The Playboy’s Downfall novel Chapter 65

ISLA

When we were done eating, Zero’s mom guided us to their garden. Zero’s father is not around since he needs to settle some things in their company.

“This is the first time that Zero bring someone—”

“Ma!” Zero cuts in when he equaled our pace.

I looked at him and at his mom, who was glaring at him.

“What? I’m just telling—”

“You asked for Isla’s presence, right?” Zero uttered as he pierced his eyes into his mom.

I wanted to get out of Mrs. Cohen’s grip because I don’t want to feel the tension between her and Zero. However, I don’t want to become rude.

“Did I—Oh… Okay, I get it. Sorry, sweetie, mom is just like this sometimes,” she let out a soft chuckle, “you know, this is a sign of aging. Anyway,” she pulls me again until we sat on the wooden bench. Zero then sat on the single wooden chair that are fixed on the ground by cement. The table is made of wood too, which really makes it alluring.

There were many flowers too, especially red roses. I bet; Mrs. Cohen loves roses.

“Anyway,” Mrs. Cohen repeated, “Zero told me…” okay, it’s Zero again. Now, I can’t help to wonder. And I don’t need to overthink. So, I just listen to Mrs. Cohen. “You’re already in college, right?”

I nodded. “Yes, m—er…” I paused. Seems I can’t say it.

Mrs. Cohen laugh and tapped my hand. “It’s okay. You can call me ‘mom’, besides your mom is my friend too, and it’s been a while since I’ve talked to her.”

I smiled. “I’m a freshman.” Okay, I can’t say that word, it’s kinda awkward, and it’s hurt me since I know that… what Zero and I had, for now, is just play—a game. We’re just pretending. We’re a fake couple.

“Oh, I see, You’re too young. You just turn eighteen this year, right?”

I didn’t know that this will be an interview. I glanced at Zero, and my eyes get a little wider when I saw him staring at us---particularly at me. I don’t know but I had the feeling that he’s been staring at me since we sit here.

“Yes.”

“Zero here is already twenty-eight, sweetie,” Mrs. Cohen said as she glanced at her son. “Are you sure you want an old man—”

“Old man?” Zero appealed. “Ma, I even look younger than those group of boys in college,” he said.

I pressed my lips and flashed a smile. He’s right.

“Really? At your age, you should already find the woman that will bear your child and start a family,” Mrs. Cohen said and I feel awkward because of it. I know Mrs. Cohen seems to smell that we’re not real couples but she’s pretending that she doesn’t know and doesn’t point it out.

“I am enjoying my bachelor days, mom. Besides, there’s no perfect one for me—because I, myself, are not suitable for that love thingy,” he replied and leaned on the backrest of the chair.