“Thank you,” I told him.
“It was the only thing that worked for me growing up here.”
I hugged his side as we looked over our surroundings.
“Did you miss it?” I asked him.
“Not even one iota.”
The tranquil-looking pool below us boasted an iridescent black tile floor and I found myself almost frightened of it. I imagined it would swallow me whole and I would sink into its dark abyss if I ever dared place a toe in that grim water.
“Ian!” I heard behind us.
We both turned and I took in an older, slightly taller version of Ian. He was more tan than my Ian with shorter, more clean-cut hair, though I think that was only because Ian didn’t have a barber at his disposal as readily as Simon did. He sported impeccable clothing with a European flair. All in all, Simon was gorgeous, but he lacked a fire in his eyes that Ian possessed. Yes, Ian was infinitely more beautiful. Girls could keep Simon Aberdeen. I had Ian.
“Simon!” Ian shouted.
Simon scooped up Ian and tossed him around playfully. He greeted him in, what I assumed was, Afrikaans. They exchanged greetings and I stood awkwardly against the railing wishing to everything holy I could have understood them. I perked up only when Simon eyed me before gesturing and asking Ian another question in Afrikaans.
“Oh, I’m so sorry, Soph. Excuse me,” he said, meeting me and wrapping my hand in his then pulling me over to meet his brother.
“Simon, this is Miss Sophie Price. Sophie, this is my brother, Simon.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” I said, extending my hand.
Simon bent and grabbed it with a wink my direction and kissed my palm cheekily. “A pleasure, Miss Price, I’m sure.” He righted himself. “Ian’s told me so much about you. I feel like I know you already.”
“He has, has he? What were these things?” I teased back.
“Not necessary!” Ian practically yelled. “Let’s get inside, shall we? Mom and Dad are here?” he asked, practically pushing me back into the living room.
“Nah, shortly though.”
My stomach dropped a little.
“Where are they?” Ian asked.
“Mom’s at a press conference. Dad’s at a meeting. They said they’ll be home by four.”
“So what’s this news I had to travel half a day to hear?”
“It would sort of be anti-climatic, don’t you think, if I just blurted it out there?”
“I suppose so.”
“I’ll tell you at dinner.”
“Mom and Dad don’t know then.”
“No, you’ll all find out together.”
Ian eyed him curiously. “Where are we eating?”
Simon cleared his throat and looked at the ceiling. “Aubergine’s.”
“Dear Lord, this is serious,” Ian stated.
Simon sighed, running his hands through his dark hair. He sat at the kitchen bar and sank his head into his palms.