The middle aged butler Henry met us at the door.
"Mr. Blue!"
"Hello Henry...is the old man in?"
"You know the rules."
He was pointing at Arachner behind me who was carrying the goods. Seems he'd bought quite a bit himself while he had been 'locked up' but for such things, our dad should have known the perfect gift.
"He's the business."
"Can I know more?"
"Henry!"
"Okay!"
He led us to the study. Good thing he led us from out or else... but what if someone takes a photo and sends it to her? I send a text to Wales just in case someone still had the strength to take off.
"Blue!"
"Red!"
"Been a while... and the moment you come you get into trouble with an old man...sit..."
"I don't think I should..."
I also don't know what I am doing.
"...you have a granddaughter someone here is interested in."
"Interest, interest doesn't cut it."
So he knew who my brother was. Does he know who I am now? Just a regular kid still living with his parents... maybe not anymore.
"What is he to you? You look alike... somewhat."
I have to come clean. We were going to be family at some point. And my brother was the one seeking audience, I don't know if I am doing the right thing here.
"My elder brother."
At some point he'd told me to pick any lady in his house... just to make them an official wife even if I wanted to have concubines. I wonder if that could also apply to two con artists... no offense.
He beat around the bush some more until I showed him a photo of those two together. He hadn't exploded after introductions so we were seated now as he scrutinized it then sighed.
"Is it him?"
"Unfortunately!"
"Do you think he's worthy?"
"Is anyone ever? Though we wouldn't be sitting here under these circumstances if he were."
"We had our issues and I am sorry about them. I am trying to right a wrong, trying to be worthy...if you let me."
He watched him, silent for a good five minutes before he turned to look at me...
"Can I talk to him?"
I nodded and stood up, excused myself before going out. They were going to be in-laws sooner or later, he had to talk to the person who'd raised her to be his wife and straighten out issues...my turn will come for this step soon.
Henry walked up to me the minute I stepped out.
"Elite dinner. Want to join?"
"No, too rough for those."
"Someone wants to talk...in the garden."
I guess word sure spread fast.
"Traditions?"
"He doesn't mind."
That meant Arachner wouldn't have a tough time.
"Okay! Lead the way."
Looking at that face and I knew she was the known granddaughter of the old man. The same woman that had pestered Quint quite a number of times to date.
She was someone people held in high pedestal due to her background yet her eyes only looked at beauty and luxury, everything else beneath her.
Covering his tattooed arms, dressing up a little, Quint played that part so well, but that was so not him.
"I shouldn't have come."
"Sorry but she's still my boss."
"A warning at least."
Although if he'd warned me I wouldn't have come, so, okay. Let's just get this over with.
"Each time you come you're too busy. Today I get to meet you."
"What do you want? I don't have time for you."
I also hadn't come with Quint.
"I have a land that is rich in minerals...I could give it to you."
"Not interested."
I wasn't going to sell my brother over for land. If I am not wrong that land has had issues for the longest time. It was rocky, miners had tried their hands at it but died in the process, yes it had minerals but the thin veins weren't worth it. I don't have a thousand years to wait for them.
A waste of time, money and resources for something you never know will bear fruits.
Also there were penalties, court calls. A lot of hussle.
If she were interested in everything else, she'd have known that land was totally useless... only those new to this business had been vying for it and the seller had ripped them a good chunk and taken off.
The land's location was in a perfect area... just, sigh.
-Hey, how was your day?
-It was great, I miss you.
-That why you're on my bed?
-It's comfortable... I messed up a bit during art.
He pointed the camera at a shirt on a hanger... white with huge patches at the front.
-We were painting the sky.
-Is it oil-based paint?
-No, but I am thinking of making it permanent... add more paints on it, make it look more artsy.
-That will look cool... did you have dinner?
-Yes! I had cup noodles... coconut flavour...
I love moments like these, when we talk about our day. Have him sleep while I went on with my evening. It had been three days and the major issues were taken care of. At the moment, I was looking at the four proposals and making my own plan while integrating them.
-Are you tired?
-A little bit.
-Then come back.
-I will, there's just something little to look into then I'll come to you.
Was it bad to like his clingy side, we have not known each other for long, just almost two weeks yet I feel like I have known him for more...though many a time I feel like he keeps so much from me.
Though, who cares, everyone has secrets. If he's sincere, there's nothing I should worry about.