

My Mom's Boyfriend

 

Episode 7

Time wore on, and lunch hour arrived. Carmen and David were already seated in the expansive and elegant dining room.

Arlete was serving the meal when, accidentally, she spilled some juice on Amanda's glass.

"Oh, please forgive me, Ms. Amanda! My goodness, I'll clean this up in just a moment!"

"No, no, don't trouble yourself, Arlete. I'll just wipe it up with a napkin!"

"Daughter, let her clean it!"

"I'll fetch a cloth," said Arlete.

"No! Look, I'm already cleaning—see? It's all good, Arlete, don't worry!"

Arlete gave Amanda a timid smile while Carmen looked at Amanda with disapproval.

"So, are Arlete and the others not joining us for lunch?"

"Daughter! The staff eat in the kitchen!"

"That's right, Amanda! They don't dine with us!" David added.

"And why not? We have spare chairs!"

"It's just how it is, Amanda. Come on, let’s have a peaceful meal," Carmen explained.

"David! Invite them to join us at the table! What are their names... Ana, right, and Gonzalez?"

"Amanda, they don't eat at the table with us!"

"What a farce! Why can't we all dine together?! HEY ARLETE?" Amanda called for the cook.

Arlete hurried over to Amanda.

"Do you need something, Ms. Amanda?"

"Yes! Please, sit here beside me."

"Sorry, I don't understand!"

"I said, sit down!"

"Amanda! Don't start with your nonsense," Carmen snapped.

"I asked you to sit, Arlete!"

"Ms. Amanda, I... David?" Arlete looked to David, seeking direction.

"Go ahead, listen to Amanda, Arlete."

"You sure?"

"Yes!"

Arlete sat down, reluctant and awkward.

"David, call Ana and Gonzalez too!" Amanda requested.

"AMANDA ENOUGH! What is this?!" Carmen exclaimed.

"Alright, I'll call them. GONZALEZ, PLEASE COME HERE!" shouted David.

"Yes, sir?"

"Fetch Ana and come back here, please."

"Okay."

Gonzalez left and returned with Ana.

"Sir, did you call me?"

"Yes! Join us at the table, both of you!"

"Um... sorry?"

"Ana and Gonzalez, please sit down. Join us," Amanda insisted.

They sat down, clearly confused.

"They need plates and utensils. I’ll go get them."

"Just sit quietly, Amanda, and quit your little performance," Carmen chastised.

Ignoring her, Amanda stood up and went to the kitchen to fetch additional plates, utensils, and glasses.

"Here we go! Please serve yourselves!" Amanda announced.

The employees uncomfortably began serving themselves as Carmen sat with her head lowered, hands covering her face. David watched Amanda with a puzzled yet admiring smile, and started to eat.

An awkward atmosphere settled over the table, with Carmen glancing sideways at the staff members, who avoided eye contact with her.

"This is delicious, Arlete!"

"Thank you, Ms. Amanda! I... I'll go get the dessert!"

"I'll help you!"

"Not at all, Ms. Amanda, I'll be quick!"

Arlete left to get the dessert, and Amanda remained seated, locking eyes with Carmen, as if exchanging silent insults. David didn't take his eyes off Amanda, observing her with a half-smile.

Arlete returned with dessert and cleared the lunch dishes. Amanda insisted she sit down again and prompted the staff to also enjoy the dessert.

"Did you make this, Arlete?"

"Yes, Ms. Amanda, did you... like it?"

"Like it? It's sensational!"

"Oh, thank you! I'm so glad you think so!"

LATER...

Amanda was admiring the pool area, which was expansive with a stunning pool.

"Wow, it's like a luxury hotel!"

"Ah, there you are, girl!" Carmen said, approaching Amanda angrily.

"WHAT WAS THAT AT THE TABLE?!"

"Oh, please leave me alone for God's sake!"

"HOW DARE YOU HAVE THE STAFF DINE AT THE SAME TABLE AS US, AMANDA?! THIS ISN'T YOUR HOUSE!"

"Oh, it's not? I thought since I've moved in, the house is mine too, right?"

"YOU EMBARRASS ME, AMANDA!"

"Fighting again, ladies?" David interjected, arriving unexpectedly.

"It's Amanda and her behavior! Then she doesn't want to be treated like a teenager!"

"Get out of here, leave me alone!"

"I will, excuse me! Come on, David!"

"I'll be there shortly, darling. You can go ahead."

Carmen went inside.

"What's wrong? Are you going to scold me too, Dad?"

"Not at all, I think what you did was brilliant!"

Amanda was taken aback by David's response.

"Really? Then why haven't you done the same? It's ridiculous to separate them as if they're lesser beings. They do everything for you, and you make them sit at a separate table?"

"You're right!"

"Is that all you're going to say? If I live here, they're going to eat with us every day!"

"Yes, Miss!"

"Are you mocking me, David?"

"No. Do you want me to say no? Do you want me to say this: 'Never, Amanda! It's my house, and the staff will eat where they're supposed to eat!'" mimicking a harsh tone and gesturing with his hands.

David managed to draw a smile from Amanda.

"At least I got you to smile, because it's been tough!"

"But seriously, let them eat at the table with us, please?"

"Okay! It will be that way from now on!"

"Really? Just like that?"

"It's what you want, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is!"

"Then so be it! And... do you like it here? You can bring your friend over sometimes to stay; it's your house too now."

"Alright, thank you, Dad!"

"You going to keep calling me that?"

"Yes, all the time!"

"Okay, then." They both chuckled.

They looked at each other for a few seconds before Amanda shifted her gaze.

"I... I'm going to go inside; that argument with my mother tired me out."

"I imagine so. Go ahead."

Amanda went inside while David stayed outside for a while longer, taking in some air. As Amanda climbed the stairs, instead of going to her room, she wandered toward David's bedroom.

"Hmm... will he scold me if I just peek inside? I guess not; just going to have a look—his room must be pure luxury."

Amanda turned the doorknob and entered silently, shutting the door and marveling at the sight of David's room.

"Wow! Look at this! It's totally his style! All black, how sexy! Can you imagine him in that bed in just his boxers... what?! Why am I even thinking that?! Yuck! But, let's see that bathroom... Wow, this is nice! David has done well!"

Amanda wandered around the room, inhaling the scent of men's cologne permeating the air.

"I better get out before someone arrives."

Opening the door, Amanda was confronted by Gonzalez.

"Ms. Amanda?!"

"Oh... hi, um, I must have taken a wrong turn!"

"Ah, it happens. So many doors, right?"

"Yes, that's it! Well, let me head to mine..."

"Oops, were you in my room?" David asked from the top of the stairs.

"Me? No! I mean... wrong room!"

"Oh? Sure! Accidental detour or were you just satisfying your curiosity?"

"Maybe! And by the way, your room is great—kudos!"

"Thanks, haha."