Chapter 16

Chapter 16
Gabriel arrived at his mother’s house, feeling a wave of comfort as he stepped through the familiar doorway. The scent of his childhood lingered in the air, mingling with the aroma of his mother's cooking. Despite his demanding role as a CEO, he never missed their biweekly dinners—a sacred tradition he cherished dearly.

“Hey, Mom,” he greeted warmly, presenting her with the strawberry and banana trifle, one of her favorites.

Nora's face lit up at the sight of the dessert, and she enveloped Gabriel in a warm hug. “Gabriel, dear, it’s so good to see you. Come on in.”

After exchanging pleasantries, they set the table together, the rhythmic clinking of dishes a familiar melody of their routine.

As they settled, Nora gently broached the topic. "Why haven’t you been picking up your calls, Gabriel? I've been trying the home phone. You know I worry when I can't reach you."

Gabriel sighed inwardly. “I’m sorry, Mom. I’ve been preoccupied with work, and I moved out of the mansion for a change of scenery. I’ve been staying elsewhere.”

Nora raised an eyebrow but chose not to press further, letting her son have his space. "Still, learn to call your mother, Gabriel. You had me worried sick."

“I know, Mom. I’m sorry,” Gabriel replied, remorse evident in his voice. “I’ll try to be more communicative from now on.”

Nora patted his hand reassuringly. “That’s all I ask, dear. Now, let’s enjoy our dinner together. Tell me, how’s work been treating you lately? Good?"

Gabriel nodded, launching into a detailed account of his recent endeavors. "We've been working on finalizing the deal for the new commercial complex somewhere downtown. It's been a challenging and tiring process, but I'm confident it will be a significant asset to the city."

Nora listened intently, her eyes glimmering with pride. "That's wonderful, dear. You've accomplished so much already, and I have no doubt you'll continue to thrive."

Gabriel's expression softened at his mother's words, a sense of gratitude swelling in his chest. "Thanks, Mom."

Nora gave him a warm smile, and he felt a surge of warmth in his chest, a sense of pride washing over him at his mother's compliment.

"Mom, has Dad reached out to you recently?" he inquired, bracing himself for her response.

Nora rolled her eyes slightly—a silent acknowledgment of her ex-husband's persistent attempts to reconcile and reconnect. "Yes, he has," she admitted.

"I know he means well, Gabriel, but these gifts and letters don't change the past," she lamented, her tone tinged with sadness.

Gabriel couldn't help but notice the fresh bouquet of dahlias adorning the kitchen counter, a quiet reminder of his father's grand gestures.

With a pointed look, he questioned his mother about them, already anticipating her response.

"Why keep accepting these gifts if they only bring you pain?" He asked her.

Nora offered a wistful smile, her gaze lingering on the vibrant blooms. "It'd be a waste to throw away such beautiful flowers. Besides, your father is the one who wronged me, not the flowers."

Gabriel nodded in understanding, though he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach. Despite his attempts to mediate between his parents, he knew their relationship remained fraught with unresolved tension and hurt. He could understand where his mother was coming from, but also his father. He could only just hope they resolve their differences sooner than later.

As they savored the remaining dessert, Gabriel's thoughts wandered to his intriguing neighbor, the headstrong yet captivating flight attendant who had occupied his mind for years. Without thinking too much of it, he asked a question that caught his mother off guard, nearly causing her to choke on her spoonful of trifle.

"How does one win over a stubborn woman, Mom?" Gabriel inquired, his curiosity evident in his voice.

Nora blinked in surprise at her son's unexpected question, then quickly recovered with a knowing smile. "Are you talking about Sigourney? Is she back?" She asked, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.

Gabriel avoided her gaze, feigning nonchalance. "Please just answer the question, Mom," he replied, trying to steer the conversation away from his personal life.

But Nora couldn't contain her excitement at the prospect of her son being smitten with someone who seemed immune to his charms. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she probed further, ignoring Gabriel's attempt to deflect.

"Come on, Gabriel, don't play coy with me. Is there someone you're interested in?" She pressed, her curiosity piqued.

Gabriel rolled his eyes at his mother's persistence, attempting to maintain his composure. "No, mum, I'm asking for a friend," he lied through his teeth, though Nora saw right through his facade.

With a knowing smile, she continued to ask a series of questions, skillfully dodging Gabriel's attempts to redirect the conversation.

Gabriel couldn't help but chuckle at his mother's tactics. "Mom, you're avoiding the question," he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Nora feigned innocence, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "Am I? I suppose a mother's curiosity knows no bounds," she replied with a mischievous grin.

"Oh, come on," Gabriel groaned.

Nora's giddiness dialed down as she transitioned into a more serious tone, her maternal instincts kicking in as she began to offer Gabriel advice on wooing a stubborn woman.

"It's all about subtlety, Gabriel," Nora advised, her voice gentle yet firm. "Women like her would appreciate genuine gestures, not grand displays of affection. Start small, show her you're sincere, and she'll come around."

Gabriel couldn't resist a playful jab at his mother, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "I'm sure you would know what stubborn women want, Mom," he teased, his tone light. "Considering you're one yourself, judging by your current situation."

Nora rolled her eyes once again with a mock sigh, shaking her head at her son's remark. "Oh, give me a break," she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Gabriel couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that perhaps, with her insights, he could find a way to break through the walls and barriers Joslyn had built around her heart.

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