NELINA
Finally, Marica had enough time to visit mom and dad. "I'm sure mom and dad will be glad to have you home. It's been quite a while since you visited. They missed you, besty," I said, unbuckling my seatbelt when we got to the parking area.

"I know Nelly, the feeling is mutual. Too bad mom and dad were not with us now. I'll make sure next time I will let mom know," she said. She sounds related to the mention of the possible reunion.

"Yeah, please do. Then, we can have a small reunion. What do you think?" I suggested.

"I mean, that's a good idea. How about we invite our parents to our victory party next month?"

"Sounds good," I agreed.

As soon as we got home, Marica was unstoppable in giving love to mom. Next, Marica talked to my dad. Even though dad could not respond in words, his eyes were talking straight to us. A slight improvement in his facial expressions was also a big help. At least we know the physical therapy was working.

It was a relief to see their beautiful reunion. Marica is family. The four of us were seated in the living room, catching up with the time our family hadn't got to see each other. Although Marica and I are in contact and meet up almost every day for work, our parents were not. Especially after my dad and brother, Mark got into an accident. Thinking about it again brought me to frown. I shook the thought of it and focused on what is in front of me instead.

"Marie, can you stay tonight for dinner? Mom asked in the middle of our conversation.

"Oh, I'm sorry, mom, but I can't. Works filling up, you know business kinds of stuff," Marica said, glancing at mom and me back and forth like she wanted me to back her statement.

I realized that Marica needed it now to avoid misunderstanding between her and mom. So I didn't hesitate to chime in. "Yeah, mom, as a matter of fact, we just ended our lunch meeting earlier. Talking about the business expansion and our company's victory party soon," I said.

"I understand, girls, don't worry about it. We will surely find time to get together and hopefully with your mom and dad," she said, shifting to Marica.

"Of course, mom and dad would be happy to know that. And as for Nelly and me, we already figured out a way to do that," Marica replied.

"At our victory party, we expect you guys to be there and celebrate with us. So what do you say?" She asked, shifting to mom and dad like my dad could answer her in words.

Dad slowly moved his head up and down, and Mom agreed as well. "We're going," mom said. Her smile was genuine; I can feel her celebration on the inside.

"That's a deal then; we succeeded in convincing you to come and celebrate with us. No sweat," Marica bragged; she winked at me.

"I don't want to drag this conversation as I have work to do. And besides, Nelina might have something to say to you, mom. So I have to get going," she said as she stood and leaned over to mom and dad to give them kisses. She threw me a swift glance before she left.

This little wicked best friend is playing on me. But, of course, she will; she always does. I shook my head to the thought of Royce's date tomorrow. The thing she's implying is that I should tell mom.

I went over to mom in the kitchen, who started preparing dinner. When I was about to talk to mom, my phone rang. I wondered who could be calling me on the weekend because my phone will only ring for work and family calls. I was a little shocked seeing Royce's name on the screen.

"You take that first; I can wait," mom said, slicing the red bell pepper.

I nodded and swiped the screen to answer Royce. Then, I walked to my room to talk to Royce in private. "Hello, why are you calling?" I asked, closing my door behind me.

"Are you not in the mood to talk now?" He asked in a soft voice. Maybe the annoyance in my voice was so apparent that he didn't bother to tease me this time.

I took a few deep breaths to halt myself. I was aware that it was a little bit too much. "No, it's good; you can talk."

He let out a long breath. It registered clearly because the call was in speaker mode. And by that, I could tell that he was sincere. "Thank God. I never wanted to disturb you. I only want to follow up on our plan tomorrow. Are you sure you don't want me to go to your condo?"

"No need, let's stick to what we agreed on in the morning."

"As you wish. I was just hoping I could meet your family, you know. But maybe next time," he said. Then a little chuckling followed.

Mom was occupied with her recipe when I approached her. "What are you cooking for tonight, mom?" I asked, walking to the counter.

"Guess what?" She replied with a question, shifting her eyes on me.

I raised an eyebrow and then tilted my head, contemplating a possible recipe for dinner. "Is that my favorite?"

Mom grinned. "Well, you guessed it right. Your favorite pasta."

"Thanks, mom. I'll never get enough of your cooking."

"No problem, sweetie," she said, a smile never leaving her lips. She then pressed her lips, throwing me a side look.

"Nelly?" she paused and seemed hesitant to continue what she was about to ask.

"What is it, mom?"

"When do I get to meet him?"

My throat dried, meeting mom's eyes, but I tried to compose myself. Mom got what Marica meant before she left. Oh, that wicked best friend.

"Actually, mom, I was gonna tell you about that. I'm going out with a friend tomorrow. He said he wants to take me to his car racing practice and show me his car collections. Royce insisted that he'll pick me up here from our condo. But I refused. To be honest, I am not yet comfortable introducing him to you and dad," I said, picking up my phone as it vibrates.

"Royce, is that his name?"

"Yes," I said, opening the message. My eyes widened seeing Royce leaning on his car half-naked. My face heats, looking at his ideal body. With the caption Just a new car ready for a ride.

I swallowed a lump in my throat when I tapped the photo. It was like I could feel Royce's hard 6 pack abs in my palm just by looking at it. His hair was wet and messy, and so was his body. By the look of it, he seemed to have just washed the car. Is this a joke? Does he really need to do this? This idiot.

I shook my head in disbelief. But it was undeniable that his incredibly sexy photos sent butterflies in my stomach. He is literally so hot that it doesn't feel gross looking at his divine body.