42. The pasta argument...

"somebody didn't let me sleep for as long as I wanted to... Was Nathan's reply when Margaret asked him why he was looking gloomy...

Vanessa looked at Margaret like she had said something completely wrong., how could she say this man looked gloomy.. He was typically glowing this morning.. 'tsk tsk.. Aunt Margaret you're really getting old., you can't even see clearly anymore'...

Or maybe it's you who's lost in his blinding beauty that you just can't see beneath it.

"well since you're here this early, how about staying for a while so you can have breakfast with us.. Jenny offered, as she asked the man, her eyes drifted from him to the lady behind him giving her a NO sign with her hands and head.. Vanessa was viciously shaking her head and using her hands to indicate that Jenny should take back her offer..

Spending more time with this man might end up being injurious to her health.. With the way her heart was beating, there was every tendency it would explode..

But before Jenny could even understand why or what her friend was trying to tell her, the man answered..

"oh that would be wonderful., she didn't let me finish the toast I even made.. So I'll humbly accept your offer thank you...

" NO... Vanessa suddenly blurted out loud., shocking everyone present.. Nathan turned to look at her with wide eyes.. "you don't want me to stay?? He asked with bewilderment in his eyes..

" e_eh.. n_n_no_no way.. I had that kind of gown as a kid... She points at Emily... I just noticed that I once had something like this., a pink one... She was feeling super Silly, what was wrong with her.. Why did she open her big mouth..

They all went 'ohh'.., but Nathan couldn't help but think the NO was meant for him, and the gown was just an excuse.. And the thought made him giggle inwardly.. She could be really cute at times..

"yeh., this must be destiny, I just knew this was the right gown to wear today.. Now see what happened.. You had the same kind of gown as a kid.. Emily said happily.. Nathan looked at the girl with wide eyes..

" but you came to that decision after going through every single cloth in your wardrobe.. He said to the girl..

" I just did that for you.., you didn't know which one to pick, so I just tested everything to make you happy... Nathan's mouth was left wide open at the girls reply.. They all giggled..

******************

" this tastes so good.. Your cooking is wonderful Jenny., Nathan said as they ate breakfast.. Thank you, I'm happy you like it.. How's yours Em.. Jenny asked the girl..

" it's very tasty.., I like it.. The girl replied... But daddy cooks best.. She added..

" oh does he?? Jenny said smiling at the little girl..

"No., she's just being funny.. Nathan said with a stuffed mouth..

" oh don't be modest pastor.. Margaret joined the conversation.. Nathan here is what I'll call the best chef ever... His hands were made for the kitchen.. And have you tasted his pasta.. It's just so good.. She said with eyes closed imagining the taste...

" really, Vanessa loves pasta.. Isn't that right Van..., Vanessa coughed and choked on her food as she was shocked to have suddenly joined the conversation even though she would have preferred to just stay on the sidelines..

"Are you okay.. Nathan asks passing his own cup of orange juice to her for hers was empty... But she coughs even harder at the sound of his voice.. Seriously, he needs to stop asking her that question.., it's like those were the only words he ever spoke to her. And every time he spoke them ever so tenderly... Jenny pats her back gently..

"sorry Vanessa.. Little Em said..

" thanks dear.. Vanessa flashes a smile at the girl.. Thank goodness she had calmed down a little..

"You really like pasta don't you??.. You were having pasta that day too... Emily suddenly says..

Everyone's eyes went to Vanessa as if asking her 'what day'...

" Well yes., I do.. I love pastas... Vanessa answered the girls question, ignoring the questions that other eyes were asking..

" well then, if you like the pasta they make there, then you would love my dad's pasta.. It's way better than theirs.. This girl just loved hyping her father..

Vanessa casts a quick glance at Nathan, he was looking at her too as if expecting her response... "Honey, I know you think your dad's the best cook.., everybody thinks their parent is the best at everything, but I don't think he can make pasta better than that restaurant..

" But he really is good at everything.., and he is perfect in the kitchen... The girl says with glittering eyes... I bet you'll never have pasta anywhere again if you tastes my daddy's...

Nathan watched on in amusement as the two young ladies argued.. It was a fun sight to behold.. His daughter wasn't going to believe that anyone was better than her father.. And Vanessa was not going to agree that the restaurant was second to anyone... Which was really funny to him because it made him wonder what will happen if she found out that...

Well not now.. That's a story for another chapter..

"Emily, your dad might be great, but that restaurant has a special recipe.., and the chef studied at somewhere in Paris or something.. I don't remember, but point is nothing beats that pasta...

" I promise, if you have my daddy's pasta., you'd give up that place... The girl said boldly... You'd even thank me..

" if your daddy's pasta is better than the one in that place... Which I know is impossible., then I will not only thank you.., I might even go to your church and thank your God... The words had escaped her lips before she could stop herself... She just hoped no one heard it clearly.. But they all heard it loud and clear.. Even Nathan..

" That sounds like a challenge Vanessa... Nathan said with a cunning smile on his lips..

"And I accept...