Visitors at lunch
1029 Words
Jackie POV
Oh God! What have I really gotten myself into? I haven’t been okay since last night. I don’t know whether to be annoyed or happy. Ever since the kiss I shared with Tony last evening, I haven’t felt like myself.
I didn’t get a single drop of sleep the whole night. I’m even afraid that maybe Tony’s girlfriend saw us. I am not ready to face some crazy girl pulling my hair over a guy. I’ve only seen such things on TV, and I don’t want them happening to me—especially when everything about it feels wrong.
My mom only saw us dancing, and that wasn’t a big deal. Our parents are best friends, so they naturally expect us to be friendly too.
The dance itself was nothing to worry about. Poor Mom—she doesn’t know that her innocent daughter kissed the most handsome guy in town just minutes later.
I can’t, for any reason, understand why Tony kissed me last night. I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy it—I enjoyed every bit of it—but I want to know why he did it. Why did he take my first kiss? I’m sure he knows it was my first. He has known me for a long time, even though we don’t talk much anymore, apart from when we were kids.
I decide to push everything aside and focus on the things that truly matter to me.
Don’t lie. That kiss mattered, my subconscious argues.
I quickly get out of bed, grab my towel, and head to the bathroom. After brushing my teeth, I take a cold shower. I really need to clear my head before officially starting the day.
After showering, I dress in a dull, oversized dress and tie my hair into a ponytail before heading downstairs. I’m extremely hungry this morning. As I walk toward the kitchen, I’m surprised when I smell food cooking.
What? Are miracles really happening in my life these past few hours?
I can clearly smell fried eggs, and my stomach growls loudly. It can’t be possible.
I find my mom busy preparing breakfast. This is definitely not her thing at all. I wonder what has gotten into her lately. So many strange things are happening in my life: attending my first real party, kissing Tony in front of so many people, and now waking up to my mother cooking breakfast. I’m not complaining—I’ll gladly accept more good things if they come my way.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” Mom greets me with a smile as I walk into the kitchen.
The vibe she’s giving off this morning is unusual. She looks so happy. She places a plate of fried eggs on the table for me and prepares my coffee. I feel like a queen.
I thank her silently. Everyone loves to feel cared for—it makes you feel loved. And that’s exactly how I feel.
“Eat as much as you want, darling. You’ll need energy to escort me shopping,” she says as she places the coffee in front of me.
“You just went shopping yesterday,” I say, confused. I don’t understand why she needs to go again—and with me of all people. I usually stay home.
“Oh, we’re having visitors today. Natasha, her husband, and their son,” she says.
I nearly drop my cup of coffee at the last word.
Oh my God. How am I supposed to face Tony after what happened? I could have rejected that kiss. I wonder how people even face each other after moments like that… like after s*x.
Pervert, my subconscious snaps.
Mom looks at me suspiciously, but I somehow manage to compose myself.
---
We don’t spend much time shopping since we need to prepare everything before our guests arrive. Throughout the cooking, my mind is completely occupied. I can’t stop thinking about how awkward this lunch will be with Tony around. Mom asks me several times if something is wrong, and each time I tell her I’m fine.
Finally, it’s time.
A knock on the door startles me from where I’m sitting on the sofa, pretending to watch TV. At first, I act like I didn’t hear it, but when the knocking comes again, Mom tells me to open the door.
I walk toward it slowly, as if heading to my execution.
When I open the door, Natasha and her husband stand there, smiling brightly and holding a bouquet of flowers. At first, I think they came alone—until I see him behind them.
His green eyes lock onto mine, making me instantly nervous. His lips curve into a smirk.
Wow.
“Aren’t you going to let us in?” Natasha asks jokingly.
I realize I’ve been lost in my own thoughts.
My Tony?
Wait—did I just call him my Tony?
This is really ridiculous.
“Oh…” I mumble awkwardly as I step aside to let them in.
Mom welcomes them enthusiastically, as though they haven’t seen each other in years. That’s my mother for you—always cheerful and lively.
We all take our seats, and whether by coincidence or not, Tony sits right next to me. We haven’t spoken since they arrived, apart from the smirk—or smile—I can’t quite tell—which he gave me at the door.
The parents start talking about the party, and we the “kids” sit quietly. I can feel the tension building between Tony and me.
As they continue talking, I slowly lift my head to steal a glance at him, only to find that he’s already looking at me. My cheeks burn like tomatoes. I don’t know whether to look away or say something.
Before I can react, Natasha asks Tony how he thought the party was.
He quickly looks away.
“It was boring at first,” he says, then adds, “but it became really good toward the end.”
He says the last part while looking directly at me.
“And you, Jackie?” Natasha asks suddenly.
“It was… okay,” I manage to say.
- Writer
