64 The Offer (1/2)

Dr. Grace, suddenly,felt elated but was too good in concealing it. Jim's dad recognized her?Could it be possible that Jim had mentioned her to him and why?

She, almost,couldn't contain the overwhelming feelings she had inside. She and Jim...

A voice cut her reverie.”Dr. Grace,your parents and I,are in the business world. During one of our meetings,they had mentioned that you are being in a training with my son.”Mr. Phyllis Wayne maintained a smile.

Dr. Grace nodded. She suddenly felt frustrated that it was her parents who mentioned her to him, and not him.

”I see.. ”

”By the way, I am looking forward to have a chat with you over coffee some other time.”

Dr. Grace could not believe her ear!Mr. Phyllis Wayne,the father of Jim,invited her? Mr. Wayne,the father of Jim likes her as..... her daughter -in -law someday? She felt tickled with the thought and in the next moment,felt hundreds of butterflies in her stomach!

”How about tomorrow? You and Jim would be out from work. So, I guess we could have more time to spendtogether.” Mr. Wayne suggested,his eyes shifted from her and his son.

”That would be fine, sir.”She smiled,resisting the urge to jump and scream in excitement.

”See you,then.”Mr. Wayne said while he handed her a business card.

They,then,exchanged quick goodbyes before the father and son turned towards the parking lot. Dr. Jim did not bring his car along with him because Jia was routinelypicking and dropping him off daily.

”Dad,we will be using your car. Where do you want us to go? ”Mr. Wayne squinted, wondering where his car was,but chose to be silent in the end.

”Okay. ” He, then,walked ahead to his car and gave Jim the keys.

Jim took him to one of the best restaurant in the city. He picked up the farthest table from the entrance so that they would not be disturbed by the diners as they would come and go. He just felt uncomfortable with his sudden visit and he could not wait to know.

Mr. Wayne picked up the menu,scanned his eyes on it, then handed it to Jim who got busy with his phone. Jim looked up and said, ”It's up to you,dad. Any food is fine with me.”

It was about lunchtime and Jia must have already prepared his lunch. So,he sent her a message.

”Sweetheart,don't bring me lunch today. Dad, unexpectedly picks me out for lunch.”

Jia suddenly realized that his dad was just in the same city with them. Yet,she never remembered that Jim had brought up his name in their daily conversation. She,suddenly,felt a sense of fear and insecurities. What could be his dad's reaction about their wedding plan?

Mr. Phyllis Wayne's voice interrupted Jim's moment with Jia. ”Son, how are you? ”

Jim looked up to him and did not reply right away. His question seemed strange and distant. Afterfew seconds,he briefly replied.

”Doing good with my training,dad. And how are you,as well?”

”Busy as usual. Trips here and there but it's better than doing nothing at all.” He shrugged his shoulders as he replied.