A Suite and Magical Life

Chapter 21: The best solutions are simple but unexpected

May 7, 2011

New York City, New York, United States

Zack Martin stepped out of his retro 1960s car and onto the sidewalk in front of a large, imposing brownstone house in Greenwich village. He was wearing his best outfit: A black suit with a white shirt and blue tie, his chestnut brown hair carefully combed and was also wearing black formal shoes and his silver Vacheron Constantin watch, which had been a gift from London Tipton.

Zack was nervous, and felt queasy, as if there were butterflies fluttering around in his stomach. Alex had told him that Maya had called early in the morning and had invited him to breakfast, saying she wanted to introduce him to her parents, considering the fact that they had insisted on the meeting.

Alex had agreed with Maya and done everything in her power to ensure that Zack looked proper and presentable. She had made him to take a long shower and use scented soap, not to mention spraying strong cologne, applying moisturizer carefully on his hands and face and had ensured that Zack's usually very messily tousled chestnut brown hair was combed to perfection by her.

As Zack approached the door, he felt nervous: how could he turn up here? She had, after all, just broken up with him, and he was love with Alex Russo. There was no future for him and Maya. Most parents he knew would have chased him out the door simply by knowing that, let alone extend invitations. But Maya's parents, Zack had been told by her, were extremely approving of Zack in particular, due to many reasons.

Maya had told him that all the guys she had previously dated had been disapproved of by her parents. She said that when she had told them about Zack, a player who had reformed himself and was willing to commit to a proper relationship, they had been vociferously approving of him. Maya said that they had asked her regularly to bring Zack home for a meal so they could get to know him better.

These thoughts strengthened Zack's resolve, and he raised his hand and firmly but gently pressed the doorbell. He didn't have to wait long before Maya Bennett opened the door, looking pretty in a salmon-pink top and blue jeans, her long brown hair swept back, and a large smile on her face. She hugged Zack and kissed him on the cheek, surprising him, as this lively Maya had been the one he had fallen in love with, rather than the nervous and awkward girl he remembered from the previous day.

Zack was taken by surprise. "Someone is in a good mood today." he quipped, grinning at her,

Maya smiled widely. "My parents can't stop praising you, especially after all the stories I've told them about you, Zack."

Zack laughed as he entered the hallway. "Good stories, I hope?" he quipped, smirking at her knowingly.

Maya laughed and rolled her eyes while still smiling at him. "Obviously. I don't want to ruin their impression of you."

Zack smiled, but this faded as he saw the suitcases, all packed. "Are you going somewhere anytime soon?" he asked her.

Maya's smile vanished. "I'll be leaving for Africa on my Peace Corps Mission in a few hours' time. My parents insisted on having breakfast with you before I leave." She then hesitated. "They know about our situation, and that has disappointed them, especially considering how much they approve of you. I was also kind of hoping that you could drop me off to the airport." she said.

Zack had to admire Maya's sheer nerve and audacity. Despite the internal churning of his many feelings, he gave her a smile and said, "Of course I will. Now, may I meet your folks?" She laughed and took him through to the dining table, where her parents stood, awaiting the former couple.

Alexander Bennett, Maya's father, was a tall and thin man. He wore a perfectly cut light-grey suit with a double-breasted waistcoat. A few months short of fifty years old, he was immaculately groomed, his dark gray hair neatly trimmed, his silver tie tightly knotted, his black shoes shining. Zack knew Mr. Bennett was the chief legal counsel for Tipton Industries, and Mr. Tipton's right-hand man. But more than that, he appreciated how well-turned out and smart he looked.