EVE
The dinner everyone's waiting for would be at Mr. Neilsberg's Steak House. I've been there once, maybe a year ago, with a college friend named Jessie. Their food was exquisite, deserving of its costly price. Clearly, the Alisters wanted to impress my parents.
"no, darling. You should wear the silver one, not this. Silver looks good on you." – Mother commented as she walked past me on the mirror. I was wearing gold dangling teardrop earrings for my teal green dress. It was my favorite pair of jewelry actually, my go-to for any formal events. Except when mom's present and would say otherwise.
She opened her clutch bag and handed me a small emerald box. When I opened it, it was a small expandable jewelry box. Closed, it looked more like a ring box alone, and wearing a ring for tonight's dinner is something which I don't think would be necessary. I don't want to give the Alisters, especially Xenon, the wrong ideas.
"here. use this."
I stared at the simple stud earrings on my mother's palm. The small grounded diamonds were twinkling. I got one and looked at it closely.
"this is beautiful, mom."
"right? it was a gift from your father. Our first wedding anniversary to be exact." – she said, placing her head on my right shoulder as we both look at each other through the mirror in front of us.
I rolled my eyes. So much about thinking of Alisters having the wrong ideas. Well, meet my mom.
"what? I just feel it looks better on you. especially with this color."
"Mom, you read my journal. You know what I feel about this man. Now your giving me a piece of jewelry that Dad gave you on your first wedding anniversary. It sounds fishy to me."
She laughed and gave the other piece of earring on my other palm.
"I'll be waiting for you in the lobby, darling."
She said and was gone. Her purple jumpsuit swaying with her every walk.
I did wear the silver earrings as what she said and I agree, it looked better than my favorite one. After some finishing touches on my half-bun and lip gloss, I grabbed my clutch and my phone. When I closed the door, it wasn't mother who was waiting for me. It was Xenon, leaning on the wall, left leg crossed upon the right, scrolling his phone. When he heard door open, he straightened up and met my gaze.
"our parents took the first car. I was told to wait for you and use my car instead." – he said, casually looking at me from head to foot
I, on the other hand was having a visual treat. He wore a white suit with a patterned inner shirt. The pants were plain white. I already knew how handsome Xenon Alister looked for the whole four years in college that I get to look at him… but this sight right here, this is my top pick.
"you look good." – I said, awkward enough that I only came up with the most basic word for a compliment
"you cleaned up nice too." – he responded. A kind of underwhelming statement as well. Or maybe he was right. I only matter as "nice".
After some awkward smiles, we walked towards his car. The driver was waiting and opened the door to the backseat, greeting us both a good day. I did first and I fixed my dress so he would have enough room. Xenon gave the go signal to the driver and we were on our way.
The place was not that far from the manor and it only took us five minutes to get there. After a thank you, Xenon got out first and he assisted me with the dress.
"thank you."
And then we ascended the low stairs. A waiter assisted us to our table where the four adults were waiting. We overhead their conversation about the interior designs of the place. When they saw us, they stopped. Mom gave us a smile while the two men only nodded.
"glad you found your way here." – Mom said. Though I know she wasn't only referring to the literal meaning of her words. she also meant "here" as in the marriage part of their plan.
"I've been here before mom. I won't be lost." – I said, hoping she got that I meant both meanings too.
"good to know."
Xenon greeted my parents with a bow and sat beside me. across us were my parents and his father was on his right. Shortly, three people came from the kitchen, each with a large-sized covered tray. I knew that was meant for us, I didn't need to ask. I saw the family feast from their menu the last time we were here and basically, this was how I imagined it.
I was right. The food was placed in front of us. Plate by plate, until the whole table was filled with it. It was a five-course meal, only that all of the dishes were placed on the table at once.
"a feast indeed." – Tito Rusty said
"sounds about right for our family celebration." – dad said and looked at my mom who nodded
When the kitchen staff were done placing the foods and wine glasses on the table, Uncle Rusty raised his glass to propose a toast.
"everyone… for Xenon and Genevieve."
My parents said the chant. Xenon and I simply raised our glass.
"… the future Alisters." – Tito Rusty said and my eyes met with Xenon.
The five of us drank the wine. I did mine while still looking at Xenon. Cackles of laughter can be heard from the table and then the talk shifted into the matter in question: our marriage.
"do we have a date already?" – mom asked and I gave her a glare. That journal, really.
"not yet. there are still parts of the prenup we're finalizing." – Tito said
"oh, of course. I'd like to check the prenup as soon as it's done as well." – Dad added.
"Xenon and I also talked about the legalities of this wedding… then we both decided that if Genevieve wants to keep her last name, she can do so. We have no problem with that."
Of course, Xenon won't have any problem with that. I'm not the Mrs. Alister he wants.