you’re planning to have?” Eric commented cheekily.
“That’s too soon to discuss fratello.” Ben is throwing daggers at him.
“I agree with Enrico, how soon you can you give me a grandchild?” Mrs. Venoso beamed after mentioning the last word.
“I… uhm.. Ben and I decided to wait since we’re both busy with work plus we wanted to secure our kid’s future first.” Courtney can only pray the persistent mother will believe her statement.
“I miei nipoti (My grandkids) future will be secure definitely; she or he is a Venoso nevertheless.” Liliana convinced statement without taking the smile on her face.
“Thar’s for sure but for now let us enjoy our time, please Mamà.” Ben pleaded.
“Let’s give the couple a break and let them enjoy their moment. Once they got married they won’t have time because they will raise your first grandchild.” Eric joined them.
“What can I say? It’s me against the three of you. wish.” Mrs. Venoso settled reluctantly.
Courtney became relaxed again and mentally clapping at Ben’s performance for convincing his mother. It was contrary to what she wants to do with Eric for choosing that topic. If only she is near him or to his chai she would kick him.
After dinner, they stayed for an hour more courtesy of Mrs. Venoso persuasion that none in the room can defy her. They are now comfortably seating inside the lounge area having coffee except Eric who chose to drink wine. Mrs. Venoso keeps on chattering about the vineyard while Courtney listened attentively and absorbing everything that the old woman was saying.
“Looks like we made the right choice fratello.” Eric whispered to his brother.
“Better shut your mouth before Mamà hears you, otherwise we are dead.” Ben reprimanded him to say more.
Ben eyed the two women who are happily chattering and softly laughing. He thanked God that Courtney gets along with his mother and acted perfectly. They both feel that their mother approved the woman in front of her. The siblings silently watched them and giving side comments here and there when they are asked. It was passed 8’oclock in the evening when they finally bid goodbye when Eric reminded his brother about the meeting they need to attend too.
“Grazie for the delicious meal Liliana–” Courtney thanked the old woman again for the kind gesture.
“You’re most welcome dear.” Mrs. Venoso made a check-to-cheek kiss with Courtney.
“Arrivedeci (goodbye) Mamà, fratello. See you.” Ben copied his mother’s action.
The pretend couple entered Ben’s car and calm down as soon as they drove away from the house back to the hotel where Courtney is currently staying.
"Thanks for tonight Courtney it means a lot to me." Ben breaks the silence.
"No worries Ben, your mom is a very nice even though she’s a bit persuasive.” Courtney had a short flashback of the dinner.
“I want to apologize about what happened.” Ben sounded embarrassed.
“To be honest I was caught off guard because your mother was outspoken.” Courtney had a short flashback of the incident.
“Tell me about it. My mother can really be demanding when it’s comes to that type of conversation.” Ben gave her a quick glance.
“Now I understand why you want this marriage contract so bad.” She looked sideways at Ben’s direction.
“Speaking of contract, I already contacted the lawyer and oath to keep it between us.” Ben informed her.
“Are you sure that the lawyer won’t speak about it especially with your mother?” Courtney asked in assurance.
“I’m betting his life on it.” He answered without a doubt.
“I wonder what that secret is for him not be persuaded by your mother.” Courtney can feel it’s something big.
“Trust me it is something that my lawyer can only tell.” Ben assured her.
“If you say so then I trust you.” Courtney nodded.
“Thanks.” Ben smiled in return and continued driving.
