INTRODUCING MAIN CHARACTERS:

AMANDA:

CARMEN (AMANDA'S MOTHER):

MARINA (AMANDA'S BEST FRIEND):

DAVID (CARMEN'S BOYFRIEND AND AMANDA'S STEPFATHER):

Amanda returned home after an exhausting day at fashion college.

"Sweetheart, don't forget that David arrives tomorrow morning, so please wake up early!"

"Good afternoon to you too, Mom!"

"Good afternoon, my daughter. Sorry, it's just that I'm anxious. We should welcome him warmly and please try to behave."

"You talk as if I were 15, Mom!"

"It's because sometimes you really seem to be Amanda!"

"Ugh, Mom! I'm going upstairs to take a shower!"

Amanda heads to her room, tosses her bag on the bed, and goes straight to the shower.

"Great, just what I needed, now I'm going to have a stepfather!"

She thinks to herself while showering.

She comes out of the shower, puts on a bathrobe, and flops onto the bed. She grabs her phone and calls her best friend Marina.

📞

"Hey, Friend! You finally called, woman. So, any news?!"

"Not really. I mean, I've told you that my mom's boyfriend is coming over tomorrow, right?"

"Tomorrow already?!"

"Yes!"

"And you must think it's a drag, am I right?"

"Absolutely! The last thing I need is a stepfather. I don't know what got into my mom to start dating out of the blue when she doesn't even have time for it, just work, work, work!"

"Not to mention that he's younger than her, right? But your mom is pretty attractive; young guys notice her too haha."

"She is beautiful, which is why I am too—I take after her!"

"Hmm, haha, I have to agree, friend!"

"But anyway, how are things with Daniel?"

"I dunno, our relationship is hanging by a thread!"

"That's a shame, friend, you two are so cute together!"

"What can you do?!"

"But anyway, I just called to hear your voice. I miss you. When are you coming back from your trip?"

"I think in about a week, friend. I miss you too. Tomorrow you’ll tell me how it went meeting your stepfather haha!"

"I will, friend! Well, see you later. I need to hang up."

"See you, friend. Kisses!"

Amanda ends the call and dresses in comfortable clothing, then she heads downstairs for something to eat. She grabs an apple, takes a bite, and stands still in the middle of the kitchen.

"What are you thinking about, Amanda?"

"Mom, your boyfriend is not going to live here, right?!"

"And what if he is? What's the problem? This house is plenty big and we can easily accommodate another person!"

"Oh Mom, please!"

"Relax, Amanda. He's not going to live here! He practically owns a mansion. Why would he move out of there to live here?"

"Hmm, okay then."

"And please wear something elegant tomorrow. He's going to arrive early, so as soon as you wake up, get dressed decently and fix yourself up before coming downstairs!"

"Hmm, yes ma'am! I'm going up to my room!"

"Alright then, go rest."

Amanda heads to her room and goes to sleep.

THE FOLLOWING DAY…

It's almost 9:30 in the morning, and Amanda is still asleep when Carmen knocks on her door to wake her.

"Amanda, my daughter? Amanda?"

"Hmm," Amanda murmurs.

"Sweetie, come down quickly, David has arrived. Have breakfast but first, get ready, wash your face, do your hair, wear something really elegant, okay?"

"Ah, Mom, okay, okay, I’m going!"

"We're waiting for you; he wants to meet you!"

"Okay, Mom! I said I'm coming!"

Carmen goes downstairs, and Amanda sits up in bed, still very sleepy.

"And here we go, meeting my mom's boyfriend—how thrilling," she says sarcastically.

Amanda gets up and takes a shower. Afterward, she dries her hair and puts on an elegant yet comfortable outfit.

"Well, here goes," she says, opening her bedroom door and leaving.

Descending the stairs, she can already hear the man's voice. She goes straight to the kitchen and finds him sitting at the table with her mother.

"Aha, here she is! David, this is my daughter Amanda!"

David stands up, walks over to Amanda, and shakes her hand in greeting.

"A pleasure to meet you, Amanda! It's great to finally meet you!"

"The pleasure is mine!"

Amanda joins them at the table.

"As I was saying, Amanda studies fashion!"

