Chapter 8- The Lunch

I found the perfect dress for today's lunch with Dad's new business partners. It was a navy off-shoulder dress, reaching to my knees. It was so beautiful and delicate.

I pair it with a pair of nude heels and tie my hair into a fancy but formal bun. For makeup, I added a bit of pink lip gloss and I'm done.

"Wow..." I gasp when I look at the mirror.

I looked very mature; nobody could guess I was 16. The navy blue contemplates with my black hair and tan body perfectly. I look very tall and elegant. The dress made me look like a prom queen making my body fit for a runway model.

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"Honey, you look gorgeous," Mum said and hugged me.

"Obviously, it's my genes, isn't it?" Dad chuckled.

Mum gave him a 'shut-your-mouth' look.

Dad ignored her playfully.

Truth is I don't look like my mother or father. I'm tanner and my hair is black and wavy. Mum said grandma had hair like me, so I think that's where it fits.

"So, dad, how do you know this new partner?" Tyler asked adjusting his tie.

"He was my best friend in high school. We studied together and he had to go abroad for his business. He shifted here a few years ago and then we agreed on this deal. Really liked him, was like my own brother. He was there at our wedding and we were in his too... He and his wife used to send Hannah and you gifts when you were young." Dad said remembering his memories.

"They sound like nice people," I smile.

"Wait till you meet them," Dad winks and Mum grins.

Just when we finished the doorbell rings.

"I'll get it!" I said.

Standing in front of me was a middle-aged man very handsome for his age. Next to him was a beautiful woman, with black eyes, brown hair and olive skin. They looked very European judging their looks.

"Hannah is that you?" the women asked her eyes filled with sparkling joy.

"Yes, madam," I smile telling her to come in.

"Oh my god darling. You have changed so much. You are so beautiful, Tesoro. Look how tall and tan and slim you have become. I'm so proud of you. And don't call me madam. I feel old. Call me Aunt Layla," she started to cry tears of joy.

Mum welcomed her inside, while I was a bit confused.

She must love me a lot, huh?

"Tyler, son, you have become a man," the man chuckles.

I smile widely and the man returns it.

"You can call me Uncle Stef darling, and my you have changed a lot." Uncle Stefano said.

"Thank you, Uncle. Stop acting like there is no other beauty in the world. Aunt Layla and you look gorgeous despite your age. " I reply honestly, grinning.

"Such a rare diamond. I wish I had a daughter, tesoro. You would be perfect," Aunt Layla hugged me tightly.

Wait.

I wish I had a daughter? Then she didn't have a daughter?

"Sorry, I was getting late. I forgot to bring the gift," a deep voice said.

That voice, I knew it!

"Meet my son Nathaniel," Aunt Layla said.

I looked and saw a striking young man, wearing a navy-blue suit. Nate.

He was wearing a navy blue suit, the same colour as mine. It should be a coincidence. If we stood together we'll look like a couple.

It was a match made in hell.

He looked breathtaking. Sculpted by God himself. His hair was styled neatly with hair strands falling off. He looked polite, charming and bad boyish.

I was shocked to see him here. Never in my life, I imagined Nate Romano having lunch with my family. I was so annoyed and tired to see him here when I expected a girl.

He was looking at me with the same gaze. His grey eyes met with my brown ones and stayed there for the next few seconds.

Dad clears his throat. We remove our stare.

"So, have you met before?" he asked looking at me.

"We go to the same school, sir," Nate replied coolly.

How could he be so chill?

"Do you know each other?" Aunt Layla looks at Nate.

We both hesitate to speak.

"They don't know each other. They have a few classes together," Tyler said breaking the awkwardness.

I love you Tyler.

"Come, let's have lunch," Mum says cheerfully.

Everyone took a seat at the table. I was the last one to sit and Nate took a seat opposite to me.

Just great.

Now I have to eat my lunch acting I don't know him, in front of him.

Do you know how a great distraction he is?

His grey eyes make want to stare at them for ages, while his smug look makes me want to strangle him.

The adults start to talk while I stay silent. Nate and Tyler too joined the conversation answering questions.

"Are you alright sweetheart? You look very pale," Layla asked looking deeply concerned.

"I am fine Aunt. Just lost in my thoughts," I lie smoothly and smile avoiding Nate's gaze.

"When we came here for vacation 12 years ago, can you remember playing with Nate? You were best friends and when it was time to go you all would cry and rant," Layla asked.

My face went from pale to white.

We played. Just the thought of me and Nate having fun made want to puke my uneaten lunch.

I shake my head.

"You were quite young, I don't think you will remember." Aunt Layla chuckled.

"What do you do in your spare time, sweetheart?" Aunt Layla asked a few moments later.

I was cut off by Tyler before I could reply.

"She buries her humongous head in novels- especially young adult books with characters such as Edward, Katniss, Tris, etc... until 3 am. She sings songs like they are her life, but no one except me and her best friend knows this even though she has an amazing voice. She has a non-existent dating life because boy are scared of her. But most of the time, she spends time staring at the ceiling lost in her thoughts. Everything is done by shutting herself in the room. Oh, I forgot, she rarely has free time because she puts a lot of pressure on herself worrying about the future. Ain't I right, Sister?" Tyler finished in a serious tone.

I gasp and look at him.

Nate raised his eyebrows at me. His eyes had a look I couldn't decipher.

Does Ty really have to say this now? All his words were true, and I'm paranoid about my past and future. These are personal things I didn't want anyone to know.

"You make me sound like a psychopath. Yes, I like reading books and listening to songs," I chuckle and lied smoothly, again.

Tyler rolled his eyes and pierced his eyes into mine.

I hated to lie to such caring people. But I lie because I love them.

Nate's suite:

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The lunch continued incredibly well except for the fact Nate was here. My parents were extremely close with Nate and his family and treated him very fondly.

In fact, they adore him.

I mentally facepalmed thinking about how we had been when we were babies.

On the other hand, I LOVE Layla and Stef. They were like second parents to me. And they loved me like a daughter in return.

"Han sweetie, you should come to our place often. I could really use some girl time. I regret missing 12 years not seeing you. I want to know you and rebuild our bond together," Aunt Layla smiled.

"Sure Aunt, I feel the same way too," I replied returning her affection.

I am was willing to go, but the idea of Nate being there blocked me. If I go there he'll be there. The idea of him smirking made me feel like punching him in the guts.

~~~

We all got up and got ready to say goodbye. We all hugged each other, except me and Nate of course.

Even Ty gave him one of those bro hugs.

I said bye to everyone politely and invited them to come again, except Nate of course.

"Bye Hannah, see you at school tomorrow," Nate said politely and waves.

Goodbye. And I hope we don't meet at school tomorrow.

I could only nod, clearly shocked by the unexpected gesture.

He was giving me a wide variety of weird feelings, Feelings of strangling him, punching and torturing him not with anger or revenge but with the joy of annoying him thoroughly.

I can't wait till I tell Jaz what happened today.