ENIGMA

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

"Mother, what are you doing here?" Amelia was surprised to see her mother waiting for her in her office.

"I thought I'd pop in and come visit. Or do I need to make an appointment to meet my own daughter?" Lauren smiled.

"Of course not. I'm just surprised, usually you inform me ahead of time if you're going to visit." Amelia embraced Lauren tightly. "Is everything alright?" she asked.

"Yes, why wouldn't it be?" Lauren replied.

Amelia raised an eyebrow knowingly at her mother. "I'd like to believe I know you better than that mother."

Lauren sighed in defeat. "You're right. You do, but you don't worry. I just came to visit Juan and I thought I'd come and visit you as well since I am here."

"Juan?" Amelia enquired.

"Yes, Juan. The man who happens to be an old friend of mine." Lauren chuckled at her daughter's persistence. "Now stop playing Miss Detective and relax."

"Anything serious?" Amelia ignored her mother.

"Not anymore. It's all sorted." Lauren reassured.

"If you say so." Amelia muttered resignedly.

"I do say so."

A long pause of silence filled the air. The stifling silence was beginning to irritate Amelia to no end. Lauren seemed to be holding on to her composure, but only she really knew how far she really was from giving in to the temptation of revealing the real reason why she was here at the office.

"I'm glad you came, mom. I was about to call you just before I saw you were here." Amelia spoke, breaking the silence.

"Oh?" Lauren exhaled a silent breath, relieved at the change of subject. "Why?"

"I wanted to know if you would rather prefer to dine out tonight. I made reservations for the both of us at Bon Appetite." Amelia informed Lauren.

"That would be really nice. I was beginning to wonder what I should make for dinner in any case, so it would be a real relief. “Lauren chuckled.

"I had a feeling you would say that." Amelia smiled slyly. "That's why I booked you a session at the spa for this afternoon as well." Even the sun had nothing on the bright smile on Amelia's lips. She waited excitedly for her mother to say something, almost giving in to the temptation of bouncing up and down like a hyper little kid on a Christmas morning.

"Amelia?" Lauren gasped. "Dinner at a restaurant, a session at the spa? Should I be worried about something? “Lauren was stunned. It wasn't unusual for Amelia to treat her mother from time to time, but still Lauren was always left stunned.

"No mom." Amelia chuckled.  "Can't a girl treat her mother out from time to time?"

 Lauren loved that Amelia was never afraid to express her love to her mother, whether it was just by buying a bouquet of flowers with an 'I Love You Mom' note, trips to the spar or even just saying 'I Love You'. Lauren cherished every moment of it.

"I think you should start getting used to it from now on.” Amelia smirked mischievously.

"Oh Amelia!" Lauren sighed. "Just what are you up to this time?"

"I swear I'm not doing anything I'm not supposed to. I just wanted to spend some time with my mother. I promise." Amelia assured.

After a long, calculating stare, Lauren relented. "Okay. I believe you."