The Summer Of Love

Chapter 3

"And for the lovely Aurora, Mash potatoes with gravy and some lovely slightly dark ribs covered in the best barbecue sauce in town with a side of French fries along with a new bottle of champagne I picked out myself from downstairs".

My jaw dropped at the sight of all my favourite foods in one. Sebastian was always so kind to me but this is over the frigging top.

"Sebastian, you can't possibly give her all those calories to eat" my mother said scornfully. Trying to take my food away from me.

"Meredith. Let her be, she hasn't had any junk food in like 3 months because of that ridiculous diet you put her on, and this is a celebration for her.

Your teacher called me this afternoon, apparently you're doing really well in school and could graduate a year early if you'd like."

I swallowed hard. Graduation a year early? Of course the thought had come across my mind but to actually do it. What would be the right choice?

"Congratulations Aurora" The green eyed man spoke this time. The Italian accent was slick and sharp with the two words he said. I mumbled a quick thank you before digging into the ribs. God, they taste so good.

"I think I'll be having some of what Aurora is having, if there's any left of course" he confidently said to Sebastian. My mother was staring at him in disgust.

"So, Vincent. You've been here long enough, what do you want?" my father said in a serious tone.

"I'm just being observant, you have a wonderful daughter, a nice house, a nice family" he said as he looked around the dining room. I slowed my eating, why did that sound like a threat?

"As you know, Reed hasn't exactly been up to par with his school work, his love life, he's very big on taking over the business though. Judging from what I've seen tonight, I think Aurora could be able to help him" his green eyes pierced into my soul, trying to reach for something that wasn't there.

"Help him with what? I am not marrying off my daughter and especially not to your son." My father was stern and strict. It's rare that I'd hear him talk like that.

"I'm not asking you to marry her off, just to tutor my son, that's all it'll be, whatever happens during that will be all them"

"Nothing will happen during it and she will not tutor him" my dad was raging, it was clear in his eyes.

"Ares" my mother put a hand to stop him.

"Why should we let our daughter tutor your son?" my mom asked the man. I hate how they were speaking about me as if I wasn't even here. Just a good well trained daughter who knows how to keep her mouth shut when needed.

"Because he needs it, he's.. Reckless. I can't have him in charge of my business making all those impulsive decisions, I just thought that maybe she could teach him a thing or two about the business world and school"

"Okay but what do we gain out of this?" my dad asked this time

"I have a feeling, things will go a bit different than you hope, if it doesn't happen Aurora gets 40 shares out of my company and if it does happen well we'll just have to see where it goes from there" he gave me a mischievous grin before standing up and heading for the door. .

"We have a deal Mr. Sage?" he looked behind his shoulder, not turning his whole body around

"It's a deal" My dad answered fiercely

"Wrap that up for me, will ya? That looks delicious" he motioned for Sebastian to wrap up the food he was given.

I cautiously wiped my face with the napkin. Feeling the stares of both my parents sinking into my skin.

"Well, I've lost my appetite" My mother pushed her collard greens away.

"Go get some rest, I don't have to head back to L.A until Wednesday so we're going shopping tomorrow" she gave me what she thought was an idea of a smile.

I sighed as I grazed the chair below me on the tiled flooring, I had barely eaten half of my food and I was already dismissed from the table, at least I got to eat the chicken though.

I bidded my parents a good night and headed upstairs to my room, ready to get into bed. I sighed as I closed my door, not bothering to change, I got into bed. I was exhausted, as if today hadn't been hard enough and now I have to tutor some guy I don't know.

I blinked slowly as I looked up at my ceiling, feeling my eyes get droopy at each second, tomorrow's another day. I sighed as I turned over on my side and tried to fall asleep.

***

I bidded my father a goodbye as I got into the limousine with my mother.

"You look lovely" she complimented me

"Of course I do, you picked out the outfit for me" I gave her a soft smile. As much as I loved my mom, I didn't really fancy the limo. Of course she was good at style, it's her favourite thing to do and also mine.

It wasn't long before we arrived at the mall. Jeffery opened the door for us, my mother stepping out first while I followed afterwards. I would often come to the mall to get inspiration and see the lovely dresses.

Something about seeing those hard working women thrive and build their stores from the ground up is just mesmerising.

"Oh, Taylor darling, I haven't seen you in ages" I could hear my mom using her fake accent as she approached the dark skin lady. She had on an elegant white suit, with pearl earrings dangling from her lower earlobe and a small white hat and classic white flats to top off the look.

I knew my mother wasn't going to come back anytime soon so I went to check my favourite boutique. Faye owned this boutique, he's 22 and way to sassy for his own good. I opened the door, the brightest smile appearing on my face as I saw Faye.

"Darling, you look fabulous as always" he gave me a small kiss on my cheek

"Don't flatter me, Faye" I gave him a heartwarming smile as I walked down the marble white tiled flooring.

"New dress?" I asked cautiously as my hand touched the frills of the fluorescent green dress.

"Yes, I just finished it last night" he looked proud of his work. Faye was the most astonishing designer I ever met. It's surprising how he isn't some big famous designer yet.

As Faye and I continued to chat, I could hear the sound of the small bell, alerting us that someone just entered the store