"I just didn't want to bore you with my issues, besides, I handled it. Now, I just have to prepare for Sunday's party and move on. I am genuinely just tackling the issues as they come".
"Let's order, and will have our conversation over our meal".
They beckoned to the waiter and he came around to take their order.
"What will you like to get, ma'am?
"I would love to get the Char siu but, bring me water before my meal is ready". Char siu was Lila's favourite thing to get from the menu at a Chinese restaurant and she would gladly do so at any given chance.
"Yes, please, bring me water too before my meal is done and I would like to get the Hot Pot, please and thank you".
"Alright, madams, your order will be with you shortly and my colleague will get the water to you in no time" he replied and left.
When he left, Val sat there in silence and let her mind wandered again, while her best friend stared at her intensely trying to analyze her. Her words brought Val out of her reverie.
"You're going all silent on me? What happened to telling each other everything, without leaving even the littlest bit out? Tsk tsk tsk. Anyways, fill me in properly, what did you say happened again? Since when did innocent Seb become a gaslighter?
'Innocent Seb was what they called him when He was trying to date her. He was very timid and shy and could barely hold eye contact with Her whenever they went on dates. Now, to touch or hold her? That took him another few months before he finally got the courage.
"Okay so, I was home and I decided to order a pizza….
She recounted the whole events of that day to her best friend, only shutting up when the waiter came around.
"Thank you so much, we will let you know when we are ready to get our dessert".
For the time being, they ate in silence, maintaining the table side manner and didn't speak till they finished eating. When they were done and had already ordered for their desserts, Lila spoke up again.
"Woah, all that happened and you could not even call once? You said you had to leave the house, where did you go to? Cause it sure as hell wasn't mine".
"Yeah, I had to leave the house so he could calm down and I didn't want to be agitated also. I went to the park to clear my head and didn't return to the house until the evening".
Just as she finished speaking, their desserts arrived. This time, they both went for the same dessert, the friends call it their 'comfort meal', moon cakes. Traditionally, Chinese restaurant, and meals generally, do not serve desserts, but since they were regulars there, they were always served one.
"Damn, what's up with him though? Do I need to come speak sense into his head? Man, people really do change, and men as always are never, I mean NEVER, to be trusted. Are you good? I mean mentally and emotionally? I know how draining it could be to have to endure things like that. You know you can always talk to me, yeah?
"I am good, for now at least. I try to not let his words get to me and lock my self up in the room until it's time to prepare his dinner. He doesn't even eat my food again, just picks at it before leaving to his study".
"Shit, that bad?
"Yeah, that bad. But, enough about Seb's and I, what's going on with you? Any party? Any dates?
"Party, yes. Date, no. I got invited to a business party. It's a fancy one, so Sebastian should have gotten an invite too. Did be?
"Yeah, he did. That was the only reason why he spoke more than two words to me, when he wanted to tell me about the party. Oh, and also when he literally screamed at me yesterday to make sure I 'do not embarrass him with my choice of clothing since there will be influential people attending the party".
"Damn!
Yeah, damn!
Once they were done eating and discussing, they paid and walked out the door to leave. Lila will be getting a cab since she didn't come in hers, while Val will leave in her car to go pick her dress from Rob's.
"Bye, girl. Keep me updated".
A short drive later, she pulled into Rob's drive way.
"Oh, if it isn't my favourite customer. How are you, darling? Still with Seb or can I call my shot now?
Rob loved to tease her whenever they had the chance of meeting.
"Rob, how many times do I have to tell you that will not happen anytime soon. I won't leave my husband for you, not even for the promise of free dresses till forever. Okay, I probably might leave him for that. Ha! I am doing good. Do you have my options picked out, or do I have to scratch your eyes?
"Easy, tiger. I have three options picked out for you in the showroom. You just have to put each one one and come to a conclusion".
"See, that's why you are my favourite designer".
"More like your only designer" Rob retorted, while they both shared a laugh among themselves.
An hour later, her preferred choice was packed in a bag and she was ready to leave.
"Bye, girl. Be sure to let me know when you finally leave your husband. I am waiting patiently for you".
"In your dreams, Rob. In your dreams". They both laughed again and she drove off towards the grocery store.
After picking up groceries, she drove home to prepare dinner for Seb before he comes back home. She has been trying to mot cross parts with him, even though they both lived in the same house. She eats dinner before he gets back and comes back down to clear the table once she hears him shut the door of his study.
This was not the life she envisioned.