29
Los Angeles, Mia
I couldn’t believe my eyes. Staring at the figure before us left me feeling starstruck and utterly shocked. Gavin “Bonehead” Campbell, of all people, was standing in front of my parents’ house. It was a surreal and unexpected encounter that had caught us completely off guard.
Sebastian appeared equally stunned by Gavin’s presence, and I could see the disbelief in his eyes. The question that weighed on both our minds was clear: What in the world was Gavin doing here, and were we even at the right house?
“Hello, Mia, Sebastian,” Gavin greeted us, a smile on his face that I could tell was as fake as a counterfeit bill. The tension in the air was thick, and I couldn’t help but wonder what had led him to this moment.
“Campbell,” Sebastian responded through gritted teeth, his voice laced with hostility. “Fancy seeing you here.”
Gavin’s smile remained, but before he could continue speaking, a woman appeared at his side. She looked to be in her late fifties, her presence commanding and authoritative.
“Mom,” Sebastian greeted her, his tone a mixture of surprise and reservation. So, this was his mother. Her appearance was dignified, with silver-streaked hair neatly styled. She had a regal air about her, and her sharp, discerning eyes held a wisdom that spoke of years of experience. Despite the unexpected encounter, she carried herself with a quiet confidence that demanded respect.
Gavin’s mother wore a tasteful dress, and her demeanor exuded an aura of sophistication. Her voice held a calm and measured tone as she addressed us. “Sebastian, Mia, it’s a pleasure to have you here. I apologize for the unexpected surprise. I don’t have to introduce him.” She then looked at me. “I am Elena Vonderschut Thornton, pleasure to meet you.”
I gave her a hand. “It’s nice meeting you too, Mrs. Thornton.”
“Please, call me Elena.” She said and then moved to the side and beckoned us in. “Come in, come in we are waiting for you.”
Sebastian and I made our way inside the house, our sense of disbelief still lingering from the unexpected encounter with Gavin “Bonehead” Campbell at the front door. As we entered the spacious kitchen area, my heart pounded with a mixture of anxiety and surprise. I couldn’t believe my ex-husband was here, in the same house where we were meant to be meeting Sebastian’s parents.
The scene inside the kitchen was a mix of strangers and acquaintances. Sebastian approached a man who appeared to be in his early sixties. It was clear from their interaction that this was Sebastian’s father.
“Hi, Dad,” Sebastian greeted warmly, extending a hand for a firm handshake. His father, a figure of authority and experience, met his gesture with a strong grip. His eyes then turned toward me.
“You must be Mia,” he said, his voice carrying an authoritative tone. His presence commanded respect, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nervousness as I met his gaze.
I smiled, attempting to convey politeness despite my internal discomfort. “Yes, I’m Mia. Nice to meet you.”
Sebastian’s father gestured to the nearby seats, indicating where we should sit. I took a seat as instructed, my mind still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. The tension in the room was palpable, and I couldn’t help but wonder how this unexpected reunion would unfold.
As I settled into my seat, Sebastian’s mother, a woman of grace and sophistication, took the opportunity to introduce the others gathered around the table. Her voice carried a warm and welcoming tone, despite the awkwardness of the situation.
“This is Aunt Conny and Uncle James,” she began, gesturing to a couple who appeared to be in their fifties. “They live in New York.” The couple nodded in acknowledgment. “And this is their daughter, Calypso, and her boyfriend, Gavin Campbell.”
I swallowed hard. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension as they regarded me with a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny.
“Nice to meet you,” I murmured quietly, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on me.
“Nice to meet you too,” they all replied in unison.
The dining table was elegantly set, and a variety of dishes were served. Platters of scallops, pasta, white rice, stir-fried vegetables, roasted chicken, stir-fried noodles, and sausages adorned the table, offering an array of options. I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the choices, uncertain of what to select.
After some contemplation, I settled for a serving of stir-fried noodles and roasted chicken. The flavors were delicious, a welcome distraction from the palpable tension that permeated the room. The discomfort in the atmosphere was impossible to ignore, and I could sense Gavin’s lingering gaze on me. Sebastian, too, seemed to have noticed Gavin’s stare, his anger radiating off him in waves.
