DESTINY
“Good afternoon to you too, Grandfather. Let me introduce you to Destiny Johnson, the girl I am intending to marry.” James said just like that, beaming a smile at me.
The two men stared at me as if I came from another planet. I was dumbstruck, hanging onto James’s arm like he was a lifeline.
“Good afternoon.” My voice managed to slice through the heavy silence that seemed to press down on us.
James’s father was the first to react. He stood up and reached out well-manicured hands towards me. His grip was firm enfolding my hand in both of his.
“I must say, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Destiny.” He was an older version of James, but more polished. It was clear that James got his handsome looks from his father.
“Yes,” the grandfather drawled, wrinkling his nose as if he were smelling something unpleasant. “More like surprised to see you actually exist.” He placed his newspaper down on the table next to his chair.
James pressed my hand reassuringly. He did warn me his grandfather was a disagreeable old man. I certainly agreed with him. But I have dealt with difficult customers while working at the convenience store as well as the Burger Bar. I made a point of it to be as civil as I possibly could.
Stick to the plan, Destiny, I told myself.
“Well, as you can see, she does exist, Grandfather.” James said, hugging me to his side. I smiled up at him.
“Are you going to stand there all day? Sit down, you’re giving me a pain in the neck.” The old man waved a gnarled hand towards the chairs.
“Wouldn’t be the first time.” James said under his breath, and I stifled a giggle.
“Some sherry, Destiny?” the older James asked, his light blue eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.
“That would be nice, thank you Mr. Barrington.” I said.
The grandfather made a harrumph sound at the back of his throat. James scowled at him.
“Don’t mind my grandfather, Destiny. He’s not used to company.”
“Well, James isn’t exactly what I would call company,” the old man said, taking up his newspaper again.
“Dad, don’t be rude.” James’ father said.
He handed me the sherry. I haven’t had it before. It smelled strong and fruity. I sipped it carefully and coughed.
James patted my back. “Careful, Sugar.” He swallowed his in one gulp. “Destiny isn’t used to alcohol.”
“Is she even allowed to drink?” Grandfather said, “Have you robbed the cradle James?” he peered over the paper at me.
“I’m old enough.” I said harsher than I wanted to. James winked at me.
James’ father came to the rescue. “Where did you meet James, Destiny? Tell us a bit about yourself. James kept you all to himself, it seems.”
I glanced at James. What was I supposed to say? Everything we discussed fled out of my brain.
“We met at a coffee shop.” I said and James said at the same time, “At the library.”
“At the library’s coffee shop.” James said.
James’ father said, “Oh? When was that then? I never knew you read James?” He had a slight smile playing around his mouth corners and it struck me that he was very attractive.
Grandfather made that harrumph sound again.
“Love at first sight.” James said. I thought he was laying it on a bit too thick, but I just smiled. He took my hand in his and kissed my knuckles.
“Is that so?” Grandfather said. “Instant love. Sounds like bullshit to me.”
“Yeah, we’ve known each other for ages, but Destiny went to stay with family, and we hadn’t seen each other in more than a year.”
“Yes and when I came back we took off where we left it. I missed him so much.” I said and pressed my head against his shoulder. I prayed for forgiveness for telling such a whopper, and at the same time prayed they would buy it. I was going to hell because of this, that’s for sure.
“I see.” James’ father said.
Did he?
“Where are you from?” Grandfather Barrington said.
“South Africa.” James blurted out.
Oh, heaven help me. That wasn’t in the plan. I don’t know the first thing about South Africa!
“And she can’t speak for herself?” the old man grumbled.
The butler came in to announce that lunch was served and saved me from further interrogation.
“Finally! I’m starving. Shall we?” James said and took my hand to lead me to the dining room.
Dining room was an understatement. It was a hall. There were too many cutlery and fine porcelain on the table that I knew what to do with. In the middle of the long table was a golden candelabra which held thin white candles and surrounding it were posies of mixed flowers.
“You had to go all out, didn’t you Dad?” James said, “You would think you were expecting the Queen.” He shook his head at them.
“This was your grandfather’s idea, not mine.”
Grandfather Barrington fixed James with a cold ice blue stare. “Young people nowadays have no appreciation for etiquette and culture.”
“It looks lovely, Mr. Barrington.” I said, smiling at the old man.
The servants served the first course. I almost sighed with relief. It was a simple shrimp cocktail. Nothing fancy, but delicious.
“So South Africa Destiny?” Mr. Barrington asked, just as I took a bite of the cocktail.
“Umm… Yes, well, just briefly. I was born here.”
“Your accent is definitely not South African. You sound as though you come from Surrey,” the old man said.
James put down his fork to stare at his grandfather. “When are we going to stop with the interrogation, Granddad? You’re making Destiny uncomfortable.”
James’ father intervened. “Destiny, I do apologize. You’re the first girl James has brought to introduce to us. Please do excuse our curiosity.” He smiled revealing brilliant white teeth.
“Oh, it’s okay really. I don’t have a lot to tell about myself. I’m just an ordinary girl.” I replied, blushing.
“You’re far from ordinary,” he said. “You’re a beautiful young lady. I hope James appreciates you and…”
“Stop his whoring ways.” Grandfather interjected, raising his glass.
“Thank you for that, old man.” James glowered at his grandfather.
The blood rushed to my face, turning it into a glowing beacon. I needed to fan my face.
James poured me some water and I drank it gratefully.
“Have you decided on a date?” his father asked when the servants left after bringing the main course.
I looked over at James, “No, we’re still deciding.”
“Well, we have to get the engagement over with first. I want to get married as soon as possible.” James said, winking at me.
“And your parents? Are they supportive of you and James? When can we meet them?” Mr. Barrington asked.
I took a deep breath. “They’re abroad somewhere in Morocco. But they support us. I don’t think they will be able to come to our wedding though. They’re very busy with mission work.” Inwardly I am cringing telling this outrageous lie James had concocted.
“So they are missionaries? That’s interesting.” Grandfather Barrington said.
“Yeah. Very busy.” I said. “We don’t need a huge wedding.” I dropped that thought in there, hoping they would consider it.
“Hah! That will be the day! It’s not every day a Barrington gets married. We will spare no expense.” The old man slammed his hand down on the table and I jumped on my seat.
James’s hand clamped down on my thigh. “Isn’t that for us to decide?” he said.
“Come on James. We need all the positive publicity we can muster.” Mr. Barrington held up his hand. “After all the trouble you caused us, surely this isn’t too much to ask.”
“So you want to turn our wedding into a media circus?” James raised his voice. I felt the tension in his hand on my thigh and I placed mine over his.
“Baby, it’s okay. If that’s what your family wants, I’m fine with it.” I said, trying my best to soften my voice.
He turned his face to mine. I raised my hand to touch his face, smiling into his eyes. As I looked into those deep blue pools everything else fell away and when he bent to touch his lips to mine, I felt like floating.
Grandfather cleared his throat. “Enough of that. We are at table here.”
“Sorry.” I apologized, looking down into my lap.
“Fine.” James said. “If Destiny is willing then we’ll do it.” he said without taking his eyes off me. “I’m taking the week off to make arrangements.”
Grandfather snorted through his nose. “It’s not like you go to the office in any case.”
“Good, let me know the date and I’ll arrange the engagement party for you here. I will announce it in the papers.” Mr. Barrington said. He rang the bell, and the butler came. “Murray, bring the champagne. We have a celebration. Young Master James is getting engaged to this lovely young girl.”
“Congratulations Master James, Miss.” The old man bowed so low I was afraid he wouldn’t be able to get back up. Fortunately, he did, and he tottered away.