Chapter 96 96
Jack narrowed his eyes. There was a look of determination in them. “There is a lot to talk about with him. I want to test Nathan in my own way. But first, get him to come have dinner with us tomorrow." He concluded.
Without pushing further, Brooke nodded. She did as her father asked and Nathan said he would be there.
The following evening….
Nathan was at the entrance of the Turners residence and the maids usher him in. Brooke was also there to welcome him in the living room.
"It's good to see you, Bee. You look as beautiful as always." Nathan complimented. On one hand he had a bouquet of roses while on the other hand, it was a really expensive looking bottle of champagne.
He handed Brooke the flowers. "This is for you." He leaned in, probably trying to kiss Brooke on the cheek. But Brooke was quick to take the flowers from him and evaded his peck attempt.
"It's nice. Thanks." Brooke said.
After Nathan walked in, Matteo and Ricardo began coming in with some bags of gifts and boxes. They settled them down in the living room.
"Dad is waiting for you in the dining room." Brooke said, indicating for him to follow her.
Nathan nodded and they began to walk side by side. "I have to say Bee, I really thought about your dad and I will start with arguments and me trying to defend myself. Maybe a few punches from him. I know I deserve all that and more. But dinner. I must have done something that made me worth inviting for dinner instead."
"Probably. I don't know what he has in mind but he suggested dinner. All I can say is Liam kept speaking highly of you. That might be the reason." Brooke answered.
They soon got to the dining room, where Jack, Samantha and Liam were already sitting.
"Daddy.... Daddy. You are here." Liam said with excitement as he ran to his father.
Nathan picked him up and spun him around before settling him on the floor and then hugging him.
"I missed you so much." Liam added.
"I missed you too, buddy. I have some gifts for you. We can open them later." Nathan announced.
Liam nodded with a full grin. Nathan held his hand as they walked back to the table.
Nathan noticed how Jack's expression changed at the sight of them hugging. He had a stern look at first but now, his face is emotionless.
This is the first time that Jack and Samantha are witnessing Liam with Nathan. The father and son were displaying affection towards each other. It made a part of them that was really angry at Nathan to calm a little.
"Good evening Uncle Jack, Aunty Sam. It's good to see you after a long time. Thank you for having me for dinner and thank you for taking care of my son all these years." Nathan greeted them. He was then ushered by Brooke to seat. He sat next to Liam and Brooke.
"Don't thank us just yet, Nathan. We are going to have a very- very long talk after this. But before that happens, you have to survive these first tests, which is this dinner. That would determine if you pass to have the talk." Jack explained with a stern voice.
"You can start bringing in the food." Jack ordered the maid that was standing and waiting.
The dinner began with an appetizer. They all ate in uttermost silence, except for Liam and Nathan. Liam kept telling his father about the things that had happened after he left. At home and in school.
Jack acted to be concentrating on his appetizer. But mostly, he was observing how Nathan was reacting and responding to Liam's tales.
"Daddy, I shared my food with my friend at school. You are right, it feels good to share because I felt happy when I saw him happy about it." Liam announced.
"That is good, Liam. It is always better to-"
"Give than to receive." Liam completed the statement.
"Atta boy." Nathan said and made a mess of Liam's hair.
After their appetizer, the main dish was then served. It was after they were all served that Nathan realized his own food was different from others.
Brooke too noticed that when she was about to start eating. She stopped mid way. With a raised brow, she turned to her father. "What is Nathan's food different, dad? What is he having?"
Nathan looked at Brooke, Jack then back at his plate. It looked like meat that was deep fried. But you can clearly tell it is not.
"It is a special kind of oyster from Argentina." Jack reviled.
"Oyster?" Brooke asked, with contemplation in her voice.
"Yes. I discovered it when we were on our cruise. It is usually cut into small thin stripes. But I would like Nathan to test the strength of his teeth by taking a bite as it is." Jack explained, maintaining his stern look.
"Sounds.... Sounds good." Nathan managed to say. He was trying to sound normal but at that moment, his gut was already sending him a different message.
Nathan is a person of class that was born with a silver spoon. He never knew what poverty was. He was also selective of what he eats.
Turner's family knew this about Nathan for a long time. But here he was being tested by uncle jack to eat something he doesn't know and has never seen.
Nathan gulped and he looked at his plate again. It doesn't look that bad. Even though he is the kind of person that wouldn't just try something new, especially food. But at that moment, he is going to do anything Uncle Jack asks. So that he can finally be forgiven and accepted into the family.
He sighed and picked up his cutlery and began to slice the content in his plate. He cut a thin slice and put it in his mouth. He began to chew gently to avoid any more surprises in it.
Jack on the other hand narrowed his eyes at Nathan. Waiting to see the reaction he would give.
After swallowing it down. Nathan spoke. "It's not that bad. The texture felt quite different from regular meat. I would like to know how exactly this kind of oyster is prepared." He added, just so he can understand what was put into it. Nathan has had oysters several times. He is not a big fan of it but he can clearly tell what he ate tasted nothing like the ones he have had.
"It's not an Oyster." Jack revealed with a slight smirk on his face.
Nathan was now scared to ask further but he had to. "If it is not an oyster, what is it then?”