Chapter 9 The Family Lunch

Chapter 9 The Family Lunch

LEO’S HOME, LOS ANGELES

Leo sniffed, wiping off the tears that lingered at the corners of his eyes as he drove aimlessly. He felt clueless on the direction his life was headed, even though he had to admit that he changed for the best and has learned to appreciate the life he got to live. However, he was feeling betrayed by his mother. If only he had stayed back home five years ago, he wouldn't have to drag Chloe into this mess called marriage. Sometimes he feels the urge to call it off but then he realizes again that he is too deep in to back out.

After his mother breast cancer surgery, it took a while for her to recuperate and she almost couldn't do much by herself when she was discharged. To avoid the media coming at her, Leo and his father felt it would be best if she returned home and got healed properly. Leo and a nurse took care of her together. One night while she was still bedridden, he had gone out clubbing with his friends and had spent the night outside because of the girl he followed home. Only for him to return the next day and found his mom in a chaotic state with white foam coming out of her mouth. The nurse, happy that no one was home had invited her boyfriend over to the house. Probably due to her distraction she gave Grace the wrong dose of medicine and almost sent her to her early grave.

Leo had returned just in time to save her, he couldn't forgive himself when she was in coma for three months. His father was utterly disappointed in him, and the both of them practically had a silent relationship for those excruciatingly painful months. To pay for what he considered a grievous sin on his part, he made a promise to quit his awful lifestyle, forget his dream of probably becoming an ace basket baller and just focus on the company like his mother always wanted. He was determined to do everything she asks of him just to pay his debt for being a horrible son. Which was why he didn't really object to her request for him to marry Chloe.

If he had been aware of her true intentions, Leo would have definitely declined. He wouldn't want to hurt anyone again after all that he did in the past. Looking back now, he doesn't think his decision was worth it. He should have probably lived his life recklessly and let his parents deal with the end results of their individual decision.

His phone rang calling his attention, Chloe's name came up on the caller ID. Leo exhaled, parking the car right by the side of the road before picking the call.

‘Hey.’ He huffed out in one breath.

‘Hey.’ Chloe's cool voice mumbled on the other end. ‘Are you okay?’

‘I'm fine. Why did you call?’ Leo asked sounding cold.

‘I was just wondering if Grace is okay, you left home so sudden and I was just worried.’

‘It's nothing. I just wanted to say hello to her and she is doing perfectly well.’

‘Alright, will you be home for lunch?’ She asked.

He thought for a brief moment, his eyes glancing at the FORBES magazine on the dashboard. ‘No, I might return late.’

‘Oh.’ Chloe sounded disappointed. ‘Alright.’

Noticing the withdrawal in her voice, he gritted and shut his eyes. ‘Wait! Did you prepare lunch yourself?’

Her voice turned up almost immediately. ‘Yes, I did. It's roasted chicken and salad.’

‘Hmmn, sounds perfect. Alright then, I will be home soon.’

‘Thanks, baby. See you soon.’ She squealed in excitement before hanging up.

Sighing tiredly, he kick-started the car and drove back when he realized he had passed his route home while driving with no destination in mind. Parking the car tiredly, his picked up his phone and got down from the car. A message from his mother popped up on the screen. Kissing his teeth, he dipped the phone into his pocket. Chloe ran out of the house towards him, almost tripping in the heels she wore.

Leo chuckled, embracing her as she rushed to him. "Why are you in heels? Shouldn't you make yourself comfortable, since you are at home?”

Looking up at him, Chloe swallowed hard. "Actually, my parents are here."

Moving away from her hurriedly like he got pegged in the butt, Leo breathed heavily. "And why didn't you tell me about it on the phone?"

She sighed, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I know you might chose to not come. I just wanted you around so bad. What's wrong with me wishing you have lunch with my fiancé and parents?" She whined.

"You still could have told me." He hissed, turning away from her.

It was easy for Leo to cope with Chloe as his to be bride but the presence of her parents constantly remind him of how mistaken he was to have got involved with her. Chloe's parents are quite nosy and despite knowing Leo has much financial capability as them, they think they are better off than him.

It would have been fine if they kept their thoughts to themselves, however, they seem to enjoy being the center of attention and unconsciously stir trouble. Just when he decided to go with the flow, it will only be about an hour before he bounces. The gate opened and another car drove in.

Leo raised a brow, turning to his fiancee. "Who the fuck are those?"

Chloe gulped hard. “Your...Ahm… your parents." She stuttered.

He pulled at his hair laughing sardonically. “Which parents? Evelyn and my dad? What exactly is the occasion that I am unaware of?" He gritted, his eyes burning flames.

"Hey, my boy." Ethan bellowed in delight as he walked towards the young couple.

Evelyn held up her usual signature smile. “How are you both doing? Thanks for inviting us for lunch."

Chloe hugged the both of them while Leo mumbled an incoherent greeting as he walked into the house.

Ethan exhaled in exhaustion. “What is it with him again?"

Smiling awkwardly, Chloe waved a shaky dismissive hand. "Please don't worry about that, he is just fine. Let's go in, please."

She hoped fervently that Leo wouldn't leave her by herself at the dining because of his anger. Luckily, he had taken a seat and seem calmer than a few seconds ago. Chloe sighed in relief as she ushered Evelyn and Ethan to sit.

"Wow, it's so nice to have us all sit together again after such a long while. When was the last time we had a shot at this?" Chloe's mom, Ana said while sipping her wine.

Evelyn let out a small laugh. "I can't believe it has been three months since they got engaged. I am so pumped to see you both walk down the aisle officially."

"How have you both been? I mean as regards the wedding preparation." Charles, Chloe's father asked. He can be quite sensible.

"We are fine, dad. Leo is amazing and Aunt Desire has been helping me with my wedding dress since mom is quite busy." Chloe replied, while pinching Leo underneath the table to say something.

He had his straight face on. “We are doing great as you can all see." Leo said.

"I trust Desire to help me out with things like that. It's why she is your godmother. Why didn't you invite, Grace?" Ana asked her daughter, throwing the entire table into an uncomfortable silence. Everyone knows just how close both women are. "I didn't tell her about it when we spoke last night because I thought you invited just your father and I."

Shifting in discomfort, Chloe felt sweat beads gather on her forehead. Her eyes glazed towards the table, Ethan and Evelyn appear much more disturbed than she was. "I...I...”

"Mom said she wouldn't be chanced. She is quite busy, I just left her place this morning." Leo came to her rescue, dipping a cut out part of his chicken in the mouth.

"Oh, I see. That's relieving. Grace is part of this family and she deserves to be invited at every gathering. Is that clear?" The woman warned her daughter. As much as she tried to be nice towards Evelyn, Ana already inherited her friend’s enemy and doesn't seem concerned about how dumb it sounds.

"The food is getting cold. How about we just eat and end this." Leo said with a stiff tone.

Everyone blinked slowly as they returned to their meal making light conversation. They know better than to get the young man pissed.