Chocolate Cheesecake or Apple Pie

Ari was sitting in my seat, probably for Luke's convenience, in case Ari needed help. As I rounded towards our seat, Luke told Ari, "Champ, it's time to go back to your seat. Your Mama's back."

"No."

It was an immediate response from Miraj that drew everyone's attention. That's not correct, everyone's attention was already on us but now they were all really interested. I looked at him too, waiting for his explanation.

"You don't need to switch seats. Ari is already eating so don't disturb him. You will still be by his side if you sit here, right?"

I said, "Ohkay..." stretching it abnormally because I didn't understand his behaviour. I sat in Ari's chair in the end.

I looked at Miraj, waiting for his explanation, just as everyone was. He just looked around for one of the servers and asked for his dinner to be served. Basically, telling us to move on.

Once our food arrived, he leaned closer to me and whispered, "You're crazy if you think I am gonna let you sit anywhere near Luke after all that."

I was so amused, I tittered and had to hide my face with my napkin to stop myself from laughing out loud.

We weren't in a romantic relationship exactly but we did have a claim on each other because of our marriage. It had been an unspoken rule once we had adjusted to the reality of this marriage contract. But we had never made an outright possessive statement like that.

Being the kind of man he was, it wasn't the possessiveness that amused me but the way he gave an explanation for his behaviour only to me. He had never cared much for others' opinions and at times he wouldn't feel the need to explain his actions even to me.

So this new behaviour was unlike him and reminded me of the few minutes of Miraj turning into an obedient puppy, out in the corridor. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Something funny, Ana?" Luke asked.

I promptly shut up and shook my head at him. He obviously wasn't fooled but he let it go. I finally tasted the grilled pork tenderloin medallions on my plate and it was heavenly. I was hungry after a very exhausting evening and couldn't wait to stuff my face with Romero's delicious food.

The father and daughter had probably decided to shut up or maybe they were hungry too because they didn't say anything at all throughout the rest of the main course.

Soon came the desserts and the excitement on Ari's face mirrored mine because we knew we were going to get chocolate. Romero gave us options for our dessert. There was chocolate cheesecake and apple pie. There was no question about what I wanted.

"Apple pie is my favourite. Did you remember that all this time, Miraj?"

I had almost forgotten about her existence till she spoke up again. Look at the audacity of this woman. Either she was as dumb as she seemed today or she was being foolishly brave. Would Miraj really put her favourite on the dessert menu when I am present at the dinner table?

"Actually, the entire menu for today was approved by my wife. And people forget a lot of things over a decade, Ms.Mathews."

Honestly, I had just said yes to whatever Romero suggested for the menu. But wow. There wasn't even a hint of emotion in that reply. Ms.Mathews took it pretty hard, though.

"Ms.Mathews? What? Why are you being so cold? Are you still holding a grudge against me for what happened all those years ago?"

Miraj gave her a cold smile and said, "Absolutely not."

Ms.Mathews opened her mouth to speak again but ended up being interrupted by her father, "Tatiana! This is not the time to talk about such things."

Damn! I felt like I was watching a bad soap opera. It was interesting and my chocolate cheesecake now tasted even more sweet.

"'Not the time to talk' then when will we talk about how we are being treated at this dinner? Are people supposed to treat their guests this way?"

Wasn't she being too brazen now? Oh! How I wish I could squeeze her soft little neck. I couldn't be quiet anymore.

"Well, you pretty much invited yourself into our home. It wouldn't be too far-fetched to say you self-invited yourself to dinner. You wouldn't leave otherwise," I said in a calm voice.

I took another bite of my cheesecake because I couldn't care less about how she or anyone else here felt anymore.

"You.. Who-"

"Careful! Remember, you're still in my house. You can only diss a bad hostess if you're a good guest and good guests don't complain, Ms.Mathews." I even smiled for her as I said the last part.

She slammed her fork on the table and it scared Ari. I saw him jerk back from my peripheral vision and now I was pissed. But before I said anything, she got up from her seat and left. I could've stopped her but I didn't want her in my house for another second.

The doctor eventually got up after she left. I had to warn him.

"Next time your daughter comes in front of me, tell her to leave her attitude at home. I would have zero problems breaking her neck. My fake respect for you can only give her so much consideration."