章 4: See you soon, Declan

Declan almost rolled his eyes, which he had considered a girly thing to do. He couldn't believe he was spending his Friday night discussing ladies' physiques, and the fact that Fiona was there made the whole experience terrible. The only shining light at the end of this particular tunnel was his mother's smiling face. She was beaming and looked younger than the last time he had seen her.

"Declan, dear. What do you think about going on a date with Fiona? You guys will make a perfect couple. Your children will be so beautiful."

Declan glanced at his father for help. He shrugged and focused on his dinner as if telling Declan he was on his own.

"Mum, I already told you that I am not ready for marriage, and I don't think this is the best discussion for dinner."

She frowned, "When is the best time to discuss with you? You are always busy, dear. You are either tying up a deal or having a meeting with your…" She raised her finger up and snapped it. "What do you call those people?"

He stayed silent having no idea what she was trying to say. Suddenly, her eyes beamed, "Yes, your developers. There is always something to do or repair or revise on your site. This is the best time I can discuss with you."

He sighed. "Mum, I am going to get married when I find the right lady." He wasn't planning on getting married, but she doesn't need to know that.

His mother narrowed her eyes and her gaze fell on Fiona, "Why do you need the right lady? You have Fiona here. You too used to like each other very much if I remember, and her family is so nice. We know her. She is perfect for you."

He glanced at Fiona who batted her eyelashes at him. He grumbled and turned his gaze away from her. This wasn't dinner; it was his mother's well-planned plot to set him up with Fiona. Simply put, it was hell in disguise.

"Mum, Fiona, and I are over. We are not getting married."

His father who had been quiet suddenly spoke, "If you tell us what happened between you two, we might understand you."

"Dad, Fiona, and I are adults, and we know what's best for us."

His mother frowned, "Fiona, do you agree with Declan? You want nothing to do with him?"

She shook her head, "Mum, I love Declan so much." She gazed at him holding his grey eyes.

Declan stood up and pulled Fiona's chair back. He assisted her up, "Mum and Dad, please excuse us. I will like to speak with Fiona alone."

As he pulled Fiona out of the dining room outside, he heard his father's voice faintly, "Just let him be. I think he is going to figure that aspect of his life by himself."

His mother's sigh was faint; "I just want him married, I want to see my grandchildren."

Joe smiled at his wife's response and began eating.

Fiona stood with her hand akimbo, while she smiled up at him. He glared at her in return, "What do you think you are doing?"

"I'm trying to claim what's mine, Declan. You know, I love you so much. I care for you, and you love me too."

He stared at her from head to toe, "I don't love you, Fiona. Why don't you understand the phrase 'we are over?'"

She moved closer to him, dragging her hands over his body. Declan stood staring down at her. If this was a game to her, he was not willing to play it with her. He had better things to do. "I know what you want. I know you better than every other girl out there."

He chuckled, "You know the illusion of me better. You don't know me at all, and I think it's best it remains that way."

He pulled her off him and strode back to the dining room. Fiona stood behind staring at his back with a sneaky smile on her face. He was surely going to end up with her.

Ruth's face broke into a smile when she saw him coming back to the dining. "Did you clear your issues with Fiona?"

He nodded. "Let me help you with the dishes, Mum."

She shrugged, "I can do this. It's nothing difficult."

Declan frowned, "Mum, I have told you I can afford to hire maids for you, but you insist on doing all this by yourself."

She chuckled, "It's just me and your father here, and I don't think we need any help. It's just a little stuff to get busy daily. I really don't do much, your father helps out."

He nodded, "I need to go right now. I have some things to finish at home." He kissed her cheeks and then screamed after him; "Dad, I'm gone."

"Declan, dear. Can you drop Fiona off on the way? She didn't come with her car."

He stared at Fiona who had finally come back to the room to pick up her handbag. He nodded and moved towards the entrance while she followed behind, a wide smile plastered on her face. He opened the car door for her out of habit, and she waved bye to his mother.

His car roared to life, and he was glad for the silent atmosphere until Fiona decided to break up. "Do you still live in your penthouse?"

He ignored her and continued driving.

She smiled, "I will take that as a yes."

He ignored her again driving directly to her apartment. She smiled when he parked in front of her house. "I can see you still remember where I live."

Declan opened the door for her to step out, but she remained inside. "I will rather we drive to your place. We can catch up on old times. What do you say?"

He clutched his fist, "It will be best for you to get down from the car right now, Fiona. Don't test my patience."

Fiona got down and tried to kiss his cheeks, but he avoided it, then she chuckled and turned towards the building; "See you soon, my love."

He ignored her, got into his car, and drove off.