The Better Me

Chapter 14 | Momma Knows Best

The apartment was already in great commotion the next afternoon, with everyone rushing left and right while trying to get their respective tasks done on time, tasks which were obviously assigned by mother dearest.

Sofia and Kina were taking care of the meals in the kitchen while Martina and I got busy in the dining area, bringing out the expensive drink we had bought yesterday and arranging plates and champagne flutes on the dressed table.

As this was going on, mom stood in the kitchen's corner while supervising all of our actions to make sure that everything was done the way she wanted them to be.

"Kina make sure the chicken is well roasted" she instructed, "And Sofia, don't forget those potatoes need to be fried too"

Watching her give orders, I couldn't help but shake my head at her bossy attitude. For a small dinner with Emilio and Alessio, she was sure as hell making a big fuss about it.

It wasn't as if the Queen of England was coming to bless us with her presence today.

I quickly picked up my pace in setting the plates on the table when I noticed my mom's sharp eyes move from the girls in the kitchen towards my current position.

Martina had already finished doing her part and was already assisting Kina in setting down bowls of already cooked meals on the dining table.

"Regina"

Dropping the last champagne flute on the table, I looked up to give mom my attention. "Yes?"

"You are slacking behind, your sister's already through with what she's doing" she stated.

Giving out a sigh, I decided to voice out my opinion. "I don't think you should be making such a great deal about this dinner. Take it from me mom, Alessio won't care if you'd just order pizza with some-"

Before I could finish my sentence, a gasp erupted from her, gaining the attention of the rest. "With beer? You did not just say that" she stated in disbelief, "You know very well how we treat our guests, no matter how little or big they are, every invitee of mine gets a special welcome from us, okay?"

"Okay ma" I replied, "And it's wine by the way"

She gave me a look of confusion at my last statement.

"Alessio likes wine, not beer" I clarified.

Sofia emerged from the kitchen, waving in both hands two bottles of red wine, "I guess it's a good thing we decided to buy these yesterday." Then looking at me, she added with a smile, "Alessio isn't the only one with wine preference"

Just as she said that, Kina entered "We are through with everything Diane" she announced.

At that information, mother's eyes brightened in satisfaction but not before asking. "Are the plates well arranged?"

Raising my hand, I said. "Of course, I was the one who took care of it"

She nodded, "Then what about the potatoes I asked you to fry?"

Placing the last two bottles of wine on the table, Sofia answered. "All taken care of"

With a satisfied smile on her face, mom gave one last look around and clapped her hands together. "Alright, everything is perfect." She declared, "Now it's time for you girls to go dress up"

"Dress up?" Martina questioned.

"Of course, dressing up nicely has always been one of the good aspects of organizing a perfect dinner for your guests. Didn't I teach you and your sister that?"

Analyzing the knee length black sequin dress she had on and the matching heels that complimented her outfit, I now understood why she was dressed like that in the first place.