Simulated Love (2024)

Chapter 24

Chase

That night, we were having dinner at the fanciest restaurant I had ever been to. Wooden beams crisscrossed the ceiling while the vintage posters advertised their food and jazz band that was performing that night. 

The tables were covered with crisp white linens and candles while each seat had flatware and crystal glasses.

We had all taken our seats. Mine was next to Elijah and Pansa sat on the other side of me. Meanwhile, Elijah's mom and dad, and Aunt May sat on the other side of the table. 

Aunt May and Elijah's mom were laughing and talking like they had known each other forever.

Elijah's dad spent his time scanning the menu. "Every time I come here there's something new. I just wanted what I had last time," Elijah's dad said.

"You see anything you like?" Elijah asked me in a hushed voice.

"You," I teased.

He slapped my arm.

"Hey! What I tell you about keeping your hands to yourself?" Elijah's mom said to Elijah like he was five again.

"Don't act like you weren't doing the same thing, honey," Elijah's dad said.

She rolled her eyes and proceeded to hit Elijah's dad.

We all laughed.

"Where are the safe options?" Pansa asked in a whisper.

I looked at the menu. They had very few options. They had the classics: duck confit, coq au vin, and bouillabaisse. Then a spot for steak which was titled, 'Steak lovers rejoice' with the description of: the filet mignon, tender and perfectly seasoned, is a standout.

And for dessert? Was a Crème brûlée.

"What are you getting?" Pansa asked.

"Maybe the duck. You should get it, you have eaten duck before, right?"

"Oh yeah. I'll get what you're getting then."

Our waiter came to our table soon to take our orders and with a timely manner, they brought out our food fresh and ready to eat. Everything looked so fancy. 

My mouth was watering from just the smell.

During dinner, there wasn't much talking until the food was done. Aunt May whispered something to Elijah's mom and they started laughing.

"What's going on?" Elijah asked.

"Chase, you got a little something there," Aunt May said.

"Where?"

Elijah turned my face towards him and wiped the corners of my mouth. "There. You big baby. Learn how to eat."

"Awww," all the women at the table noised.

I could feel my face burning up. I probably looked like a tomato.

"So is it safe to call him my son in law or?"

Elijah choked on his drink and looked at his mom with wide eyes. "Momma."