"I hope you don't mind miss..." Monica asked politely.
"Miss Abigail. But you can call me Abi. And no I don't mind. Any friend of Marco is a friend of mine so I don't mind you tagging along." Abi said elegantly as she leaned in closer to Marco to show their level of intimacy.
"That's great!" Bella exclaimed. " Mr Aari, the room is ready." The manager said from behind politely.
"Shall we?" Marco asked with a smile and Monica responded with a nod. "This way please.." The manager then led them to the private room and after making sure everything was set, he departed.
The private room was very spacious and was dimly lit by red candles at every corner. The room was designed with a few famous paintings here and there and a soothing music was played on the background.
A table for four was already lavishly arranged at the center of the room with appetizers spread around. Without any care of decency,Bella walked ahead of them and sat down while salivating.
Abi was giving instructions to the waiters so Marco and Monica strolled forward together." Does this count?" Marco asked while looking around. "What?" Monica asked confused. " What I meant was, does this count as the meal you promised me?" He asked again as he stared at Monica.
"Oh, that... I almost forgot. " Monica chuckled. " You can say that. After all there is me, you and food, so... we got our meal." Monica smiled which caused Marco to laugh out. They were already by the table so Monica took a seat besides Bella but was shocked when Marco took the other one to her left.
"Sorry for the delay, I hope you don't mind. I ordered for us all and it's all on me." Abi said gracefully as she walked back to them."I hope you don't mind, I decided to make our orders, all on me." She said a little apologetic as she reached out to pull the spare seat. Although she didn't like how Marco sat in between the two girls, she could only sulk in her displeasure and took her seat.
"That's alright... we are okay with anything." Bella quickly said as she rubbed her hands on each other while staring at the beauties before her. "You can dig in Bella." Marco said with a smile and without further ado, Bella grabbed the cake beside her and stuffed it in her mouth.
The table was set with different mouth watering flavors of cakes, apple and strawberry cream pie, extraordinary design of cookies and lots more. Bella decided to restrain herself a little so she only settled for about half of all that was present. Marco whispered something to Monica's ear which caused her to laugh aloud, drawing over some envious look.
"So Monica... what are you studying?" Abi cleared her throat to get their attention as she picked up a yogurt by the side.
The both of them stopped laughing as Marco also picked up a drink and turned towards Monica, waiting for her reply.
"Journalism. It's been my dream since I was small." Monica replied as she also took a a cookie from the table. " I bet Bella also has a childhood dream right..." Marco threw a question at Bella who was busy stuffing cookies down her mouth.
"I always dreamed of becoming a chef you know..." Bella responded immediately after a huge gulp of orange juice. Marco and Monica both burst into laughter as Abi being the odd one out just took another sip of her drink.
"What?? You don't think I can do it do you?" Bella retorted with puffed cheeks. " Don't take it the wrong way Bella.. What he's trying to say is that... you..." Monica who chipped in trying to prevent Bella from getting angry was at a loss for words seeing Marco suppressing his laugh as he waited for the lie she was about to come up with.
Their moment was cut short as the door to the private room opened and the waiters were seen pushing the food cart in. They quickly but carefully arranged the dishes on the table before they left. The atmosphere was ruined so they could only grab a dish and start eating.
Marco reached out for the fries at the far end of the table and served some for Monica before taking some himself. "Thank you." Monica said as she adjusted her fallen strand of hair before she started eating.
"My father's condition is getting worst by the day Marco, don't you thing he will like to see his grandson before anything unforeseen happens?" Abi suddenly spoke up.
'Cough cough..." Bella choked on her food.
"What!! You guys are really getting married??" Bella exclaimed in shock. "Yes. Is there any problem?" Abi asked like she didn't realize what was going on.
"No... No... I mean, I thought it was just rumors. You know different rumors are hyped nowadays and we didn't hear any official statement so.. um... you know, I thought Marco was still..."
"Still single? 'scoff' He's mine now." Abi cut Bella off as she said proudly. "So we should be expecting the invitation soon huh... congratulations to both of you." Monica spoke up as she looked at Marco and then at Abi with a smile.
"Thank you." Abi smiled shyly. "Thanks" Marco rubbed his neck awkwardly. " So I guess I don't have a shot again huh..." Bella said with a disappointed expression.
"Did you ever have a shot Bella? Stop talking nonsense right now." Monica said as she laughed out. Bella's face fell even more. :Don't listen to her Bella, your spot is still opened." Marco could only speak up with a wink on his incredibly handsome face. "Abi chuckled which caused Monica to laugh out.
Bella was about to retort back when Monica's phone rang which made the environment quite. "Sorry..." Monica said to no one in particular with an apologetic look on her dace as she fished out her phone from her bag and answered the call.
"Max..." Monica called out which caused the smile on someone's face to drop. "Not yet Max, are you here already?" Monica said again. Marco could only deduce from her reply that Max was asking if they were done with lunch, so he picked up his glass of wine and took a sip.