Chapter 193: lovely gift from Donald
"Good morning, Tricia. Have you seen Donald around?"
I stood in the hallway, arms folded across my chest, my eyes scanning the house like I'd catch him hiding behind the curtains.
"Who? Donald? Nope, haven't seen him all morning. Why?" Tricia responded, casually sipping her coffee like nothing was wrong.
I let out a frustrated sigh and ran my fingers through my hair, already dialing his number again. "I can't seem to reach him. He's not picking up his phone. We planned on heading out early to inspect the building, make sure everything is set for the fashion line launch. Now, I'm just standing here... waiting."
"Still not picking up?"
I frowned. "No. Ugh, come on, Donald, where the hell are you?"
Just then, Josh walked in, half-eaten toast in hand.
"Mum, you look kinda stressed. What's going on?"
I gave him a small smile to keep him from worrying. "It's nothing, baby. Just trying to reach your dad."
Josh wiped his mouth and said, "Dad? I think I just saw him drive in."
I froze. "You saw him? He's back? Oh thank God. That man is going to get it from me. Making me panic like this."
"Whoa, easy girl," Tricia chuckled. "Let the poor man live."
"Chill," I said with a sarcastic smile. "I'm not gonna kill him... yet." I stormed outside, my heels hitting the tiles hard.
But I came to a sudden halt the moment I stepped onto the porch.
Two sleek cars were parked right in front of the house. Not one, but two. A shiny black SUV and a silver sports car that looked like something out of a movie. My jaw dropped slightly.
Donald stepped out from the SUV, keys in hand, and waved casually like he hadn't just disappeared for hours.
"What's going on here?" I asked, my voice sharp, confused, but mostly curious.
He smiled. "Do you like what you see?"
"Donald," I said slowly, "what's going on here?"
"I was thinking about you this morning," he started, stepping closer, "and I realized... you need your own car. Actually, make that cars."
"What are you talking about?"
"These," he said, stretching out the two car keys. "One's for everyday use. The other... for when you want to feel unstoppable."
I blinked. "You're kidding, right? This is why you disappeared since morning? To go car shopping for me?"
"Yes," he said, unapologetically. "I thought it'd be a nice surprise."
Tricia let out a loud scream that echoed down the street.
"What the actual hell, Donald?! Two?! TWO freaking gorgeous beasts for her?! Girl, you just hit the jackpot! You're bathing in blessings, babe! Congratulations!"
I laughed and turned to her. "Shut up, Tricia."
"No, seriously, Mona. Look at these babies!"
I turned back to Donald, a soft smile forming. "You didn't have to do all this. I mean... two cars? That's too much."
"Not for you. Not ever. You deserve more than this."
I couldn't help myself. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed his neck gently.
"Thank you, Donald. Really. This means a lot."
"Go check them out. See which one you want to drive today."
"Come with me, Tricia!" I called out.
"Right behind you, rich girl," she teased, but before following, she turned to Donald and punched his arm hard.
"Ow! What was that for?!" he yelped.
"You big idiot!" she hissed. "You keep doing the most for her, and yet you can't bring yourself to say those three little words!"
"What are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about. 'I love you.' Just say it!"
Donald looked down, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not that easy."
"Oh please, it is. You're just a chicken!"
"I am not!"
"Prove it!"
"It's easier for you. You're not in love with her."
Tricia rolled her eyes. "Oh really? Watch this." She cupped her hands and shouted,
"HEY MONALISA!"
I turned, laughing. "What is it now?"
"I just wanted to say... I love you!"
I placed a hand on my chest. "Awww. I love you too, Tricia!"
"No, I love you more!"
"No way! I love you most!"
"You win!" Tricia turned back to Donald. "See? Easy!"
Donald smirked. "Yeah... but when it's real... when it's buried deep in your heart, it's heavy. It's not just words anymore. It's everything."
Tricia went quiet for a second, then asked, "So where were you exactly?"
"Getting the cars."
"But Mona kept calling."
"I know. My bad. I had my phone on silent. Where's Josh?"
"Inside."
"I'll go see him."
"Wait," she stopped him, crossing her arms. "There's something I need to ask you. Again."
"What is it?"
"The question I asked you before. About saving a girl when you were ten."
Donald tilted his head, clearly struggling to remember. "That again?"
"Yes, that again. It's important to me."
He sighed. ""I can't say for sure, because I can't remember. But maybe, I might have saved a girl, owing to the fact that I'm a good guy and I've saved a pretty number of people, so I think so"
"When you were ten"
"Look, I honestly don't remember. That was twenty-three years ago. I've helped a lot of people over the years. Maybe it was me, maybe not. But I can't say for sure. I'm sorry." He gave her a brief nod and went back inside.
"Hey Tricia!" I called from the driver's seat of the sport car. "Come see this monster of a car!"
"I'm coming, you lucky witch!" she laughed as she walked toward me, grinning from ear to ear.