244: GREAT TIMES ARIEL’S POV “You can keep on saying you love me.” 1 frowned at Luke, not wanting to near what he said. “These feelings are true.” “Yeah, they are true,” I said sarcastically. All of a sudden, he pulled closer and smacked his lips against mine. I wouldn’t lie; those lips tasted like strawberries. But what the heck was I doing now? I tried to push him away, but his grip was tight. I stepped on his shoe and his foot, and he quickly let go of me. “Ouhh, what the hell was that for?” “I should be the one asking you that,” I retorted. “Were you trying to rape me?” “Why would I do that?” “Because you’re a psychopath. Bitter and a psycho.” Luke shook his head. “I see what you’re trying to do here.” “Oh, please, shut it.” “Daddy. Aren’t we going to buy some food anymore? I’m starving.” “Okay, little one. Let’s get you some food. There’s an eatery nearby. Right, Ariel?” “You ask me, na, who do I go ask?” I shrugged. Luke gave me a confused face. “Say what now?” “It’s a song. Like, that’s the lyrics of the song,” I tried explaining to him, but he was still giving me that face. “It’s a Nigerian song.” “Oh, right, it all makes sense. But that sounds so wired in your mouth.” “Because it’s not my language.” “No, I’m being real.” “I don’t need your opinion. I will express my thoughts and feelings accordingly, both in words and in song. I’m even thinking of going to Nigeria one of these days.” “Good luck on your trip to Africa,” Luke said, walking away, holding Janice’s hand. I moved behind them. Honestly, Nigeria is one of the greatest countries in Africa, That was my thinking. though, but it was kind ei obvious. I had been there this one time when I went to carry out a business project Lactually enjoyed their dish, it tasted really nice. And their songs were dope. I’m just saying that if I wanted to travel to Africa again, it would definitely be Nigeria. The three of us arrived at the eatery. It was a quaint Italian restaurant, and the outside of the building looked really ravishing. The aroma of garlic and tomatoes greeted us as we stepped inside. Janice looked around in wonder at the cozy ambiance, her hand slipping into mine as we were led to our table. “This is going to be great,” she said, sitting down. Luke laughed. “I know. Since it’s the first time we’re spending time together, I wanted to make this special and trust me, we’re not done yet.” “It seems like you’re free today.” “Well, not really. There are still some business projects at hand, and there are a lot of things that need to be done. But don’t worry, Jack has everything under control.” “Oh, Jack. That guy. I can’t believe he’s still working for you all these years.” “What do you mean by that?” “You can be really annoying sometimes. But it seems like this Jack is someone with self–control.” “Now you’re the one throwing insults at me. “You started it,” I told him, snapping my fingers. “Don’t forget that.” “Yes, but I thought that shit was over.” I laughed. “No, it’s not. I’m just getting started.” “Don’t go too far, okay?” “And by going too far, what do you mean exactly?” Luke sighed. “Never mind.) Still seated by the window, I watched Janice study the menu with intensity, her finger tracing the descriptions of each dish. “What looks good to you, sweetheart?” I asked, a smile playing on my lips. Janice looked up, her face scrunched in concentration. “I want the spaghetti with meatballs, Mama. It sounds yummy!” I chuckled softly. “Spaghetti it is, then. And for me, I’ll have the lasagna. What about you. Luke?” “I’ll have whatever you have,” he answered. “You eat lasagna?” Larched an eyebrow. “of.ourse. Why would you be asking me such a weird question?” “Because you’re weird,” I answered right away, grinning at him. He couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re still on that sh*t, huh?” “Of course. I told you, I’m just getting started.” Luke continued to laugh, shaking his head. While waiting for our food, Janice’s chatter filled the air; her excitement was palpable. She told me about her day at school, her friends, and the drawing she had made in art class. My heart swelled with love for my daughter as I listened. When our meals arrived, steaming plates of pasta made Janice’s eyes sparkle. She eagerly dug in, twirling spaghetti around her fork with practiced precision. I watched her with a mix of amusement and pride, savoring this simple moment of togetherness. “This looks delicious!” Janice came out, her eyes still fixed on the food. “I know, right? It’s delicious, like your mother,” Luke commented. I gave him a crazy look. “Say what now?* “What? Did I say something wrong?” He asked, making an innocent face. “You just said I’m delicious.” “What’s wrong with that?” “What the fuck!” I told him. “You know what I’m talking about.” “Yes, I do. But why did you have to say that in front of the kid?” “Don’t worry, she’s not going to grasp a thing. There’s no need for you to get all mad.” “Just focus on your food, Luke. I think it’s best to say nothing until you’re done eating.” “I can’t promise you that. But I will try, though.” “Thank you.” Between bites, Janice shared some of her dreams from when she was asleep. Luke and I listened attentively, I couldn’t say the same for him, actually. “I jumped on top of the huge butterfly, and it flew me to the garden kingdom.” “The garden, what now?” Lake asked, making a puzzled face. “Th Gardenion Kingdom It’s a place in my dream, made of grasses and cabbages.” “Wow, I wish I was in your dream,” Luke said. I quickly hit his hand. “So, Janice. What happened to the blue mermaid?” She disappeared. And she was never heard from again.” “Then you woke up?” Luke asked, and I had to hit his arm again. “Okay, that’s not funny,” he whispered to me. “And you asking her stupid questions isn’t funny either.” I turned back to Janice. “You can continue your story, dear.” She did that, and after we finished our meal, a dessert menu was placed before us. Janice’s eyes widened at the sight of the decadent tiramisu, and she turned to me with a pleading look. “Can we get dessert, please?” Janice asked, her voice hopeful. I pretended to ponder for a moment, a smile tugging at my lips. “Alright, one dessert to share. But just this once!” Janice clapped her hands in delight, her joy infectious. We ordered the tiramisu, and as we savored each bite, the restaurant around us faded into the background. At that moment, it was just Janice and me, a mother and daughter bound by love. and sharing laughter. Oh, right, of course, there was Luke. The three of us finally left the restaurant. It was quite a lovely moment, and I didn’t want to say this, but I needed more times like this. A happy family was what I wanted, but that would be kind of impossible when there was an idiot like Mason roaming around. I needed to put an end to that scumbag once and for all.
