Lead Me To You

Kabanata XIV

Family Business

Unexpectedly, Paris and I became friends. Nonno would invite him every Saturday for dinner and he didn't refuse once. Nonno likes him very much that he would treat him as his own grandson.

"Thank you for the dinner, Signor," Paris said to my Nonno.

We are complete around the dining table. Nonno is on his usual spot on the top while Nonno is on her right. Paris sat on the left side and I am beside him, minding my own business.

"No, thank you for not refusing this invitation. I know how busy you are but you still slip this event in your schedule." Nonno said.

"It is an honour, Signor Carluccio. I am a big fan of your business. Monica knows about it." Paris proclaimed while pointing at me.

That's when we got my attention.

"We've been talking about wines and business, Nonno." I played with my fork.

"Oh, that's great. Having the same interest will not be difficult for your relationship in the future."

I didn't understand what Nonno have said.

We continue eating while Paris and Nonno talked most of the time at the dinner table. My Nonna solemnly speaks and she doesn't want to interrupt their conversation so we just stayed quiet. 

Only the clinking of our spoon and fork and the plate.

"So Paris, what do you think of my granddaughter?" Nonno suddenly asked.

"I think she's a great person. We have only known each other for one year but she's a nice and very sophisticated lady. We shared the same interest in many things that's why we are comfortable with each other." I just listened to what Paris has said.

"Do you like her?"

I choked by my own saliva as to what Nonno have asked Paris. Agad naman akong inabutan ni Paris ng tubig na sinalinan pa niya ang aking baso. Tinanggap ko naman iyon at agad na ininom. Hinahagod naman ni Paris ang aking likod para makadagdag sa ginahawang aking inaasam.

"E una domanda strana, Nonno." I said when I relieved myself from choking.

I just got shocked by the strange question that Nonno asked Paris. He just spits it out of the blue.

"No, it's not. I just wanted to know if Paris is really interested in you." Nonno's stare was focused on Paris.

I just need to clarify this to Paris later.

"Si Signor. Mi piace molto la tua Monica. Da quando abbiamo avuto una conversazione per la prima volta, sapevo da me stesso di essere rimasto colpito." Paris said.

Did I hear it right? Am I hearing a confession about love right now?

"E che progetti hai per lei?" Nonno asked him about his plans for me.

"Nonno, per favore, fermati!" I butted in.

I don't want Paris to feel uncomfortable.

"I wanted to talk about this with Monica first. I don't want to do things that might shock her or make her feel uncomfortable. I don't want her to feel that around me." Paris looked at me with his tender eyes.

Oh, no. 

"I just want to know because you see, she's my only granddaughter. One of a kind. I want the best for her." Nonno said pleasantly while looking at me.

We finally finished eating so I took Paris for a walk in our garden. We both have a glass of wine in our hands while we are slowly walking.

Naiisip ko pa rin hanggang ngayon ang mga biglaang komportrasyon sa hapag kainan. Hindi ko tuloy alam kung ano na ang mararamdaman ni Paris sa susunod na pupunta siya dito sa bahay. Iniisip ko naman ngayon kung paano ko pa sisimulan na kausapin siya tungkol doon.