Delayed but his

19

Estella’s pov

The flight was a serene one and as soon as we alighted ,I received a text from Simon saying he wanted to check up on me.

I decided to give him a call and let him know about my vacation with Arman as my companion.He was going to find out one way or the other.

I waited at the terminal while Arman suggested to get some drinks while waiting.

I dialed Simon’s number and he picked almost immediately.

“Hey .”

“Hi”I drawled.

“How are you?I didn’t see you around and decided to drop a text.”

“I’m fine and you?”

“Good.Where are you?”

“Well I need to tell you something Simon.I’m at Houston actually and Arman is here with me”

I dreaded his silence that came after but then I heard him laugh after awhile

“I actually knew about that before calling”

“Oh ..how?”

“It’s actually hurting to know that you both never saw the need to tell me but then I know I can get busy at times.I just didn’t expect Arman to agree to such plans”

For a moment I almost considered telling him about my plan with his mum but shunned the thought immediately

“How did you know Simon?”i inquired

“Your friend,Henrietta told me so because I made her do so.Don’t blame her,she works for me”

“It’s fine.Well I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you .It was actually a quick decision and Arman being here is just..”

“Estella relax.I understand you and besides you have every right to do things your way.I just didn’t expect Arman to be in the picture plus I got worried when I didn’t see you at the guest wing or with the workers”

I was grateful that he was looking out for me

“Thank you.Simon”

“Anytime.So when are you getting back?”

“Friday.Just for few days”

“Alright you take care although I trust my brother to take care of you”he said and hung up not giving me a chance to talk.

I made to call back but thought against it.

“Estella?”someone called behind me

I turned to the direction of the voice and gasped”Uncle George?”I said it more like a question

He looked so similar to the picture that he’d sent during our first texts.I almost thought he was a catfish but now I had my answer.He had this funny fashion sense and dressed like he spent most of his time in a farm but it was lovely to see the way he looked at me as he walked close to me.

He gave a wild smile and stretched out his hand as I stood up to give him a hug.

“You’re so beautiful just like your mum”he said as he hugged me tightly.I tried not to think much of that because I knew I had enough time to query him after now

“Welcome home,dear”he added

Third person’s pov

Simon’s pov

I hung up and set my phone aside exhaling loudly.

Now everything made sense.The familiar looks between my brother and Estella.The sneaking around that I had tried my best not to notice.

I knew my brother and I knew he always wanted to have a good time around.

I hoped he didn’t mean the same for Estella because I cared so much about her.

But he wouldn’t also risk flying through states with her if there wasn’t more to it.

Did he love her?

I scoffed at the thought of it.Arman was a ladies man and there was me.

I never saw the need of walking up to a woman in-fact I dreaded the idea of being embarrassed by a woman.

Then I met Estella and she opened the part of me that had been hidden.

There was something about her aura,so peculiar that I couldn’t help but notice.

Still when she had asked me what I wanted,I mentioned friendship because I was scared of being rejected.

The thought of her being away alone with Arman made my heart sink .

Nevertheless,I had promised to be a good friend to her and be there for her always.So I was going to stand by her and my brother also because I loved him too.

He was my long lost brother and I didn’t want to lose him again.This past year had been different without him ,business,family time and all ramifications of life.

I knew he leaving contributed to Mother falling ill.

The doctor had made a stern warning to make sure she kept a strict diet and all thanks to Estella,she was getting better.

I gave everything a hard thought as I stripped off my clothes to have a cold shower.

Maybe it was for the best.Maybe I couldn’t bring myself to tell Estella I fancied her more than a friend because I was scared that I would lose her if she were mine.

I had a lot of things to sort out right now anyways.

Firstly,the party on Saturday that would prove if Barney would get to trust us and so we could have our revenge.

Arman’s pov

I sidelined the chairs that littered around the terminal and Sighted Estella talking to a dark skinned man that looked to be in his late fifties.My grip on the cups I held tightened as I approached them.

They stopped talking upon noticing me.

“Arman meet my uncle,Uncle George”she said looking happier than I had ever seen her and he stretched out his hand in cue.

That seemed to put me off the edge and I offered a drink to her,not wanting to leave his hand hanging

“Estella was just telling me about you.Thank you so much for being a good escort.son”he said giving me a grateful look

“Uhmm.I actually work for him uncle.”

He gave a confused look but then it was replaced with remorse”So sorry.I shouldn’t say more so we can just drive back home and make proper introductions,that would be better”

“With your car?”I asked

Now I hated the fact that I had told Fabio to focus on the new warehouse and be a good help to Simon while I’m away.

I knew I shouldn’t let myself be vulnerable because I had a pending case with one of the most dangerous groups around.

I glanced around ,just to make sure we weren’t being watched but the airline passengers around were busied with trying to board their flights and meet their airport chauffeur

“Sure.Son.I live in a farmhouse but it’s a comfortable one also.I hope you have a good time here although I know my niece here would surely do so”he said ,his gaze moving to Estella.

Now that showed why he dressed the way he did.

He gave us a wild smile and moved to take her suitcase.

“Come on”he said walking ahead of us

“Are you okay?”I muttered to Estella

“Thank you”she said instead

“For?”

“Coming with me.I know this isn’t your normal scenario but then you’re here and that’s what matters”

“Estella..”I made to give a reply but she shut me up with a feathery kiss and moved to join her uncle.

I stood rooted to the stop for almost a minute.I loved the way she always took me unaware with her kisses.

I felt my lips and hurried to join them as the terminal got frequented by passengers .

Damn she was making me feel like a simp but acting like I didn’t care wasn’t what I wanted to Estella.

I wanted her to trust me much as I needed to trust her.