Family gathering

My alarm went off a few times already but I kept on hitting the snooze button. When I finally wake up, I picked up my phone and go through my notifications. I frowned and sighed. Not a single text or call from Lucas. I'm a bit disappointed, to be honest.

"Chill Rylee. Maybe he's busy with work, " I said to myself.

I leaped off the bed and grabbed my towel. I tied my hair into a messy bun. Today, I decided to use the bathtub in my bathroom. I turn on the water and let it runs for a few minutes until it's nice and warm. I fill up the bathtub and throw some bath bombs that I got from The Body Shop. I soaked in for about 15 minutes before I scrubbed my body using my favorite coconut scrubs.

After a nice warm bath, I brush my teeth and wash my face with warm water.

I got out of the bathroom and headed towards my wardrobe. I dried off my body and apply some shea butter lotion on my skin.

I picked out a cute white crop top and paired it with black high waist leggings. I walked out of my wardrobe then head straight to the kitchen.

I make myself a hot cup of coffee and sit on the bench near the balcony. I call Daisy to invite her for lunch together.

"Hey D," I say. "Good morning,"

"Good morning! What's up," says Daisy.

"Are you free now? I have some news."

"I'm on my orthodontist appointment right now. Is everything alright?" she asked.

"Yes. Everything's alright, " I smiled. "How about lunch at Jenn's?"

"Sounds great, I'll see you later, " she says and hung up the phone.

I sip my coffee and decided to call Lucas next. His phone rang but he didn't pick up. I tried calling a few times and after the 7th calls, he finally picked up.

A sexy raspy voice answers. "Hello?"

"Good morning babe. Are you still sleeping?" I say standing up from the bench and into the kitchen, placing my cup on the kitchen island.

"Yeah, thanks for waking me up baby. What is it?" says Lucas.

"Let's have lunch together at Jenn's. Daisy will be there too. I have something to tell you guys, " I say.

"Okay, babe. I will pick you up later," he says.

I nod as if he could see me right now. "Okay, I love you. See you later."

"Aight. Love you too, " and he hung up.

Since it's still early, I decided to go for a jog while waiting for Lucas to come by. I put on my Nike Air and head out to the nearest park.

After a 30 minutes jog, I was already gasping for air. I'm always busy with my work and didn't have time to exercise. As a result, I get tired quickly. I walked back to my apartment and took a quick warm shower.

I got out of the bathroom, dry my body and sat next to my vanity table, and took out some beauty products from the drawer.

I looked at myself in the mirror. Dark circles are forming under my eyes from the sleepless night I had a few days ago. I applied some concealer and blend it in. Then I apply some moisturizer on my skin, drew my eyebrows, put on a little bit of blush, and red lip tint. I don't like to apply a lot of makeup so this will do.

I sprayed my White Musk perfume on both of my wrists and neck because I know Lucas loves the smell of it.

Before I could even pick out my outfit, I heard a knocked on the door. I open it and Lucas has arrived at my doorstep. I'm still wrapped in my towel.

He leaned on and kissed me softly on the lips. I pulled him in and shut the door close.

He hugs me from behind. "You smell good, baby." he kissed the back of my neck.

"Babe, get off I need to get dress, " I say untangling his hands from my waist and walked towards my wardrobe. "Make yourself at home." I rummaged my wardrobe and found the perfect outfit. I wore an off-shoulder floral jumpsuit paired with my gold hoops earrings and a black purse to match the outfit.

Lucas walked to the kitchen and opened up my fridge. He took out a can of orange juice and take a sip. He went to the balcony and light up a cigarette. White smoke puffed out his mouth.

"Babe, didn't I told you to quit smoking, " I say heading out to the balcony.

He rolled his eyes. "Don't come close or I will ruin your sweet smell." Putting his palm on my face trying to shove me back inside.

"Make it quick, we're gonna be late, " I say walking back inside the apartment. After Lucas put out his cigarette, he walked inside and closed the balcony door shut.

INT. Jenn's Cafe

We arrive 15 minutes later.

Daisy sits near the window at our usual spot. The table is located in the corner. A few blocks of wood are aligned together making a partition separating the main cafe from our usual spot. It's like a private corner for us.

