Chapter 19
Naina tapped her fingers on the edge of the table deliberately, disregarding Nathan's repeated glares at her. She didn't care if Nathan called her rude. She was annoyed! Why did they have to have lunch at a restaurant like this? It's not like Naina was being picky and only wanted to eat at expensive restaurants. It was the food in front of her that looked much more genuine and delicious compared to the tempting package of fried chicken that had been tempting her since her arrival.
"The beef soup is delicious, Naina," Tasya said, gently patting the uncomfortable child's shoulder. "You're hungry, right? I've ordered ice cream for dessert."
"I want fried chicken," Naina pouted. "I don't want soupy dishes. We had chicken soup for lunch at school."
Tasya smiled faintly. "How about crispy fried shrimp?"
Naina thought for a while before nodding softly.
"Okay, I'll order that for you," Tasya said. Once again, she lovingly ruffled the girl's hair.
Tasya tried to be patient as Naina's mood suddenly took a nosedive. It was probably because Naina didn't eat the chicken she ordered, that's why she was sulking. Even though Tasya had ordered a considerable amount. She thought Naina would ask for more snacks. And she hadn't forgotten that they also had the mocha float and mango that they both loved, ready to be enjoyed.
Tasya couldn't refuse when Nathan asked her to join them. Even though they wouldn't be sitting together at the same table where the boss sat with his girlfriend, um... Tasya had to admit that Boonie was the boss's girlfriend, right? So, it was true that Nathan had another appointment outside with someone else? Damn, why did Tasya have to be so stupid and pick out clothes that she thought would suit Nathan perfectly?
God! If only Tasya could curse her own stupidity, she would have done it since earlier. But she couldn't because ever since Nathan arrived in the morning, she became more fascinated. When the Raptor was calm, he was incredibly captivating. Silent, focused, serious, not demanding too much, and the most enjoyable sight for Tasya's eyes; his handsomeness multiplied by a thousand.
She admitted it wholeheartedly.
"Where are you going?" Nathan asked, making Tasya startle. She adjusted her glasses first while pushing aside all her thoughts about Naina and Nathan. She smiled awkwardly, where the corners of her eyes happened to catch the gaze of Nathan's date, who was looking at her with a hostile expression. Although Nathan didn't give her that kind of look, you know!
Tasya's hands clenched tightly. A creeping fear gradually took hold of her. Boonie's gaze was something she could still remember since a long time ago. It wasn't easy to forget even though she had tried to push it away. The trauma from the past had left a strong mark.
"Do you want to order the fried shrimp for Miss Naina?" Tasya lowered her head slightly. "Excuse me."
Nathan could only watch as his assistant walked away. He had planned to bring the two of them who were sitting separately from him together. Enjoying lunch at Amaris because, according to Nathan, their beef soup was amazing. Despite the debates that would surely ensue, Nathan enjoyed it. At least the intense barrage with the board of directors and the ongoing findings that disturbed him could calm down with their presence.
Besides, it seemed like Naina was comfortable being close to Tasya, right?
"Darling, aren't you eating?" Boonie asked in her soft voice. Her hand also touched Nathan's arm, moving her seat closer to him. She didn't care if they suddenly became the center of attention. What she wanted was for Tasya to look their way. Luckily, the event she was working on two weeks from now was in Jakarta. She also knew Nathan's workplace and his apartment. Don't blame Boonie's ability to find out about the handsome boss who drove her crazy. For the first time, she felt like she wanted to possess Nathan. More than just a bed partner. Was it because Tasya was by Nathan's side?
Ck! Boonie wouldn't lose to that naive girl. No way.
"Yes," Nathan brushed off their linked hands. "Let's eat first."
"Do you have another meeting, My Dear?" Boonie smiled charmingly.
"Yes," Nathan stirred his food without appetite. "You go ahead and eat, Bonnie. I want to make sure my daughter eats first." He shifted his chair.
Boonie's sudden appearance made him furrow his brow. When was the last time they had any contact? He thought it was on his last day in District Gang. After that, they never communicated again. He had also deleted all their chat history. For Nathan, he didn't like keeping in touch with women who were only temporary companions. How did Boonie know his office location? "Darling?" Boonie looked surprised. She stared at Nathan in disbelief.
Her determination during her time in Jakarta was to make Nathan fall at her feet. It didn't matter how. After all, her body was attractive, right? No one could resist her. This cool-looking man in a navy blazer also praised all their lovemaking styles. Although there was one thing that bothered her since earlier.
The presence of the child who had been giving her disapproving looks since the beginning. Even though Boonie had tried to be friendly, you know. Although she was surprised to be introduced as Nathan's child. Was Nathan already married before? Or should she ask Tasya? Ah... that seemed like a good idea. Besides, Boonie was confident that Tasya would talk. It was easy to intimidate Tasya, in her opinion.
Just like in the past.
Plus, Tasya's eyes seemed afraid to meet hers, right? Boonie smiled with satisfaction at this thought. Without shame, she brought her plate over. Her steps led her to the table where Nathan sat with the child who was still giving her a sarcastic look. Tasya also approached them. As if she could just leave her alone.
"I'll join you here, okay?"
Tasya, who was about to sit in her previous spot, suddenly backed off. Luckily, she didn't drop the crispy fried shrimp for Naina from her hands. Tasya muttered softly because of this strange woman's actions.
"Oops! Sorry. Didn't see you there, Miss." Boonie waved gently. She didn't want to move to another seat. "Miss, could you fetch a plate for Mr. Nathan? So we can eat together."