"Really? I can tell, haha, very stylish like you, my love!"

"Thank you, haha."

Amanda is surprised by David's attractiveness; he's much better-looking than in the photos, downright handsome.

"Daughter, tell him more about yourself!"

"Oh, Mom, don't start! He doesn't want to know anything about me!"

"Of course, I do, haha. Tell me about yourself, Amanda. So, you study fashion, right?"

"Yes, that!"

"Very interesting! My mother also wanted to study fashion but never had the chance!"

"Why?" Amanda asks.

"Because she passed away before she could."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that!"

"Don't worry. Anyway, it's a great path, Amanda!"

They talk for a while as they have breakfast. Amanda doesn't want to be there; it's quite uncomfortable being alone with her mother and her boyfriend. Later, Amanda goes to the backyard and calls Marina while David and Carmen remain inside.

📞

"Friend, he's here!"

"Who? Your stepdad?!"

"Don't call him my stepdad; it's weird! But yes, he’s the one who arrived!"

"And? What's he like?!"

"Way better looking than in the photos, you have to see him!"

"Really?!"

"Yep! He's strong, muscular… very attractive!"

"Whoa! Don't get any ideas!"

"Don't freak out, Marina, haha, I'm just saying!"

"Sure, haha. But is he nice at least?"

"Well, I don't know; we didn't talk much, but he seems to be nice!"

"There, see? It's not so bad!"

"It is too! I don't like the idea of my mom having a boyfriend. I'm sure she's with him but without love; what she really loves is her work!"

"Don't be so harsh; your mom deserves a boyfriend to have some fun with—especially from what you’ve said about him being attractive, he must be good to her!"

"Ew, Marina, please spare me the details!"

"What’s wrong, haha, all couples do it!"

"Enough already! I'll call you later, haha, goodbye, friend!"

"Goodbye, haha!"

After her call with Marina, Amanda entered the house once more. Carmen and David were deep in an embrace in the living room.

"Excuse me, wouldn’t it be better to move to a more private place like, oh I don’t know, your bedroom, mom?"

"Ah, daughter, cut it out. We were just talking!"

"Hmm, sure!"

Carmen’s phone rang.

"I need to take this, love, it’s about work, sorry! Amanda, sit here, keep David company!"

"Ah, mom, I was just heading to bed!"

"Bed? Oh, come on Amanda, for heaven’s sake, sit here with him, take the chance to get to know each other better!"

"Fine, mom!"

Carmen answered the call and stepped outside with her phone, leaving Amanda and David alone.

"You don’t seem too fond of me, huh?" David chuckled.

"What? Sorry if I gave you that impression, you’re mistaken!"

"It’s written all over your face," he teased.

"It’s not that, it’s just… well, it’s weird having a stepdad, that’s all!"

"I understand, don’t worry!"

"Are you two getting married?"

"Easy does it," he laughed. "We do intend to, but not right now!"

"Hmm, great!"

"I know, you're going to hate it."

"Not really. Or, I mean, never mind!"

"So, do you have a boyfriend?"

"No, haven’t found anyone worthy yet."

"Wow," he laughed, "you are a tough one, I can tell."

"Sure! And you, why are you dating my mom? She’s almost eight years older than you!"

"Is that a problem?"

"I don’t know, is it for you?"

"No, not at all. Your mother is beautiful, elegant, smart…"

"Yeah, she is! But how did you meet?"

"At a literary event in New York that I attended!"

"Got it! And you really love her?"

"Of course, I wouldn’t be with her otherwise!"

"Hm, I guess!"

"Any more questions?"

"No, sorry, I just need to know who my mom is getting involved with!"

"You’re absolutely right!"

Carmen returned.

"I’m back! So, did you guys have a good chat?"

"Yes, your daughter gave me quite the interrogation," he laughed.

"Amanda!"

"What, weren’t we supposed to get to know each other better? Just getting to know him! Anyway, now that you’re back, I’m going up to my room, you lovebirds enjoy!"

Amanda said as she stood up and headed for the stairs.

"Don’t mind her, David, she can be such trouble!"

"Don’t worry, my love!"

Amanda retreated to her room and flopped onto her bed.

