35 STAY
LUKE’S POV
Ariel and I saw some people standing not too far from us, each of them holding cameras, and they were taking pictures of the two of us.
Since Ariel was giving them all of her attention, I dragged the bat from her hands. No doubt we still had a problem around here, but at least my car wouldn’t be getting demolished.
Ariel Reynold,” one of them said, moving closer. “Can you please explain to us what this is all about?”
Ariel raised an eyebrow with a displeasing look. “Can you please mind your own business?”
“This is our business,” the dude said. Ariel just ignored him as she started walking away.
“Aren’t you going to take your clothes along with you?” I sounded off, reminding her that her properties were still with me, right in my car.
“You can keep them!” she yelled back, not even glancing at me. She had now gotten a little bit far.
“Are you sure about that?” I shouted again. And you could just guess what she did: she flicked me off.
chuckled. It was kind of disrespectful, but I have to say, I loved this version of Ariel.
م
The guy who was taking pictures turned to me. “So, Mr. Reynold, care to tell us about the whole situation?”
“Have a nice day, man.” I patted his shoulder and burst into my car.
ARIEL’S POV
I arrived home, and right in the living room, these four were gathered: Andre, Mason, Seth, and Michael. They were all sitting down. I slowly
I could discern Mason’s towards
gaze
it wasn’t a nice one, so I took my
closed the door and walked in their direction in the same manne L
eyes off him and fixed them on a better person.
me;
“You all came home early,” I said, advancing towards them. I sat close to Andre, trying my very best to ignore Mason’s gaze. “So what’s the discussion about?”
“We had an issue at our company in Canada, so we’ll need to go there to resolve it,” Andre answered.
“Okay, hold on, so we’re going back to Canada?” I needed to be clear about this whole discussion.
“Yes, but Mason here insists that we stay a little longer. He says he has some are, and he keeps on refusing to tell me.”
things to take care
www
of in New Haven, but I have no idea what they
guys? I’ve already told you. You can go to Canada with all these two, but Ariel
“Come on now, brother, why are you still stressing yourself over and I will stay to run the business around here.”
Andre looked at me instantly. “You agree with that, Ariel?”
“Of course she’s going to agree,” Mason chimed in. “Remember, we have an ongoing project with The Reynold Company. Someone will have to be in charge around here to see how that goes.”
“I agree,” Seth brought out and turned to Andre. “Look, sir, the project with Luke Reynold’s company is really important, and indeed, someone will need to represent us. The Vitality Group at New Haven is gradually developing, so someone needs to handle it. I believe Ariel will be able to do that flawlessly.”
Andre nodded. “That is true. But I need to hear from Ariel first. Let’s see what she has to say–if she’s going to follow us to Canada or stay here in New Haven.”
I breathed out deeply. “Well, I’d really love to go back to Canada; my babies must be missing me,” I uttered, looking at Mason. His glare towards me was slowly coming up.
I continued, “But as Seth has said, Vitality Group is in New Haven, so we need someone to manage it. So I think I’ll stay.”
“Are you sure about that? Andre asked, looking fixedly at me.
I stared back at him for seconds before finally answering, “Yes, I’m sure. I’m sure about that.”
Michael clapped his hands right away. “See? Case closed. I told you all it’s going to be easy once Ariel arrives. His words caused me to laugh
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silently.
“So will Ariel be the only one staying?” Andre threw a question.
“I thought I told you,” Mason vocalized, and we all glanced at him. “I’ll be staying here with her. Vitality Group is indeed going to need a genius.” He felt so proud of himself.
“Okay then,” Andre uttered beneath his breath. “Guess, it’s all settled then.”
“Now time for refreshments.” Michael clasped his hands together, and his eyes went to me forthwith. “So, miss,” he said, giving me a knowing
look.
“What?” I asked him incontinently.
“I’m hungry.”
Seth glared at Michael. “How many times do I have to tell you to act mature? You’re no little kid.”
“I wasn’t talking to you in the first place.” Michael frowned back at him.
“Okay, okay, there’s no need to start an argument.” Andre tried to calm them down. “We need to start packing our stuff.”
“When will the three of you be leaving?” I queried. Not that curious, though.
“Tomorrow morning. As early as possible.” Andre stood up.
“But tomorrow’s your birthday.” I reminded him.
He raised an eyebrow in confusion. “It is?”
“Of course.” I laughed. “See, you’ve even forgotten.”
“Why don’t we just celebrate it tonight?” Michael brought a suggestion. “I mean, we can just buy a few things, get the cake, and boom! It’s a happy birthday, sir.”
“I think I’ll be leaving now. I have some things to take care of.” Seth stood up and moved to the door.
Andre walked to Seth and patted his shoulder. “Okay, Seth, take care. Remember to come early tomorrow.”
“Okay sir.” Seth nodded with a narrow smile before leaving the house.
“Glad that guy is gone.” Michael leaned against the couch, slowly closing both of his eyes.
“So, about that birthday suggestion, Michael?” I smiled at him, and he opened his eyes promptly. “Yeah, we’re going to discuss that, but first, can you please find me something to eat? I’m starving. “Okay, then Michael,” I brought out, leisurely getting to my feet. “Andre, would you like to eat as well?” “Yes please, My tummy’s been grumbling since morning,” Andre answered, taking off his shirt.
“Seriously? You haven’t eaten since morning?” I quizzed him and surprised him a little.
“Nope. I’ve been really busy. So let me know when the food is ready. I’ll be in my room upstairs.” Andre headed for the stairs. “You didn’t care to ask about me,” Mason smirked. I wanted to throw him a dark look, but I decided to suppress my anger.
I closed my eyes, shaking my head, trying to put myself together. “Okay, then, mister, would you like to have something?”
“Nah, you can get your ugly ass to the kitchen,” he derided, inflaming me. And I just wanted to grab a knife right now and throw it at his head. I ignored Mason and made my way to the kitchen. Michael had his eyes closed, and I didn’t even know if he was sleeping, but that never really mattered to me anyway.
Just as I was about to get the stuff to prepare my dish, the doorbell rang
“Ariel, someone’s at the door! Mason informed me in a blaring tone.
He was the one close to the door. Why didn’t he go and check it out himself? That is good for nothing, scumbag.
I glared at Mason, who was giving his phone all of his attention as I walked to the door. When I opened it, I was surprised to see who had shown
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- up.
It was Luke.
