Chapter Six

The next morning, Benjamin arrived at Nicholas's house, finding him in the living room, beaming with excitement. "What's got you so pumped up this morning?" Benjamin asked, curiosity piqued.

Nicholas grinned mischievously. "We'll talk about that later.

How's your morning going?" He paused, then asked, "By the way, how's my mom doing?" Benjamin asked.

"She's fine, sleeping upstairs," Nicholas replied.

Benjamin's expression turned concerned. "Sorry, man. What's going on with Lucas? Why's he acting like this?"

Nicholas shook his head. "I don't know, man. But we'll definitely have to find a solution to his problem. For now, though..." He paused, a sly smile spreading across his face. "I've got a date tonight at 7 PM with a girl I met at the office. She's gorgeous!" He pulled out his phone and showed Benjamin a picture of Rachel.

Benjamin's eyes widened in excitement. "Wow, she's stunning!" But his enthusiasm was short-lived, as his own worries crept back in. "Ah, man, I'm glad you're doing well, but I've got to head back. I need to go and continue working on my project and get a job. Can't procrastinate anymore."

Nicholas nodded understandingly. "No worries, man. Go crush your goals. We'll catch up later."

Nicholas mother finally emerged from upstairs, and Nicholas invited her to the dining table, where a freshly prepared breakfast awaited. As they sat down to eat, Nicholas seized the opportunity to discuss Lucas's behavior.

"Mom, I've been thinking," Nicholas began. "If Lucas has a temper, what if there was no one around to intervene? What could he have done to you if you'd been alone when he lost his temper?" Nicholas's brow furrowed with concern. "It's better if you avoid him, don't you think? I don't think Lucas is a good choice for you."

Nicholas mother listened attentively, her expression thoughtful. Nicholas continued, "Ultimately, the decision is yours, Mom. If you feel he's not making you happy or if you suspect he's cheating on you – given that he didn't come home for five days – then that's your call to make. I just want to remind you that Lucas's temper is a red flag."

Nicholas mother nodded slowly, her eyes clouding with uncertainty. The breakfast table fell silent, the only sound the soft clinking of utensils on plates.

Nicholas turned to his mom, a request on his mind. "Mom, I need a favor from you. I want you to call your boss and tell him you're sick, that you need to take the day off to rest and think."

His mom raised an eyebrow but nodded in agreement and she called him. He granted the permission.

As the day unfolded, Nicholas prepared to head out for his highly anticipated date with Rachel. His excitement was palpable as he arrived at the restaurant, five minutes past seven. He took a seat, alone, and waited for Rachel to arrive.

But the minutes ticked by, and Rachel didn't show up. Nicholas checked his phone for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering if he'd missed a message or call from her. The silence was deafening, and Nicholas's excitement began to give way to concern and disappointment.

Nicholas tried calling Rachel multiple times, but his calls went unanswered

Disappointment and sadness washed over him as he left the restaurant and headed back home. The excitement and anticipation that had filled him just hours before had deflated, leaving him feeling deflated and confused.

As he trudged through the front door, Nicholas dropped his keys and phone onto the counter, letting out a deep sigh. He collapsed onto the couch and slept off.

Nicholas slowly opened his eyes to find his mom standing over him, a gentle smile on her face. "Nicholas, wake up," she whispered.

Nicholas rubbed his eyes, yawning. "Oh gosh, I slept for so long. It's morning already."

His mom chuckled. "Actually, it's 2 PM, son. You've slept for a long time. What's wrong?"

Nicholas shook his head, still trying to shake off the sleep. "Nothing, Mom. I guess I had a very busy week at work."

His mom nodded. "I've made lunch. Come on, let's eat."

Nicholas replied, "I'll join you in a minute." He headed to the bathroom to wash his face and brush his teeth. When he emerged, he began searching for his phone, spotting it on the floor. He picked it up and saw a text message from Rachel.

His heart skipped as he read the apology message. Rachel explained that she had been called to attend a sudden business meeting in London and hadn't had a chance to inform him. She apologized for standing him up and promised to make it up to him once she returns in a month's time after the business was concluded.

Nicholas's face fell as he read the message, a pang of sadness hitting him. He shook his head, trying to shake off the disappointment. "Ah, well," he muttered to himself.

He walked over to the dining table, where his mom had set out lunch. He sat down beside her, and they chatted and laughed together, enjoying each other's company. For a while, Nicholas forgot about Rachel and the disappointment of the previous night, savoring the warmth and love of his mom's presence.