"Who is this young man Melissa?" My mom asked – a confused look plastered on her face.
"Oh...mom, when did you come here?" I countered – trying to change the topic but of course, my dearest mother was having none of it.
"Just now actually but you never answered my question. Who is this boy?"
"Mom I can explain."
"Explain what?" My dad's voice interrupted us.
When did he arrive?
My mom saw us – shit.
If that wasn't enough – my dad also has to walk right into this whole thing.
Double shit.
"Let me introduce myself to your parents Melissa," Norman said while coming out from behind me and walking towards my parents.
What is he doing now?
"Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Davis. I am Norman Blackford –the owner of Blackford enterprises – I also happen to be sponsoring your daughter and four other students of Jacksonville High for their time in the University," he said, his voice so sultry but polite at the same time.
I mentally swooned over his voice.
Mmm....talk dirty to me Norman.
My parents' eyes flashed with recognition and understanding.
"Oh."
"I'm not sure if you have seen me – but I did see you Mrs. Davis in the hospital a few months back when Melissa was gravely injured," he continued smoothly.
And from the looks that my parents were giving him – it was obvious that they are quite impressed by him.
He is so manipulative.
"I'm so grateful to you Mr. Blackford for choosing my daughter for the sponsorship. She is quite intelligent and I was afraid that because of our constant financial crisis she would miss out on all those wonderful things that she is capable to achieve," my dad said.
"It's not my philanthropy that awarded her the scholarship but her own intellect – that should be praised," Norman said.
And my heart fluttered with happiness.
"Mr. Blackford, it would make us really happy if you would join us for lunch tomorrow," my mom spoke.
I mentally face-palmed myself.
Why are you making things worse for me mom?
My parents were looking up at him with hope and expectation in their eyes.....hoping that he will say yes.
I on the other hand was desperately hoping that he would say no.
He is going to refuse right?
He must have all those board meetings with investors and shareholders and all.
He is so busy.
What am I even saying?
Previously, he always made time to come and see me – so maybe there is a possibility that he will say yes.
He's such a sweetheart for always making time for me but this habit of his may be a cause a nuisance for me this time.
Only this time. I don't want him to change this habit of his.
But please say no.
Please say no.
He opened his mouth to respond and I sucked in a breath in anticipation.
Please say no.
Please say no.
"Yes."
Wait. what?
"I would love to join your family for lunch tomorrow, Melissa please text me the place and time," he continued.
Why does no one ever listen to me?
What if mom and dad discover the truth about our relationship?
I don't think they will frown upon it but mom would be considerably sad because I didn't tell her sooner.
"Melissa dear, please show Mr. Blackford out," my mom said.
I just nodded my head and gestured for Norman to follow me as I walked out of the café with him hot on my trail.
"You said you wanted to talk about something important. What is it?" he said – his face portraying nothing but pure concern.
For the first time, I felt intimidated and at the same time guilty for making him go through this.
None of this is his fault.
And it is pure evil of me for throwing all these things his way.
"I will tell you tomorrow. This is not the right time Norman," I said breathlessly.
He didn't utter a single word but just leaned down and pressed his lips to my forehead.
His lips lingered there for a while and I savored every little sensation of this warm feeling.
Without any other word, he swiftly turned around and walked away – got inside his car, and drove off.
He left me with the constant feeling the guilt of unintentionally hurting him.
What are you doing to me, Norman Blackford?