When Universe Conspires

47 - Reveal

(Jennie)

"Dad? Are you okay?", I asked dad as we all waited for him to start the Porsche Cayenne.

"Don't rush me darling, I'm taking this all in. The interior of this car is superb! Your friend has a really good taste in cars. Tell her I need to talk to her tomorrow about this beauty okay?" he answered.

I coughed a little not expecting what I heard, but Chae came to rescue me when she said, "I know Miss Lalisa, Mr. Kim, she knows a lot about cars and you will enjoy chatting with her for sure. She helped me purchase one before, I made a good deal out of it because she knows the dealer of the car".

"Hon, I think Jen's friend will make you consider buying a new car once you're done talking. She seems nice. She even let us use her car while Jen is here. Where is she coming from Jen? She'll be here tomorrow right?" Mom asked.

I didn't expect to have a conversation about Lisa this early. I kept myself together and answered, "She's in Paris right now mom, she'll fly here tomorrow"

"Oh. That's quite a long flight. What is your friend going to do here in the countryside?" mom continue the conversation.

Dad already started the car and he and Brent tuned out of the conversation once they heard the purring of the engine. They were both in front of the vehicle while I am stuck in between mom and Chae.

"Uh. She said business related visit. And she wants to also meet you guys" I answered nervously.

"I really want to meet her. What's her name again?" mom asked.

" Lalisa.. Lalisa Manoban", I said.

"Sounds familiar. I don't know where I heard or seen that name. Maybe she has a generic name. Is she Asian?" she asked again.

"She's part Asian mom. Her Dad was Dutch-American and her mom was Filipino-Thai", I answered readily. Then I realized I said 'was'

"Oh dear, what happened to her parents?" she asked sadly.

"Uhhmm.. They died when she was 16. Accident. She was left with all their family businesses. Mom, can you not mention about her parents when you chat with her tomorrow please? It's a bit of a sensitive topic for her. It will be awkward for a chat. She doesn't like talking about it" I told me my mom.

" Aww. Poor kid. Of course honey, I won't mention nor ask about it. We'll keep the conversation positive. I promise " Mom said smiling.

"Thanks mom", I said side hugging her.

"We're here!" Brent announced.

Chae looked around discreetly when we climbed out of the car. We all walked toward the door of the establishment while Chae pretended to be on the phone so she can stay outside for a while. I know what she's doing. Observing, she's on the lookout. Perimeter check.

"Where's Chaeyoung?", Dad asked once were seated on a booth near the rear end of the shop where we're almost hidden from the general crowd. I suspected that Chae asked for that place to stay vacant for us.

"She just had to take the call. She's outside but she'll join us after the phone call", I answered.

"Okay, can we order now? I'm hungry", dad said and mom chuckled.

"You just ate turkey sandwich before we left the house 10 minutes ago", she said teasing my dad.

"I think my excitement of driving that car took all the energy from my body, I'm already hungry", he said laughing at himself.

A few fans suddenly showed up and asked for selfies and I happily accommodated them. They thanked me and walked away talking animatedly amongst themselves.