"THE DINNER"
I fix my collar for what feels like the sixth time before ringing the doorbell,wearing the same suit I got this Christmas,it's an oversized black suit with a structured double-breasted blazer with an open collar white dress shirt, I paired it with wide leg tailored trousers and black leather dress shoes Edna gifted me for my birthday,I adore these a lot.
I hold a white and dark blue floral box with fresh lemon tart inside that I got from the bakery near the foster home along with a small bouquet of white lilies for Odessa.They weren't a part of the plan. They caught my eye when I was passing by to get the lemon tart from the bakery.
Something about them reminded me of her.
Without any further thought crossing my mind the door opens and Odessa stands there with a grin, wearing an ivory satin off shoulder gown with a draped neckline, delicate cape sleeves and a flowing floor length silhouette. The small gold earrings catch my eye first.
Her skin is not that ghostly pale today. More human.
Before I can stop staring, she beams and reaches over to ruffle my hair.
I immediately step back, catching her wrist with an exaggerated look of horror.
"Gosh- don't, Edna spent 10 minutes doing my hair.''I say fixing the slick back.
She chuckles and mumbles sorry before leaving space for me to enter.
I hand her the bouquet and the box. "Aw thankyou,you didn't have to.'' she says taking them ,her gaze lingering on the lilies.
"Well i couldn't come empty handed.'' I say rubbing the back of my neck.
She leads me inside to the living room, a double-height living room with soaring arched windows that look imposing from inside, cream sofas on the side , ornate wall molding. The living room is adorned with Persian rugs and warm candlelit lighting. I've been here once before but well didn't have the time to look in the details. As we sit with a slight awkwardness that looks like it's coming from my side only, I start. "So..-''
"Hello'' the sharp clicking of heels catches my attention,I turn my head to the side to look at Odessa's Aunt.
"Ah you must be Cade.'' her eyes scan me for a second,a polite smile on her face. I begin to stand up but she interrupts. "No,keep sitting.'' she says taking a seat on the arm chair across the couch.
She has the same jet black hair as Odessa but in a sharp bob that frames her diamond face, icy blue eyes and she is quite lean in a simple black maxi skirt and pastel green poncho over a black top thing.
Odessa must be a spitting image of her mother then.
Then Odessa breaks the silence. "He was nervous about coming.''
I immediately shot her a skeptical look.
"No, I wasn't."
She raises an eyebrow.
"Oh,really?''
I chuckle awkwardly before turning back toward her aunt.
"She's exaggerating."
Her aunt lets out a soft sigh.
"I understand why he would be."
She glances briefly toward Odessa.
"I know things have been... complicated." Her expression grows thoughtful. "Your uncle was only concerned about Odessa's safety." She pauses, carefully choosing her next words. "So we did what we believed was necessary-but it was harsh on her and some amendments had to be made."
After a moment of silence she speaks up again.
"Well I'll leave you two for catching up,i'll be in the kitchen if you need anything.'' She stands up soothing her skirt before standing up to leave."Oh i almost forgot-dear,can you come for a second?'' She calls Odessa on her way.
"Coming.'' she calls out before following her.
As she disappears from view, I can't help but feel this unease. It's something I can't put a finger on.
Something hollow and staged about this place.
Before I can overthink more, the front door of the house opens and someone enters inside.
It's Ethan.
Honestly he looks like he hasn't aged a day.
The same composed posture,the same expression that reveals absolutely nothing.
It's as though the years have simply passed around him instead of through him.
Footsteps echo from the hallway.Odessa reappears carrying a silver tray with several crystal glasses and a glass jug filled with juice.
"Good evening," she says politely.
Ethan gives a small nod in acknowledgment before removing his coat.
Montricia lies curled inside her plush bed beside the fireplace, lazily licking one of her paws without paying either of us any attention.
Then Ethan looks at me. His expression is calm and neutral. Almost bored. But there is something sharp and calculating in the way he looks. He walks into the living room without breaking eye contact.
"So good to meet you, sir," I say with a restrained smile, extending my hand.
"The pleasure is mine."
His handshake is firm.
"Please."
I sit.
He does the same.
Tonight he's dressed in an expensive navy cable-knit cardigan with a shearling collar layered over a crisp white polo shirt. Wide brown tailored trousers fall neatly over polished black leather derby shoes.
He looks less like a businessman...
And more like someone who has perfected the art of appearing harmless.
Odessa quietly pours juice into the crystal glasses.
"How was lunch?" she asks. "It took longer than expected."
His voice is relaxed.
As though murder, betrayal, and decades of secrets are nothing more than old business records tucked away in a forgotten drawer.
"I see." Odessa hands him a glass before placing another in front of me.
"Thanks," I murmur.
She smiles before disappearing back toward the kitchen as her aunt calls for help once more.
The moment she is gone...
The room changes.
The warmth leaves with her.
Leaving only me...
And Ethan.