Amidst the strained silence, Elena, Sebastian’s mother, decided to break the ice with a polite inquiry. Her gaze shifted toward me, and she asked, “So, Mia, what do you do for a living?”
I smiled, grateful for the chance to engage in a more neutral conversation. “I’m a fashion consultant,” I replied. “I plan to continue working while being pregnant.”
Sebastian’s father cleared his throat, adding to the growing tension. “How did you meet Sebastian?” he inquired, his curiosity evident.
I took a deep breath, trying to maintain composure under the scrutiny. “We met at one of my client’s weddings,” I explained, my gaze shifting to Elena. “Your daughter-in-law, Sophia’s wedding.”
His father raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Oh, really?” he responded. “So, were you still with Gavin at that time?”
The question made me uncomfortable, but I didn’t let it show. Instead, I took another breath and replied, “Uh, no. We had been divorced for a long time by then.”
Gavin couldn’t resist interjecting, his voice laced with bitterness. “One month,” he grumbled. “We were divorced for one month.”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!
I gave him a forced smile, choosing my words carefully. “Yes, as I said, a long time.”
Calypso, Gavin’s girlfriend, watched the exchange with a frown, clearly sensing the tension. She couldn’t help but voice her own confusion. “You said on TV that she cheated on you,” she pointed out. “But you were already divorced.”
Gavin attempted to deflect her question, using his charm to his advantage. “Come on, baby,” he chuckled, reaching out to her. “Are you going to believe her or me?”
Calypso appeared conflicted, her gaze shifting between Gavin and me. I knew the tactics Gavin was employing gaslighting, manipulation all too well. I felt a twinge of sympathy for her, as she seemed caught in the crossfire of a complex situation she didn’t fully understand.
Gavin continued with a more flattering approach, diverting attention from the uncomfortable topic. “You’re very beautiful, you know that?” he said to Calypso. “Your eyes… I could get lost in them every day.”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the familiar tactics. I had been through it all with Gavin the manipulation, the charm, and the emotional rollercoaster. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding for Calypso, who appeared captivated by his words. She didn’t yet realize the tumultuous journey she might be embarking on with him.
As we finally reached the end of the awkward dinner, I looked over at Sebastian, and it was evident that he was just as fed up with the situation as I was. The tension in the room had been almost unbearable, and it was a relief to see the end in sight.
Wanting to offer some comfort and reassurance, I placed my hand in his, feeling his gentle touch as he stroked it lightly. It was a simple, intimate gesture that conveyed more than words ever could. Then, without warning, he leaned in and planted a soft kiss on my forehead.
I couldn’t help but feel a rush of butterflies in my stomach at his unexpected affection. “Why did you do that?” I whispered to him, my curiosity piqued.
Sebastian met my gaze, his eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. “Because Mr. Bonehead was watching us,” he grumbled, his lips forming a half-smile.
A realization dawned on me; he had kissed me to make Gavin jealous. I sighed, understanding his intentions. It was his way of asserting our connection and showing that I had moved on. Despite the awkwardness of the evening, his gesture brought a sense of warmth and reassurance.
Elena, Sebastian’s mother, approached us, breaking the moment of silent understanding. “I have a pretty dress I would like you to try out,” she said, her tone gentle and inviting.
“I would love to,” I replied with a smile, grateful for the chance to escape the lingering discomfort of the dinner table.
Sebastian nodded in agreement, his smile conveying his approval. “Alright, Mom.”
Elena took my hand, and together we headed upstairs. The house was a striking blend of elegance and charm. Its white exterior, adorned with blue accents, reminded me of the picturesque houses in Greece. Inside, the beauty of the decor took my breath away lush plants, expansive windows that allowed the warm Los Angeles sun to pour in, and a grand wooden staircase that added to the mansion’s allure.
Elena led me to a large door, and as it swung open, I found myself standing in her beautifully appointed room.
“Your room is beautiful,” I said.
“Thank you,” Elena replied, “just as beautiful as you darling.”