The Dinner

Chapter 1 The Dinner

THE TAYLOR’S HOME, NEW YORK

Butterflies ran free in Nina’s belly, making her the happiest person on earth. It's been so long since she had desired the gift, and it finally came to her when everything seemed to be heading for the rocks. Her eyes lingered on the paper in her hand, and she squealed in extreme delight. It's been days since she kept the news to herself, hoping she wouldn’t let it all out in excitement before the right time. Now that the day had finally come, she couldn’t wait to tell the world. Humming a Beyonce tune to herself, she changed from her outing attire to something more comfortable and headed to the kitchen.

“What would you like me to prepare for dinner, ma’am?” Tania, the kitchen help, asked Nina.

Nina smiled sweetly at her. “There is no need to worry, T. I will cook myself.”

She raised a brow in surprise. “Why, ma’am? There is a lot to cook today. Are you sure you can handle it?  Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine. I am just willing to do it today. But you can help me with the veggies.”

“Alright, ma’am.”

Nina checked the time to be sure everything would be ready before dinner. The recipe had been building up in her head throughout the week, and she was most excited by the apple pie dessert. Her husband, Asher, loves pies and creams.

Halfway through the cooking, Andrea, Nina’s best friend, made her way into the house, looking radiant. “Hey, girl.” Andrea cooed, tossing her bag to the couch before heading to the kitchen.

Nina rinsed her hands out, pulling her friend into a hug. Even though they had seen each other two days ago, Nina wasn’t surprised that Andrea had her hair dyed bright red. Extravagant is one word to describe her.

“That's new.” She pointed out, feeling the tip of the hair.

Andrea giggled, twirling. “Well, I thought it would be nice to show my fierce side.”

“When were you ever not fierce?” Nina asked, smiling.

She flipped her hair, wiggling her brows. “Can’t remember,” Andrea replied, causing them to laugh.

 “You arrived just in time, Andrea. I didn’t realize I would need a lot of hands. Please help me.” She said, grinning from ear to ear.

Andrea raised her perfectly manicured nails, blowing at it. “You are seriously not asking me, of all people, to help you with that, right? It's your terrain, not mine.”

Bursting into a loud laugh, Nina sniffed. She knew Andrea would never be able to help even if she wanted to. She would only end up making a mess of the entire place. Being a daughter of a wealthy household enables Andrea to do nothing all day and stay beautiful while others run her errands on her behalf.

“I knew you wouldn’t. Just thought to pull your legs a bit.” Nina smirked as she diced onions.

Andrea rolled her eyes, chuckling. “You and your silly self. Anyway, I know today is Sunday, and you cook for the family. But don’t you think you are being too enthusiastic about this? It's not like he would be grateful in any way.” She hissed suddenly, looking angry.

“Come on, it's not that serious. I am making Asher’s favorites today. I am sure he will love it.” Nina responded.

Her friend didn’t look convinced in any way convinced. She folded her arms, frowning. “Tell me something. When have you ever not made his favorite? Do you remember how he left you at the table last Sunday because you kept asking if the food was okay? How about all the favorites you had to trash because he wouldn’t come home for days? Do you also have an explanation for that? Asher is an asshole and doesn’t deserve you. I wish you would give up and file for divorce.”

Nina’s mouth felt dry as she remained focused on the cooking. It has been a hard couple of years for her. Many times, she wonders if there must have been something she did wrong to Asher to deserve the cold treatment. She can’t tell when it happened or how their relationship went sour. During their dating and first year of marriage, Asher was sweet to her. He never made her feel like she had to do the world alone.

Being an orphan, Nina knows what it means to be rejected and unwanted. She didn’t get anyone willing to adopt her and had to live in different foster homes over the years. But having determination has helped her push through the little opportunity she had and was able to go to college, where she met Andrea.

Andrea has been nothing short of a guardian angel to her despite being a heiress to a multimillion-dollar company. Andrea never degrades Nina and loves her dearly like a sister. She became the sister and family Nina never had. Nina has nothing hidden away from her friend, and she knows how her relationship started with Asher.

They met during his introduction to the staff of the company at the time he replaced his retiring father as the CEO of M&M Foods, where she works as the head researcher. Everything felt blissful until three years ago when Asher became a different person. He wouldn’t even acknowledge her pain anymore. But Nina has always believed in love and family, things she has never had. She is willing to do whatever it takes to make it work.

“Say something.” Andrea cut into her thoughts as she chewed on one of the diced carrots.

Nina sighed, holding up a hopeful smile. “You don’t have to worry about me anymore, Andrea. It will be different this time, I can assure you.”

“What are you hiding?”

“It's a big news. You will have to wait until dinner to find out.”

“Hmmn.” Andrea made a funny face. “You sneaky young lady. Dinner is only minutes away. I don’t mind waiting.”

Andrea couldn’t keep her promise, and she kept bugging Nina for the news. Nina stood her ground, even though she hitched to say it. It is always hard for her to keep something away from her friend.

Dinner kicked off when Asher’s parents, Darren and Leila, arrived. Asher appeared more relaxed than before, and it soothed Nina’s heart. He even went as far as complimenting her meal. Nina felt like the universe was in her favor.

“I thought you said you would tell us the news you have during dinner,” Andrea announced.

Nina cut her a side glare when the others raised their heads. “It's until dessert.” She said, trying hard not to groan. Andrea can be a brat sometimes or many times.

“Is everything okay?” Asher asked in his relaxed voice that had sent Nina reeling the first time they met.

She blushed like a teenager. “Yes, baby. I made your favorite kind of dessert, and I am sure it will complement the news I have for everyone.”

“It had better be good.” Leila, in her snobby voice, mumbled.

Nina ignored her always moody mother-in-law calling Tania to serve the dessert. Seeing everyone enjoying the dessert, Nina cleared her throat, squaring her shoulder.

“So, the news that I have been holding onto for what feels like the longest days of my life is.” Nina paused, reaching for Asher’s outstretched hand while holding his gaze sweetly. “I am pregnant, guys.” She announced, smiling widely.