You're the reason behind my S.M.I.L.E

Chapter 34

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Jennifer

It’s been half an hour since Walter and I have arrived at the coffee shop of a mall with Christmas like decorations almost all year long.

I agreed to crash his first meeting with Elyna Romanowski because he seemed pretty uncomfortable with the idea of meeting her alone after Mom told him that the girl is like the mini version of her. The thought alone made me uncomfortable. Afterall, she will become part of the family.

The meeting wasn’t the only deal, he needed to buy her an engagement ring and shop for announcement party outfits with her all day long. So he thought why not drag me along to make me pay for all the trouble I caused him while I was having the time of my life at the Vampire Themed Adventure Park.

I had to remind him about the time he left me alone with our parents during holidays in retaliation and we eventually called it even. So yes, he bribed me by promising tickets to the Harry Styles tour next week.

“I was worried sick that I even went to see your obnoxious friend Monica. You couldn't have asked me to take you there?” Walter narrowed his eyes at me even though I have done enough explaining as to why I couldn’t call. He was waiting outside Audrey’s apartment that night & even looked at my stuffed toys in disbelief when I returned that night. Thankfully, Mom reached home just fine & Leonard has kept his mouth shut that he saw me with a guy.

“First of all, Monica is not obnoxious.” I said mimicking him. “And yes, I know you could've taken me there but I wanted to go there with my friend. Plus, I’m making up for it now, am I not?" I said in exasperation.

“And for the record, Harry Styles' tour lasts about one and a half hours while this might take up all day. Will you ever stop mentioning that day? Gosh, Walter, stop it already. I'm an adult and can handle myself.” I said as I picked up my cup of coffee to cool down.

“How can I stop mentioning it when your ‘dear friend’ said that you were on a date with a hot guy. Were you? And what were you doing at Luna? You know my friend texted me that he saw you outside his club. Another date? I thought you had a fiancé.” Walter took a sip of his own coffee and set his hair before focussing his sharp gaze back on me. Oh my! My ex-crush texted him? Focus, Jen.

Kathy didn’t talk to me for three whole days while I kept pestering her with reasons as to why I couldn't take her calls. Monica was the only one who was chill and played mediator so Kathy would talk to me again.

It felt like Kathy and Walter were one of those parents who wouldn't stop reminding their child of the latest mistake they made and not to repeat it at all or they’ll face the wrath. God, if these two somehow end up together in a parallel world then I’m pretty sure their child would be doomed with a hell lot of restrictions and overprotectiveness.

“Date? No. I told you I saw Mom at a club, it was at Luna. So I told Chris to drop Audrey and me there. That's all.” I'm tired of him talking about the same thing like a broken record.

“Who’s Chris? And why would he drop you off in front of a club late at night? What kind of guy does that?” Walter leaned on the table with a deadly expression. It appears as if he’s gonna interrogate me to tell him Chris's full name so he could track him down to make him pay for dropping me in front of a club. I gulped.

“A friend of my friend, Walter.” I tried to keep my voice steady so he wouldn't ask more questions but the look across his face made me give in, “I was out with a guy I have a crush on. And before you ask for more details, let me tell you, he’s a gentleman and I forced him to leave saying my uncle was there.” I sighed and ran a hand through my hair.