~Quality Family Time~
1246 Words
“Uncle Cole! Uncle Cole!”
Cole quickly kept his phone in his pocket and opened his arms wide, bending to catch the two little girls that were running towards him at full speed.
“Anna! Ava! Guys, how many times will I tell you to quit running within the house…” Rose Stuart was saying but the girls were focused on their uncle.
Cole caught them and enveloped them in his arms. “Hey there, lovelies. How are you doing?” He asked, still crouched to accommodate the height difference.
“Uncle Cole, I missed you so much.” Anna said.
“Yes, Uncle Cole, we missed you,” said Ava.
It was easier to differentiate them because they were wearing the exact same princess dresses but in different colors. Ava’s was pink while her sister's was a light blue. This was what helped Cole otherwise he wouldn’t know who was whom.
“I missed you too guys” Cole said, staring at them adorably.
“We wanted to come visit but Mummy said…” Anna was interrupted by Rose’s sudden cough.
“Come now girls, let's go sit down, it’s dinner time” She said, taking the twins away from Cole swiftly. She was avoiding Cole’s gaze.
“But, Mum…”
“Not now Ava, Dinner” She said through gritted teeth then led the children out to the gardens.
Cole sighed not knowing what to make of his cousin's behavior.
He followed them out to the backyard. It was decorated in a typical outdoor dinner setting. The backyard was illuminated by colorful lights and the flowers in the garden gave off different lovely scents and added to the beauty of the entire scenery. The water in the backyard pool was now still and it reflected the beautiful lights.
The magnificent dinner table had already been set thanks to Grandma Stuart and her team. There was a wide spread of various dishes. From braised short ribs to glazed lamb chops. There was also some salad, baked potatoes and some roast chicken. Grandma Stuart had gone all out.
Cole took a seat beside Grandpa Stuart with the seat next to him empty.
“I thought you were bringing your date” Grandpa Stuart explained.
“Yes, Cole what about her?” Smith said with a smirk. He was sitting accross the table from him.
Cole glared at him and replied, “She was preoccupied tonight.”
“Really?” Smith replied in a sarcastic tone showing Cole that he didn't believe him. Cole made a mental note to get a girl as soon as possible.
They were about to eat when they were joined by Smith’s ever tardy wife and their son, Smith junior.
“So sorry I'm late everyone, J.Smith’s dentist appointment took longer than expected.” She said as she took her seat beside her husband.
“Welcome Karen”
“Hello everyone, J.Smith say ‘hello,” Karen said in a cheerful voice.
The boy mumbled a greeting, staring at his plate. He was a quiet and grumpy eight year old.
“Alright let's eat” Grandpa Stuart said with a flourish.
“This looks so good, Grandma, as always,” Cole commented and Grandma only nodded.
The air was immediately filled with the sound of clinking cutlery.
“Tastes wonderful too,” Jade’s husband, Derek, said. He was having some roast chicken with a salad.
“It's been quite a while since we sat down to dinner like this,” Rose commented.
“It's probably because some people leisurely forget that their Grandparents exist.” Grandma said, looking into her dish and slowly chewing some lamb chops.
There was a sudden hush and they all looked at one another.
“Now now, Greta, at least they are all here now, let's just enjoy this delicious dinner” Grandpa Stuart said.
“So, how's everyone’s company doing? Cole?” Smith asked after sipping at his glass of wine.
“My company is doing great if you must know.” Cole said, giving him his signature glare.
“Really? That's not what the news says.”
Cole let out a sigh. A recent scandal in Stuart tech had led to a drop in sales and he was still trying to solve it.
“We’re working on, Smith” He snapped
“Well, Stuart fashion is doing absolutely well and we're holding a Spring fashion line soon all inspired by my love” She said and placed a hand on her husband's arm, staring at him lovingly.
“I see, how about you Rosa?” Smith asked.
“This is a family dinner, Smith, not a board meeting.” Rose snapped at him. “And what makes you feel like we should report to you, that's the job of the head of the group.”
“So…?” Smith had a smirk on his face.
Rose laughed. “Dream on darling. Like you're capable of handling those responsibilities.” She chuckled again, shaking her head.
“And what makes you think I can't. After all I’m the oldest” He replied sparing a glance at Grandpa Stuart who seemed to be enjoying the direction the conversation was going
“You can barely manage one company, I don't see how you can handle the whole group.” She said and ate a bit of salad.
“So who do you think can handle it, you?”
“Yes, why not? I'm perfectly able.”
Smith was about to say something but Jade beat him to it.
“Woah, hold on guys, aren't you being a bit forward.” She said, dabbing her lips with a napkin. “My company is obviously doing better so the position rightfully belongs to me.”
“Don't give me that nonsense talk on who's company is the best. Besides, it's all that money that your husband pumps into your company that holding you up. If not you would have packed up business ages ago with your dull and dry fashion designs”
Jade gasped. “How dare you.” She said, looking offended. Her husband, Jasper placed a comforting hand on her, sending Smith a displeased look
“How can you talk to her like that? You're not doing any better.” Cole said.
“You're one to talk Mr downward-slope-sales-chart” Smith said with an eye roll.
Cole glared at him.
“Besides, Grandpa hasn't even stepped down yet” Jade said
“Well I'm just pointing out what a great leader I am.” Smith said.
“Indeed” Rose snorted
“If you think you're so high and mighty try running the group. You have to bear it in mind though that it's not a candy shop.”
“Smith.” Penelope said in a warning tone. Cole parents just looked on.
“At least I run my candy shops better than that dirt hole of a bar! How many clubs do you have? Your lazy ass can’t even maintain one and Stuart Confectionery is only months old with several branches.” Rose said hotly.
“Why you…”
“Alright that’s enough!” Grandpa Stuart said in an authoritative voice and everyone went silent. “That was a spirited debate. Now can we enjoy this delicious dinner?”
They had light conversations from then but you could still feel the tension between the grandchildren during the entire dinner. So much for some quality family time.
- Writer
