MY BOSS [the Series]

26: Third-wheel

WHEN BREAKFAST was served, Peter led me to a large dining room, maids were scurrying in and out with different dishes, Adeline stood beside the wide glass table giving them directions on how to place the dishes.

She beamed at us as we approached her.

"My husband will be here in a minute." She referred to me and gestured for us to sit.

I sat beside Peter who leaned and gave me a kiss on my cheek.

A tall handsome man, made his entry through the door and I stared at him. He looked exactly like Peter, only he was older.

"Ah! you must be Florence, whom my wife has been talking about." He said with a smile, pulling his wife tenderly to him. Again, I observed the cordiality existing between the two of them. It was real, not just for a mere show.

"Call me Gabriel."

"It's a great pleasure to meet you, Gabriel."

He nodded and chuckled softly, giving his son a knowing look.

"Let's eat, shall we?" Adeline spoke up and we consented.

Comfortable silence fell on the room as we ate. The only sounds emitted was the occasional clinking caused by the meeting of cutlery with plates.

💭💭💭

After a lovely breakfast with the Ross family, Peter drove me home after I earned an invitation to dinner on Friday.

Tamara glanced at me as I walked in through the door. By the look on her face, I knew she was angry.

"Get your stupid butt over here."
She commanded and I rolled my eyes before approaching her.

"Spill." she snapped her fingers at me.

"Fine..."

"Including your adventure yesterday." She added.

"Remember yesterday, when I went to get your purse?" She nodded. "I ran into Philip, and we got stuck in the elevator, that's all that happened."

She stared pointedly at me with her mouth hanging open.

"Philip? That psychopath?"

"Oh please, don't get too dramatic."

"What do you mean by that, isn't it this same man that triggered your reaction?"

She was so furious, this was the first time I'm seeing Tam very furious. I decided to play cool.

"Tam, calm down, I'm over that" I placed a hand on her shoulder and she shrugged it off.

"Don't touch me, I can't believe you." She shook her head in disbelief and I pursed my lips not knowing what else to say. She can't blame me, I forgive easily, it's my nature. I'm not someone who can keep grudges against anyone, I just let whatever they've done against me pass, whether they apologize or not. My mom always calls me a 'softie' and I don't mind that.

Tamara's soft hearted too but when she hardens her heart, nothing, absolutely nothing can revert that.

"Anyways, where are you coming from?" She placed an arm across my shoulder.

"Peter picked me up for breakfast with his family, I enjoyed it. I even got invited for dinner on Friday." I replied, tucking my hair behind my ear as it prevented me from seeing clearly.

"That's great news, and..."

I knew what was coming next.

"No Tam, you aren't choosing my dress, not this time." I interrupted her and she scowled.