In the end, Remington never came to me. He only asked me a few questions over the phone. The man knew what was going on since he remembered everything I told him the day before. Still, he was slightly surprised when it actually happened. Remington quickly recollected himself before asking me for an explanation.
In response, all I told the man was that nobody could ever take away what truly belonged to me. If they could, it just meant that whatever they took did not really belong to me anyway.
That was what Christopher taught me when he assured me that nobody could take him away from me, no matter how hard they tried.
A cool wind was blowing in the air that evening, bringing the sweet aroma of lily to my room as I listened to the calm chirping of the crickets.
However, engaged in excessive “exercise”, I was drenched in sweat, and my voice had turned hoarse. I could feel the icy coldness on my cheek as Christopher pressed me against the glass window. I could feel his chest against my back as his sweat dripped onto my shoulder. He leaned down to press another kiss on my back, leaving another evidence of his love for me onto my body.
As soon as I turned around to face the man, he greeted me with his warm lips, and the smell of tobacco quickly filled my mouth. His sweet kiss, plus the gentle caressing of his fingers, was almost too much for me. Christopher always knew just how to lift me to cloud nine.
“I love you, Eve. I love you so much!” Christopher whispered those words softly into my ears as he tightened his arms around me.
“It’s Thanksgiving tomorrow, and my mother would love to have dinner with us,” informed Christopher as he washed my back in the shower.
After a moment of silence, I responded to the man with a half-smile. “I’m afraid I can’t. My mother called me three times this afternoon just to remind me about tomorrow’s dinner with her.”
“What about morning? It’s been a while since my mother last saw you, and she really misses you.” Christopher then gave me a peck on the forehead.
“Sure.” To be honest, I was a little afraid to meet with Julia then. I used to have nothing but respect for the woman, the kind that one would have for their mother-in-law, but then things got more complicated than they should be.
Even though I had never met my uncle, knowing that Julia was responsible for his death was enough to make me wary of the woman.
Isabelle told me to meet her at The Continental for our Thanksgiving dinner, which I thought was odd. Why did we not celebrate the holiday at home since her chefs were as good as those at The Continental? However, I decided not to ask her about it in the end. Somehow, the two of us had slowly grown apart, and it felt like we would never get as close as we used to be.
It made me wonder if that was what my mother intended. Instead of talking to me lovingly like she used to do, she started to speak to me in a commanding tone. I was not allowed to question her decision, nor was there any room for discussion.
When I saw Tobey and Crystal sharing the table with my mother, I had to force a smile to greet the two. Then, Isabelle told me that Mark could not come because he was busy. Holding on to my glass as if it was a shield, I remained silent throughout most of the evening.
“Tobey, I believe this young woman next to me needs no introduction. From now on, you’re cousin to a Tanner and a well-known new school artist.” Isabelle chatted with Tobey politely.
“Oh, yes, Mrs. Goldstein. I’m well aware. It’s my honor, cousin. Do let me know if you’re participating in another art exhibition so that I can show my support.” As Tobey entertained Isabelle and Crystal, he would turn to me from time to time as if he was afraid that I would feel left out.
Upset, I pressed my fingers so hard against my glass that they started to turn pale. I could not believe that my mother had set me up.
After a while, my mother excused herself and brought Crystal away with her, leaving me alone with Tobey. Before she went away, she even reminded me to take care of Tobey and show him around Avenport.
“Were you surprised? Seeing how persistent Mrs. Goldstein was, I think you should reconsider my offer, Ms. Tanner.”
