Page 158 of Tarek

“How is Roxy doing? Archer, I can’t believe I am about to be a grandmother,” My mom says as she sits and sips her tea.

For some reason when she says grandmother, it feels like she is going to be a grandmother for only Archer’s children. That hurts.

“She is fine, the cravings are crazy.” Archer pulls out his chair and sit. “Last night she was standing in the kitchen eating Peanut butter and strawberries. And she wants sushi,”

My mom turns to him. “No sushi. Tell her once my grandchild comes, we will get her a sushi boat.”

“Will I get a sushi boat too?” I know I am petty for asking, but I don’t care.

My mom fixes her magenta blouse and fidget in the chair. “If that’s what you would like we can get it for you too.”

She turns back to Archer. “When I was having you, all I wanted to eat was ice.”

Archer brows crinkle. “Why are you doing that, Mom?”

My mother blinks. “Doing what?”

“Acting like Penny’s children are not your grandchildren,” Archer asks.

I watch as her hands clench around the napkin on the table.

“Because to her they are not.” I can hear the pain in my voice.

My mother’s eyes widen. “What rubbish. Of course they are. You will never understand.”

“What is there to understand? Penny is your daughter.” Archer replies as he points to me.

I should have stayed home. “Well, you know technically,”

“Don’t mess with me right now sis. Whatever you two have going on it needs to stop right now,” Archer points his finger down on the linen tablecloth.

I begin to rise. “This is not the time or place for any of this. I should see myself out.”

My mother shakes her head. “No, it’s just…”

Her silence hurts even more. “It’s just I am not your daughter? Yeah, Mom, I know.”

“Both of you need to stop being so dramatic. I will explain one day.” She picks up her glass and sips her water.

God this hurts to be reminded that I don’t belong to anyone.

I can hear talking at the door. “Look, we will talk about this later.”

I can feel water gathering in my eyes. I am so tired of not being wanted, not being loved without a string. I feel the need to leave.

The door opens and everything changes.

* * *

TAREK

“Enjoy your dinner,” I shake the hands of a newly engaged couple that used the Glasshouse as stage for a proposal. The proposal instantly makes me think about Penny and making an honest woman out of her.

Janaka already updated me that Penny and her family are in the private suite. The suite is usually reserved for important meetings but Archer asked to use it for his dinner with his sponsor tonight.

I wonder if Penny’s mom is aware that I own the restaurant. I can still see the pain that was registered in her face when I told her my name. I caused pain to a woman I never even met, that’s a new low for me.

My phone vibrates. Pulling it out, I see it’s the group chat.

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