I Know I Shouldn't But I Just Can't Stop Myself

Greetings

Chapter 17
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Crystal-Violet
I sit there in the back seat of what I assume is Laura's SUV, my palms beginning to sweat slightly. I should've known that I would've seen Martin's parents when coming to Amsterdam. I just didn't think it would happen so soon. But on the other hand, I shouldn't be feeling nervous at all. I'm not his girlfriend. I'm his day-to-day manager. There is a absolutely no reason for me to feel nervous, but I can't help it.

It's like when you know when someone's genuinely busy, but you can't help but feel annoyed that their not paying you any attention.

Ugh why are the human emotions so...weird. No, no. Complicated is the right word.

Lucky for Martin, he's probably not nervous at all. He's acting like he just asked me to promenade through the park.

I'm lost in my own thoughts throughout the car ride. Not only because the thought of meeting Martin's parents terrify me, but also because Laura and Martin are speaking Dutch again so I can't join their conversation to distract myself.

I try calming myself by thinking of a calm place. I imagined me at the beach back home in Florida. The waves crashing against the shoreline, palm leaves rustling in the wind, sand in between my toes. I felt my heart slow a little, the sweat on my palms receding. Then Martin's Dutch-laced English pulled me back to reality.

"You okay back there Crystal?"
"Yes, I'm fine." For now, at least.
"You want some water or anything?"
"Please?"
"Here, you can take some from my water bottle. Don't worry, I haven't drunken from it yet."

He hands me the mild-tempered beverage. I didn't realize how thirsty I was until the liquid quenched my somewhat parched throat.
"Thanks, Martin."

He gives me a sideways smile and takes the water bottle from me.
"We're almost there." He says.

➕✖️

We rounded a corner and Laura's vehicle approached a huge golden gate that looked like it was made of actual gold. Guess that's the perks of having a world famous DJ for a son.

Laura slowed the vehicle as she came closer to the gate. It started to open slowly, squeaking in the slightest bit. A really beautiful mansion came into view. It was white, with tall pillars and huge, slightly tinted windows. Through the windows, I can barely make out some curtains draped on either side of it.

I was still taking in the building when Laura putting the SUV into park brought me to my senses. We all stepped out and started walking up to the steps that led up to these wooden double doors.

"Your parents' house is beautiful." I tell Martin, still in awe.

He laughs softly and says "Thanks, I bought it for them."

He what? He really bought this whole mansion for his mom and dad?

"No wait, scratch that. I had it built for them. I just payed the construction company and carpenters to build it."

I stop dead in my tracks. He said it so nonchalantly, it's like he said "There's food in the fridge."

Martin stops a few steps in front of me, realizing that I stopped. "What?"
"You really hired people to build this beautiful building?"

He laughs softly once again, and starts walking back toward me. He places his hand at the small of my back and gently urges me to start walking again. "I'll tell you about it later." He whispers.

We reach the top of the steps and Laura turns to Martin.

"Wanna surprise them?" She asks him, a smile on her face. She's so pretty.