Business With Pleasure | 2gether AU

06 - InvaliDated

It was six fifty-five p.m. I was dressed in my finest and ready for my date - I still couldn't believe it - with Earth.

I had worn a light linen suit, set my hair stylishly and worn perfectly uncomfortable but great looking leather shoes, under Pear's strict supervision.

She was determined to pull me up to Earth's level, even if it was by the roots of my brushed-to-a-blinding-shine hair or my much abused toes that were already bruising.

Ren was sulking in the other room. Wat and Fong were out paying bills and thanking our vendors, tasks I was supposed to do.

I glanced nervously at a wall clock. Less than five minutes to go. I knew Earth was never late for his appointments.

The doorbell rang. My heart jumped to my throat and my already-numb feet acquired a jelly-like consistency.

Pear held me by the shoulders. "Breathe. You look stunning. And remember, though you're hit by Cupid, don't do anything stupid. Babies don't come with a return policy."

The doorbell rang again. It was difficult to curb Pear once she got started.

"Thanks for the abstinence talk, Mom. I don't think we'll have any baby-trouble tonight, because unless one of us opens the door in the next few seconds, I won't be going on a date."

"Sorry. Have fun, but not before you're sure he's the one" said Pear, throwing another high-school sex ed poster line at me as she opened the door.

Earth stood there, with a bunch of flowers in his hand, a smile on his face, looking like a Greek god.

"Good evening, Pear. Flowers for you. And rest assured, I'll just say No if he tries anything with me. Tine, shall we?"

Pear smiled sweetly and thanked him for the bouquet. I blushed red and covered my eyes with my hand, embarrassed beyond belief.

Ren stood in the hall, arms crossed. He nodded at Earth.

"Mr Pirapat, I trust you will take care of my brother, keep him safe and out of the newspapers."

Ren came closer to me. "Tine, you have me on speed-dial if you need me. Call me no matter how late it is or where you are. I'll come get you right away. Take care and enjoy yourself." He kissed my forehead.

Dear Lord. It was as though my siblings were channeling parents from a K-drama, giving their daughter away at her wedding.

"Ren, you do know I'm not going away forever, right? Pear, please don't text me incessantly. I love you, but you're both insane. Good bye."

The door shut reluctantly behind me as I stepped out tentatively.

Earth circled an arm around my waist, not touching me though, to guide me towards the elevator.

We stepped silently into the elevator, headed for the parking. We hadn't spoken to each other yet, and it was getting more awkward by the second.

I decided to break the ice. "Sorry about the melodrama. My siblings disagree on everything except embarrassing me."

"You're lucky to have someone care about you this way."

"True. I only wish their caring did not coincide with an overwhelming desire on my part to sink into the floor. Just curious, were those flowers for Pear?"

He laughed. "I brought them for you, but decided Pear needed the reassurance. Your door is pretty thin and she has a voice that carries."

The elevator pinged us into the car park. Earth guided me to where his car was parked, a silver Audi sedan. It radiated style and sensuality, much like its owner.