Chapter 222 - Jeff-Jeff (2/2)

Jeff's thoughts are interrupted by a series of knocks on his door.

”Jeff-Jeff...” Melodious female voice called from the other side of the door. ”Jeff-Jeff, are you awake?”

'Oh, no!', Jeff thought. Female voice belongs to his mother, Elanor. And she calls him Jeff-Jeff only when she wants something from him. Normally she calls him Jeff, and when she is angry then it's Jeffrey. But Jeff-Jeff is very dangerous... he shivered at the thought that his mom wants to force him do something. His dread is amplified at the thought that Isabella and her father are staying in Reno until evening.

Female voice sounded again, ”Jeff-Jeff, I'm coming in...”

Jeff didn't have time to react before Elanor's eyes landed on him. ”Here you are, Jeff-Jeff. Why are you not answering?” She was smiling, but Jeff shivered subconsciously. That was a chilling smile.

Jeff shrunk a bit while looking at his mom, cautious of her next words.

Elanor observed Jeff. She could guess what he is thinking, she is his mother, after all. Elanor walked up to him and placed her hands on his shoulders. ”Jeff-Jeff... relax... why are you acting as if I have bad intentions?”

Jeff forced a smile. ”Why are you looking for me?”

Elanor gave Jeff the sweetest smile, and Jeff braced himself. He knows that the sweeter that smile is, the harsher the request will be. Well, his mom would make it sound like a request, but it was an order. When she spoke, Jeff realized that he was not wrong. ”You know that Isabella is here until tonight, right? It would be nice if you meet her for lunch... at the WV steakhouse... at one o'clock.”

”You already made a reservation?”, Jeff expected this.

”I hope you don't mind...” Her words were sweet, but her eyes threatening.

Jeff sighed. ”Of course.”

”Then it's settled. Dress up casually.” Elanor advised, as she left the room.

Jeff helplessly looked at the closed door. 'Lunch with Isabella? That sounds like a torture at this point. Sarah said she is a sweet girl, but I can't see it... and it's not her fault. She is nice, it's just that...' He exhaled and imagined if this lunch was with JoAnna... Jeff could see her sitting at the table opposite from him, or maybe in a booth, next to him… his heart skipped a beat. How he wished that today's lunch is with that sharp-tongued woman who can drive him crazy... 'When we have lunch together, will she eat my food again?' He smiled at his own thoughts. He would not mind... He imagined JoAnna smiling at him, looking at him affectionately with her deep blue eyes, and chatting… 'What would we talk about? It does not matter, really… if she is talking, I will listen…' And then, maybe, their hands touch, accidentally. Jeff felt that he is losing himself.

'I need to focus. Today's lunch is with Isabella, and I can't escape it...' Jeff's eyes flashed with an idea and he dialed a number on his phone.