Dinner lubricates business. — William Scott

"Thank you for the ride," Paloma sent Gael a smile as he halted the car in front of her house.

"Don't mention it. It was my pleasure." He sent her a smile of his own.

Paloma gathered up the bouquets of flowers on her lap. So engrossed in her task, she didn't notice Gael slip out of the car. She turned to climb out of the truck.

"Oh?" Her eyes widened as Gael stood beside the open door.

He chuckled as he grasped her waist and gently maneuvered her out of the car.

"Thanks," Paloma muttered as her feet touched the floor. Her cheeks reddened with mild embarrassment. Being assisted to do such a simple task made her feel helpless. A feeling she had never been able to embrace.

"You are welcome." An amused twinkle sparkled in his eyes and he sent her a knowing look.

Paloma huffed and stomped her foot. "I shall help myself next time." Her head rose with a stubborn tilt.

"That's fair enough." His amused smile increased. "However, I won't be responsible if you sprain your ankle or trip and fall."

Paloma scowled in response and swung around in the direction of her house. "Goodbye, Mr. Davenport," she said over her stiff shoulders. "I shall call you when I talk with my family."

Without waiting for a response, Paloma marched off. She held in a grimace as her injured knee throbbed in pain. Gael's hearty laugh followed her up the steps.

"I shall wait with bated breath." He called out.

She gritted her teeth as her annoyance heightened. Her hold on the bouquets of flowers tightened as she fought to control her anger.

"How am I supposed to partner with him when he loves laughing at my expense?" Paloma muttered under her breath.

A basket lay beside the door and she dumped the flowers inside with the mind to arrange them the next morning.

She stalled in front of the door and heaved a sigh. Her annoyance faded but wariness washed through her. Her hand pressed down the doorknob and she pushed the door open.

Darkness covered her as she stepped inside and locked the door. She blinked rapidly as her eyes adjusted to the dimness. Her eyes roamed around but she didn't catch a glimpse of her family.

They must have retired to their rooms.

I will talk to them in the morning.

She gave up the search and approached the stairs. The wooden boards creaked lightly as she ascended it. Finally, her room door came into view and a feeling of relief welled within her.

The door opened and the same darkness loomed in the room. However, the sense of safety she felt at the lake caressed her. Her bed and pillow beaconed over but she suppressed the urge and went about her bedtime routine.

Fresh from taking a shower, Paloma slipped under the sheets. The softness of her blanket soothed her aching bones. Drowsiness consumed her and her eyes flickered close. However, before sleep entirely took over she whispered, "Lord, let everything go smoothly tomorrow."

*********

The morning sun streamed into the room through the creaks in the closed curtains. A groan sounded and Paloma rolled over to face the ceiling. Water filled her and she blinked it away. She pulled herself into a sitting position and rubbed her face. The ping from her phone drew her attention. She picked it up and a message popped up on the screen.

Gael: Have you spoken to your family?

Paloma frowned and sent a reply. No! I just woke up.

What's the rush? She wondered. Her eyes flickered down as his reply came in.

Gael: Bruh? It's 10 am.

What? Her eyes bulged and she doubled over in shock. She turned to her bedside clock and gasped. "10:05," she read out.

Horror surged through her. Her frantic eyes returned to her phone and she sent a quick reply.

Sorry. Gotta go.

Not waiting for his reply, she dropped the phone and jumped out of bed. She raced into the bathroom to prepare for the day. Ten minutes later, she ambled out and hurriedly arranged her hair. Not sparing a minute to look in the mirror, she rushed out of the room.

Adrenaline pumped through her as she flew down the stairs. She didn't stop until she reached the dining room. The scene that greeted her caused disappointment to swell within her. Her family was sitting around the table with plates of pancakes and eggs in front of them.

"Why didn't someone wake me?" She queried with a frown.

"Because you needed the extra sleep," A smile graced Timothy's lips. "Now have your seat and quench your hunger."

Paloma huffed and took her seat. Hunger gnawed at her stomach and she bit into the pancakes her mother had lovingly placed for her.

After a few bites, she cleared her throat and announced, "I have something to tell you guys after breakfast."

Pairs of eyes gazed at her with different emotions swirling in them.

Finally, Elana broke the silence, "That's no problem, Sweetie."

Paloma sent her mother a smile of appreciation and turned back to her food. Silence reigned as everyone concentrated on their meal. An occasional clanking of cutlery on the plate broke the silence. Several minutes later, the family rounded up, cleared the dishes, and relocated to the living room.

Paloma found herself standing in the middle of the room and a sense of Deja vu coursed through her. Her mind traveled to the day three months ago when she told her family about the petition.

She twiddled with her fingers as she gathered her thoughts. Solemn eyes stared at her in waiting.

"Don't be afraid, Cupcakes," Timothy said with a soft smile. "Say whatever you have to say."

"Thanks, Papa," she whispered. Her stomach flipped repeatedly and her throat went dry.

Calm down, Paloma! She said to herself.

Finally, she shuffled on her feet and stated, "I had a meeting with someone last night."

She went quiet as she let her family digest the information. Curiosity gleamed in the eyes of everyone.