"Who asked you, Weird Auntie, to be here?" Naina asked, resting her chin on her hand. Her eyes showed no fear as she faced the woman she considered crazy. Just by her appearance, she already looked so tacky. In the past, the only person she had a grudge against was Blondie. But since they hadn't met in a long time, that animosity had disappeared. In Naina's eyes, even though Blondie's hair was strikingly noticeable, she wasn't as tacky as the woman sitting in the middle of them.
Great! Naina had a new enemy. Especially since this woman was so rude to dismiss Tasya like that.
"I want to eat together, right?" Boonie smiled broadly. "What do you like? Auntie will get it for you."
"I like Auntie to leave here."
Boonie blinked slowly but then regained control of her lips, trying to be patient. "But Auntie was asked to accompany Mr. Nathan to eat with you."
"Did Daddy say so?" Naina looked at Nathan with her sharp eyes. "As far as I know, we want to eat as a family of three. Auntie is an outsider. Besides, there's no invitation for Auntie."
Boonie still smiled. "Miss, why are you just standing there? Get a plate for Mr. Nathan."
"Don't order Tasya!" Naina glared. "Tasya is not a servant. Get it yourself."
"That's enough." Nathan intervened. "Continue with your meal."
"Did Daddy intentionally invite this Weird Auntie?" Naina wouldn't easily follow Nathan's words. "Tasya, sit next to Daddy."
"Eat first, Naina. Auntie will get a plate for Daddy first."
"No need, Tasya. You just sit. Keep eating. Let me get the plate myself." Nathan moved a chair for Tasya. "You sit here, keep eating."
"Okay, Sir." Tasya chose to comply. Her eyes signaled to Naina not to speak up anymore. "This is your order, Naina." She handed over the plate of warm fried shrimp. "Eat."
"Yes." Naina forced a smile. Even though their dining table was big enough for four people, Naina didn't want to be with a new person who was impolite. What should she do to get rid of this woman? "What time will Daddy come home tonight?" Naina, who still didn't want to lower her disapproving gaze at Boonie, asked.
"As usual, why do you ask?" Nathan looked at Naina with surprise. "It's rare for you to ask."
"I'll just wait for Daddy to come home, okay?"
"Aren't you tired? You have a lot of homework, right?" Nathan moved his bowl of soup, the dish he ordered. "Try it, you'll like it."
"I'm bored, Daddy. We have soup at school. I told Tasya, so she ordered fried shrimp. What if it had fallen earlier?"
Nathan smiled broadly. "But it didn't, right?"
Naina pouted. "I don't feel like talking to Daddy. I'll just be with Tasya."
Nathan laughed. His eyes then focused on the bespectacled girl eating silently. "What are you eating?" Nathan's question seemed to startle the girl. She even choked a little. Quickly, Nathan slid his drink glass. "Why, Tasya? Does everything you eat make you choke? Can't you eat slowly?" Nathan asked with a displeased expression.
After freeing herself from the sudden discomfort in her throat, Tasya desperately wanted to retort but couldn't. All she could say was, "Grilled fish, maybe because of the seasoning I ate earlier, it made me choke."
"Be careful, okay?"
Tasya just nodded.
"You should try the mushroom soup at Amaris, Tasya. According to me, it's the most delicious."
Once again, Tasya nodded.
"Should I order for you?"
"No need, Sir. I'll finish Miss Naina's portion. Too bad. She doesn't want it. She only wants the stir-fried broccoli and shrimp."
"It's not hot anymore, right? Should I ask them to heat up your part?"
Tasya shook her head quickly. "This is enough."
"Daddy, can I have banana split for dessert later? Do they have it?"
"They should. Let me call one of the waiters to make sure Naina's order is available." Since a while ago, Naina's smile had disappeared. Maybe because Nathan's attention was suddenly divided. He himself was confused by Boonie's arrival. He would resolve it soon after this lunch.
"Don't you want any, Tasya?"
"I noticed that you were busy paying attention to someone else, Nathan," Boonie protested. "I came all the way from Surabaya to meet you. What did I get?"
Nathan turned and smiled very faintly. "I didn't ask to meet you. When did we have an appointment?"
Boonie grumbled in frustration. She put her spoon down rather roughly.
"Weird Auntie already heard, right? Daddy said what? You didn't get an invitation to dine here. If you really want to be with us, it's not a problem. But don't be rude to Tasya. I'm glad I didn't ask Daddy to make you apologize to Tasya." Naina folded her hands on her chest.
"Naina," Tasya spoke softly. "Finish your meal. The ice cream will come soon. We have to go back to the office early. I has a lot of work."
Boonie grumbled in frustration. She really wanted to indulge this arrogant little girl. She would make sure the girl accepted her and helped her get Nathan. Just watch. Taking a long sigh, she didn't care if Nathan was being cold to her. She just wanted to show that she still had a stake in Nathan. "I'm sure you miss me, Honey." The woman then kissed Nathan's cheek without permission, making the man startled. "Right, Honey?"
She made sure of one thing; Tasya and the arrogant child saw her. She would make sure Nathan couldn't turn away from her either. Voila. Her hopes came true. Tasya's gaze focused on her, but then quickly shifted away. The child, too, looked at her with anger.
"Daddy is so bad at finding a girlfriend! He goes on a date with a Unicorn Worm like this?! Pathetic!!!" Naina quickly moved her chair. "Come on, Tasya! Let's go home!"
"Naina!" Tasya was taken aback. "Wait a minute."
Naina couldn't be stopped once she was like this. She took bigger steps, leaving the restaurant area. Ignoring Nathan's calls.
"Naina, wait!" Tasya quickly grabbed her bag. "Excuse me, Sir."
"Wait for me, Tasya."
As for Boonie... she was left alone. She didn't expect to be treated like this! Just wait!