“I wonder if they’ll ever get along,” I murmur.
“Who?” Falcon asks, not taking his eyes off the road ahead.
“Kingsley and Mason.”
“I’m sure they will, eventually.”
“I hope so.”
We pull up to a hotel where the function is being held and getting out of the car, we all gather in front of the entrance before we go in.
“I have something to take care off,” Serena says, and I let out a sigh of relief as she walks away from us.
“Thanks for that guys,” Lake mutters sarcastically.
“Always a pleasure,” Mason teases.
When we walk into the designated hall, nerves begin to spin a web in my stomach until I see Mom. I wave at her, and when she comes over, I don’t care about keeping up appearances and hug her.
“I missed you,” I whisper, relishing in the feel of my mom’s arms around me.
“I missed you, too.” She pulls back and inspects my face. “You’re doing okay, right?”
I nod. “Yes, I’m winning at this college thing.”
Mom turns her smile to Falcon, “It’s good seeing you again.”
“You too, Stephanie.”
Mom looks back to me, then mentions, “I spoke with your dad. He was a little worried about you.”
I wave a hand, brushing it off as nothing. “I just missed him. I can’t wait for him to visit.”
“Only a couple of more weeks,” she reassures me.
“Ahh… look who finally decided to join us,” Mr. Reyes says as he comes up behind Mom. “Stephanie, I must compliment you on doing a wonderful job raising Layla. She’s quite the woman.”
“Thank you, Warren.”
“Good seeing you again, Sir,” I greet him.
“Father,” Falcon says with a nod.
“You two enjoy the festivity.” Mr. Reyes takes hold of Mom’s elbow and guides her toward more guests who just arrived.
Soft piano music plays in the background complimenting the hum of voices as people stand and talk in small groups.
I lean closer to Falcon and ask, “What are we supposed to do?”
“Eat, smile, and then we leave after the announcement.”
“What announcement?” I ask.
Falcon smiles and gestures to someone. Placing a hand on my lower back, he says, “Let me introduce you.”
“You actually came,” A man says as he shakes hands with Falcon.
I immediately see the similarities. They’re the same height and have the same dark hair with sharp features.
“You must be Layla,” he says, holding out his hand to me. “I’m Julian Reyes, Falcon’s brother.”
Bringing a warm smile to my face, I take his hand. “It’s a pleasure finally meeting you.”
“Finally?” He raises an eyebrow and the corner of his mouth twitches. “Does that mean Falcon has been talking about me?”
The Reyes men all have the same gestures.
“I’ve only heard good things,” I assure him.
“That’s hard to believe,” Julian teases.
“Are you ready?” Falcon asks him.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Julian takes a deep breath then looks around the room. “It’s a little of an anti-climax now that the day is here.”
“How so?”
Holding up a glass with amber fluid, he explains, “It feels like that moment you get your first car. There will never be a moment like it again. I’m sure I’ll hate being the chairman six months from now.”
Falcon lets out a chuckle. “Rather, you than me.”
Someone catches Julian’s attention. “It’s time.” He smiles at me. “It was nice meeting you. I’m sure we’ll see each other in the near future.”
I nod and watch as Julian walks to the front of the hall where a small podium stands. Mr. Reyes is already behind the glass structure. He looks at Falcon and indicates for him to come up front.
“It will only take a minute. Get something to drink while you wait,” Falcon says, and adjusting his jacket, he walks to the front.
Kingsley comes to stand next to me and hands me a flute. “Don’t get your hopes up. It’s not alcoholic.”
I take it from her. “Damn, so much for hoping, but thank you, my friend.”
“What was it like meeting Julian?” she asks.
I shrug as I take a sip of the drink, but the second it hits my taste buds, I cover the glass and spit it back out. I rush to the restroom and quickly rinse my mouth.
That was really stupid of me. I should’ve known anything bubbly in a flute would be apple juice.
“Are you okay?” Kingsley asks.
I pat my mouth dry, then answer, “Yes, it was apple juice. I’m allergic to strawberries, and apples are from the same family, so I just avoid it.”
“Shit, I didn’t know. Can you have grapes? There’s chardonnay with a grape flavor being served, as well. I can get you one of them.”
“Grapes are safe,” I smile.
We go back to the hall, and as we walk in, Mr. Reyes says, “Thirty-two years.”
Everyone grows quiet and turns to face the front.
Mr. Reyes places his hands on either side of the podium, his head bowed. Julian is standing to his right