Bad s*x: His uncle's mistress

Chapter 10: Ask for Grandchildren

Jose parked in front of the hotel. It was crowded with people in pretty dresses and dark suits and they were slowly making their way inside, to the main hall. There was a marble fountain and several parked cars outside and Jose stopped as close as he could to a red car. They got out and Jose took Alessa by the arm and introduced her to his mother, Susan. It was her red car.

“Hello, my dear!” she said, flinging her arms around them both. “Jose, you look so handsome! And you're so pretty, Alessa!” She smiled. Took a swig of wine.

“Are you already drunk?” Asked Jose.

“No, not yet. A few wines, that’s all.” She waved at Betty, Patrick, and Mandy behind them, struggling with the car door. “The Schultz’s. The perfect family.” She said, as they finally joined them, and kissed Betty and Patrick on the cheeks. “Thank you so much for coming. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Betty blushed. “It’s a pleasure.”

“For you? I suppose it must be!” She snorted and placed a steadying hand on Betty’s shoulder as she laughed. Betty bristled a little at this but knew her place. Stiffened and smiled. Alessa had always suspected that, deep down, Jose’s family hated the Schultz family. Alessa especially. Like they’d somehow duped into an arranged marriage with her. Alessa wondered if Susan blamed her or old man Sterling, for their unhappy marriage and wondered if they’d blame her when she torched the entire thing.

“Is uncle here?” Asked Jose, snapping Alessa out of her mind. His mother shook her head. "He said he would come - he has to. It’s been years since any of us have seen him!”

“Maybe he’s stuck in traffic,” said his mother, leading him in by the arm.

I’ve never heard of this uncle before, thought Alessa. 

“He’ll come soon. The party’s starting. Let’s go.” said Susan and lead them in.

Inside the banquet hall, family and friends were crowded around a long table stuffed with food. The sound of people laughing, knife and forks clattering and children whooping, echoed around the vaulted ceiling. The smell of gravy and roast chicken, Yorkshire pudding, and cranberry sauce wafted past them.

Alessa was sat down between Henley, Jose’s father, and Jose himself. Henley looked much like his son but older. A strong jaw and thick stubble and long silvery hair combed back. He was quiet and very, very drunk.

And there, at the head of the table, was Jose's grandfather. He was looking happy, laughing and drinking with everyone who would talk to him. Alessa wasn’t sure if she should be thankful to him or not, for forcing Jose to marry her. 

He smiled at her and raised a glass. It would be hard to barge over and speak to him, so she smiled and raised her glass back.

His brow furrowed and shouted over to Susan, “Where’s Brian?”

“Traffic, we think. I can call him and tell him to hurry up if you want.” Replied Susan.

“Exactly, Dad, don't worry, Brian would definitely come as he promised." Said Henley, her husband.

“Good, good. I’m coming over!” He shouted and came over. He shuffled over with a glass of wine in his hand. “Alessa, It’s been a while!” 

Jose’s grandfather stood her up and gave her a hug. He was taller than her with wispy white hair.

“Hello, Sir.” She said, and hugged him back. “You’re looking very well.”

“You will be marrying Jose soon.” He said to the group. “Call me granddad. We’re family – now more than ever.”

Beside her, Jose shot her a glare and she understood it perfectly: Don’t f**k this up for me, or else. “Of course, sorry. Granddad. You’re looking well.” She tried to smile but felt her lips tug downwards like she was about to cry. Suddenly, Jose was beside her.

“Don’t worry, grandfather, she’s a shy girl and gets embarrassed easily – too many people, see?” He nodded at the others at the table gazing at them. “Be brave, baby. You can call him granddad, can’t you?” He had his arm around her.

She choked back the lump at the back of her throat. Here, in her fiancé's arms, she could smell Mandy's perfume. She felt disgusting standing in his arms. How ridiculous! They hated each other yet they had to pretend to be a good couple. And she wanted to scream and shout and tear the whole place down around her, but she didn’t. She swallowed, hard, and hoped that the tears in her eyes made them glisten.

“Grandfather. Please forgive me. A little too much wine.” She smiled.

He patted her on the backside and waved them off. “I get it and don’t worry, either of you, it’s completely normal. Everyone gets cold feet before a wedding. You’ve just got to ride it out. And Alessa, you especially don’t need to worry. My family will look after you and yours. Your father was a good friend to me. It’ll be the biggest and best wedding you’ve ever seen! And if Jose ever, ever hurts you, you just let me know. I’ll sort him out, believe me!” Everybody laughed and Jose nodded uneasily. 

“And I ask only one thing in return,” he said as the laughter subsided. “That you give me grandchildren!” He threw his arms into the air and everyone started laughing again.

Fuck, grandchildren.