"Ugh! What a circus. I wonder if he’s leaving tonight? Hopefully!" she muttered to herself.

LATER…

Amanda left her room to have lunch.

"Amanda, finally! I was about to call you down, come sit with us!"

"You were sleeping, Amanda?" David asked.

"Yes! Why can’t I sleep, 'daddy'?"

"AMANDA!!!"

"What’s wrong, mom?!"

"FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE, STOP ACTING LIKE A CHILD! APOLOGIZE NOW!"

"Mom, I told you, I’m not 15!"

"No need, my love," said David.

"Of course, there is,” said Carmen. "She needs to learn manners! Apologize to David, Amanda!"

"Sorry, Mr. David," Amanda rolled her eyes.

"It’s okay, don’t worry about it."

"Let’s just eat before I really lose it with you!" Carmen said.

"Ugh! Did I say something wrong? Isn’t he supposed to be my 'daddy' now?"

"Amanda, that’s enough!"

David caught Amanda’s eye, barely holding back laughter. She returned his look, stifling her own.

Then they sat down to an almost silent lunch due to the tense atmosphere. Afterward, Carmen pulled Amanda aside to talk.

"Cut out the silliness, will you?"

"Oh, come on, mom, I was just joking!"

"That was no joke! I don’t want that kind of humor, Amanda!"

"But isn’t he practically my father now?"

"That’s enough warnings, Amanda!"

"Stop treating me like a kid, for goodness’ sake, I’m 24, I hate it when you talk to me like that!"

"You want respect, you gotta give it, Amanda! You’re acting like you really are a teenager!"

"Oh, please!"

"Mind your tone with me!"

David was in another part of the house but arrived abruptly.

"Is everything all right here?"

"It is, love."

"It is, Mr. David, just your girlfriend treating me like a child again. Could you do something about that for me?"

"Amanda!!"

"I'm going outside for some air. Please handle your girlfriend for me, David," Amanda said, patting David's shoulder and then heading outside.

"Gosh, she’s infuriating!"

"Calm down, it’s rough for her, having a stepdad. I mean, even the word 'stepdad' is a bit much for me too," he chuckled. "It’s normal for her to react this way!"

"Normal? It certainly is not normal!"

"Let it go, I’m not offended. Let’s do something together!"

"Alright, only you know how to calm me down."

LATER…

Amanda lay in her room after a refreshing bath. Before bathing, she had asked her mother if David would be staying over and Carmen said no, he was already leaving, so Amanda had even bid David farewell.

"Thank goodness! Now I can wear my airy nightgown and wander the house like always in this hot city, since mom’s boyfriend won’t be around."

She slipped into one of her rather short and sexy nightgowns and made her way downstairs for dinner.

She descended the stairs heading towards the kitchen when she suddenly came face to face with David leaving the kitchen.

"Ah… David? I... what are you still doing here?"

"Ah… sorry, I said I was leaving but I have to stay the night!"

"I... didn't know! I’m going to change, please don't mention to my mom that you saw me like this!"

"No worries, I won’t say anything!"

"But they should have warned me; I always dress like this around here!"

David didn’t respond but watched Amanda from head to toe in her nightgown, making her uncomfortable.

"I’m going to change, sorry about this!"

"No worries, you’re right, we should have let you know!"

"They should have! Anyway, I’m off to change, excuse me!"

Amanda rushed up the stairs to her room, while David remained, chuckling at the awkward moment.

Amanda stormed into her room, slammed the door shut, and leaned against it, flush with embarrassment.

"Oh, crap! How embarrassing, God! He saw me like that!"

She quickly changed into regular clothes, ditching her pajamas, and spent some time pondering.

"How am I going to face him again? Oh, the shame, the shame!"

Despite her immense embarrassment, she went downstairs because she knew her mother would eventually call her, and she was also starving.

Upon reaching the kitchen, she took her seat at the table, steadfastly avoiding eye contact with David.

"Is everything okay, honey?"

"Yeah... mm-hmm!"

"What's wrong? Are you upset because of earlier? You started making jokes, so I had to speak to you in that tone..."

"Mom! It's fine. Can we just have dinner in silence, please?"

"Okay then! Oh, and David has to spend the night here. I forgot to tell you."

