“Would you like a drink?”
“Thanks Mr Jenkins,” I say as I take a glass of champagne from him.
“Please child call me Charles,” I nod at him as I take a sip of my drink.
“Adrian my dear,” Mrs Jenkins says as she enters the room. Adrian quickly embraces her with hug and I am shocked at his affection. She pulls back from him and as she focuses her eyes on me. I take in her looks and her beauty stuns me. She has piercing blue eyes and light blonde hair. She is dressed in a classy, black cocktail dress and her shoulder length hair is hanging freely. She oozes sophistication and her posh English twang is captivating. I smile at her as she makes eye contact with me.
“You must be Alanna?”
“Yes, it is nice to meet you Mrs Jenkins,” I say politely. She quickly embraces me with a kiss on each cheek. She pulls back.
“Please call me Tabatha.”
Charles and Tabatha escort us into the dining room. We sit at a massive table that is plastered in every kind of food you can mention. Mr Jenkins sits at the head of the table with Mrs Jenkins next to him. I sense a little tension in the room as Mr Jenkins urges the servers not to begin dishing out the food. I glance at Adrian and he quickly asks what is wrong.
“Charles is there something that we should know?” Mr Jenkins clears his throat.
“No son but your brother will be joining us for dinner.” I feel my heart beat faster as I think of Michael. I did not tell Adrian that I saw him earlier and I fear what his reaction might be if he found out. I quickly try to put that thought out of my mind as I focus back on the conversation.
“He is late then?” Adrian insists.
“Yes but he called to say that he won’t be long,” Tabatha adds. I stare at the face of Michael’s mother and I cannot help but feel thankful to her for bringing him into the world. Without her, Michael would not exist and that does not ever bear to think about. I slightly shudder as that thought enters my mind. I gaze at Tabatha as I feel that she has more that she would like to say.
“Adrian my dear, how is things between you and Michael?” Adrian gazes at me and then he replies.
“Things were strained at first but now I feel that we have healed our wounds.”
“I am glad to hear that nothing upsets me more than when my boys are arguing.” Tabatha says to Adrian. I listen to her words and I wonder how she feels about her other son, Chad. Surely she must miss him and crave to have in him in her life. No mother would want to spend years away from her son. She must think about him every second of every day. If she doesn’t then what type of person is she?
“Sorry I am late,” Michael says as he and Katharine burst into the room.
“Well you are here now; take seat son and who is this lovely girl?” Charles says as he greets Michael.
“Mother, Father this is Katharine.” Michael says as he pulls out a seat for her. I watch as Katharine beams at the sight of the room. Adrian reaches over and firmly shakes Michael’s hand. I look up from the table and I make eye contact with Michael. He instantly raises his eyebrows at me and I cannot contain my smile. Mr Jenkins signals for the servers to enter and once the meal is laid out, we begin to feast.
“Adrian, how is the business?” Charles asks in a firm voice. Adrian clears his throat as he stares at me.
“Business is fine I am actually going to Edinburgh sometime next week.”
“I thought you signed the Henderson deal?”
“No, not yet but I am sure they will sign soon.”
“Enough about business,” Tabatha insists. “Tell me girls how are you enjoying London?” I begin to respond but Katharine gives me no time.
“London is wonderful,” she gushes.
“Have you visited anywhere special since you have been here?”
“I have been so many places it is hard to remember all the names. But I really loved The Palace.”
“Ah yes our royal family, tell me Alanna do you like London?” Mr Jenkins quickly asks.
“I adore London,” I confess.
“And London adores you,” Michael adds. Adrian clears his throat at Michael’s words and he takes a sip of his water. I feel my face flush hot as I remember Michael’s words from earlier. He blamed me for being jealous of him and Katharine. He knew that I dreamt about him and he insisted that I care more for him than I say. I must have a look of despair on my face as Mr Jenkins notices it.
“Child, are you alright?”
“Yes I am fine,” I insist as I smile at him.
“Now as you know I asked you boys here tonight for a reason. This weekend is our thirty-seventh wedding anniversary and we are having a massive get together at the country estate. All our family will be attending and that includes your brother Chad and his wife. Tabatha and I really hope that you two boys will join us in our celebration.” Mr Jenkins looks wide eyed at us as he waits for a response. Michael quickly answers his father questions.