Iris was the first to respond.

"I hope it's someone who can get us out of the mess we are in." She folded her arms. "Otherwise, I am not interested in who you fraternize with." She huffed and looked away.

Elena threw Iris a dirty look. "Hush, Iris! Let your sister speak." Her voice came out stern. "Carry on, Sweetie." She turned to Paloma.

Paloma bobbed her head and swallowed. "I met with someone at the lake last night. His name is Gael. He was the first person to sign the petition and now he is in trouble for it." Her voice came out low and bile rose to her throat.

It's all my fault! Guilt racked through her. Her eyes remained down. The fear of seeing accusation in her family's eyes stopped her from looking up.

"What kind of trouble, cupcakes?" Timothy asked in a quiet voice

"His sister is being blackmailed to marry the mayor of Newhill." Her voice was a notch above a whisper. The sick feeling swimming in her stomach intensified.

"Oh my word, that's terrible!" Elena exclaimed. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

Paloma felt like hugging her mother for raising the topic she was scared to start.

"Well, not directly. But there is something we can do." Her eyes finally darted up.

"And what's that?" Timothy questioned with quirked brows.

"Can we have them over for dinner today?" Paloma blurted out. She gazed at her parents.

Her family members stared at her with surprise.

"How's that helping them?" Alexa asked with raised brows.

"Well, to plan and strategize." A smile graced her lips. "The thing is that Gael and I have kinda partnered up to stop the deforestation and to stop his sister from marrying forcefully."

Understanding gleamed in Timothy's eyes. "That makes sense. What plans do you guys have in mind."

"None at the moment." Paloma's shoulders dropped. "That's why we need your help. The more people involved, the faster we can come up with a plan." Her words came out fast.

Paloma felt her confidence return and she smiled. "Please Papa, Mama." Her eyes drifted between her parents. "Can we invite them over for dinner today?"

A thoughtful expression marred Timothy's face and he hummed.

"What do you think, El?" He turned to the side.

Paloma gazed at her mother with bated breath and anticipation burning within her.

"Well, you know what I think..." A grin spread on Elena's lips. "I think it's a good idea." Her smile widened. "It's been a long time since we had guests. I feel like hosting and seeing new faces." Her eyes crinkled.

Relief surged through Paloma and her lips curled into a smile. "Thanks, Mamà!" She sent her a grateful smile. "What about you, Papà?" She turned to her father and held her breath.

"I have no problem. You can invite him and his family over. I would love to thank him personally for signing the petition when no one else did." A grin played on his lips.

Whatever fright left in Paloma washed away and she beamed. "Thanks, Papà!" She bounced on her feet. "I will inform him now."

She rushed out of the living room and dashed up the stairs and into her room. Her hands roamed over the bed looking for her phone. Finally, she found it, searched for Gael's name, and pressed the call button."

After two rings, Gael's deep voice filled the line. "Hey, Paloma. What's up?"

Paloma couldn't curtail her happiness so she squealed, "My family agreed!"

"Ahh, that's great! My mom and sister don't have any problem either."

Paloma's grin broadened. "That's wonderful!" she exclaimed.

Gael hummed in response. "So what time should we arrive?"

"Uh..." Paloma thought for a minute. "7 pm works."

"Well then, see you at 7, partner," Gael said and chortled.

"See you at 7, partner!" Paloma said through a smile.

                      ★★★★

The Jaramilo house was in a frenzy as everyone went about cleaning everywhere possible. Although in hindsight, there wasn't much cleaning to be done but the Jaramilos prided themselves in everything being spick and span.

"So what dish are we making?" Elena asked as the women gathered in the kitchen.

"Hmmm," Paloma hummed. "I don't know. But it should be something easy and something everyone will love."

"Yes, exactly." Elena agreed. "But what food fits that criteria?"

Alexa flicked her fingers and exclaimed, "Tacos!"

"Ooh, that's a nice idea. Great thinking, Lex." Elena smiled.

Alexa beamed in response.

"But what about dessert?" Iris asked. "I suggest churros and chocolate dipping sauce. What do you all think?"

Paloma smiled. "I think it's a great idea. We have all the ingredients at home."

Elena grinned. "Well, since it has been decided let's get to work."

And that's how the women spent the next one hour. Every woman was assigned a responsibility and things flowed smoothly.

Finally, everything was set and everyone was just waiting for 7 pm to arrive. Paloma spied a look at the clock.

6:55. Just five minutes more. For some reason, she was feeling nervous.

Gael's words drifted into her mind.

My signature on your petition signed me up for trouble.

Her heart squeezed as his words replayed in her head.

Do his mother and sister feel the same way?

Do they blame me for their misfortune?

Numerous questions flooded her mind and caused her to feel restless. The ringing of the doorbell caused her tension to rise.

"I will get it!" She jumped up and raced to the door.

She took steady breaths to calm herself down. With one pull, the door swung open. She sent Gerald a smile and her eyes drifted to the women beside him. Surprise surged through her and her eyes widened as they landed on a familiar face.

                        ★★★★★

Ooh, la la!

Can we guess what made Paloma surprised?

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Until next time, have a delicious dinner😁😂