Temptation: The Illusion

Chapter-3 Unexpected

"What you gonna do about the painting?" Liv asked as we both stared at the beautiful oil painting, desperately trying to decipher its meaning. I shrugged.

"Hang it here, I guess," I replied. "I'll think about that later. Gotta get ready now. I am already late," 

"Where are you going?" Olivia demanded, flopping down on the couch. 

"I told you...some friend of Dad's is coming to visit and Mom wants me there," I answered grimly. "I haven't been home in a really long time as well. I gotta head out now if I hope to reach by three. Its a bloody three hours drive to Portland. Mom will be already waiting with a platter of lecture for me anyway," 

"Ah...poor you," Olivia laughed at my misery and I scowled at her. "Well, enjoy yourself. Think of it as a break. You badly need one as well. You have been working round the clock for last few months," 

"Yeah, it has been a busy quarter," I agreed. "What are you going to do? We have a lot to catch up on. Something's up with you, isn't it?" 

"Na, I am just chilled as always," She winked at me. "I'll let you in on everything for sure but honey you should get going if you want to avoid the hurricane that is your Mom. It's already twelve and you haven't even showered yet," 

"Right!" I nodded and scooted to my room to take a quick shower and get dressed.

 I didn't even know if I was even supposed to wear something fancy. Who was this friend from Spain that I don't know about? Was it a he or a she? Why can't  Mom ever give me complete information about anything?  Defeated, in the end I pulled on a decent black wrap dress, matching heels and pulled up my auburn hairs into a high ponytail. My bangs were in desperate need of a trim and I decided to book an appointment for tomorrow evening. 

There were so many little things that needed to be done and the bulletin board on the opposite wall of my bed was just pilling up and up with sticky notes signifying my to-do list. But there was just no time. And suddenly I was a bit scared at the pace my life was going. What if a few years from now I look back and see I have missed out on the most important things of life? Tiny moments that are supposed to be a part of life? I work and work all the time. I have no relationships apart from that which are completely official. No friends apart from a few from office and I can hardly take out time for my parents. I was a shitty daughter, I realised. 

"Where did that even come from?" I grumbled to myself as I grabbed my purse and my car keys and headed out. Olivia was still perched up on the couch, watching reruns of Grey's Anatomy and munching on chocolates. 

"I am off," I said, heading out and she waved in response and grunted something that I couldn't make out. 

Outside, the sky was darkening and it instantly soured my mood. I hated driving in rain. The windshield wipers distracted me and I am not much proud of my driving either. Nevertheless, I climbed in and headed towards interstate five, hoping for a lighter traffic though given it was weekend that was highly unlikely. Rihanna's Umbrella blasted from the speakers and I settled down comfortably and tried to mentally prepare myself for my mother's unnecessary concerns converted into painful lectures. 

When I reached my folks place, it was almost four. Dad was watering the plants in the garden and he waved at me as I pulled into the gravel driveway. I was not going inside without him, so I cautiously walked over the gravel path in my father's  cherished garden towards him. I couldn't risk ruining my heels. I didn't need another clean your heels sticky note glaring back at me. 

"Hey! Dad," I smiled at him as he took mercy and joined me half way. He gave me a hug and smiled down at me, his blue eyes that I also inherited shinning brightly. I have always been a daddy's daughter. Its not like I don't love my mother but Dad was sorta the best friend and Mom, the strict disciplinarian.

"Hey, stranger," He smiled at me. "Long time no see, Mimi," 

"I know," I muttered, feeling guilty. "Its just been...hectic last few months. I am sorry," 

"Don't be. After all its not like you are avoiding us on purpose. Work is important too. Just take care of your health a bit," He said, squeezing my shoulder. "Come on, your mother is waiting an eternity for you," 

"She is pissed at me, isn't she?" I inquired as we headed towards the house. Dad half snorted-half laughed and shook his head. 

"You know how she is. Always worrying about you," He remarked. "But she has joined mediation classes recently so expect her to be a tad calmer this time. At least that's what the pamphlet said," 

"Jeez!" I laughed at his stupid joke and braced myself as we headed inside. The aroma of rosemary and something delicious being cooked flooded through the kitchen and my stomach rumbled in hunger. I haven't even eaten anything apart from a cup of coffee and toast. 

"Hey! Mom!" I hugged her from the back, almost making her jump. "This smells delicious," I peeked over her shoulders to smell the simmering baked beans that was no doubt going to go with her signature meat loaf. I glanced around and realised that cooking was going on full swing here. That friend must be really important. 

"What took you so long!" She admonished, shoving a spoonful of beans in my mouth. 

"Its a long drive, Momma," I refrained the urge to roll my eyes at her. "This tastes amazing as always," 

"No need for flattery," She muttered, though I know inwardly she was pleased as hell. I glanced at Dad for some support but he threw his hands up in the air in defeat and walked away. "Are you again on some absurd diet plan, Mimi? You look like a skeleton," 

Jesus...I have a healthy BMI! How can she even say that?  

