Chasing the Shrew

Dinner Date

Dustin had buried himself in work until he got a call from his secretary.

“Sir, your mother is on the other line.”

Dustin looked up and saw it was already 6:00. He sighed, “Tell her I am on my way.”

He finished his work and left the office. It would take him 45 minutes just to drive home. He would probably get an earful for being late. He sighed.

***

The Roger mansion was bustling with activity. For two guests, the amount of decorations and food seemed ostentatious. A handsome middle-aged man sat next to Gloria and across from him sat a fairy-like woman with golden curls cascading down her back. Her light brown eyes twinkled whenever she laughed. The servers were all mesmerized by her beauty and poise.

Dustin walked in while they were talking and his eyes met with the man’s. He nodded his head in greeting, “I apologize for being late. I was caught up with work.”

“Son, come sit next to your guest. This is Gregory Foller and his daughter Fiona.”

Dustin took a seat next to Fiona and turned his eyes towards her. Their eyes met and he found himself lost in those brown orbs; they were so similar to Amelia’s.

“Hello,” she smiled and extended a manicured hand, “My name is Fiona Foller.”

Dustin took her hand and shook it gently.

Fiona hid her disappointment. They were people of class and old tradition dictated a kiss on the back of the hand. Never mind, no man was ever able to resist her charms.

Dustin said nothing, focusing on his meal. Gregory raised an eyebrow and looked at Gloria.

“Ahem, so Dustin, you must have seen Fiona in the cinema. She is an A-list actress who debuted a few years ago,” Gloria tried to raise a conversation.

Dustin barely grunted, “I don’t have time to watch movies,” he paused noticing his mother’s glare, and added, “Congratulations on your success, Fiona.”

Fiona managed to squeeze out a smile. This man is harder than a piece of rock; what a waste of good looks and wealth. She looked at her father and rolled her eyes. Gregory cleared his throat and wiped his mouth.

“Well, it has been a pleasure dining with you all. I am sure Dustin has more work to attend to so we won’t impose any further,” he pushed out about to stand.

Gloria hurriedly grabbed his hand on the table and squeezed it lightly, “Oh, Gregory! Do stay for dessert at the least! We prepared some fresh fruit tarts and some light cakes that I am sure you and Fiona would enjoy.”

Dustin scowled slightly when he saw his mother touch and fawn over Gregory. Somehow their relationship seemed more intimate. He wondered where his father was this evening.

Gregory made a show but sat down in the end. During dessert, Fiona pecked at the cake licking the cream seductively off the fork. Dustin scoffed gently; he had his fill of gorgeous vixens in the past, all too eager to get in his bed and take the position of Mrs. Roger. His mind went back to Amelia, she always tried to act with poise and grace. Although she was not born into high society, she had a natural elegance; she was tactful and quiet. He smiled softly recalling her bold smile and twinkling eyes.

Fiona misunderstood his smile for her and slid her hand over to brush his shoulder. Dustin’s smile disappeared, he eyed her coldly, “What are you doing?”

Ashamed, Fiona cleared her throat, “Ah, I saw some dust on your suit, I was just brushing it off.”

Dustin scoffed, “I have maids for that, Miss Foller. I do not need your assistance.”

Fiona’s face grew red with shame. This man! She resolved to have him begging for her love. She wanted to crush him under her heel and have him serve her for the rest of her life. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Patience…

Fiona smiled, “You are so funny…”

Gloria cut in, “Dustin, don’t be so rude!”

Dustin wiped his mouth and put the napkin down gently, “As Mr. Foller noted earlier, I am very busy so I shall excuse myself. Please, enjoy your meal.”

He got up and left leaving his mother to clean up the mess. Dustin scoffed. Fiona was beautiful but he was used to beautiful women. Her background was suitable but nothing to write home about. He knew his mother wanted him to marry again but he was in no rush; especially now that he had someone in mind, there was no need to find another woman. No one was more suitable to him than Amelia.

Amelia… my Amelia. My children…

He smiled as he went out the front door and into his car. Ever since his mother started nagging him to get married, six years ago, he moved out to his place. It was a quaint villa with lots of fresh fruits and shrubbery; a place he bought with Amelia in mind.

He smiled thinking about their happy family of four together again.

***

Chris finally got rid of both of his parents after dinner. His father did his utmost to play the pitiful husband and tried to climb the stairs to chase his wife. His mother quickly succumbed to his father’s persistence and helped him back down into his wheelchair.

Chris had to fight the urge to gag during dinner at his parent’s public display of affection. His eye muscles were sore from all the rolling.

After dinner, Chris walked his parents to the door. His mother had a soft smile as she pushed her husband to the waiting car, and his father’s face was tilted up to look at his wife; neither acknowledging their son who took the time to send them off.

Chris grumbled, “Just you wait! I’ll be even happier when I am married.”

He walked in and smiled. Dustin is going to get a whole lot of pain tomorrow.

***

The news went wild in the morning: someone unearthed some unsavory business dealings that Roger Inc. tried to sweep under the rug. Genji Tech was also making a ruckus about quality at their front door. They set up a stage with a bunch of people chanting accompanied by an array of drums causing a scene. To top it off, a swarm of reporters were clamoring at the front door.

Dustin rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. Everyone was scrambling in the building trying to put out fires. He was also inundated with calls and last-minute meetings.

Meanwhile, at the Farley headquarters, Chris was having the best day of his life. Everyone at the office was terrified; the normally cold and expressionless boss of theirs was smiling. If he wasn’t demon-possessed then maybe he was about to wreak havoc somewhere; no one wanted to stick around to find out.

Thus, the poor employees of two large companies spent their Friday in pure agony.