What was more frustrating was that Spencer had a stretch and yarn, then replied to Nathalia, "Are we eating here, or shall I take you out?"
Instantly, Anne asked Martha to get dinner ready. They all moved to the dining room. Evette picked her seat next to Spencer.
"What do you think of the tuna bake? It's my signature dish. Everyone that's tried it loves it." Evette asked Spencer expectantly.
"Tee-hee. Cough, cough." Nathalia bursts out laughing and almost chokes herself. Signature dish? What? You have never ever cooked once. You don't even go into the kitchen. Ridiculous.
Seeing Nathalia cough, Spencer patted her back gently and asked warmly, "You feel better now?"
Evette glared at Nathalia and went on talking to Spencer. "So, what do you think? You like it?"
"I don't really eat tuna," Spencer said coldly.
"Oh. Errr, what about the meatballs? They are tender and tasty."
"I don't eat meat," another cold reply.
"Try some salad then. It's refreshing and delicious." Evette carried on.
"There are peas in it, and I don't like peas."
It was a feast. To make sure they showed generosity, Anne had prepared about seven different dishes. Evette suggested all the dishes on the table, and Spencer rejected all.
Nathalia couldn't help giggling. What a fun show!
Anne felt she had to say something to ease the awkwardness again. "Sorry, we didn't prepare the right food for you. Is there anything you would like? I will get the kitchen staff to make it."
Spencer said to Anne politely, "It's alright." Then turned to Nathalia and smiled, "Nathalia, sweetie, can you please pass me the pasta, please?"
Sweetie? Ewww. Nathalia felt goosebumps on her arms again, but she tried not to show her discomfort and passed the pasta to Spencer with a sweet smile.
Jealousy swelled in Evette's mind. However, she did not like Spencer, less for it, but hated Nathalia more.
"I see. So you like pasta. There, try this seafood pasta as well." Again, she tried. As she was about to scoop some pasta onto Spencer's plate, Spencer put his fork up to stop her, and again, he rejected, "I don't want food from people I'm not close to."
"What do you mean?" Evette got angry at last, feeling terribly frustrated. "You are not close to me? Are you close to Nathalia then?"
I have never ever needed to be so nice to any guy, but you don't even appreciate it!
Spencer replied with certainty, "For sure. Nathalia's my girlfriend. Of course, we are close to each other. Isn't it easy to understand? By the way, Miss Evette Carter, please respect others and yourself. Flirtatiousness can be a bad trait to have for a girl."
"Flirtatious?" Evette threw her fork onto the table and yelled desperately, "I like you, and I want you to like me. What's wrong with that?"
Whatever I want, I have to get it. She thought furiously.
Spencer glanced at Nathalia and noticed she'd put on her innocent look. Is her heart made of stone or something? Doesn't she feel anything at all? Spencer sighed.
Despite what he thought, he had to defend both of them. "I'm your sister's boyfriend, and you are here flirting with me? You are not just disrespectful. You are utterly shameless."
Those words shot Evette like bullets. Her heart ached, and her eyes reddened with anger. "Huh. What about Nathalia then? She and Ben have been together for a while, and they have done things that should not be talked about."
Spencer had the sudden urge to hit someone. How has she managed to put up with this bullshit and live here?! He wondered and felt angry for Nathalia. A bunch of assholes!
Yet before he reacted, Ben stood up and protested, "Evette, don't you insult my favorite girl, Nathalia!"
Evette sneered and went up to Nathalia while speaking to Ben, "Huh, what? Do you feel hurt? She's got a new boyfriend now, and you still care for her. You stupid."
Ben immediately stepped between Evette and Nathalia to protect Nathalia. He said affectionately, "It matters not how she treats me. I love her, and that's what's important. I'll always love her."
Nathalia smiled and enjoyed her soup. Pumpkin soup. Tasty. Not a bad show at all. Glad I came back. Hahaha.
Spencer frowned and glared at Ben. "Hey, you. Nathalia's my girlfriend now. Don't you dare go close to her! DON'T even think about it! Unless you are looking for a fight."
His words sent everyone stunned and silent for a few seconds. Ben swallowed back whatever he intended to say.
Then, Evette smacked the table by Nathalia and yelled, "Nathalia, why don't you say something for Ben? You were at least lovers once. How could you be so cruel?"
Nathalia looked up at Evette calmly, put her hands out, palms up, and replied indifferently, "He was my lover? I thought he was yours? Or still is. Don't you love being with him? I've seen you stroking his hands more than once."
Evette was astounded. She couldn't believe Nathalia would make things up. "You are a liar! I've never done such a thing. Spencer, don't believe her. She's lying. Trust me."
Nathalia shrugged her shoulder. No one says only you can lie.
Spencer hugged Nathalia lovingly and sneered at Evette "I should trust you but not believe my girlfriend? Who are you?"
Furious, Evette stuttered, "But, but... don't you care about her past? Not at all?"
"Even if what you said is true, that's in the past. I don't care. Now she's mine. Whoever hurts her, I won't let them off. Also, it's none of your business." Spencer retorted.
"You must be crazy. Has she put a curse on you or what?" Evette couldn't stand it anymore. She flushed with anger, and her fists clenched tight.
Nathalia was pleased to see the state Evette was in and grew to like Spencer more, appreciating his eloquence.
Spencer felt a sudden burst of rage and the yearn to defend Nathalia. He hugged Nathalia tighter and glared at Evette, "You'd better shut up. Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?" and he turned to Anne, "Mrs. Carter, is this how your daughter is supposed to behave? Does she not have manners?"