"When have I ever been on diet?" I grumbled, peeking into the refrigerator. I dragged out a bowl of mac and cheese and shoved it into the microwave before turning to face her. 

"Who knows...I don't trust that skinny friend of yours," She answered, crossing her arms across her chest. 

"Her name is Olivia," I pointed out and Mom scowled at me. I brought Liv home just once in the four years that I have known her and my Mom has set her mind ever since not to like her and tag her as a bad influence on me. 

Reason? Liv said she has no plan to settle down with husband and kids anywhere in near future or ever. And that was a cardinal sin in my mother's dictionary. My mother's motto was that to have a complete life you need to have a husband and kids. That...was the ultimate definition of happiness for her. 

"That's not the point," She answered. "And what's with the disappearance, huh? Don't you think you should visit your old poor parents at least once in a while? Its been months!" 

Jesus...here we go!

"Mom...I was piled up in work," I answered grimly as I popped out my food from the microwave. "I would have if I could afford the time. I was working even on weekends," 

"Work! Work! That's all you got," She grumbled, as she followed me to the living room where Dad was completely engrossed in a soccer match. I had no interest in sports either so I didn't bother to find out who was playing against whom. 

"So...who is this friend of yours, huh?" I inquired from Dad but before he could reply Mom cut him off. 

"That can wait," She said firmly. "What's up with you these days, Mimi?" 

"What do you mean?" I feigned innocence. I knew exactly what she meant. 

"Have you met someone? Or are you going to marry your work?" Mom demanded sarcastically and Dad made a clicking noise in his throat. 

"She has came home after so long and that's all you can think about?" He admonished. "Give her a break!" 

"You don't get to talk," Mom retorted. "I am the one to worry all the time. You be the good one and I be the black sheep here but I don't care. I will do what I have to. Do you want to see your one and only daughter alone and lonely the rest of her life?" 

"Why would I be alone and lonely?" I inquired, flabbergasted. 

"Well, at this rate...you sure will be," She said flatly. "But don't worry. I can set you up with a great guy. You know Mrs. Thompson, right? Her son. He is a Harvard graduate and runs his own firm, handsome and tall. Well spoken too. Just give me a date and I will talk to her and set you two up," 

Wow, she has everything planned out in advance. I must say, if my mother puts her mind to something...she will definitely get that. But the thing was...she always puts her mind to really wrong things. 

"Mom...I don't have the time for a full blown relationship at the moment," I answered grimly. "And I am just twenty-five years old. Life doesn't end at twenty-five!" 

"Well twenty-five is five years away from thirty," She pointed as if being thirty was a sin or I was going to die after that. I decided that it was pointless arguing with her. She will always come up with baffling replies. And it was exhausting. 

"I will let you know after checking my calendar," I said, defeated and hoped that this will satisfy her for the moment. 

"Good...now that's like my girl," She smiled at me. "Eat up...you look like a zombie," She patted my head and disappeared into the kitchen. I glanced at Dad and he just rolled his eyes and gave me a consolatory smile. 

My mom was prepared with her finest china and best wine...the complete set up when the doorbell rang around seven in the evening. I wondered what was all that fuss about. It felt like she was going to deal with some royalty or something. 

"I'll get it," I muttered and lazily walked over to the door. I opened it and my jaw dropped open as I stared at the man standing outside with a bouquet of flowers. 

Holy s**t! Was I hallucinating or dreaming again? 

But of course I wasn't. He was as real as I was...

"Ah...we meet again, Ms. Garner," He smiled, looking amused and a little baffled as well. I, on the other hand was just baffled. 

"Tristan!" Mom materialized behind me and shoved me away, shooting me a brief glare. "Welcome! Welcome!" 

"Tristan...long time no see!" Dad exclaimed and gave him a hug. "Its so good to see you, mate!" 

I was still baffled while all the commotion was going on. So he was Dad's friend from Spain? How does my father know this guy? And how come I don't know that this guy was my father's friend? How come I have never seen him before?

 Wow...this was some kind of coincidence!

"Its so great to see you too, Mathew!" Tristan flashed him a big grin and turned to my mother. "Amelia...gorgeous as ever," 

"Oh come on!" Mom blushed furiously as he handed her the bouquet. "You haven't changed a bit! In fact you look almost five year younger!" 

"Well, a man must stay in shape," He answered with a shrug and his grey eyes drifted to me, who was still in semi-frozen state. My mouth was completely dry and suddenly the room felt stifling. 

What was he doing here? And how come my parents were so thrilled to see him? What was going on? 

"Well said," Mom thumped his back. "Teach something to your friend too. Chomping like a cow all the time," 

"I am perfectly fit," Dad scowled. "Isn't it, Mimi?"  

"Huh?" I inquired, distracted and shook my head to get my wits together. I was acting like a complete moron. Okay, so he was a family friend. Big deal. What was there to be so flustered about? 

