Suddenly Becoming A Mum - Chapter 120

“Sir how can I help you?” Asked a service person. It was a young man, about twenty years old. The nut-brown hair was neatly combed back and the black and white service uniform fitted. It was to be expected from such a noble bistro as Le Petit Gusteau. Although it was a rather small bistro, it was still very exclusive. With its cozy ambience it reminded of a wine tavern from the Provence.

Small tables, antique wood and vintage bistro furniture, stylish pictures on the wood paneling and simple decorative elements exude that credible Parisian bistro feeling.

Almost all seats were taken, although Le Petit Gusteau was rather hidden among the insider tips of Dijon.

Alexandre nodded. “Alexandre de Valois. Would you please escort me to the table of my wife and relatives.”

“Of course. If you’ll follow me, please.” The boy pointed into the corridor with his gloved hand and led Alexandre through the hall of tables to a remote part of the bistro. Only a few tables were placed in front of the impressive window front, where a chattering group of three ladies and a child sat at a single table. Faces all too familiar to him. They seemed to be having a pleasant conversation while the little one bathed in the care of his grandmother. A cheerful serenity floated around the round table.

Alexandre walked over to the table without waiting for the young waiter.

” Maman. Louise.” Did he greet his mother and sister.

“Alexandre?” Lily whispered in surprise and turned her head, so she could look him in the eyes. A slight blush lay around her cheeks while he lost himself in the innocent glint of her eyes. His heart softened. Dame it! She was so cute! Lost in her sight, he bent over.

She shivered as his warm breath settled over her neck and cheek. Alexandre smiled softly before kissing her check from behind. Promptly her face turned red.

“Hello, Love.” He whispered next to her ear before he stood up again and examined her face carefully. She seemed relaxed, she was fine.

“Alec.” The little one was beaming at him, his face was covered with bread crumbs and his eyes became big and bright. But not those of Alexandres mother! Pin-pointed pupils fastened him out of slitted eyes. Once their eyes met, the hostile expression on his mothers face disappeared beneath her cheerful mask.

“Alexandre, what a surprise!” She greeted her son with a sugar smile. Her voice feigned gentleness and surprise. But in her eyes the accusation was still clearly visible. His gaze fell on his little sister, who was sitting unusually quiet at the table. Hah! Caught!

He pulled out a chair and sat down next to his wife. “I heard you were out, and since I was nearby I wanted to greet you.” Casually he accepted the menu, which the waiter handed him. Taking a quick look inside, he ordered the best that caught his eye before handing the menu back to the waiter. Actually he was not hungry. There was already a huge lump in his stomach. It would surely grow. He wondered if Maman would make a big scene.

“Well, well…” Mumbled his mother. Her eyes were sharp like an eagle’s.

He was annoyed. “Have you ordered the wine yet?”

“No, Alexandre.” His mother replied to him with elusive calm. “Not yet. Would you like to recommend something?”

No, he didn’t. He asked about the wine list. “What did you order?” He wanted to know, after he opened the card. “For the appetizer, Soupe de Poisson, I presume.”

“Quite right.” His mother confirmed. Somehow it seemed like she and he were doing the table talk alone. Hah! Louise had definitely messed up something!

Alexandre then ordered a bottle of water, a bottle of rosé wine to go with the starter, a bottle of red wine for the main course and a bottle of dessert wine. Adrien of course got the cola he wanted. Even though Lily frowned at the mere word cola, she didn’t say a word. Since Maman had found a new crown prince, to whom she would fulfill his every wish. His mother’s attention was totally focused on Adrien.

Alexandre wrinkled his eyebrows. Had she longed so badly for a grandson, or did she want to rub something in his face?

Alexandre didn’t know what his mother expected out of this behavior. But he would surely find out tonight. Because if something was on his mother’s mind, she wouldn’t keep it locked up for long.

That’s for sure.