CHAPTER 30 - THE HECTIC SCHEDULES
It's been another week since Ben decided to stay at Courtney’s place since the day they had a heart-to-heart talk, they been closer and intimate. They do things that almost every wedded couple does like Courtney preparing the food and cleaning the house while Ben’s tasks are the laundry and taking out the trash. Ben finally learns how to operate the washing machine with Courtney’s assistance in return Ben found out about the online cooking classes.
(PHONE CONVERSATION)
Mamà: Hi Tesoro how are you? (Her mother greeted happily).
Courtney: Hi Mama I am doing great and you? (She is currently having her lunch when the phone rings).
Mamà: I am okay but Mi sei mancato (I missed you) that’s why I called. (Mrs. Montini gave a longing voice)
Courtney: Mi sei mancato anche (I missed you too). How are you and Papà? (She stopped swirling the pasta)
Mamà: We are doing great, I called your clinic and Nat say you’re not yet in. (Her mother asked worriedly)
Courtney: Si, I'm having lunch right now. Did something urgent anything happen?” (Courtney matches the tone since her mother rarely called her clinic)
Mamà: I wanted to tell you that I already had a talk with your Papà. (Her mother paused)
Courtney: What did he say? (She began to felt anxious)
Mama: He wants you to come over for dinner and meet the guy’s family and your supposedly fiancé. (Mrs. said cautiously)
Courtney: Mamà we already talked about this. (She rolled her eyes in irritation)
Mamà: Yes we did and I'm sticking to the conversation we had but your Papà still insisted you come tonight at 1930. (Her mother reasoned out)
Courtney: Why would I? (She tried not to speak so loud)
Mamà: You know reputation is important with your father. (Mrs. Montini is certain her daughter knew this trait about her father)
“Did you reach your daughter’s phone? Is that her?” Courtney heard faint voice of her father.
“Yeah I did.” Mrs. Montini confirmed in hush tone.
“Let me talk to her.” Mr. Montini’s stiff tone can be detected.
Papà: Courtney. (Her father is now on the line)
Courtney: Papà (She acknowledged his voice)
Papà: I am fully aware that you and your boyfriend that you want to stop the engagement correct?” (Mr. Montini asking for affirmation)
Courtney: Si (yes) Papà. (She replied shortly)
Papà: Good, now I am going to agree with your wish but in one condition. (Her father negotiated)
Courtney: What is it Papà? (She recognized that type of conversation can lead to another argument that she will definitely lose)
Papà: Come over tonight and meet him and the family over dinner. (His father imperative statement)
Courtney: No, I will not come and meet that asshole! (She couldn’t hold off her tone at this time)
Papà: Guarda la tua lingua (Watch your language!) Are you really going to disrespect us? Don’t you know how know the importance of good manners anymore? (Her father reprimanded)
Courtney: Yeah right. (She huffed)
Papà: Don’t give me that tone young lady, I am still your father so better do as I say. You're coming to the dinner and I don't care if you bring that Ben guy or not! (Her father voice faded on the other line)
Courtney heard her mother taking back the phone to avoid getting the conversation gets too hurtful and intense. She thought the line will end but then Mrs. Montini’s voice came through again.
Courtney: I got to go now Ma. (She tried to end the call)
Mamà: Tesoro, can give me minute more please? (Mrs. Montini asked nicely)
Courtney: Whatever you need to say will not change my decision Mamà besides he agreed to cancel the engagement so I don’t see any reason for me to meet them anymore. (She gave her point of view)
Mamà: I understand Tesoro but the family is reputable people and the least we can do is be respectful to them. Even if you don’t marry their son at least we still respect them and we’re decent enough to face them since we are calling off the engagement. Are you getting my point here Tesoro? (Mrs. Montini found a fair argument with her)
Courtney: Si Mamà (She knew her mother was right)
Mamà: So please follow your Papà. (Mrs Montini appealed to her)
Courtney: Alright Mamà I will but because you asked me nicely and to finish that dinner once and for all. (She finally agreed)
Mamà: Thank you so much Tesoro. I know your good heart will understand this. (Mrs Montini says with a relief sigh)
Courtney: I need to go now Mamà (She bid goodbye first)
Mamà: Stay safe Tesoro, see you tonight. (Mrs. Montini was first to drop the line)
(END OF PHONE CONVERSATION)
As soon as Mrs. Montini was off the phone Courtney head back to the clinic with scowl face that her Secretary immediately noticed.
