Granting One Last Wish novel Chapter 11

ABBY

It's been a week since my last encounter with Seb, and he didn't bother anymore. Why would he talk to me anyway? I accused him, and I was being judgmental and demeaning. I didn't apologize. I know Dad was very disappointed, but he didn't say much. 

I spent my entire time with Drew. We went shopping, and he even went with me to my mani-pedi. We did a picnic together in the park. We fed ducks, and he even borrowed a bubble gun from the little boy. We had sandwiches, fruits, and ice cream we bought from the ice cream stand. I'm back in my life, and the only difference is the constant checking of Dad's security. Even though they didn't come close, but it's still irritating. 

"Have you apologize to Seb already?" 

"Nope. I still feel embarrassed." 

"It's been a week, Abbygail. Swallow your pride, and it's your fault, after all," Drew says.

"What would I say that I'm sorry for being an idiot and that I judged you? Then I would ask him to marry me?" I snort.

"Well, you really have to beg him to marry you. I'm not sure if he would make it easy for you this time, but just apologize first." 

"Shit. Now it's getting harder. If it's not for my parents, I'll never do this. Ever. This is ridiculously absurd," I say and take a huge breath. 

"Can I ask you something?" He gives me an intense look. 

"Sure. Shoot away." I look at the sky, and it's so clear and blue. 

"Are you having nightmares lately?" 

"No. Why?" I lie. 

"Sure?" 

"Yup. Why?" 

"Nothing. Good to know." 

We visited Mom twice. Dad is back to his work and never mentioned marriage. 

I walk down to our enormous breakfast table after taking a shower and change of comfortable clothes. Dad is having his breakfast, he's in the middle of sipping his coffee when he notices me.

"Good morning, pumpkin. Drew left for the gym. How's your sleep, sweetheart?" he says with a delightful smile. 

"Morning, Dad. I see, we back to pumpkin. Drew never missed a day. Maybe it's a part of his work to stay fit." I start my breakfast with toasted bread, scrambled eggs, fresh fruits, and a cup of coffee. 

I feel nervous about what I'm about to ask. Dad looks at me when I'm about to say something. I sip my coffee instead. 

I know I have to talk to him anyway, so I take a breath and clear my throat. "Dad, can I ask you something?" 

He looks at me curiously. I roll my eyes because I see the glint in his eyes. "Sure. Go ahead, pumpkin." 

"I just want to ask Seb's number. I want to apologize properly. I mean not on the phone. Do you think you can give it to me?" I look down at my plate when I feel my face start to burn.

"He already saves his number on your phone. You just didn't check it. And how do you apologize properly, Abbygail? After what you did in his office." 

I blush when I remember what I did. "Um. I want to ask if I could meet him. That's why I want his number. And um, I want to ask you if it's okay. I mean, I want you to know that I want to meet him." I'm so stupid, and I can see now the amusement in his eyes. 

"He's probably in his home right now. I'll let Howard send you after your breakfast." 

My eyes widened. "I don't think Sebastian would be pleased to see me at his house. Don't you think I should call him first?" I suggest quickly. 

"Don't bother. He's expecting your apology a few days ago." Dad chuckles. I feel mortified as I slump my back to the chair.

***

After breakfast with Dad, I dress presentably. I choose a red skirt and white lacy sleeveless button-down shirt and red stilettos. I tied my hair in a high bun. After checking myself in the mirror, I head down to the car waiting for me. 

I'm excited to see him again and nervous as hell at the same time. What if he doesn't want to see me? What if he's just going to mock or humiliate me? 

The car stops at the black steel gate with huge H on it. After checked by his security, the gate slides open. Howard drives slowly to the massive parking area. At least three cars in front and one that catches my eyes, and it's the blue Bugatti Chevron if I'm not mistaken. Another one is the black SUV and a black Mercedes SLS. I get out of the car, and I'm amazed by the view--a gigantic fountain in the middle of the driveway. His home is a 19th-century European brick mansion. This place is a perfect getaway from the noise of the city with a very peaceful neighborhood, fresh air, and a lawn that you just want to spread a blanket and lie down with a good book to read. Before I can go on wandering around, the owner himself appears at his door. 

"Look who finally showed up," Seb says with the brightest smile on his face. I smile with the best smile I can master without fainting in front of him. God, he looks just perfect as I imagine.

"Well, hi. Thank you for letting me show up on such short notice." 

"Almost a week is not short notice anymore. Can we head inside already? It's not proper to keep my guest standing outside, shall we?" He motions his hand with a smirk on his face, and he just reminds me of how I shooed him away the first time we met. 

"Lead the way, Mr. Hughes." 

He chuckles as the way I address him. He leads me inside his home, and I feel a hand on my back. I shiver at the touch that I missed for a few days. He must have noticed my reaction because he removes his hand. 

A modern European interior designed. It looks classy with two stairways on both sides, a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling. A classic black grand piano, cozy couches on the right side, floor to wall glass windows, and from the left side are a Mediterranean style designed. Few paintings mounted on the wall that I recognized from famous French painters. 

He said that half of this house has been renovated, furniture has been replaced to modern, appliances had changed to high tech ones. The previous owner did a very good job keeping this house and still looks beautiful from the outside. 

"Welcome to my humble abode." He smiles. And God, those dimples. I have to grip my purse tightly to stop squirming.

"You look good, by the way." Well, he looks good to eat, just in a navy blue shirt and jeans. I can see the muscles in his torso and the traces of his six-pack abs. I can see his gorgeous butt from his ripped jeans. Shit. I'm checking him out. 

I clear throat. "Thanks." 

"Can I get you something to drink? Coffee, tea? I have milk and OJ?" he continues, "I'm actually making brunch for myself. So I figure to wait until you arrive. Let's go to the kitchen." 

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to interrupt your brunch. I should've come later." 

"Not at all. Just woke up a little late. After I spent dinner with my parents last night, I went to meet some friends, had a couple of drinks then headed home. So I overslept," he explains. 

"You haven't had your breakfast yet. I'm sorry." I bite my lower lip. 

"Don't be. Too late for breakfast." We talk till we reach his gorgeous kitchen with a dark countertop, stainless steel appliances. He motions me to sit on the stool with the same color of cupboards and cabinets. He's busy collecting the ingredients for his branch while I'm busy checking out his kitchen. I guess this is not the only kitchen he has in this house just like what we have at the mansion. 

My eyes land to his gorgeous ass. Again. I feel a heat rushes to my face. What I'm doing is so embarrassing.