LOVE TO TEASE

Chapter 12 ( Happy Family Image)

(Harvey's POV)

One of my favourite songs plays at high volume over the speakers of my BMW, heading out of the city toward my parents house.
I don't have the wife or kids, as will be pointed out to me over and over again tonight. I'm sure, when I show up to my parents house without any partner again.

They're strong believers in the image of family, regardless of whether it's just an airbrushed fabrication for the sole purpose of fitting into the community.
I've never cared about it myself. I don't see the purpose in faking things just to please other people, which is the main point of contention between me and the rest of my family.

I don't do things because they look good and they don't understand that.

My father, Frank, is a highly respected business man and my mother, Jane, a social worker and not to forget my fucking uncle Robert is a business partner of my father's business. Who never misses an opportunity to let people know how much he helped my father to set up that restaurants and resort's businesses.

I'm the only one who didn't go into family business, well, me and her.....not anymore though.
My teeth clench and I grip the steering wheel harder while existing the freeway and let me tell you my family is ridiculous. They act like they know everything.......hell no.

Parking in the drive way of the home. I lived in for most of my life, I take a moment to breath before stepping out of the car with the bottle of wine I bought.
Here, mom. Let this ninety- dollar bottle of cab serve as a replacement for the woman you wanted me to marry.

At the front door, I ring the bell and wait. Some people might just walk in..... since it was my home once, too. But I don't. It doesn't feel like I belong here.
My mother opens the door with a smile. "Harvey. So good to see you." Her eyes dart to my right. Then left. And she frowns.

Mother. I sigh, walking inside past her.
Her hand comes to rest on my shoulder. It's the most affectionate touch we subscribe to in the Arthur family. It's ironic. "Again, all alone Harvey?"
"Ofcourse". I tell her while strolling toward the study, where the bar is located.

I can feel her glare on the side of my face, but I refuse to acknowledge it. We reach the bar and I leave the bottle of wine, glancing across the room at the sound of voices.

"Harvey", Robert, stands slowly to greet me.
"Never expected you here afterall it's a family dinner."
"Oh shut up we all are family". He grumbles, and that's all I can tolerate for one day but it's just  started.
We exchange a handshake. I told you, that's all I have for them. Then I turn to my father and shake his hand." Dad".

"Good to see you, Harvey". He looks me up and down, his eyes landing on my hair, he's never been a fan of my slightly long hair. Bonus points in the disappointment category.
"Frank, he came without a partner again". My mother comes up to us with wine glasses.

My jaw clenches as I take the wine glass, making quick work of opening my bottle and pouring some. I take a fast gulp before we even toast to anything.
"Oh, well, that's a shame", Robert says as my mother pours them wine.

"More than that", my father scolds." You're not getting any younger, Harvey. When are you going to make one of your realtionship stick?"
I take a longer sip, then shrug. "Who knows. Maybe next one sticks".

I'm not sure what about visiting my parents turns me into a petulant teenager again, but if I were putting myself on the director chair, I'm sure I could come up with a few good drama's with them.

My mother scoffs. "That's not good, Harvey. Everyone needs to settle down eventually. Don't you want a family?"

I finish my glass. Fortunately, going mute stops them from harassing me about having a family, at which part the conversation turns a bit more....stale. we talk about their work, all the benefits and fundraisers they're been attending and hosting. Robert talks about how well he's handling the new resort opening promotions work and her perfect daughter Reem getting married......oh wait she got pregnant and now she doesn't have any choices expect marry him. And who knows what the real story and their intentions is.

It's all so.... predictable.

The only plus side of this stupid dinner is that my mother cooked, which doesn't happen often she's a very busy woman but she also a great cook. We all sit around the table, and she serves us roasted chicken, baked macaroni casserole with long green beans.

"So what's the retirement status?" I ask in between bites, knowing this is a hot topic for my parents.
"You know, I could retire now", my mother mumbles under her breath.
My father ignores her." But I don't think I can leave the office. The work is overflowing and and currently there's no one who I could share my burden with."

Internally, I'm rolling my eyes. Just like I used to do whenever he starts that topic. My work is overflowing. Like I care. I reach for my glass and drain it once more.

"Harvey, what do you decided about the offer?" Robert asks. "I send you all the details last night."
"I'm not interested", I mumble.
"Be straight with him Robert", my father demands.

Sucking in a long pull of air, I sit back in my seat. "I'm not interested and I'm not gonna change my mind so save your energy."

Everyone is quite for many ticking seconds, air become heavy with tention.

"I think you should reconsider it..... "Robert sighs.
He always been the irritating one in all of them. Definitely more after his wife passed.

"That's ridiculous", dear old dad adds, no one shocked with his statement. "What's there to consider.... Just say yes and be a part of promotion for our new resort as we planned. You're our only son, Harvey. You have to take some responsibility of business too."

"God, this is so stupid," I breath, reach forward to grab the wine bottle and pouring myself more. I take a large gulp, then aim my glare at  my parents. "You should've had more kids, then."

My mother is griping her napkin visibly hard. "Yes, I suppose we should have."

A voice in my mind begins shouting. It's one I push down all the time, one I give very little satisfaction to. But when I'm around them, it seems to turned it's way up to the surface of my brain.
Say it to her, say those words and end it right here....
I swallow thickly as a memory flickers.
'You don't know what you saw, Harvey. It wasn't anything bad alright,  Just don't tell your father, okay, sweetie.'
I bite down on the inside of my cheek.

"I just don't understand what's so hard for you to understand the in that promoting plan." My father keep going, and my fingers dig into my thigh." You chose entertainment industry instead of family business now we just trying to take a part in it you have probably with that too."

"Yes father. I'm well aware of that", I grumble, growing so damn sick and tired of this conversation." I really want to be the part of your fabulous plans but honestly I'm busy with new actor's training an debuting . I'm sorry, but I can hire one of my great actor if you want."

"Come on,  Harvey don't come up with your busy schedule bullshit to me we want you not some idiot paying actor." My eyes jump to his and my brows lift.
"Jesus dad, can you please stop that?" I huff, shaking my head.

"I'm just saying". He sips his wine," I don't get it why are keep saying No. M Industry is also a good company and there are also ready to work on your terms".
My head cocks at hin. "What's the company's name tell me again?"

"It's M Industry , Reem getting married with the owner of the company. Why? What's the matter?" He asks.
Nothing......oh God finally..... isn't she also work there....
"I'm ready to do that promoting bullshit, just send me all the meeting details."

"I don't get it.... what's changed your mind suddenly."
"Oh, trust me, I know you have no interest in understanding why I'm accepted that offer or figuring out what's my purpose is so leave it..."

My father's face drops, so does Robert's. "Harvey". My mother grasp quietly, "that's enough."
Shaking my head, I scoot my chair back forcefully. "Thank you for the lovely meal. But I think I'll be going."

I get into the car and turn on my playlist at full volume, and when I get at my building, I place a call to Louis to fix meeting with project head tomorrow first thing in a morning.

Finally..... I'm going to to meet her.

Writer's note:
What do you think about this chapter please let me know. And please support my work.❤️