Page 51 of Reeling in Love

Wow! I can’t believe her. How much she has changed. She never said that when Nora’s mom helped me out with my projects, when she never had the time to do that. When her mom sent cookies for the bake sale because my mom forgot about it. She did that despite all the problems in her home, with her husband and everything. I feel sick to my stomach.

I look at her with disbelief and disappointment. I hope it’s evident on my face as well. “Really? I’ll just pretend I never heard that.”

She pulls me into the study and shuts the door behind her. “Look, Gabriel. I love you and I want only what’s best for you, right? And that is Sophia.”

“Why? Why her? I don’t even know her.”

“Because her family owns a large business in France and she’ll inherit it after her dad. Because you and her being together is what your grandfather wanted before he died, and he made me promise that you two would get married to each other.”

“What?” Jesus! It is true then. “I don’t care what you promised to a man I never met when he was alive. And I don’t think you have the right to make promises about my life without even consulting me. It was not a promise I made. So I’m sorry, Mom, but it’s not happening.”

“You don’t understand. It has to happen.”

“Why?”

She exhales a deep breath and sits on the chair while I keep standing with my back resting on the wall, looking down at her. “Are you sure you want to hear it?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

“Your grandfather and Monsieur Martin Sr, Sophia’s granddad were best friends, almost like brothers. Papa wanted me to marry Sophia’s father, but I didn’t. Then when you were born and Martin Jr had Sophia, they decided the families could come together as one if you both were to marry each other and I agreed to it.”

I take a few seconds to absorb this. I mean, it sounds so preposterous.

“What if I don’t? How can others decide about my life? Who gave you or your dad the right to it? If you care for me even a little, please don’t manipulate my life. I’m joining the family business as you always wanted. But please leave my personal life to me. And granddad? I mean, he never even met me. How could he even think he had any say in how I live my life? He never did a thing for me.”

“How do you think we paid for your grad school? Or how have you been going on your vacations? You don’t think George’s salary would let us afford all that, do you? It was because of Papa’s money. Don’t be such an ingrate and not honor his last wishes.”

“I didn’t ask for it. I was happy enough without those vacations and I’d never have accompanied you on them if I knew the price was my liberty. Why are we even having this silly discussion? True, he left you some bit of money after his death but that doesn’t mean he bought you, or me, or our lives. If you think that, you’re in for a shock. Because guess what? I’m not for sale.”

There’s a knock on the door, and I hear Dad’s voice calling for us. Mom stands up, adjusts her dress, spreads her lips into a smile, and opens the door.

“It’s time for dinner. What are you both conspiring over here?” he yells and bursts into a raucous laugh. I guess he’s had a drink too many.

“C’mon. Let’s eat,” Mom says, and taking Dad’s hand, leads him to the table.

As expected, Mom has arranged the table, so I’m sitting next to Sophia, while Nora is sitting on the opposite side, next to someone I’ve never met. I barely talk during the meal. I don’t care what Sophia and Mr. whoever-is-sitting-to-my-left think of me.

Does Sophia know what our parents have planned for us? It’s sick, but maybe if she’s also not in agreement with it, we can amicably put it all behind us.

As soon as the dinner is over, Nora excuses herself to call Carla and see if we can go and meet her. I grab the opportunity and take Sophia to the garden to ask her.

“So, Nora’s cute,” she says, breathing in the cool air. “I saw her taking pictures of the food before eating. She into photography?”

I chuckle. “Nah. Just into social media. She’s got quite a following there.”

“Yeah. She has a good following. She’s getting into food blogging as well now?”

“She’s into everything. From fashion to food, to gaming to digital marketing. Her life, in general. She has strong opinions and makes them known. She’s not scared to call out people if they’re doing something wrong or unethical. A woman pure of heart. They’re difficult to see in these times.”

“Ahem! You seem to be smitten by her. Surprising that you’ve known her for so long, but started dating her only now, given that you feel so strongly about her.”

I shrug. “There’s a time for everything. I guess her and mine is now.”

“Yeah, probably. For six months maybe. Isn’t that your usual girlfriend time?”

“Excuse me?”

“Isn’t it true you’ve never had a girlfriend for over six months? I mean, I’m not judging. I haven’t had a relationship for more than a few months myself. But that’s how we have to be, right?”

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