CLAUSE SIX

I had been avoiding my grandfather ever since the conversation we had. He finally caught up to me. “s**t,” I whispered under my breath as I reached for my vibrating phone that laid on the bedside table of the hotel room I rented in Milan. I turned over to look at Renee, who was still sleeping. I sighed as I accepted the call. “How did you get this number?” I rasped out; my eyes darted to Renee, who moved closer. “Nicholas, how long have I known you?” I ran my hands through my hair. I attempted to leave the bed. “All my life.” I said as I stood up, “Why can’t you leave me alone?” I reached for the door knob and left the room. “We need to talk.” He replied. “I know that, hence me avoiding you, in case you didn’t get the memo.” I retorted. “Nick.” He said with a stern voice. My blood ran cold, my mother used to call me that. “When you get back to New York, come down to my office.” He hung up. I sat on the couch and ran my hands down my face. I looked up when I heard footsteps coming my way. “Did I wake you?” I called out. “Yeah, but it’s fine, I was supposed to be up early anyway.” She chuckled. My eyes were fixed on her as she made her way towards me. She put her hands on my face. “I’d have been up earlier if you didn’t keep me up all night.” She whispered in my ear and kissed me. I smiled against her lips as memories of last night flooded my mind. She pulled back as she traced her fingers along my jaw, “Who was that on the phone anyway?” I let out a cough and smiled, “It was nothing, just someone from the office.” I stood up and dragged her with me, “Come on, let’s get ready for the day.” The sun was shining bright, it was a good day for a walk, and we were taking one. Renee didn’t know that I hadn’t been on good terms with my grandfather ever since we last saw him before going on this holiday, and I wasn’t going to let my him ruin what was left of this trip for us. We walked to a café I had sighted on our way back from the park yesterday. We sat at a secluded corner in the shop, which had a beautiful view of the street. I took in my surroundings, and my gaze focused on Renee, who was admiring the street. A sigh escaped my lips as warmth filled up my chest at her sight. She was indeed beautiful. As if she felt my gaze on her, she looked at me with her cheeks slightly tinted a light shade of pink. I reached for her hand over the table and caressed it. “I’m glad to be here with you, Renee.” I was dangerously in love with her to the extent that it hurt me because I knew that what my grandfather was asking for was inevitable. I pushed those thoughts out of my head as I smiled back at her. Our little moment was interrupted by the waiter, who took our orders, and we were left alone as before. I couldn’t help my mind which drifted back to the call I had with him. He had reached out to me countless times, but all his efforts were in vain. I didn’t know what was different about this time because it got me thinking. “Nicky, how about we go see your grandfather when we fly back tomorrow? It’s been a while since I’ve seen him.” Why was everything about today suddenly revolving around my grandfather? “He’s busy.” I made out, I didn’t miss the slight frown that etched on her face, my heart broke a little. We continued in silence to the hotel, I knew I had upset her with my shaded response. Before she could enter the bathroom to freshen up, I pulled her back into the room with me, “I’m sorry for how I spoke. Things at the office are going rough at the moment, but that doesn’t mean I should pass them on to you, and I’m sorry for that, baby.” I watched as her features softened and she pulled me into a hug. The guilt I had been feeling all day doubled in size, it was then I realised I had to stand my ground with my grandfather and set things straight, if not for me, then for Renee. The night went by swiftly, and before we knew it, we were boarding the flight to the biggest conversation of my life. I was not looking forward to it. Renee, being Renee, gave me that reassurance I needed. Immediately we landed, my driver came to pick up Renee, on the other hand, I waited for the driver my grandfather sent, my heart in my throat, but then my confidence stood strong. We arrived at the office and I went up to see him. His secretary gave me a curt nod as I made my way into his office. I closed the door behind me and turned to meet him, staring at me with a stoic expression. I had never seen him like that, which made me wonder if I had stepped into a trap or not.