Dinner of Four Vs. Dinner Alone

After spending her first day back home with her family and getting settled back in Amelia decided she should visit Adam's family. On Friday morning she gave Mrs. Hayes a call.

"Good morning aunty" Amelia greeted respectfully.

"I was hoping you would call today." Mrs. Hayes replied excitedly. "Did you settle in well last night?"

"I did, thank you. I'm sorry that I had to miss our dinner."

"That's okay. I'm sure the flight would have made you tired. You were able to settle in well last night?"

"I was."

"That's great. Why don't you come over for dinner tonight instead?"

"Would that be okay? I don't want to intrude on Uncle and I'm sure Adam is busy with his work."

"Don't worry about those two. I'll take care of them so why don't you come over later this evening."

"If it's okay with everyone I'd love to."

"Perfect, I'll see you later then dear."

"See you, aunty."

After hanging up the phone Amelia went into her closet, humming to herself as she tried to decide on something suitable to wear to dinner that night.

~

Meanwhile, Adam was already at work that morning. He was sitting at his desk sifting through paperwork with David by his side when his phone began to ring. Adam glanced at the screen which was displaying his mother's number. He ignored the call and continued with his work but his mother wasn't about to let him off the hook so easily. She called a second time, and then a third.

"What is it?" Adam asked as he finally answered the call.

"Why did you wait until my third call to pick up?" His mother asked indignantly. "What if it was an emergency?"

"Is it an emergency?" Adam asked patiently.

"No, but it is important."

"See?" Adam replied complacently. "It's never an emergency with you. If it ever is please use father's phone so I know to pick up right away."

"This little brat." His mother muttered.

"I'm only easing. What's so important?"

"Come home for dinner tonight. Amelia just got back, at least come home for one dinner together."

Adam glanced at the stack of work that remained in front of him. "What time?" He asked hesitantly.

"Around seven?"

"Okay, fine."

"Wonderful."

Once he hung up the phone it was his turn to make a call. After ringing for only a short moment Adam heard Elle pick up the phone.

"Hello?" She panted.

Adam frowned. "Were you running just now? Why are you out of breath?"

"I'm just moving some boxes of files upstairs."

"You're not sick of moving yet?" Adam joked.

"I guess not." Elle replied with a laugh. "It's rare for you to call me at this time of day. What's up?"

"I have to go to the family house for a dinner tonight."

"For your friend that just returned?"

"That's right. I don't think I'll be able to see you tonight."

"That's okay, I think I may stay at work a bit late anyway. I'll see you this weekend?"

"Yes." Was Adam's short reply.

"Alright. Have fun then."

So later that night while Elle fixed dinner for herself Adam drove over to his parent's house. By the time he got there Amelia had already arrived.

"There's my lovely son." Mrs. Hayes enthused as Adam joined them in the living room.

"Hello again Adam." Amelia greeted.

"Did you settle in okay yesterday?" Adam asked.

"Yea. You know how my father is. I barely had anything to do."

"He always did dote on you." Adam recalled.

"I even managed to get the CEO of MK to be my driver for a day. Aren't I so lucky?" Amelia teased.

"Since MK's busy CEO finally joined us why don't we go sit down for dinner." Mrs. Hayes interjected.

So they all moved to the dinning room where Adam's mother had prepared and put out a giant spread of food. Dinner went by smoothly. Mrs. Hayes eagerly asked Amelia all usual questions like 'How was your flight?', 'Did you enjoy your time overseas?, and 'What was your last film like?'. He enthusiastic questions allowed Adam and his father to enjoy their meal in silence other than for the occasional comment.

"Do you have any work lined up yet?" Mr. Hayes asked eventually.

"Nothing yet." Amelia replied sheepishly.

"You're a talented girl. I'm sure the offers will start rolling in non-stop."

"I'm glad I have your confidence Uncle. I've been gone for quite a while now. You know how the entertainment industry is. I'm worried my popularity here has gone down because of my absence."

"Nonsense." Mrs. Hayes interjected. "But if you're worried you should partner with MK. Have Adam give you a modeling opportunity and everyone will remember you in no time."

"That's kind of you to say, but it's okay." Amelia immediately refused. "Adam hates giving out inside opportunities like that. I would never expect it, let alone ask for it."

When Adam didn't reply immediately his mother took the initiative to kick him underneath the table. Adam looked up and saw the look in her eyes and then glanced over at Amelia.

"Any half decent marketing department would extend you an offer once they find out your back. I like to think my marketing department is at least half decent. I'm sure MK will extend you an offer without my interference."

His mother knew that was the best she would get out of him so she conceded and switched topics to something other then work for the rest of their meal.

Adam was the first the first to get up once dinner was over.

"It's getting late; I'll head back now." He said as he got up. "Do you want a ride home Amelia?"

"That would be great, thank you." She said as she quickly joined him. "That you for dinner Aunty, Uncle, it was delicious."

"Come again soon."

"I will. Goodnight."

~

"Your parents are the same as always." Amelia said with a laugh once she and Adam were in the car.

"They are."

"You're the same as always too."

"Am I?"

"I've known you for more than twenty years now. You're exactly the same as you always are."

"Is that comforting?"

"Of course. When you leave home for such a long period of time you're bound to be worried that everything will be different when you come back. It's nice to know that things are still the same. That my place is still the same."

Adam wasn't sure how to reply so he simply said nothing at all. Amelia seemed perfectly content to ride back in silence.

"Have a good night." Adam said as they pulled up in front of her home.

"Thank you for the ride. Have a good night."

As soon as she was out of sight Adam left and used the hands-free-calling to call Elle.

"Finished dinner already?" Elle asked with surprise as she picked up the phone.

"Already?" Adam questioned. "Have you not eaten yet?"

"Oops. You caught me. I stayed at work later than I thought I would. I'm about to eat now"

"Eat well then. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay, get home safe. Love you."

"Love you too." Adam murmured softly.