I woke up early Sunday morning. I have to get my laundry done before basketball. I grabbed all my dirty clothes and searched for the basketball shirt that Riel gave me last Christmas. As soon as I found it, I headed to the laundry room to start the load.
The laundry room is behind the kitchen which makes it just perfect for me. Most times I feel like baking or cooking, I will also toss a load and by the time I am done in the kitchen, my laundry will be done too.
Josh was having breakfast with Mom when I entered the kitchen.
"Good morning, G. Come have breakfast with us."
I nodded at him and told him I would load my clothes first.
I can hear Mom telling Josh some neighborhood stories. She mentioned the new president of the local electric company moving to our neighborhood when she stopped and yelled for my name.
"Gian, Vena told me the kids of the new electric company president started at your school."
'Oh, that's their father.'
I muttered, "Yeah, Mom."
"You should be friends with them and invite them over for a meal one time."
Brain processing now. This is a good thing. Inviting Jazi and Alec over is another way to get closer to them. 'How about getting Mom to invite them for lunch today then?'
My brain is now working on a manipulation tactic.
I quickly finished loading and slowly headed to the table to eat. I started grabbing food to put on my plate while Nana Ying handed me the toasted bread that I had to have with my breakfast food.
Looking at my plate, I decided to implement my strategy.
"Alec is coming over later to play basketball with us."
Josh was the first one to respond. "Good that you are making new friends, G."
Mom got excited right away.
"Well, invite them to have lunch after." She frantically approached Nana Ying to discuss what they could serve for lunch. All of a sudden, Mom gasped and got quiet.
Mom turned towards me and asked,
"Do they have any food allergies?"
I shrugged. "I doubt it."
Based on what we ate at the restaurant, it didn't seem like they were picky or cautious about what they ate.
Mom and Nana Ying were discussing a wide array of dishes that we would end up with a feast for lunch. Dad will be very happy.
I sheepishly smiled knowing I was able to manipulate a luncheon today at the last minute. Mom typically hates last-minute stuff but I made it happen without her complaining.
Josh got up and brought his dishes to the sink. I heard the washer alarmed, signaling it was done so I got up with my dishes, and stood behind Josh who was washing his. He noticed me and grabbed my plates.
"Go finish your laundry. I will wash these."
I looked at him and asked if he was sure. He nodded and smiled at me.
Grace came running in the kitchen all excited.
"Mom! My new friend is coming over. I am so excited."
My ears perked up. New friend? I started transferring my wet clothes into the dryer.
"Seems like our house will be full of guests today," Josh said.
Mom asked her who this friend was.
"She is a famous influencer. She told me her boyfriend is coming over to play ball with Gian so I asked her to go with him."
Fuck! Grace is going to ruin my plan. I had to control myself from going to the kitchen and yelling at Grace. That will result in Mom taking her side and chewing my ass.
"Gian, so It'll be the twins and Grace's new friend, right?"
I had to control my tone as I answered.
"I am sure about Alec, not sure about Jazi, his sister but I will ask. He didn't tell me about his girlfriend though."
After I turned on the dryer, I headed to my room I passed Grace and gave her a death stare. She gave me a questioning look like she didn't know what it was for.
I quickly grabbed my cell phone to text Alec inviting Jazi and him for lunch after basketball then I went next door to see Riel.
She was at the counter working the register when I sat beside her with a sulky face. Uncle Ron is busy checking the cooler for expired products.
"Who rained at your parade?", she asked while scanning items for a customer.
"Grace is ruining my plan. She invites Lo-Ri."
I proceeded to tell her what transpired at the breakfast table and whispered curse words at the end so Aunt Vena wouldn't hear it.
Riel laughed and tried to calm me down explaining that Grace doesn't have a clue about my plan so it wasn't done on purpose.
"Even so. She should have asked me first since I am the one who planned the visit with Alec."
"This might be fate telling you to stop whatever you are planning." Riel using my signs of fate against me this time.
Although what Riel said makes some sense, I justified it by having more signs helping me than stopping me.
"Why do I have this feeling that chaos will be one of my visitors today?"
By this time a notification from my cell phone sounded. I looked at it and it was Alec responding to my text.
"Jazi can't make it. She has plans for today already." I told Riel after reading Alec's text.
"So, what's your plan? Lo-Ri might shadow Alec around."
I sighed and shrugged, "We'll play it by ear I guess."
"That's a good plan" Riel's sarcasm didn't escape me.
I looked at my watch and got up. I reminded Riel to come over in an hour so she would be there before Alec gets there. I also warned her to be ready for a feast for lunch.