Paradise Bound

Chapter 23

It's finally Friday. I haven't spoken to Isaac since he basically told me to take the job in Troy's hotel. The only contact I have had with him was a text message at lunch today telling me he would pick me up at 7.00pm for dinner at his parent's house.

(As much as I really don't feel like going to this dinner, I don't want to disappoint his mother Gina.....even if she thinks I am Diane.)

I'm just finished my shower. I dry my hair and put on some makeup. I finally pick out a dress and slip it on in front of the mirror.

I grab my bag and as I'm walking into the kitchen the doorbell rings.

(Surprise surprise, he's here early.)

I go to the door and open it to see Isaac, looking as god damn perfect as always.

"Tessa, you look beautiful."

"Thank you. You're looking quite good yourself."

Isaac smiles. It's not his usual twinkle in his eye kind of smile, it's more of a friendly, polite smile.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, I sure am."

I step outside and lock the door behind me. We walk over to Isaac's car. He opens the door for me like he always does and I slip in onto the familiar leather seat.

The drive to his parents house is spent in silence. I hate this new tension between us. I hate that I can't touch him or kiss him or that I have absolutely no idea what is going on in his head.

We finally pull up outside a lovely two storey house. Isaac parks the car and comes around to open my door. As we approach the front door Isaac pulls me to a stop.

"Tessa, are you sure you are okay with this?"

"Yes Isaac, I wouldn't be here if I wasn't. It's no big deal."

"Well don't say I didn't warn you."

All of a sudden the door swings open.

"What on earth are you two doing hanging around outside? Come on in."

"Sorry Mia, I was just admiring the house and the lovely views."

"Well I'll give you a better view.... A nice big glass of red wine."

"You got me there, that definitely does sound better."

Mia smiles at me and steps aside to let us both in.

We make our way into a beautiful kitchen.

"Tessa, welcome to our home."

Joe comes over and kisses me on the cheek with a small hug.

"Thank you Joe. You have a beautiful home."

"Thank you. Gina is in the living room, she's looking forward to seeing you. I'm only sorry that she thinks you're someone else."

"Oh it's no problem. Honestly I don't mind."

"Mia, will you get everyone a drink and bring them into the living room while I finish the dinner?"

"No problem dad."

Mia grabs some drinks and leads us into the living room where Gina, Will and Rob are sitting.

When Gina sees me she gets up and comes over to me, wrapping her arms around me.

"Diane sweetheart, You're finally here. I've been waiting all day to see you."

"Oh Gina, it's great to see you again."

Gina takes my hand and leads me over to the sofa to sit down beside her. Isaac follows after and sits the other side of me.