"What happened to your face it's like you've been in a warzone." Nathalia tried to cheer her up.
"My parents that's what happened.” She snorted.
“Why what did they say?” Nathalia followed her to the desk.
“My mother insisted for me to come over dinner with my supposed in-laws." She groaned.
"Wait, didn’t you tell me last time that you met her with Ben and promised to call off that engagement?” She gets confused since Courtney already told her the full story of that considering her mother was continuously asking about her friend’s mental health.
“Yeah but she was able to convince me about coming to the dinner tonight that I profusely declined.” Courtney explained the whole conversation to at gave her mind a little rest for thinking of the resolution to do.
“Relax, I'm sure Ben won't allow you to come there alone.” Nathalia’s word suddenly became a light to Courtney’s dilemma.
“That’s right I need to tell Ben about it?” She concluded it was the best thing to do.
“I can’t believe you haven’t called the guy.” Her secretary keeps shaking her head.
“We are having a hectic day so I kind of missed that part.” Courtney reasoned out.
“You’re crazy to have missed that person who is now living with you at your flat.” Nathalia smirked.
“State the obvious eh?” Courtney raised an eyebrow.
“Are you exclusively dating now?” Her Secretary wanted to confirm that seeing how the two are always together.
“You could say that.” Courtney didn’t give a straight answer.
“I can tell he is in love with you, did he confess already?" She bumped her shoulder.
"He admitted he’s attracted with me but definitely not in love with me Nat besides we signed a deal if you remember." Courtney reminded the conversation they had few weeks ago.
"Keep telling yourself that." She had the same reaction as his brother.
"Anyway thanks for brightening my day.” Courtney boot up her laptop.
"No problem Con-Con. You're like a sister I never had." She went to her side giving a hug.
“Same here. Now come on let's start the day rolling." She put up her bossy attitude.
“One more thing, give Ben a call so you’ll stop scowling like a duck.” Nathalia was laughing all the way out.
After having four patients Courtney is finally exhausted and proceeds to get some caffeine. When she returned to her desk, that’s the only time she remembered to call Ben. Courtney made a quick call to Ben to let him know about her conversation with her parents. She was getting frustrated when Ben didn’t pick up so she left him a voice message instead. She vaguely mentioned the dinner and how important for him to callback. Five minutes later her phone buzzed and saw it was Ben.
(TEXT MESSAGES)
Ben: Sorry wifey I missed your call. I was a bit busy earlier with the cafe. (He put a tired emoticon after the message)
Courtney: Hi Benj, it’s okay I understand, did I bother you? (She put a worried emoji after her message)
Ben: With you I have the time in the world. (He sent a wink icon this time)
Courtney: You better be, I’m your wifey remember? (She made sure the wifey word was emphasized)
Ben: Of course! So what’s up with the important dinner you mentioned? (He sent a thinking icon)
Courtney: Can you come over so we can discuss it, you know less people to hear? (She bit her lip hoping he will be able to come)
Ben: Sure! I'll drop by to your clinic around five o’clock, is that okay? (He asked)
Courtney: It’s fine since my sessions will be done by that time. (She recall her afternoon schedule)
Ben: Great! I'll message you before I leave the office. (He notified
Courtney: Thanks! (She put a smiley at the end)
Ben: Anytime wifey. (He ended the message with a grin emoticon)
Every time Ben used that endearment she can’t help but blush and her stomach always flipped. It was something she was accustomed now to hear unlike before.
(END OF TEXT MESSAGE)
Courtney is currently cleaning her desk when Nathalia peeped to the door asking if she will stay late. She told her that Ben is coming over and she will just lock the clinic after that.
"Okay. Have fun!" Nathalia sends a flying kiss to her and left.
“See you tomorrow!” Courtney waved back.