"Tristan...this is our daughter, Mia," Mom introduced, not bothering to wait for my reply. "She was so small when you last saw her. And I am sure Mimi doesn't remember you at all. Honey, this is Tristan Jacques...a good friend of your ours. He is a very big artist, you know. Just came back from Spain last month," 

"I...er..." I muttered, not knowing what to say. This was so next level coincidental. So much that I was sure my mother will combust when she finds out that we have already met.

"We have met, haven't we? Ms. Garner?" Tristan smiled warmly at me and my cheeks flushed up. He was so damn gorgeous! And it was so inappropriate. Even more so now that he was a family friend!

"Mi...Mia..." I whispered, almost breathless. He was standing a few inches away from me but there was just something about him that made me go all putty. "Just...Mia, please," 

"Mia..." Tristan repeated and I don't think my name has ever sounded so good to me before. "We have met not very long ago, isn't it?" 

"You guys have met?" Mom looked stunned like he was God or something and I a mere human just couldn't afford to have anything to do with him. 

"Mia's company is doing my PR," Tristan answered, taking mercy on me. "We met last night. It was my first show and Mia came as a representative....a representative who don't like art to be precise, isn't it?" 

Wow...he was still cracking up on that...

"Yeah...yeah, Mr. Jacques is right," I agreed and Mom narrowed her eyes at me for God knows what reason. Now what did I do? 

"Well...that's a coincidence," Dad laughed. "Come in Tristan...make yourself at home. Amelia has gone all out today for you. God...its been so long!" 

"This place hasn't changed a bit," Tristan remarked, sitting down on the couch. "Maddy would have really loved to visit too," 

Now who's Maddy? I felt so out of sorts here like I was the guest here and not him. How was Tristan connected to my family? And who was Maddy? I needed to clear out everything. But I realised that before any of that...I needed to clear my head out a bit. 

"Mia...come along...we will get us some drinks," Mom announced, dragging me with her to the kitchen. "Make yourself at home, Tristan," 

"I will," Tristan winked and I immediately looked away. This was getting way out my hand. This involuntarily reactions...that were not making any sense. 

"Why would you call him, Mr. Jacques?" Mom hissed, pouring wine in glasses. "And why didn't you tell us that you know him? "

Okay...what? 

"Mom...firstly...he is a client. What do you expect me to call him? Uncle?" I retorted, irritated. "And secondly, when did you ever tell me that Dad's special friend from Spain was Tristan Jacques? You didn't even give me a name and you expect me to tell you that I know him? Don't you think that's ridiculous?" 

"Okay...okay!" Mom rolled her eyes, looking a little taken aback at my sudden lash out. "Jesus...calm down, I might have forgotten. Go...take the drinks. I will get the hors d'oeuvres," 

"So...how do you guys know him, again?" I inquired, seizing the moment to do some digging. 

"Who? Tristan?" Mom demanded, preoccupied with her plating. 

"Who else?" I grimaced and couldn't help but roll my eyes at her. Sometimes, no offence but my mother can be really annoying!

"You remember aunt Maddy, right?" Mom raised her brow at me and I shrugged. I had a  vague memory of a dark haired woman but that's all. 

"Not really," I answered, popping an olive in my mouth. "Why?" 

"Jeez...well aunt Maddy or Madison is your father's best friend and Tristan is her younger brother. They were family but around ten or twelve years ago Tristan moved to Spain for studies or something but then ended up settling there. Madison joined him too after a few years. I guess that's why you don't remember. You were a baby then or maybe you weren't even born?" 

I cringed inwardly. When he left for studies...I wasn't even born. And here I am...I left the rest unsaid in my head because it was just so despicable. The less I think about it...the better.  Because they indeed seemed like  close relations and I instantly felt guilt creeping inside me for having wayward thoughts about someone who was not just such a close family relation but also so much older than me. I had to get my wits together and avoid this guy. Because despite his age, he was like a magnet and it was impossible for any sane women not to be drawn to him. 

"I'll get the drinks," I muttered, grimly and walked over with the tray back to the living room which was filled with my father's hysterical laughter. Tristan was just smiling and his eyes momentarily drifted to me as I walked in with the glasses. I grabbed a glass and handed it to Dad and then walked over to Tristan. 

"Thanks," He smiled, grabbing the glass and his finger momentarily brushed with mine. A jolting  spark instantly ran down my body and I quickly moved back, almost spilling the wine and toppling backwards as my heels got caught on the carpet. I was completely thrown back and  Tristan quickly  came to my rescue, grabbing my waist in an effort to steady me.  I froze instantly. 

Holy s**t! 

What was happening to me...

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A/N: Hey readers! Happy Sunday! Here's the next update! I hope you'll like it and that you are liking this so far. I am open to all your suggestions and ideas as always so be free to share them! Thank you so much once again!