The Way He Does

Chapter 7

The ordered food arrives sooner than I expected. The entire table is covered with dishes, that I can barely recognize what the tablecloth looks like anymore.

"So tell us, how did you meet?" My father directs his question towards Adrien, who doesn't seem as nervous as I am right now.

"She actually served an internship at my company." It's almost scary how good his lie is, I am almost believing it myself.

"Your company? What kind of company?"

"I'm the chairman of a couple of Luxury Companies." He casually answers my mother's question. She looks at me and then at my father, who is trying to understand the context of Adrien's words.

"A CEO for Luxury brands?" He wants to know and Adrien nods. "I don't wanna come of as rude, but aren't you filthy rich then?" I notice, how I'm slightly becoming uncomfortable, while Adrien politely answers his question.

"I earn enough to provide for myself." He smiles.

"How much?" My mother questions with no hint of shame. That's honestly the most awkward conversation.

"Maman." I cut her off. "Can we talk about something else?"

"Oh yeah, where do you live Adrien?" Is now the question my mother has.

"In Paris." Her eyes shift to me, a brow raising in suspicion.

"So that's the reason why you wanna move there Lola." I roll my eyes. Sure, because I already knew, that I was going to meet Adrien. But I have to admit, that after I met him, my urge to move there has increased.

"But you're not gonna to move in together, are you? Because that would mean you wanna get married soon." My father says. Adrien looks startled and uneasy now, but I come to his rescue.

"No, again, Vicky and I are moving in together. Adrien was just one of the reasons, why I chose the city, but we aren't getting married." Or in any time. He smiles proudly at my succeeded answer.

"It's just so great to see you in a relationship. For some time, I thought you were lesbian-" my mother says.

"Which isn't a bad thing." I defend the gay community.

"Not at all, I just want blood related grand children."

"Don't expect any for now." I make clear and she nods. I notice, how this topic is out of Adrien's comfort zone.

"Are you okay?" I whisper.

"I'm fine." We eat in silence until my father begins to bring up a new topic.

"We thought, before you'd move, you're gonna visit us for at least a week."

"Really? I should have considered that." I tell. "Yes I should do it anytime soon." Adrien shoots me a look I can't quite assign.

"When?" My mother questions. "Your father and I have been trying to get our hands on a ticket for you, as a surprise, because we know you can't afford it for now."

"I'm not that broke maman." Although, I would struggle to buy a ticket. "I should come, that would be an awesome break from everything." Adrien rubs his chin. The effect it has on him is hilarious.

"Good, now that you have a boyfriend, you can bring him with you."

"What?!" I look at Adrien, who sips his wine.

"Thank you Madame Montgomery." He mischievously grins, resting his arm on the back of my chair.

***

After dinner we say goodbye to my parents, who leave in their old, yet elegant Peagaut. They have quite a few miles ahead of them, which is why they normally book flight tickets to visit me.

"You're unbelievable." I say as I walk towards Adrien's car. The anger has already spread inside of me.

"Do you really think you can escape me?"

"I thought I could escape the contract for now, maybe I need it to make up my mind, without you trying to manipulate my choice." He sighs.

"Lola," I get pulled closer by him. "I wouldn't be doing this, if I wasn't desperate for you to sign the contract."

"You could get any woman to do this with you."

"I don't want any woman." I scoff.

"Don't lie to me Adrien. How many women have been in my position? How many women have you done this with?" His jaw tenses. "I knew it."

"Eighteen." He calmly responses, and I free myself from his grip.

"Eighteen?" I gasp. "Has it always been this easy?"

"You're by far the most stubborn woman I have met. I'm not used to this, it drives me insane."

"Maybe that's what you need. I don't want to be your slave and submit to you. I'm just not that way."

"That's why it's called role play. You're not supposed to be that way, you're suppose to act that way." He tucks a loose hair strand behind my ear, sending shivers down my spine. Don't let him win this argument Lola.

"I can't act. Especially that way." I feel an overwhelming feeling of jealousy and self doubt, when I think of how much better the women before me pleased him. I could never be in that position. I try to suppress a tear as I notice how close I am to becoming emotional. I am really starting to like Adrien, and I like the idea of being his girlfriend and seeing him interacting with my parents. This will never happen, if I sign the contract or if I don't sign it, so I'll lose either way.

"I really don't know Adrien. I need this break right now." I say and get inside the car. He takes my hand, but I only pull away and gesture him to leave me alone.