"Of course, you forgot," Amanda muttered under her breath.

"What was that?"

"I said it's no problem, Mom!"

"Hmm! You're acting weird, but okay, quiet dinner it is!"

After dinner, Amanda retreated to her room without delay.

"Phew! What an ordeal; my mom puts me through the strangest situations!" she exhaled deeply.

Amanda's phone rang. It was Marina.

📞

"Thank God you called, Marina!

"What happened?!"

"You have no idea; I'm dying of shame!"

"Come on, Amanda, spill it already!!"

"My mom had told me David was on his way out, so after my shower, I slipped into one of my usual short, breezy nightgowns and went down for dinner, but guess who I bumped into in the kitchen?!"

"No! David?!"

"Mm-hmm! And he saw me in my nearly sheer white nightgown!"

"Ooh la la! Wish I could have seen that, but what happened next?!"

"I apologized and asked him not to tell my mom about it, then I ran up to change. I'm so embarrassed, Marina!"

"Ha! His reaction?"

"He was clearly uncomfortable and... he eyed me up and down, which made me super uncomfortable!"

"Really? He checked you out like that?"

"Yep, just the thought gives me the chills, his eyes sliding over my body!"

"Oooh, that's kinda hot, haha."

"It's not funny; I almost had a heart attack from embarrassment, I'm serious, Marina!"

"Relax, girl, it was an accident!"

Knocking interrupted their conversation.

"Friend, I've got to go. Did you call for a reason? Sorry for talking over you!"

"Nope, just wanted to catch up, and I loved today's news, haha. Fill me in tomorrow, and don't show up in a see-through nightgown for breakfast!"

"Funny, haha, talk tomorrow!"

Amanda ended the call and went to see who was at the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, David!"

"What do you want?"

"Can we talk?"

"Fine, I'm coming!"

Amanda opened the door.

"What is it? You've come to scold me, 'dad'?"

"No, of course not, haha. I just wanted to say it's alright; you shouldn't feel embarrassed about the nightgown, haha."

"What's funny?"

"Sorry, it's just that you turned as red as a tomato!"

"Hmm!"

"Anyway, don't worry about it; I won't tell your mom. You can trust me; I don't want to stir up trouble between you two. It seems you sometimes don't get along."

"Hmm... thanks, dad, for not telling mom."

"If you could stop calling me that—"

"Sorry, dad, I mean... David!" Amanda teased.

David just smiled, turned around, and left.

"GOOD NIGHT, DAD! EVER HEARD OF MANNERS?" Amanda called out from her room as David reached the stairs.

"Good night, Amanda!"

Amanda went to sleep, amused by her exchange with David.

She woke up before 9:00 the next morning.

"Why am I up so early on a Sunday?" she said, getting out of bed.

After freshening up in the bathroom, she dressed.

"Wear something smart and modest, Amanda, since mom's boyfriend is around!" she reminded herself.

"Hmm... this should do. It might not be super chic, but it's comfy, and that's what matters. Screw 'dad'; it's my house!"

She left her room and headed to the kitchen. No one was there for breakfast yet.

"Great! I'll have breakfast on my own; I don't want to sit with 'mom and dad' again! I've never been so happy to wake up early!"

"So that's how it is?!" David said, sneaking up behind her.

"JEEZ! You SCARED ME!!!"

"Don't want to have breakfast with us?"

"I... didn't say that!"

"Mm-hmm! But you did!"

"Ugh, it's just awkward with my mom and her boyfriend!"

"Yeah, I can imagine it is!"

"Hm. My moment of joy was short-lived, huh? You coming for breakfast soon?"

"No, relax. Just getting some water. Your mom's out cold, sleeping deep!"

"Really?! My mom sleeping in? That's a miracle; she's usually up by 6:00 am, full of energy!"

"She's tired!"

"Tired from what?"

"Do you really want me to say?"

"Wait! You mean...?"

"Perhaps..."

"Ew! Spare me the details, please!"

"Haha, anyway..."

After drinking some water, David headed back to the room, and Amanda watched him disappear from sight.

"Boy, did he scare me! I didn't even notice he wasn't wearing a shirt, and what about those abs?!" she thought as she prepared her breakfast.