"Hey, D. Sorry to keep you waiting. My girlfriend here took a lot of time getting ready, " Lucas said walking towards the table.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Shut up babe. If it weren't for your smoking session, we will be here just in time." I followed Lucas from behind.

Daisy smiled and waved her hand at us. "It's okay. I just arrived anyway; so please don't fight."

After we both got seated, a waitress came and handed us the menu. Even though we are a regular there, we will still look at the menu if we want to order. Daisy and I ordered Braised Boneless Short Ribs while Lucas ordered BBQ Brisket. As for drinks, we all ordered some sparkling water.

15 minutes later our orders came. I took a bite at and it melted in my mouth right away. Jenn's short ribs are the best in town. While we were all enjoying our food, I got a text from my mom.

─────────────────

Mom ♡

Hi sweetie, don't forget our dinner tonight.

Hi mom. I won't, don't worry about it. Be there at 6.

Don't be late. I miss you, sweetie.

I miss you too mommy. See you later.

~end of conversation~

─────────────────

"Who's that, " said Lucas taking a bite at his food.

"It's mom. Just reminding me about dinner, " I said.

Daisy raised her eyebrows and said, "Oh about that, what are we celebrating? Since my mom also wanted me to come."

I cleared my throat. "So guys, I have good news to tell you. I. GOT. NOMINATED. AS. NY. BEST. SELLING. AUTHOR, " with a pause at every word, I almost sounded like I'm screaming.

"Congratulations!" Lucas and Daisy said in unison.

Daisy clapped her hands, stood up from her seat, and hugged me.

"That's an amazing babe. You deserve it, " said Lucas and he kissed me on the cheek.

I felt extremely lucky to have these two people in my life because they have been there since I become an author. Through thick and thin, always supporting me until this day onwards.

"I promised mom we will be there at 6 pm. So are you going back to your apartment or are you gonna stay at my place before we go to my mom's house tonight babe? You can stay too D, " I said to them.

"I'll stay. My clothes are still there right?" asked Lucas.

"I won't be able to stay. I gotta take a shower first, " said Daisy.

They said almost at the same time. "Yes, babe. It's still there." "Okay D. We'll meet again at my mom's for dinner, " I said.

We chatted for a few minutes before we pay for your meal and leave. Lucas and I went back to my place. Daisy heads back to her apartment.

After we rest, took a shower, and get ready, Lucas drove us to my mom's house at half-past four. It's an hour's drive, so it's better to move early to avoid the traffic.

INT. Mom's House

We arrived at my mom's house just in time before dinner start. Daisy arrived a few minutes later. We were greeted by my mom and Daisy's parents.

"Welcome home, sweetie, " said my mom kissing me on the cheek, and then she turned to Lucas. "Hi, Luc, " she hugged him. Daisy's parents also give us a warm welcome.

All of us headed to my mom's house since it's bigger and has a larger dining area. Each of us takes a seat when suddenly we heard a voice from the kitchen area walking towards the dining area.

"Dinner is served, " she said.

I turned my head and my eyes widen. It's Aunt Jenny.

"Hi, Aunt Jenny. You're here too?" my eyebrows move up as I asked.

Aunt Jenny let out a small chuckle. "Of course dear, I wouldn't miss my baby girl's celebration," she said while taking a seat beside mom.

"Hey, I'm a grown woman, not a baby, " I said pouting my mouth.

"You still are, well to me, " said Aunt Jenny and everyone started to laugh.

While we were enjoying our dinner happily, Aunt Lucy suddenly asked us.

"So, have you thought about getting married yet? You guys have been together for five years now, right?"

There's an awkward silence between Lucas and me but I quickly snapped out of it. "Well, I have been busy writing my book, and I haven't really..., " before I could even finish my words, Lucas cut me off. "That's the answer, Aunt Lucy," he said.

"Hey, I haven't finished talking yet, " I said glaring at him.

"I was thinking about proposing to her last year but she has no time for me, it's not like I haven't plan anything yet, " he said smirking at me.

"Ugh...whatever, propose to me when I'm not busy, " I said rolling my eyes. "Well, this dinner is supposed to be a celebration dinner, not a dinner about Lucas proposing to me, " I said out loud and everybody just laughs at us.