Chapter 19
During dinner, William thanked the higher-ups profusely. They warned him, "Kid, if you don't shape up and there's talk of divorce again, we'll give you a good slap before stamping the papers without a second thought. You're not getting any younger; get your act together. Not everyone finds someone as talented as Brian, even if he's a tough nut to crack."
Mothers always worry about their kids, especially when they have a troublemaker like William. Nina was dyeing her hair three times a month just to cover the gray hairs from all the stress.
Experienced folks do know how to ease tensions between a couple.
Nina and Belle insisted that Brian not work overtime and threatened William that if he dared to go out drinking with his buddies, they'd break his legs. They dragged him by the ear to their new apartment.
The apartment was a wedding gift from their grandfather. It was spacious with three bedrooms and two living rooms. The decor was understated but luxurious, with white walls, gold trim, and dazzling chandeliers. Famous paintings hung on the walls, and Persian carpets covered the floors. It was elegant but devoid of any signs of life.
A cleaning service kept the place spotless. There were no photos of them together, not even a toothbrush belonging to William.
Everything belonged to just one person – a single pair of slippers, one cup, one blanket, one pillow, and a wardrobe filled with Brian's clothes. The rest of the furniture was untouched, drawers filled with dust. The place felt empty and sad. It was supposed to be their marital home, but only one person had been living there.
The study was packed with documents and folders.
The fridge was so empty it could have been used as an air conditioner. Many kitchen utensils had never been used, still with their tags on.
Nina couldn't help but scold, "What kind of life has Brian been living?"
"I manage just fine on my own," Brian replied. His clothes were taken care of by a laundry service, and he usually ate dinner out or ordered in. His secretary brought him breakfast at the office. No matter how late, he always came back to the apartment to sleep.
"You can't keep living like this; it'll tear you apart. From now on, you both need to take care of the home," Nina declared as she and Belle started unpacking kitchenware and washing dishes. The fridge remained empty.
William felt like a newlywed bride, clueless about his own home. He didn't even know where the bathroom was. After touring the apartment, he realized they needed a lot of stuff.
"Let's buy some groceries; we have nothing," Nina and Belle decided to go shopping. William quickly volunteered for the task and headed out with his wallet.
He bought food, drinks, underwear, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and towels. He returned with bags full of stuff.
Brian was in the study, hearing William brag about his purchases. He felt dazed. Was this how lively a home could be with two people? Not the dead silence he was used to?
It was getting late, and Nina and Belle showed no signs of leaving.
Brian checked the time. What was going on?
William was also sleepy. He hadn't slept since he got back, and he had been out drinking with the higher-ups last night.
The two moms were still sitting on the couch watching TV with them.
"Aren't you guys leaving?" William yawned.
"No, we're staying. We don't want you two fighting. Go to bed," Belle said as she pulled out some yarn, and Nina took out knitting needles. Were they planning to knit sweaters?
"The guest rooms are clean. If you're tired, you can sleep there. I have a meeting tomorrow. Goodnight," Brian said as he stood up and headed to his room to take a shower and change into pajamas.
William scratched his head, glancing between the guest room and the bedroom. Where was he supposed to sleep?
Nina gave him a nudge with her foot. "What are you waiting for? Get in there!"
They say couples might argue at the head of the bed but will make up by the foot. Sleeping together under one blanket and sharing a pillow can resolve any talk of separation.