I was feeling a little nervous and excited as I stood in the vast entryway of my family's mansion as the sun was sinking. I had finally gone on my first "date" with James. I looked at the wall-mounted elegant clock, seeing how many minutes remained until he arrived.
"Are you ready, Emma?" Sophia cheerfully called from the kitchen.
"Nearly!" I yelled back while adjusting my clothing. I felt like a million bucks, even though it was a basic yet elegant option.
"Remember that this is a business arrangement," I said to myself in an attempt to relax. "It is just a contract, no feelings."
Just like clockwork, the doorbell rang. When I answered the door and saw James there, looking dapper in jeans and a fitting blazer, my heart skipped a beat.
He said, "Hey, you!" with that endearing smile that made my stomach turn. "You look fantastic."
"Many thanks! You too," I answered, moving to make room for him. "Greetings from my modest abode."
"This place is amazing," he exclaimed as he took a quick look around. "I understand your desire to keep it within your family."
Sure, it has been in our family for many years, I replied with a hint of pride. "However, there is a lot of pressure involved."
With one eyebrow raised, he questioned, "Pressure?" "Explain what you mean."
I was not sure how much to reveal, so I hesitated. Just the expectations of the family. They want me to take over the company, which is too much for me to handle.
With a solemn gaze, James nodded. "It's only something I can envision. Emma, yet, you're strong. You'll discover a solution.
"I appreciate it," I replied, gaining some comfort. "Well, what are your plans for tonight?"
"Let's just unwind and get to know one another," he said with a lighthearted smile. "Perhaps we ought to play a game or something."
"Do you play board games well?" I teasedly asked.
"It depends on the game," he laughed in response. "But I'm up for any challenge,"
I sensed the tension in the atmosphere as we took our seats in the living room. We were both in a new dynamic, so I couldn't help but wonder how it would all work out.
With a forward bend, James said, "So, tell me about yourself." "In your free time, what hobbies do you enjoy doing?"
I laughed, starting to feel a little more at ease. I enjoy hiking and reading, so yeah. In addition, even though I'm by no means a chef, I like to cook.
"Cooking, really? What area of expertise do you have?" With real interest, he inquired.
"Pasta! I smiled and remarked, "I make a mean marinara sauce." "But I think I should bring you over for a taste test."
"That would be wonderful," he said, his eyes glimmering. "I love Italian food a lot."
At that moment, the door opened, allowing my family to slowly enter. I realized I hadn't prepared James for this, and my heart fell.
My mother called, "Emma, we're home!" as her voice reverberated through the foyer.
"Excellent," I murmured to myself as I glanced worriedly at James. "This should be interesting,"
"Emma, who is this?" Peering into the living room, my mom questioned. Her eyes grew wide as she realized James was there.
I forced a smile and added, "This is James." "That guy is a friend."
"A companion?" my father repeated, arching an eyebrow. "James, nice to meet you."
James stood up and held out his hand, saying, "Nice to meet you, sir."
My mother inquired, her interest heightened, "Are you here for dinner?"
I said, feeling the strain building, "Uh, actually, we were just hanging out." "James wouldn't mind coming along, though," I said.
"Obviously not!" James smiled charmingly and added quickly. "I would adore it."
"Excellent! My mother exclaimed, "Dinner is almost ready," and she hurried into the kitchen. I knew I had to introduce James as my boyfriend, and my heart raced.
Here goes nothing, I thought to myself in a whisper.
I pointed to my parents and my younger brother Alex, who had just entered, saying, "James, this is my family." "Hello, everyone, it's James."
With a firm voice, James said, "Nice to meet you all." "I've heard great things about you."
"Hopefully good things," my father said, giving him a sharp look.
Without a doubt, James replied, keeping his gaze fixed on her. "I've learned about your family's customs from Emma."
"Customs?" My sibling added a smile to his voice. Such as? The yearly awkward family picture?
I gave Alex a fierce look, but James chuckled. "I have nothing against gory family pictures. They create wonderful recollections.
The pressure increased as dinner went on. There were a lot of inquiries from my family, and I could feel Uncle Harold watching James from the background with narrowed eyes.
James, what do you do now? My father leaned back in his chair and inquired.
James confidently answered, "I work in finance." "I assist in managing investments for a range of clients."
"Finance, really? My mother remarked, "That sounds interesting," her curiosity stirred. "Why did you decide on that field?"
He gave the explanation, "I've always had a passion for numbers and helping people grow their wealth." "This is a fulfilling job."
"You seem to be doing well for yourself," my father added, giving me a nod of approval. "And how do you feel about Emma's plans for the family company?"
James gave me a quick glance, and I noticed a glimmer of doubt in his eyes. "It seems like a fantastic opportunity for her. She is obviously capable and motivated.
"Able to?" Uncle Harold chimed in, his tone brimming with doubt. Is that the name you give it? I want to see her provide proof.
I glared at Harold and felt my heart quicken. I'll show you, Uncle Harold. You just need to wait.
James took a serious look and leaned in closer to me. He muttered, "You don't have to let him get to you." "You're more powerful than that."
"Thank you," I said, appreciative of his assistance.
I sensed the strain in the air as the supper went on. Uncle Harold's distrust of James was beginning to rise as my family was evaluating him.
When I thought there could be no more complexity, Uncle Harold sat back in his chair and cast a cold stare at James. How well do you actually know Emma, James?
A shiver went down my spine. What did he mean to say? James answered Harold's stare with a non-readable expression.
"I would say pretty well," James answered in a firm voice. "We've been learning more about one another."
Harold spoke the word "interesting" with a hint of a smile. "I hope you understand what's in store for you."
A knot in my stomach tightened. By that, what did he mean? I noticed the strain in James's shoulders as I cast a quick glance at him. This was just the start, and I sensed that things were about to get more complicated.