I was taking a back by Debbie's or I meant Mr Brian's mother's assumption. I looked at Mr Brian, opinion clarify the situation, but it seemed just has embarrassed as I was.
"Mother, please " Mr. Brian tried to interrupt, but she wouldn't let him speak.
" oh don't be shy Brian, I'm just happy to finally meet the woman who has captured your heart. Emily dear, tell me, how did you two meet "? She asked.
I felt my face burning with embarrassment. I didn't know how to correct her without making things even more awkward.
" uh, we met... at the office ma'am " I managed to say.
Derby's face lit up even more.
" Awwn, how romantic! Office romance. Just like in the movies" she exclaimed.
Mr Brian cleared his throat trying to intervene.
" Mother it's really not the way you think" Mr Brian chipped in.
But Derby just waved her hand dismissively.
" Oh, don't try to deceive me Brian, i already know the truth. I'm just so happy to see that you've found someone so special like her".
I felt like i was trapped in a never ending nightmare. How was I going to get out of this situation without hurting Derby's feelings?
Just as I was about to try and correct her again, Mr Brian stood up his face sort of stern.
"Mother, i think that's enough. You should at least give us some privacy, we need to be at the office " Mr Brian said.
" Alright Brian darling, but it's something worth celebrating". she said.
She beamed at me, completely unaware of the awkwardness she was causing.
" And speaking of celebrations, my daughter Anne is hosting a party next weekend for the opening of her new art gallery. You simply must come Emily ".
I gave Mr Brian a surprise look and he didn't seem to want to say anything or intervene again. I hesitated for a while, unsure of how to respond.
" I don't know ma'am. I'm not sure if I'm invited ". I replied.
She waved her hand dismissively.
" Nonsense dear, You're Brian's...ahem... Girlfriend, aren't you. of course you're invited! Brian, tell her she's invited "
Mr Brian who had been quietly observing the conversation between I and his mother cleared throat.
" Mother, i think Emily can decide if she wants to come or not".
But Mr Brian's mother was undeterred.
" Oh Brian, don't be shy, Tell Emily how much you want her to be there with you ". She said
I felt my face burning with embarrassment, this was starting to get out of hands.
" Ma'am, really it's okay " I tried to protest.
But Mr Brian's mother was determined.
"No, no, dear! you must come. Anne would love to meet you and i just know you two will get along famously. Brian, you'll make sure Emily comes with you, won't you"? She asked determined.
Mr Brian's expression was unreadable as usual but he nodded curtly to my surprise.
" Yes, mother. I'll make sure Emily receives an invitation ".
Mr Brian's mother clapped her hand in excitement like she had won a lottery. well she did win on trying to make me go for the event.
" Wonderful! I'll make sure Anne sends you all the details Emily, You two will have so much fun together, I just know it" Mrs Derby said.
I managed to force a smile, trying to play along.
" Thank you ma'am. I'll be looking forward to it". I replied.
Mr Brian stood up, his expression stern.
" Mother I think that is enough for now. Emily and I have work to attend to".
Mrs Debbie pouted, but eventually stood up
" fine,fine I will leave you two alone. But Emily don't forget about the party I expect to see you there with Brian". She said and i faked a smile.
As she left the room, I let out a sigh of relief. Mr Brian turn to me, his expression apologetic
" I'm sorry about that, Emily. My mother can be... overwhelming" he said and i laughed".
"That's one way to put it. But I think I can handle her". I said.
Mr Brian's smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
" I'm sure you can. now shall we proceed to the office" he said standing up and i followed suite.
I nodded, trying to focus on the task at hand but my mind kept imagining the part and wondering what it will be like to attend such occasion with Mr Brian as his fake girlfriend,of course.
As we pulled up to the office building, I felt a flutter in my chest. Mr Brian's car was sleek and luxurious, and I couldn't help but feel a little bit self-conscious about being seen stepping out of it. But it was too late now. The car came to a stop, and Mr Brian turned off the engine, we both got out and I couldn't help but notice the stares from the coworkers I felt my face lit up with embarrassment. It was clear that everyone was curious. The whispers and stares continued as we walked into the office building together until we got to our separate office.
I was about entering my office when Mr Brian stopped me.
" Emily, we need to discuss the Smiths account as soon as possible" he said.
" let me just drop my things, I'll come to your office immediately Sir " I replied and he nodded entering his office.
As we dived into the conversation of The Smiths account, I couldn't help but still glances at Mr Brian. he was being his usual professional self but I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something beneath the surface.
After our meeting, Mr Brian walked me out of the office just at the entrance to my office we stood by the door and he turned to me and said.
"Emily I apologize again for my mother's behavior earlier. I hope you can forgive her".
I smiled and waved my hand dismissively just like his mom.
"It's fine Mr Brian I understand that family can be complicated".
He nodded, his eyes locking unto mine for a brief moment
"yes they can be" he said.
As we stood there, the tension between us was palpable. I felt like I was waiting for him to say something but he just stood still staring at me with an unreadable expression. Finally he broke the silence.
" I will have my driver take you back to your apartment once you're done" he said about leaving.
"And Emily"? he called
"yes sir"? i answered
"Don't forget about the party my mother would be disappointed if you didn't attend" he said.
I raised my eyebrow, intrigued by the end of warning in his tone
" I wouldn't dream of missing it Mr Brian". I said as I turned to leave he call after me again
"Emily? Come with me to the party"
my heart skipped a bit as I turned back to face him
"As your fake girlfriend"?
I asked trying to sound casual. he nodded a smile playing on his lips.
"As my Fake girlfriend" he repeated and i stood there, feeling a mix of emotions as I considered Mr Brian's request. On one hand I was flattered that he wanted me to accompany him to the party. On the other, I was aware of my limited wardrobe options.
" Mr Brian... I said "I don't know if I'm the right person for this, I don't exactly have the right clothes for a high class events like this".
Mr Brian raised an eyebrow his expression unreadable
"leave that to me Emily I'll take care of it".
I felt a surge of surprise at his response what did he mean by taking care of it was he going to buy me clothes or something but before I could ask any questions he had already left leaving me feeling both excited and terrified at the prospect of attending the party with him