A date with his ex

A savory aroma filled the room making Declan pause. He glanced around to be sure he was in his parents' house. They had invited him to come visit, but nothing was said about dinner. He resumed his steps slowly taking in the dim blue light that gave the room a romantic setting.

Did he forget an important date? Is there some sort of anniversary that he couldn't remember? The living room was empty, but the aroma was stronger now – he followed the aroma to the dining room.

The table was set as if they were expecting an important visitor. The plates were set with cutleries beside them, and also a napkin. The table was a feast for the eyes, adorned with a whole roasted prime rib, succulent seafood delights, herb-roasted Cornish game hens, and vibrant salads. The air was filled with the aroma of exotic Thai coconut curry and the allure of perfectly crafted sushi.

His stomach grumbled; it had been a while since he had a nice homemade delicacy. He was about to walk to the kitchen to look for his mother when Fiona walked out of the kitchen carrying a tray of food and smiling at him.

He moved back and a frown etched on his forehead, "What are you doing here?"

She smiled in return, swaying her hips, while she moved past him to drop the tray on the table beside the others. His gaze followed her slowly. He didn't trust Fiona, and having her in his parents' house was definitely suspicious. For some reason, he felt she wasn't there for any good purpose.

She turned to him and gave her signature filthy smile, "Your mother invited me."

Declan groaned, he should have known there was a reason his mother had suddenly wanted to see him today. "You could have made an excuse and not come."

Her smile didn't diminish, "Why would I do that? I want to see you. You are the one who wanted to break things off between us. It has nothing to do with me."

He clenched his teeth, "And that shouldn't be enough for you to avoid me?" He moved closer to her and whispered, "I don't want anything with you anymore, can't you get that?"

She took bold steps to close the distance between them. Her pinky finger trailed on his chest, and her lips angled directly over his. She was tall for a female, but he was taller, so he looked down at her and snatched her finger off his shirt. "I want you to leave before my mother gets here."

She tsked and smiled at something behind him. "I really missed you too, honey. I'm so glad Mother invited me over tonight."

Declan frowned. What was she talking about? He turned around and was met with his mother's smiling face. She gazed at them as if they were the definition of a perfect couple. This was what she wanted for her son. She wanted him to be happy, to have someone beside him. Someone to share his stories with. Someone to share how his day went. Someone who wasn't on his payroll, and do his bidding because he ordered her to. She wanted him to have someone to relax with at home after a long day at work. And the perfect person for him was Fiona.

"Mum, good evening." He turned to face his mother giving her his most charming smile. She pulled him to her, engulfing him with the sweet aroma he had missed so much. Building a multi-billion dollar company made him so busy that he rarely had time to visit home. "Where is Dad?"

The smile on his mother's face got wider, "Your father is getting the wine from the cellar." She assisted him to the chair, "Come, sit down. Fiona, dear, sit down too." She sat him beside Fiona and took her sit opposite them.

"It's so good to see you two together again. You look perfect together."

Fiona beamed linking her hand to his, "Yes, mother. I'm so happy to be here too. I miss coming here every Sunday."

Declan strained a smile. "Mama, I think the food will get cold. Maybe, I should go check on Dad?"

His mother swatted her hand as if she was swatting away flies, "Don't bother, baby. Your father will be here soon? So, Fiona dear, how are your parents?"

Fiona smiled, her hand trailing down Declan's lap under the table, "They are fine. My mother sent her regards, and says she missed you so much."

A throat cleared behind them, and all heads turned to see an old man, but with visible features as Declan. His age hadn't done anything to his height, and his black hair was mixed with white streaks while his grey eyes narrowed at them. "I see, you are all having fun without me." He raised a bottle of wine up. "I got the wine, darling." Then he proceeded to place a soft kiss on Ruth's cheek. She blushed.

"Joe, darling. I was just thinking we could invite the Bradleys for dinner. You know how we used to."

Declan groaned. His life was just about to be more difficult than he had imagined. "Mum, I don't think that's necessary. Everyone is busy these days.'

"Nonsense. You need to relax and stop working all the time." She responded while dishing the food. She put in extra food for Fiona. "Eat up, dear. You are too skinny."

Fiona smiled, "It's part of my job, mother. I need to be on a diet regularly. It helps me to keep in shape."

Ruth gazed at her with eyes filled with pity. "It must be difficult for you."

Fiona laughed, while she clutched Declan's thighs. Declan tried pulling her hand off his thigh without calling the attention of others. "I actually enjoy it, Mother. Modeling is a dream come true for me, so I enjoy every part that came with the job.

Joe nodded, "Ladies these days think being skinny is the best. Unlike our days, when ladies have more flesh on their bodies. Leave her, dear. Being skinny is the trend. Am I right, Fiona, dear?"

Fiona flashed all of her teeth, "You are very correct, Father."