Chapter 8
-I really think I'm superfluous at this party.- holding the hands of the little girl, who confidently walked across the room, said Lisa without taking her eyes off her feet in order to react in case she stumbled.
-But we both want you to be at the birthday party...- while watching the girl who arrived from work only twenty minutes ago quickly changed into the clothes she brought from home to spend time with her daughter, who immediately demanded undivided attention, answered the idol fascinated by the interaction between the couple.- If she could talk, she would definitely insist on your presence.
-I understand, but tomorrow is a special day when all the attention should be on Princess Jasmine and not on... Um....- faltering not knowing what status they were in terms of relations, the Thai woman said ignoring her own desire to make everything official.- I don't want to ruin Jasmine's first birthday. I can't forgive myself. It's better if I come to congratulate her in the morning and then go to the restaurant where I can control everything from the outside but not interfere.....
Jennie decided to postpone this conversation until they were alone, because it seemed that all of Manoban's attention and thoughts were captured by the little angel, who reveled in it every couple of seconds, demandingly tugging at the hem of her sweatshirt. Though before meeting Lisa she was genuinely afraid of even the idea of having a relationship with someone now watching how the man with whom she wanted to build this relationship cared for and respected her daughter all fears began to disappear. Jennie had radically revised her own views on how she saw the future in these short four days, which showed what kind of person Lalisa was and she couldn't have wished for better for both herself and her daughter. Of course, they still had to fight for the first time over nothing to draw lines in some aspects of life that should not be crossed, but one thing was clear for idol, they are in it for the long haul and even if things do not work out now the presence of the restaurateur at the birthday party is the right decision, even if the loved ones will look at her strangely. Jennie finally made up her mind and got up from the couch, rolling her eyes as her departure went unnoticed and went to the kitchen to start cooking dinner for the Thai woman who was able to stay at work all day, even if she complained every five minutes. Only thirty minutes later Lisa joined her, putting Jasmine in the highchair with her favorite teddy bear in her arms.
-Do you need help with anything?.- kissing the top of the girl's head, the Thai woman asked, receiving only a negative nod of her head in response, and sat down next to the girl, listening to her excited babbling.- When is your next days off?
-We manage our own schedules, except for the meeting in three weeks.- while continuing to chop vegetables, Jennie murmured with only a glance at the couple.- What's up?
-Would it be too soon to suggest that you go on a little vacation with Jasmine? I've been planning this break for a long time, but now...- Lisa said under her breath, not taking her eyes off the baby, and lightly tickled her tummy.- It may sound absurd, but I can't be away from both of you... If you're not ready, it's okay, I'll just cancel it..
-Are you ready to give up your vacation if we don't go?.- with a raised eyebrow at the girl, the idol asked the question, feeling the warmth in her chest from such a declaration of affection, even though they were not officially dating.- Let's make a deal, we'll go on vacation with you, and you'll attend Jasmine's birthday party not as a restaurant owner, but as a guest, okay?
-With your persistence and determination, you should be in charge of the business.- with a glance at the hostess, Lisa admitted, but after weighing the pros and cons, she made a decision.- We have an agreement, Ms. Kim, but if my presence becomes inconvenient, I'll leave, okay?
-Its good with me Mrs. Manoban...- Jennie smiled with her hand outstretched to seal the deal.
After having dinner in the company of a small family and after putting Jasmine to bed, the Thai woman spent a couple more hours in the company of the girl and went not to her own home but to a restaurant, because she wanted the birthday party to be at least perfect. Entering the «Bruschweiler» she smiled at those who had already started preparations for the event, moving tables as it had been decided in advance and arranging everything necessary for the presence of a one-year-old child. For half past three in the morning the restaurant was unusually crowded with staff, but instead of Mrs. Song the person in charge was Mr. Mao, who only smiled when he noticed the owner. Everyone saw a change in the behavior of his usually respectful but aloof owner who did not hide now a wide smile at the arrival of new messages on the phone call or a visit from a mysterious brunette. Having slept only an hour and a half in between helping to grow the carpet in the vip-room, because she did not want the child to crawl on the cold floor and signing the documents for the supply of food, the Thai woman went to her home to pick up the gifts and change clothes. Carefully parked between the cars Lisa got out of the Bentley Continental GT taking the gifts she bought this week and a gorgeous bouquet because it was a special day for Jennie who had given birth to a beautiful baby girl a year ago too.
-Congratulations on the birth of gorgeous daughter!.- the Thai woman said with a big smile, holding out the flowers.- Where is the birthday girl? Did she like the surprise we prepared yesterday? These balloons should last a long time...
-You slept in today?.- Jennie frowned at the bags under her eyes, not hiding her disappointment at her unhealthy work habits.- Remember, if you decide to lie, I'll find out.
-I slept for an hour or so.- Lisa mumbled as she realized that this amount of sleep was abnormal.
-You're going to sleep for eight fucking hours at least on vacation!.- idol said irritably as she stepped away from the door to let the guest in.- I was just about to put the birthday girl to sleep and I thought you could do that and rest with her at the same time.
-I'm not going to sleep at half past one! I'm not a baby...- the restaurateur stomped her foot like a petulant child, but seeing the arching eyebrow, she put the gift bags on the floor and walked toward the stairs to meet her favorite little person and take a nap for a couple of hours.
-Change her into her pajamas!.- Jennie shouted as she closed the door, shaking her head at this irresponsibility.- We leave the house at half past six! So you can have a longer rest with her!
-Got it!!!.- when she got to the second floor Lisa unbuttoned her jacket to take it off and was left only in a shirt and pants entering the nursery she was met by a wide smile of a girl who crawled to the entrance of the room, which was closed by a special child's grate to prevent her from crawling out of the room picking up the little girl in her arms she began to lament.- Here she is! Jasmine! My beautiful angel missed me! Happy birthday baby! Today is your day, isn't it? I brought you so many presents and you'll have the most delicious cake in Seoul! But first we have to get some sleep or your mom will leave us home and make us eat all this healthy food instead of the wonderful dinner my chef is making!