BANE OF HIS EXISTENCE

Chapter 24: MIXED FEELINGS

DREW.

Why is it that every time the adults decide to throw a lame-ass party, their children are forced to suffer through endless false pleasantries and shit? Don't get me wrong, I love partying just as much as the next person as long as it's not with my mom and her friends. I get that it's her birthday and whatnot, but she could've celebrated with Dad and me as usual; why the fan fair? (Sighs) This is going to be a long night!

"Wow, you guys look absolutely fantastic! Seriously, you should rock those tuxedos more often!" Mom gushed with a smile the moment she walked into the sitting room. The boys and I returned her kisses and hugs with "Thank you" and "Happy birthday momma"

"Don't just stand there. Come, let's take some pictures before things get crazy around here," My mom said, smiling wide as she shooed us toward an acceptable position so our pictures could be taken. I couldn't help but sigh, rolling my eyes at how dramatic she was about these things. It's her birthday, so I'll let her have her way; just tonight.

"Oh, stop pouting. It'll only be a moment. Now, smile for the camera," Mom said, tugging on the sleeve of my tux, and I mumbled, "I'm not pouting" under my breath before smiling for the camera as instructed.

After what seemed like hours of posing and smiling for countless pictures Mom finally freed us to mingle with guests. I collapsed on the couch pretending to be exhausted, and Hossein and Min laughed at me as Hossein said, "Dramatic much?" Min laughed, I glared at him playfully, giving him the middle, which only made him laugh harder.

"Seems he's determined to meet her"

Hossein voiced, and I followed the direction he was looking, only to find Maya's father sharing pleasantries with some guests. My first instinct was to look for Maya and get her as far away from him as I could. I can't let her see him especially how she reacted last time. I didn't even realize my fists were clenched as I made my way to my Mom. What is he doing here? I can't believe Mom invited him.

"What is he doing here, Mom?"

It didn't take my Mom long to figure out who I was referring to as she glanced briefly at his direction and back and me before saying...

"I had to invite him but I didn't think he'd show up. It's not like the man is known for showing up when it actually counts," Mom replied as she mumbled the last sentence under her breath, laughing a little, and I raised my brows like, 'Seriously, you're making jokes now?

"Okay, I'm sorry" Mom apologized when she noticed I wasn't laughing at her joke. I can't believe she has time for jokes at a time like this.

"How are we going to handle this situation, Mom? Remember what happened the last time they met?" I couldn't help but voice my concern and Mom thought about it for a moment before saying...

"Do me a favor okay? Make sure he and Maya don't run into each other tonight. I'll do what I can to keep him busy on my end, we can't afford a repeat of last time especially not tonight" She said pleading with her eyes and I nodded in agreement already thinking of ways to keep both of them from running into each other and Mom made her way towards Maya's father with a smile as I heard her saying welcome to him for coming and he thanked her for the invite while handing Mom's birthday gift to one the servers.

Now, how exactly am I supposed to keep Maya from running into her father when we're not even on speaking terms? I can't believe I didn't think of this before. Then again, I don't always think first about anything involving Maya; I just act. And none of it ever ends well. (Sighs) I didn't bargain for this. There are hundreds of girls in the world I could have possibly fallen for, so why does it have to be the one that hates my guts?

"Stop! You don't mean that!" A familiar voice exclaimed, giggling as I rounded the corner of the Villa, and I heard another familiar voice saying..."Oh, but I do! You look absolutely stunning" No, it can't be! It's not them, right?

There was a little silence before someone cleared their voice, seeking attention, and said..."I'll leave you two to talk about how absolutely stunning she looks in that dress while I fetch us some drinks," and there were receding footsteps and more giggling and my stomach sank as I finally understood what was going on.

Sasha just left Maya alone with Noah, and he's flirting with her; from the sound of her giggling, she's okay with his flirting. I can't believe she's here giggling with another guy when I'm worried shit about her.

I guess it didn't occur to me that Noah could have a thing for Maya or vice versa. I mean why not? We were basically raised in the same social circle. He's smart and kind, rich and handsome, gentle and polite. There's honestly nothing to complain about him. He's the perfect guy if you're trying to date someone safe. I guess I'd always thought she would go for someone more adventurous and exciting, someone like me.

"Drew, how's it going bro?"

Noah called out to me, interrupting my train of thought and making me jump. Shit! How long was I standing there staring at them like a fool?

"Oh, hey Noah! I didn't see you there." I replied trying to act casual like I was on my phone before making my way to both of them.

"I didn't see your folks out front," I said, referring to his parents, and he nodded with a smile.

"Yeah, they're away on a business trip so I came alone. I had to wish Auntie a happy birthday you know?" See what I mean? He's the perfect boyfriend material. Who wouldn't want a boyfriend like him?

"Thanks, man. I know she'll be happy you came"

Hey! Don't look at me with those judgy eyes. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking we should be enemies because he's after someone I like. What else am I supposed to say to the guy? He's a nice guy okay? He's here to wish my mom a happy birthday... 'and flirt with Maya,' a nagging voice echoed in my mind, and I pushed it down, clearing my throat.

"Here, I brought Auntie a little something," Noah said handing me a gift bag with a box wrapped with a white bow inside.

I was able to see Maya's full appearance when I collected the gift bag from Noah and my breath almost left my body. Noah wasn't completely right about Maya's dress. Not only does she look stunning but absolutely ravishing in that gold dress. I knew she was fit, but you couldn't tell how fit she was because she was always hiding her body in hoodies and jeans, but this, this is just wow!

"Mom wanted me to get you so you could help with something!" I blurted out when she caught me checking her out.

"Where?"

She asked after a moment, and I almost said in my bedroom before catching myself mid-sentence... "Mom asked us to look for some vintage wine in the cellar fit for her birthday toast," I said, trying to calm my beating heart, and she gave me a look that said she didn't believe me but agreed anyway. She knows we have servers for that but whatever! This will have to do for now. I'm not very good at thinking on my feet.

"Cool! Can I come too?" Noah asked excitedly like I'd just declared we go looking for treasures, and I rolled my eyes as Maya nodded. He's like a golden retriever sometimes.

"Sure, why not? The more the merrier" I don't know if it was possible, but his smile got wider, and I shook my head at his goofy ass.

TO BE CONTINUED...