CHAPTER 61 - THE INVITATION CALL
The launching of the Café’s mug was a huge success that Ben and Eric didn’t really anticipated to be a blast. Most of them are requesting for customized name on their mugs while some of them ordered in bulk. After the launching event, the Christmas was just around the corner so Ben and Courtney planned ahead of time. They agreed that this year the Christmas Eve would be at Venoso’s mansion while New Year celebration will be at Montini’s.
"Hun! I'm home!” Ben called out as soon as he entered the penthouse that he now considered as home.
“In here!” Courtney yelled inside the kitchen with their house help.
Ben knew exactly where to find his fiancé since she was learning to bake. It was Courtney’s new interest after she learned how to cook and became her passion. Every time she will watched new recipe from the Chef she is following, she will try it and Ben will be the one who will taste it.
“How are you and our bambino (child)?" Ben pecked her lips while holding his fiancée’s visible bump.
"We are fine don't worry too much, how is the Café and La Vigna going?” Courtney put down the spatula and hugged him.
“The Café is still on sales ever since we launched the mugs last Christmas. As a matter of fact, we have another shipment coming in next week for additional orders.” He informed still holding Courtney.
“That’s so great! I’m so happy to hear that.” She kissed him softly.
“So, what are you making this time for me?” Ben saw the recipe on the table.
“I’m making Crostata with special twist.” She said excitedly.
The crostata appears to be any regular pie, but the crust topping is very intricately latticed over the body of the pie. It is generally made with a fruit jam while savory pies rely on ricotta. They can either come in a large pie form or small pastry.
“Let me guess, you’re putting pickle on the pie?” He knew she will say yes.
For the past five months that they lived together Ben can tell Courtney’s obsession with pickles because it comes with all the food she eats.
“Yup! I already made a jam made from pickles.” Courtney shows the jar full of pickles.
“Wow! I bet it will be yummy I can’t wait to taste it hun.” Ben’s only wish is that his pregnant fiancé will give birth soon because he is starting to hate pickles.
“Oh wait! Zac called to inform about the twins' birthday.” She announced while putting the pickled jam on the prepared dough.
“It’s the twins’ birthday already? I can’t believe it has been that long.” He had a small flashback on the day he met them after that horrific day.
“Yes it is and I'm excited to see meet them finally.” Courtney put the pie to the oven to make and set the timer.
“Meet them? Why? Are they going fly here to celebrate?” He suddenly realized his fiancée’s statement.
“Yes to meet them but no to flying here.” She corrected his fiancé.
“Then what do you mean hun?” Ben is still confused.
“I kind of promised to come to New York and meet them and besides we haven’t seen my relatives there.” Courtney bit her lip.
“Wait, you decided to go there without telling me?” He was taken by surprised by his fiancée decision without consulting him.
“I know I’m sorry I was carried away when I heard about the twins, please don’t be upset.” She was about to cry when Ben immediately went to her side.
“Shh, don’t cry hunny, it’s okay I’m not mad so please stop crying, it’s not good for you and the boys.” He wiped the tears.
“Does it mean we can go to New York?” Courtney used this as her advantage.
“Well… uhm…” Ben doesn’t even know what to say.
“You see you’re mad because you can’t decide.” She started to brawl again.
“Shh… relax hunny, I just can’t decide if it’s good for you to travel on this condition.” He tried his best to find the best excuse.
“I’m only six months pregnant and I’m very much healthy.” She sobbed while Ben is thinking hard.
“Okay, let’s have a fair deal, if Doctor Sartori gave us the clearance that you can travel that long then we will, and promised me if we are travelling you’ll listen to me about your eating habits.” He bargained full of concern for his fiancée.
“Deal!” Courtney confidently agreed.
“Good, now why don’t you come and help me freshen up.” He suggested.
“I still need to watch for the pie and finished the rest of the meal.” Courtney looked at the still baking dessert.
“It’s okay Roberta is here to look after the cake and prepare the food.” Ben asked the old maid’s help.
“You both go ahead I’ll call you once the table is set.” The old woman gave them a warm smile.
Ben carried Courtney on threshold making the latter yelped and hold to his neck for support. He was so eager to have his heavily pregnant fiancée but of course he can’t since the Doctor advised to refrain from sexual activities. As soon as they entered the master’s bedroom, he removed the shirt that Courtney was wearing and had a steamy shower.
“Hunny, I have something to tell you.” Courtney suddenly felt conscious after their shower adventure.
“What is it?” He rushed to her side in case.
“I haven't told Zac about us since I don't know if you want to tell him yourself.” She confessed.
“It’s okay you don’t have to stress about that hunny. You can tell whoever you want about us and I really don’t mind if the whole world knows your mine.” Ben claimed possessively.
“I know it’s just that I told them I’ll bring a plus one… my travel partner." Courtney looked down.
"I don’t think travel partner suits to me after I pleasure you and tasted you so bad, do you want a repeat of that my dear fiancé?” Ben caged her between his arms.
“Stop it; we need to talk and think of what to tell them.” She tried to ignore the tempting fiancé.
“Maybe a little surprise will not harm them, we will be there but you’re not going to tell that it’s me?" Ben brought the idea.
“Yeah that's better I guess." She caved in.
After dinner Ben called his Pilot that they will be travelling to New York in a week so they have to prepare his jet for that. Meanwhile Courtney is very excited about the flight but then she realized it will also be the day she will meet the ex-girlfriend.
