Promotion

2. Stalkers

After eating all the whipped cream, Ash brought the goblet close to his mouth and took a big sip of the latte. His phone rang. It was Raja calling him so he picked up quickly.

"Tell them to call later."

It's your mother on the phone, sir.

Shit... Ash knew something was not right. He bit his lip.

Do I tell her to call later?

"Uhm, no, just pass me the call." Ash didn't like getting in arguments with his mother. She was stubborn and she'd probably make a scene and keep bashing his assistant.

Alright, sir. Here you go.

"Hi mom." Ash spoke after he heard the new line.

Ash! Oh, I called your phone so many times! Don't you have it with you?

"I don't. I think I left it at home." The phone was probably lost under the big pile of empty latte cups on his desk.

You should always have it with you! What if I want to check on you?

"It's fine, mom. You can always call the office." Ash cleared his throat. "How're you? Is everything good back in town?"

Everything is okay. I'm lonely but I don't have a choice!

She always said that. "I'd like to visit but you know I'm very busy with work."

But you still have to visit! There is this little something you have to sort out! Do you remember?

"Huh?"

It's about your girlfriend! When are you going to introduce her to me?

"I-I don't know-there is work back at office and-..."

You can send your girlfriend on her own to Pallet town! I need to see her!

Ash cleared his throat again. He took a sip of his latter. "She's busy."

Well, fine! I'll come and see her!

"No, mom! It's fine!"

Give me your girlfriend's phone number.

"Mom, can I call you later? I have an appointment."

You've been dating for four years and I never got to see your girlfriend! This is not right, Ash! You keep delaying this and you're thirty-five already! If you hit forty it'll be hard for you to find a wife!

"This conversation is unnecessary!" Ash felt like crawling under his desk and never coming out. "I'm working! I can't talk about this right now!"

And why does she always refuse to come to Pallet? Huh?

"Mom! I said I'm working right now!"

If she's busy, then stop dating her! I'll talk with Serena's mother aga-

"No, mom! Wait!" Ash got up. "Don't do anything!"

Fine, then. This means I'm going to see her next time you visit. Is that so?

"Uh..."

Don't worry, dear. If she makes you happy, then I'm happy. I won't disapprove of her! I just want you to be with someone who can take care of you.

"I'm working..." Ash hid his face with his hand. His mother was lying. She wasn't that 'easy'.

Is she way older than you? Is that why you're been hiding her from me?