The day had turned into night. I parked our car in the garage. Bong, who was still refreshed despite the long day, got out of the car as soon as the door was opened. His fierce-looking face had a very cute smile on it. I think...
we hurried to enter the house through the front door. As we opened the door, I saw a dimly lit living room lit by a TV broadcasting a recording of a basketball game from a while ago. in front of it, someone was engrossed in the game and you can guess who was in front of the sofa.
"I thought you'd be home in the morning"
''..I'm home" I replied as if caught off guard by Dad.
"Yeah, yeah" he said nonchalantly as he took a sip from a can of beer that was no longer cold.
I walked as I took off my maroon parka jacket, folded it, and tucked it around my wrist. Then I put Dad's car keys on the small Ebony table in the room, while switching on the dim room lights so Dad could see me later.
"Oh, yes. I just remembered. I have good news for you"
"Your daughter, who you're afraid doesn't have a mate, will invite his boyfriend over for dinner tomorrow."
Dad, who had been sitting relaxed, spontaneously got up from his chair. Staring at my face with wide eyes and a gaping mouth.
"Really?" His not-so-young face lit up, though he tried to hide it.
"Yes!" I replied firmly
"What should I prepare? Does he like roast chicken? Steak? Or do we just order in?"
"I can get the wine from John so don't worry about the drinks" he said excitedly. Finally, there was something he could show off to his brother.
"He's not the picky type, but I guess preparing the best is the most appropriate banquet, right?" I answered perfunctorily.
Dad snapped his fingers and pointed at me, "You're right!"
Then he hurriedly switched off the television and started jotting down a few things. He had intended to give a fancy dinner, but I suggested a simple home-cooked meal. He refused and ended up listing a menu that was as fancy as a Christmas or New Year's meal.
.
.
.
In the morning, we were very busy preparing the dishes. My dad had asked Uncle Jhon, not-in a nice way unfortunately and he got some very good red wine. I was busy roasting the turkey and also some tenderloin for steaks. Of course, Bong helped supervise from a distance.
It went on for hours, and the person we were waiting for arrived in the afternoon. Because I invited him to join me for dinner. The doorbell rang, and I could see Bong barking excitedly from near the door. I, who had finished dressing up, immediately walked to the door and prepared to greet him nicely.
"Come in-"
"Oh my!"
I was shocked to see that the man who was as muscular and handsome as a model had come in with his hair down and a plaid shirt that looked tight on his body. Plus he was also wearing bright yellow-rimmed horse glasses.
"Why are you dressed up like this?" I whispered a bit angrily.
"You said you told your father that I work as an IT staff, so I adjusted. It's a decent and comfortable outfit for a girlfriend's house anyway" he said cluelessly.
"Yes, but... oh my!" I said at a loss for words.
"Hey, why aren't you coming in?" Dad exclaimed as he approached us.
" God!" Dad said surprised.
Then he invited Darius inside. I introduced Darius to Dad.
"Dad... this is the Darius I told you about yesterday."
Dad nodded, still with a surprised look on his face. Then he took me to the dining room to talk after inviting Darius to sit on the living room sofa.
"Girl, I know you're trying to be dutiful and find a partner"
"But I don't expect our tastes to mix." He whispered.
"I know you love the library and...I suggested you go to the bar that time."
"But, look at him!"
"He's like a mix of bouncer and nerd. I-I don't even know what to call him!"
I was also a bit disappointed with his appearance today. But on the other hand, I also remembered that I owed him a lot. After all, I was the one who asked him to come. I let out a long sigh and started holding both of Dad's tense shoulders
"Dad, calm down! Remember what mum said, don't judge a book by its cover!"
"Yes, but the problem is that I don't like books, and always choose them by their covers!" he denied.
"Enough Dad, we'll continue this conversation later, I don't feel like leaving Darius for too long!"
I left the dining room and my father followed behind. My father immediately invited him to join us for a meal. At the dining table, although it looked peaceful and warm. I could feel the questions that were indirectly trying to interrogate Darius. Fortunately, Darius was able to answer the questions well.
"I didn't expect that the only child I have would bring a man home," Said my Dad as he cut into the turkey thigh I had roasted.
Although he was still surprised and confused, the food on the table made him happy. I also savoured the sumptuous meal we had prepared.
Soaking up the flavours of the expensive wine Dad had tasted paired with the marinated tenderloin cooked as if they were a match made in heaven. Father also began to savour his wine comfortably. I could see his face was happy, like a winner who won twice in a row on the same day.
" I'm also pleased that you welcomed me with this delicious meal" Complimented Darius as he tasted the dishes on his plate gracefully.
"Oh, that meat was cooked by my daughter. Isn't it delicious?" Dad said proudly.
"Yes, that's also why I like it. Besides, the reason I'm here today... I also want to propose to her and invite you to our wedding."
The delicious red wine shot straight up, spraying in front of us. Dad and I were both shocked. We choked at the same time.
"..."
"What did you say?" Dad chirped, even more surprised at Darius's words.