In Love With My Father’s Best Friend

Like A Father To Me

Quinton

What the hell was wrong with me?

This game was supposed to be casual. No strings attached, yet I couldn't stop replaying the kiss: the softness of her lips on mine, how we moved on the same tempo until the noises around us drowned out in my head.

The game continued after like nothing happened. Everyone went back to their business, tossing the bottle round until the masked ball came to an end and it was time to call it a night.

“This is why I don't play truth or dare. That game is so nasty.” I said, trying to sound as nonchalant and unfazed as possible.

“I apologize for the kiss earlier. Teenagers will make you want to act their age. I hope you weren't offended.”

“No… not at all. You are like a father to me Quinton. I wouldn't hold a grudge because of something as meaningless as a kiss.” She responded casually and for reasons I couldn't explain I felt a heavy weight on my chest following her casual admission.

“Goodnight Quinton. I owe you one for agreeing to be my plus one.” She added, before alighting from the car and heading inside the house.

The next morning as per my daily routine, I came over to the Deacon's for breakfast. Charles Deacon was my best friend and Klarisse’s father. If there was one thing I knew about Charles and respected. It was that he didn't play games when it came to his family with Klarisse, his only daughter on the top of the list.

“So Quinton… Klarisse wants to major in business and I want you to tutor her in that line.” Charles said, sipping from his cup of coffee while staring at Klarisse who was all dressed up for school.

“Don't worry about it Dad. I already got an offer from M&M company.” Klarisse chirped in, paying little to no attention to me which Charles didn't pick up, but I noticed.

“M&M is facing criminal charges for fraud and embezzlement. Trust me, they are in no good position to mentor you on anything.” I said, convincing Charles who nodded his head in agreement with me.

“Sandman Wine& Cognac is on the hunt for interns and as CEO you are employed.”

Charles accepted my offer wholeheartedly. Although I couldn't say the same for Klarisse who instead of being over the moon for the once in a lifetime opportunity used the excuse of the school bus horning loudly outside as an excuse to leave.

At work, Laura; my secretary and side piece I used once in a while to scratch an itch without announcing her presence or at least doing the least as knocking on the door, walked into my office before clicking the door shut behind her.

“Good morning Mr. Quinton. Your morning coffee has arrived.” She said, stripping in front of me down to her bra and panties.

“How would you like it?”

“Put your clothes back on Laura. I need you to head to the farm. There's been some contamination and the reviews from our customers are not good.” I instructed her in my best professional tone, paying little to no attention to her mouth watering body.

“On it sir.” She whispered way too low for my sharp ears to hear, before pulling her clothes back on.

“Is there anything else that you need?”

“Yes… yes. Have the employment team send out a letter to Miss. Klarisse Deacon. She will be one of the interns this year.” I said, waving a dismissive hand at her to leave my office and give me the much needed space for me to concentrate on what paid my bills.

Later that evening, I had dinner with one of my sons who worked at the district headquarters of Sandman Wine& Cognac.

He wasn't alone. There was a pretty lady with him and on her hand was a ring which screamed luxury and hinted at another addition to the family.

“Dad, I'm getting married. I came so we could both get your blessings.” He said, gently holding his partner's hand while looking into her eyes with so much adoration.

“You already have it. So far you love her and she loves you. Then I am fully in support of your union.” I responded, nodding my head to show he didn't need to worry about me being a stumbling block to his happily ever after.

My son's face turned grim, and his eyes gleamed up as though he wanted to cry which I assumed would be tears of joy and nothing else.

“I wish you would give love a chance too. It's been years since mom died. I'm sure she'll want you to be happy.” He commented, taking my mind back to one of the darkest moments of my life I fought so hard to move on from.

After the wholesome dinner, I called it a night and went straight home and when the world turned silent and the earth slept in peace I turned and tossed on my bed until it was a new day and time for me to head back to work.

“Get in… I'll drive you to the company myself.” I instructed Klarisse who was headed to the train station a few blocks from the estate.

“ Thank you for the offer Quinton, but I'll have to turn it down.” She responded, hell bent on not riding with me to work on her first day.

“Should anyone see the both of us arriving together. There will be favoritism. I won't be treated like the rest of the interns and I don't want that.”

As much as I didn't want to be logical at this moment, Klarisse was right and with great reluctance I zoomed off to the company, waiting for her to arrive in one piece before heading to my office.

“Laura, my office… Now.” I said walking ahead of her, purposely leaving the door wide open so she could enter.

“Update me on your findings. Our wines are stale and I want to know why.”

Laura fumbled with her fingers, all the while looking anywhere else, but at me.

“Laura… Now is not the time for this incompetent behavior of yours. You better start talking or hand in your resignation letter.” I threatened, watching as her face turned pale and eyes threatening to bulge out of their sockets.

“Sir. I found nothing wrong with the wine. I didn't find anything worth reporting to you on.” She blurted out, holding nothing back with her job and only source of livelihood on the line.

Just then there was a knock on the door. “Come in.” I said, temporarily giving Laura who seemed to be having a panic attack from the hot sit she was in to catch her breath.

Klarrise walked in, in her hand was a file that needed my signature and stamp.

“Sir these need your signature for them to be executed.” She informed me, placing the paper on my desk.

“Klarrise…” I said, shuffling through the papers while pretending to read through them.

“I need you to head out to the farm with Laura here.”

“Sir?!” She half shouted at me, staring at Laura whose color was slowly returning to her face.

“If you are able to find out the reason why the wine produced is stale then you get a recommendation from me to study in any college of your choice.” I offered, and as someone who kept to my words, I planned to go through with it should she be successful.

“So… what's it going to be… do I have myself a deal?”

Klarisse, who has been silent all this while, nipped on her lower lips in a thinking manner before slowly nodding her head at me.

“Deal.”