Shay's POV
I arrived back home and handed the keys to our butler to park my car in the garage before slowly making my way inside the house. As I walked past the living room, I saw Mom sitting with a glass of green-colored juice in one hand and a book about healthy lifestyles in the other. She caught me staring at her and motioned for me to come in.
I walked toward her, sat down on the couch in front of her, and gave her a small smile. After my meltdown the other day, we hadn't spoken to each other since, and to think we were now on good terms seemed unbelievable. I wasn't expecting to get along with her suddenly, but I decided to see how this conversation would go.
"I invited Chef Di Angelo tonight. I've been craving Italian dishes for quite some time now. Are you okay with Italian cuisine for dinner tonight?" she asked.
I nodded and looked away. "Yeah. I'm okay with anything."
She nodded in approval and placed her glass on the table between us.
"So, how was work?"
I was taken aback by her question. Were we really on good terms now? She had never asked me about work before. But I couldn't be so sure yet.
"Good," I replied simply.
"I saw you on that beauty show last night. Great job. It will definitely boost the cosmetics' profits."
"It did. I got the income statement report today, and there's already a long list of demands for our cosmetic supplies from malls, SFO store departments, and many others. The interview on Selina's Beauty Show did an amazing job promoting our products."
She gave me a pleased smile before crossing one leg over the other and staring directly at me.
"Your father would be happy with the results, but I'm not sure he will be for too long if he finds out who was helping you with that project."
How did she know...?
Shelby.
"I wouldn't have managed to do all that without Jason's help. If Dad won't like that, then that's his problem. Jason is now working with us, so he at least deserves some credit for helping us out with the sales of our cosmetic line."
She raised an amused brow at me.
"I see you two have gotten along again since you're strongly defending him."
Well...
After I kissed him a few hours ago, I didn't get that gut feeling that told me it was a mistake. I kissed him because I wanted to. I knew I had already broken the promise I made to myself weeks ago. It wasn't a secretâI still had feelings for him.
After working together for the past few days, my real emotions for him had overpowered the resentment I once felt. People make mistakes all the time, and some just need a chance to make up for themâjust like Jason.
When I tried to leave after kissing him, he stopped me. He begged me to stay. I saw the real desperation and anxiousness in his eyes, and I couldn't bring myself to leave. He was an emotional wreck. For the first time, I saw the weight he had been carrying. He repeatedly apologized and asked me to give him another chance.
During the time we worked together, he hid those emotions from me. But when he finally let them out, my heart shattered into a million little pieces.
I decided to stay. We talked for about two hours. I can't remember everything we said, but after discussing everything, we were both clear on one thingâ
A fresh start.
I had wasted so much time fueling my anger toward him that I had started to forget my true goal in life. My freedom. I could never escape this life if I kept holding grudges, staying mad at people, and working against others. That wasn't who I truly was. If I wanted to live my life, I couldn't let these things hold me back.
"Jason and I have decided to put our past behind us and start afresh. He's taking me to dinner tomorrow night, and I said yes. This is what I really want, and it's the break I need. I've done a lot for this family already, and the least you can do is let me do something for myselfâsomething I haven't done in a long time. Can we at least agree on that, Mom?"
She gave me a long stare. It was the first time I had ever asked her for anything. If she truly intended to build a new mother-daughter relationship with me, this was the least she could do.
"Of course. If it's what your heart wants, then go for it. Do whatever you want," she said with a happy grin.
I stood up from the couch, walked over to her, and gave her a hug. I was so glad she was letting me do this. It would take time to get used to, but it was nice to finally talk to my mother without fighting all the time.
Jason's POV
Mom invited me home for dinner, and I willingly agreed because I wanted to try the new wine she bought from Moscow. It was an expensive brand that my business associates had been raving about, claiming it was the best wine from Russia.
I arrived at my parents' house on time and headed straight to the dining room, where I heard their voices echoing. As soon as I walked in, they both greeted me with smiles, and I quickly noticed the half-filled wine glasses in their hands.
"You already tried it without me?" I asked immediately, and they guiltily glanced at each other.
"Your mother wanted to, not me," Dad quickly defended himself, earning a glare from Mom before she softened her expression toward me.
"Sorry, but here, have mine," she said, quickly pushing her wine glass into my hand.
I took a sip of the golden liquid. The aroma was strong yet addictive, but as for the taste... I held the glass away, staring at it before looking at Mom.
"Wow, this is incredible. What is that sour aftertaste?"
She nodded before taking a seat at the table.
"Your father and I have been trying to figure it out. Come sit."
I walked over to the table and sat next to Mom. Suddenly, Dad looked up from his phone and turned the screen toward us.
"It's gooseberries. That's what's making it sour," he informed us.
Mom and I both stared at the Google result on his phone before chuckling and continuing our meal.
Halfway through dinner, as Dad and I discussed work, Mom suddenly turned toward me with a smile. I looked at her in confusion.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Dad and I both stared at her as her grin widened.
"You seem to be in a good mood tonight. Did something happen recently?"
Recalling my conversation with Shay a few hours ago made me smile. To say I was surprised when she suddenly kissed me in my office this morning would be an understatement. I couldn't believe she was willing to give me another chance.
"I think Shay and I will get back together soon," I admitted.
Mom's eyes widened in surprise before she smiled excitedly at Dad.
"Really? Why do you think so?"
"Well, I asked her if we could go out for dinner tomorrow night, and she agreed."
She cooed lovingly and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"That's great. I'm happy for both of you."
Dad nodded in agreement. "Me too."
We both agreed on a clean start. No secrets, no lies, no more games. I promised myselfâI would never lose her again, no matter what.
A/N
Birthday treat! Double update in one day. (I'm officially 18 guys) LOL