.
I fix breakfast and minutes later we sit at thr table to eat. Gary kept stealing glances at me.
“Dad, it’s a week to chirstmas you know.” Hazel says. Gary took a bite from his steak.
“Yeah princess, I donkmoe.” She tucked her hair back.
“Aren’t we gonna go for shopping?.” Gary groans.
“Isn’t it better we order for everything than roaming in some dumb shopping mall!” Hazel scrunched her mouth into a pout.
“It’s more fun when you shop dad, isn’t it Lesley?.” I shrug not willing to join in the chat.
“Yeah I know it’s fun for you cos you’re gonna wander away.” Hazel giggles.
“Dad!, don’t tell me you’re still angry I left you guys in the park the other time.” I chuckle lowly.
“I’m not princess, but that won’t repeat itself again.” Hazel gives me a nudge with her foot under the table. Yeah smart ass, she wants me to convince him.
“C’mon it’s just for shopping, and she’s not gonna get lost cos it’s a mall.” Gary drew back his chair and dabs his mouth with a napkin.
“Yeah sure she can do go shop all day but count me out, I’ve got a lot of pressing issues on my mind okay?” Hazel shrugs a shoulder.
“it’s fine if you aren’t coming, I’ve got Lesley.. when do we leave?.” She asks in excitement. I huff, now I regret cajoling Gary to let us shop.
“I don’t know Hazel, anytime is fine by me.” Hazel grinned and drew back her chair.
“Alright et’s leave in the evening then.” And she saunter away before I could protest. Gary gives me a look that says *Good for you* I snort and drew back my chair.
I stride to the living room and plonk on the couch. He sits down beside me.
“How are you feeling brunnie.” I sigh as I remember the previous night incident.
“I’m alright, do you think Francis is fine?”. He scoffs angrily..
“Really?. should that be your concern right now?.” He’s always cranky when it comes to Francis.
“You almost killed him Gary!”
“Well I would do that if he comes any closer to you again.” I grab the controller and turn on the TV. Now I know where Hazel got her psycho attitude from.
“Eva is going to accompany you for the shopping.” I let out a sigh
“I’m old enough to shop for myself.”
“It’s not the same, she’s a professional. And I want the best. Family is gonna be around for the Christmas party. You need to look like Gary’s property.”
“Who says I’m your property?” I snort humorously.
“I did.” He smirks. “How was Francis able to get into your room?.”
“I’m really confused. I made sure the apartment is always locked. Although I had forgotten on one occasion to do so. When I woke up the next day, there’s a bouquet of flowers and card on the table. He frowns and faces me squarely.
“You mean that wasn’t the first time he had been at your apartment!?.” His face was taut. I bite my lower lip and nod.
“He had done that, on two occasions. The second time he had brought a single rose flower, chocolates and card spelling out his love for me, and then … he showed up last night.” Chills run down my spine as yesterday scenario flashed through my mind.
“Then why the fuck did you hide such thing from me!.” I fiddle with the controller.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t want to bother you cos I was suspecting someone else”. He leaned back and takes his hand at his hair.
“And who was that?”
“Umm…. Ben”. He lets out a low a chuckle.
“Fuck, No brunnie!. Ben is gonna be the least of persons to do so, he’s been working for us for years. He’s more like family.” I purse my lips. I didn’t know that.
“And Francis, he’s such a dickhead. Has this annoying voyeuristic interest in my affairs, it sucks!” He say through gritted teeth. He’s got a lot of beefs with his brother. He pulled out his phone as it buzzed. He checked the caller and stood up.
“I will be back brunnie.”He pecks me and walk out. I stare at his retreating figure. I shake off my thoughts and focused on the program on the TV.
I lean my head against the headrest as Eva drives widly to wher verbshes taking us . Stacy and Hazel occupies the backseat and Is singing nonstop to the music blaring out of the stereo. A car is trailing behind which I’m sure would be Ben”s. Eva nods continuously to the rhythm of the music. The late afternoon breeze ruffled our hair. it was a red convertible and so the top is out.
I watched the houses at the edge of the street with Christmas decors. I sigh lowly. This is the first Christmas I would be spending without her. I blink back my tears.
I don’t want to believe I’m going back to my depressed old self. Eva pulls into a stop at the large shopping mall and we all get down. Now the stares and mumurs begin. I hung my head low as we stride into a boutique. Stacy won’t stop grinning as some took snaps of us. I can’t seem to get used to it. Hazel skipped in front of us as the doors open. A man in denim jacket step out and he stares right at me . I take in his features. He had a scar running down his left eye. I look away and go in.
The interior decor is flawless and beautiful. This should definitely be one of the best boutique in New York. Few people were milling around. Christmas lightings and decorations was hung at every corner of the large boutique.
“Oh my gee!, I’m staying here till forever” Stacy squealed as she moved to a set of dresses displayed on mannequins. Eva laughs and pulled Hazel by the hand.
“Come on kid…. let’s go hunt for Christmas presents.” Hazel feasting over the beautiful store followed her. I huff and trail behind them clearly not interested.
GARY GAUTHIER’S POV
I swim to the deck of the swimming pool as Carly approaches me.
“I told you I needed to be alone Carly what’s the issue?” He bowed slightly.
“Sorry boss but Miss Brie is causing trouble at the entrance and says she wants to see you and she wouldn’t leave unless you let her in.” My face clouds in annoyance. She’s always a kill my joy. I pull out of the water as Carly stare at my abs. Yeah, crazy gay.
“I’m straight Carly” I say as I roll my eyes. Carly itches his hair in embarrassment.
“Sorry boss.” He turns and walk out. I dey up my body with a towel before going after him.
*
“Brie!, You know that’s not possible.” I clench my fist in anger. i don’t raise my hand on ladies, my patience is thinning out with Brie. She flips her hair and cross her legs on the table.
“Well, last checked, Hazel is mine by right and I get to decide if I want her to stay with me. I slide my hand down my face.
“There’s something behind your action Brie, you hate kids. You only wanna use this as a bait. spill it out already.” I blurt. Brie rakes her eyes at my bare chest and gulp. befire tearing her eyes away.
“Oh Gary!, you’re always so damn smart. Anyways here’s my proposition.” She folds her arm.
“I want you to cut off your relationship with that your fucked up pussy, want you back” she says with a smirk
“What!” I find myself saying.
.
.
.