59-Meeting Granma
He wished that he could go back and shake her a little to put some sense into her. She was paying him? She thought he was helping her because he wanted her money? Her salaries? Her showroom?
All this time when he thought that they were friends, she was thinking of him as some sort of…
But then his sensible side got hold of him. He was a businessman. He never took hasty decisions in his life nor he ever became judgmental.
Abigail was insecure. Kyle left her when she was least expecting it. But this time she wanted to be more than ready to face the same consequences. She did not want to be caught by surprise.
And the only thing which could keep her secure was the sense that she had bought his services. The trauma she had faced had developed some trust issues.
This was her mental immune system warning her to be ready. She could never trust anyone so easily. After giving it a lot of time to think he closed his eyes and leaned back.
Initially, her opinion about him had hurt. Opinions never mattered to him except those who were very close.
But now he understood. She did not have anything with her. No money. No security. Except for a sincere friend in the form of Molly. Let’s be practical. If by any chance, Hunter would leave her.
She would be left empty-handed.
AGAIN!
Just like she was left after Kyle abandoned her.
He needed to do something about it. Tapping his fingers on the table, he called the lawyer who represented his company. He needed to get this done before the wedding. At any cost.
This might be the best wedding gift to Abigail he could think of.
His next call was to Abigail.
“I hope you are not tired, sugar.”
“Not at all. Why?”
“We are going somewhere. Get ready. I will be there in ten minutes.” Then after a little pause, he asked her, “Do you like surprises?”
“Umm. Yeah. I love them. Why? Do you have any?”
“Oh yeah. Lots of them, sugar. Lots of them.”
*
Abigail was quiet when Hunter used a different elevator this time. “Are we going to visit someone?”
Nodding his head Hunter exited and stopped before room 112 which was occupied by Rafael before. She was holding a bouquet and a French assortment box that Hunter had. handed her while getting off the car.
He rang the bell and smiled at Abi. ” Don’t worry, sugar. You would soon come to know.” He said while kissing her forehead. Aiden Wyatt opened the door. His face lit up when he saw Abi and Hunter. Hugging both of them he let them in.
“Carol! Honey! Look who we have got here?”
“Who is this, Aiden?” Abi heard a feeble voice and then she saw a lady with all white hair tied in a bun. She was wearing a floral skirt with bathroom slippers. Even at this age, she was ravishing. Hunter went to her and lifted her in his arms.
“Hey, beautiful.” She squealed with laughter when Hunter swayed her playfully. “Stop it Hunter!” she laughed, “Oh Jesus! Put me down.” Hunter had put her down but he was still holding her with affection. She smiled holding his face in her hands.
“Gran! I need you to meet Abigail.”
“Oh, I would love to.” She turned to look at Abi, and Abi was quick to offer her flowers and chocolates.
“Oh, Abigail. You made my day.” She took them with childlike innocence and came forward to hug her.
“I was, actually, dying to meet you,’ Abigail said a little shyly. The way Hunter had hugged Carol, gave her the idea of how much they adored each other.
And it made her conscious. What if she doesn’t like me?
“Not more than me, Abigail.” Rubbing her hand on Abigail’s back she made them sit around a coffee table.
“So what you people would like to have?” Carol looked so happy to be with them. The happiness showed on her face.
“Granma. We just had lunch. Actually, we were out for the sandals shopping.”
“Sandals? Before a wedding gown?” She frowned a little then dismissed by shaking her head, “Oh? Ok! Then drinks?”
“Actually we had already decided the dress color so I needed sandals sooner than the dress.” She did not want to tell her that she needed pencil heels to practice with Molly.
“Coffee?” Abigail suggested but she could not understand why Aiden Wyatt’s eyes started twinkling and why Caroline was grinning ear to ear? They both were looking at Hunter with amusement.
Abigail got nervous a little bit. “It’s ok.
I… We can have a drink.”
“No, Abigail. We all can have coffee.” Still amused Aiden stood to order coffee. Before ordering room service he turned to Hunter. “Should I order beer for you?”
“No. Coffee is fine.” Hunter was serious. He did not find it funny but it seemed like a secret joke to her.
I would ask Hunter later, about it. When they were having coffee, the doorbell rang. Hunter stood to open the door and greeted the newcomer.
“Who is this?” Abigail asked Caroline.” Are we expecting anyone else?” Caroline who was beaming turned to Abigail.
“Ethan. He just flew here from Manhattan for the wedding. You do know him. Right?” Abigail stood at once and waited for him to notice her.
He was hugging Hunter. Abigail did share a friendly relationship with him when she was his employee but now she was meeting him as Hunter’s fiancée.
Ethan was surely a stunner. After greeting Aiden and Carol he turned to her with fondness and stretched his hand towards her.
“So meet again, Abigail. By the way, how you even managed to steal Hunter’s heart?” Abigail’s cheeks turned crimson while shaking his hand.
Hunter seemed mesmerized by the blush. Holding her, he kissed her cheek making her more embarrassed. Ethan was observing this display of affection with interest.
Turning to Aiden and Carol he gestured towards the couple. “This is not Hunter. No, this is not my friend. Abigail, what have you done to him?”
“Shut up Ethan, you are making her uncomfortable.” Hunter’s tone held a little bit of warning.
Abigail could not hold herself from rolling her eyes. Hunter did seem overly protective of her. They might think that she was a weakling or a cry baby kind of woman.
“Stop it you two!” She hid her face in Hunter’s chest torn between shyness and guilt. She was cheating these amazing people.
After a few minutes when she managed to look up, she found four pairs of eyes on her. She again wanted to vanish in Hunter’s chest but this time she chose not to. She tried to move everyone’s attention from her flushed face.
“Ethan. Please sit down. Why don’t you have coffee with us?” That got Ethan’s full attention instead of diversion. He observed the coffee cups with interest and then Abigail was surprised to hear his booming laughter.
