Eve POV
"Come on in," I called out, my eyes glued to the screen. The scent that drifted in was undeniably familiar, a comforting blend of lavender and something faintly floral, Mum. But I was so engrossed in the complex algorithm sprawling across my monitor that I didn't lift my head.
"You can't even spare a glance for your own mother, Eve?" The voice was a scolding drawl, laced with mock-offense.
My head snapped up. "Mum?" I blurted, my mind finally registering the familiar tone.
Her voice, sharp and laced with familiar disapproval, cut through the quiet hum of the computer.
"Good morning to you too," she replied, her tone dry as dust, before sinking onto the plush sofa with an exaggerated sigh.
"Give me just a moment, Mum," I said, fingers flying across the keyboard to save my progress. "Almost done here. What can I get you? Coffee? Tea? Or perhaps your favourite orange juice?"
"Nothing," she said, her voice still carrying a note of displeasure. I made a quick call to my assistant. Within seconds, a tray materialized made up of vibrant fruits, freshly squeezed juice, and a generous plate of her favorite brownies.
A flicker of a smile tugged at the corner of her lips, but she scoffed, as expected. Still, she took a long sip of juice and a bite of a brownie, her motions delicate. I watched from the corner of my eye, a smile playing on my own lips.
"You could have given me a heads-up, Mum," I said, leaving my desk and sinking onto the edge of the sofa beside her. It was nearly evening; I wondered what brought her here at this hour.
"You are unbelievable, Eve," she said, her gaze sharp and accusing.
"Sorry? What did I do now, Mum?" I asked, genuinely surprised and curious.
"Hah," she scoffed, "Are you telling me you don't remember we had a date today?" She raised a skeptical eyebrow.
The realization hit me like a cold splash – I had scheduled an appointment with her this afternoon. I'd completely forgotten. 'I was busy, but oh my god, how could I forget? I promised her.' I inwardly panicked.
"I'm sorry, I forgot, Mum," I said, taking her hands and giving her the puppy-dog eyes she usually fell for. But not today, apparently. Poor me.
"I'm not falling for that, Eve. You disappointed me today. I called your line several times, but you deliberately didn't pick up," she accused.
"You called? But I didn't hear a thing, I swear," I said, walking over to my desk to retrieve my phone. Sure enough, there were tons of missed calls, from her and others. 'How did I miss that?'
"Mum, it wasn't deliberate, I promise," I said, taking her hands again. "I had no idea my phone was on DND. I'm so sorry," I apologized.
Her face softened as she saw my sincerity, and I took the opportunity to steer her to the reason for the date.
"Do you mind telling me why you wanted us to go on a date today, Mum?" I asked, treading lightly to avoid reigniting her earlier frustration.
"I wanted you to meet someone," she said cryptically.
"Who is this 'someone'?" I asked, a knot of apprehension tightening in my stomach.
"Frederick... his name is Frederick," she replied, her gaze holding mine, waiting for my reaction.
I face-palmed myself as the realization crashed down. 'She set me up on a blind date... again.' I sighed in resignation.
"Mum... really? We've been through this before, and I've repeatedly told you I won't be going on another blind date," I said, my words clipped.
"It's not a blind date, Eve," she said, holding my hands tenderly. "It's Frederick, the one you know," she whispered, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
'Frederick? I don't know any Frederi-' I stopped abruptly as my mind connected the dots to the one Frederick who had ever truly mattered.
"Frederick Taylor?" I asked, surprised, while my mum just smiled at my reaction.
"He's back?" I asked, and she nodded.
"He arrived in the country yesterday morning and came to see us last night... he asked about you," my mum said, her tone soft.
My heart skipped a beat at her last words. I couldn't believe Frederick was back after all this time, not since junior high.
A whirlwind of emotions swept through me. He was my childhood best friend, yes, but also my secret crush. I'd harbored a crush on him since sixth grade, but I'd never had the courage to confess. I'd watched him date other girls, a notorious playboy, and that, perhaps, was the main reason I'd ducked, I hadn't been ready for my heart to be broken so early. Besides, he'd only ever seen me as his best friend.
But hearing my mum say he was back, and that I was supposed to meet him today had I picked up the call, made my palms sweat and my heart race. Maybe I wasn't as over him as I'd thought. Yet, for some reason, I was still reluctant to meet him, especially since i haven't really dated much.
"Eve, are you with me?" my mum said, waving her hand in front of my face, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"Yes, yes, Mum, i'm here," i said, blinking.
"Good. Anyway, i gave him your number; he should call you anytime now. I suggest you go on a date with him tomorrow, without me, of course. I've already made a reservation for the two of you at De Castle Restaurant," she said, beaming at me.
"What?! Mum, no! How could you do all this behind my back?" I asked, annoyed.
"Well, i wouldn't have to go behind your back if you had shown up to the date this afternoon. Besides, he isn't some random man. If i remember correctly, he was your best friend and crush, no?" she said, a knowing glint in her eyes.
"Mum! That was like sixth grade, and i've outgrown it... Besides, i can't go on a date with him," i replied, my voice tight.
"Why? Need I remind you that you're nearly twenty-five, the only Mickelson woman still unmarried?" she said, her voice laced with thinly veiled annoyance.
Not the marriage lecture again, I inwardly groaned.
"I'm not going on a date with Frederick, and I'm certainly not going to marry him, despite what you've planned. And besides…" I trailed off, scrambling for a reason to deflect her meddling.
She arched an eyebrow, a silent dare for me to continue. Taking a steadying breath, I blurted, "I already have a boyfriend, and I'm really into him," I lied, hoping the sincerity in my voice would sell it.
Her expression shifted, first to a skeptical indifference, then a flicker of curiosity, and finally, a full-blown surprise.
"Really?" she asked, her tone laced with disbelief, while I nodded, forcing a nervous smile. "Who is he? What's his name? What does he do? Which family is he from?" The questions tumbled out like an avalanche.
"Oh my god, Mum, calm down…" I waved a hand, trying to stem the tide. "We just started dating… a little over a week ago." I added the detail for credibility, wincing internally at the web of lies I was weaving. I saw her beam, at least she was buying it, but I couldn't help the guilt that pricked at my conscience.
"I need to meet him," she declared, a gleam in her eye.
"Mum, not right now, please. I wouldn't want to scare him off… But I promise I'll bring him to you soon." I tried to sound reassuring.
"Bring him to the anniversary party at the family home next month… and I hope you're not lying to me, Eve," she said, her eyes narrowing. I swallowed hard, a knot forming in my throat, and nodded again.
"Good. I'll leave you to your work," she said, rising to her feet. "As for Frederick, he's still a good option if this one doesn't pan out," she added before kissing me on the cheek, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.
As soon as the door closed behind her, I sent an SOS to Sophia, my best friend and business partner. Within minutes, she barged into my office, her brow furrowed.
"I got your message. What's wrong?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
"I need a fake boyfriend, ASAP," I blurted out. I couldn't suppress a laugh at the comical look of shock on her face as I recounted the encounter with my mother.
"Wow... that's… unexpected, even for you," she said, a chuckle escaping her lips.
"I know, right?" I sighed, pacing restlessly across the office.
"Well, you're in luck, my friend. You have a friend as resourceful as me," she said with a flourish, pulling out her phone. A few taps later, she showed me the screen.
"Hire a partner app? Is that even a thing?" I asked, my surprise evident in my tone.
"What do you expect when you're holed up in here twenty-four seven?" she playfully scolded me. "Now, let's find you a boyfriend for hire," she added, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.