White Ruby

2. Friends

2. Friends

Craig was in high spirits even after the earlier events at the office. He knew his relationship with his father would be tricky. For years they communicated thanks to technology, seeing each other only a handful of times. Driving down Abbey Road, he decided to pay a visit to his old friend, David.

“ Is Mr. Porter at the office?”

“ I can check, Sir. May I please ask your name?”

“ Just let him know his friend, Craig, is waiting for him.”

Soon after the receptionist hung up, a lean male dressed in an expensive dark suit appeared in the elevator. David was the handsome type with an infectious smile. He changed his hairstyle and was now sporting a modern slicked haircut, different from the spiky style Craig remembered. Apart from that, David Porter was the same old friend.

“ I thought someone was pulling my leg! When did you arrive?” David asked, eyes wide in shock.

“ At around noon. Fancy a ride on my new toy?” Craig invited. He was excited to show off the new four wheels, straight from the showroom.

Outside the office, David was almost jumping around the new white Lamborghini Urus, “I can’t believe it! This is like, the first model here in London!”

“ Yep, I made sure to pre-order it as soon as I accepted the old man’s plea.”

“ And when was that? Last time we spoke, you didn’t mention it.”

“ It was a sudden decision.”

“ Why don’t we ride this baby and have a couple of drinks? I feel like we have a lot to catch up on.”

“ Just like that? Don’t you have work to do?”

“ Nah! Being the boss makes it easy to do as you please,” he joked.

David couldn’t stop smiling after driving to the pub himself. “Oh gosh! I need to woo Svet and purchase one like yours. I just love its interior and the speed, the dashboard. It’s perfect, Craig!”

David has been with his girlfriend for over a decade. Svetlana is a sweet woman, very down to earth with a calm nature. They have a daughter, Mia, but as far as Craig knew the two preferred to skip marriage although he recalls one time when David confided in him that Svetlana was the woman he wanted to marry one day.

“ I knew you’d like it. I reserved you the honor only because I know you’re even crazier than me when it comes to four wheels,” Craig chuckled.

“ Talking about craziness. What happened to you? I thought you said you wouldn’t be coming here before another three years or so.”

“ Yes, that was my plan. But let’s say the Missus was a cheating w***e, and I needed a fresh start.”

“ Say what? What did she do?” David almost spat the beer he was sipping. He looked at Craig with wide eyes as if his friend had just grown a third head.

“ You heard me right. It seems one c**k wasn’t enough for Martina.”

“ I’m so sorry, bro. I didn’t know.”

“ Don’t worry. Martina is in the past. I’m a single man now and, I can see it has its perks. I just need to start compiling a list of mobile numbers,” he added with a smirk.

At five o’clock, Eleina left the office to pick up her son from childcare.

“ Uncle, uncle, we’re home!” Nicky called at the top of his lungs as soon Eleina opened the entrance door. He ran around the living area, arms open, mimicking a plane.

“ Come near the pool,” Nolan’s voice came from the pool area.

“ Look who’s here. My two favorite people in the whole world!” Nolan said as soon as Eleina and his nephew came into view.

Nolan was family. His messy, dirty blonde hair was his signature. It was no secret that women threw themselves to his feet. His Mediterranean features adorned with a pair of expressive green eyes made him irresistible to the opposite s*x and he took advantage of it, extending the list of broken hearts. He was a young entrepreneur rising in fame with his newly built restaurant and nightclubs. He was the twenty-nine-year-old eligible bachelor, often invited to elite parties and social gatherings.

Nicky ran towards his uncle, and the latter lifted him throwing him in the air, catching him again. There were giggles, shouts, and laughter filling up the atmosphere. The once relaxed environment changed to a chaotic one since their arrival.

“ Hello, Dr. Kenneth,” Eleina sweetly smiled, acknowledging his presence around the table.

Kenneth Foule was Nicky’s pediatrician. He was a fairly good-looking man. His appearance was nothing out of this world but his charismatic ways and gentle nature made you trust the guy. His brown eyes always looked gentler when looking at Eleina, which made her self-conscious each time he was around.

“ Kenneth is enough for today,” he said, putting his palm on his chest.

“ Better than seeing you at the clinic. Thank God this last year was much better. As you said, Nicky’s immune system was still weak. It’s only the sporadic asthma attacks that worry us.”

“ You know I’m only a phone call away. I can come even at midnight if you need me.”

Eleina blushed and mumbled a thank you, knowing very well his willingness was double-ended. Kenneth never lost an opportunity to get closer to her but somehow, he has not yet succeeded.

“ Did you see Dr. Kenneth?” Nolan asked Nicky.

“ Yes, but I am not sick today. Look, I can run as fast as Flash.”

Everyone laughed at Nicky’s comment and sat down around the table. Eleina’s mouth watered, looking at the snacks prepared by Angela.

“ Eleina, I wanted to ask whether you’re free this coming Friday. I have two tickets for the theatre. Maybe you could join me?” Kenneth asked in a soft voice. His eyebrows were lifted, expecting.

“ Unfortunately, I don’t think I can make it. I was invited for some drinks after work. I might run a bit late,” Eleina replied, looking everywhere but him.

Kenneth slumped his shoulders and leaned back in his chair, “It’s okay. But I’ll never stop trying my luck with you,” he bluntly said.

Looking at his watch, Kenneth had to call it a night.

Nolan walked him to the door while Nicky played with cars on the floor near his mother.

“ You could have thought of a better excuse!” Nolan criticized.

“ Was it that clear? I just don’t want to encourage him.”

“ And what if he gets encouraged? He surely loves kids. You smite him. He is a respectable, wealthy man. Someone who comes from a good family. What more would you ask for, baby girl?”

“ Nothing! I just don’t know how we would cope. You know, once one of us finds love, we have to share our past with them.”

“ We’ll think of that when the time comes. I’m happy tasting all the flowers in the garden!” Nolan chuckled. “No, seriously, El. We kept it a secret from everyone. We can surely make an exception for someone we trust and Kenneth already knows the highlights of our past,” Nolan smiled reassuringly.

“ Give the Doc a chance. I’ll support his courting,” he wiggled his brows.

Just in time, Eleina’s mobile rang.

“ Hey, Svet! How are you?”

“ Good, but pest Mia is asking for Nicky. Shall we have a play date tomorrow?”

“ Around ten at the swings?”

“ Yes, please. Is Nolan there?”

“ Yes, he is. Do you want to speak with him?”

“ No, just ask him whether he wants to join us. David is having an afternoon off, so we might all have lunch together.”

“ Yes, he’s game. See you tomorrow, babe.”

“ See you, El. Good night.”

Eleina hung up with a broad smile, “Saturday’s fixed as well.”

“ How was your day?” Nolan asked all interested. He was always attentive and very receptive when it came to Eleina.

“ Oh! Don’t mention it. I met Alex’s son, and he doesn’t seem to like me.”

“ What do you mean? It can’t be. Everyone likes my baby sis!” he joked, poking her side.

“ Stop it!” she laughed, feeling ticklish. “Well, in the beginning, Craig seemed nice.”

And sexy, and it was all sparks between us.

“ But then he turned into an arrogant piece of human who decided that my demotion would be profitable for the company.”

“ Didn’t Alex tell him how professional and organized you are?”

“ He did, but I guess it’s just how he is. Aaaargh! I will show him what I am capable of, you’ll see. I’m not easily disheartened.”

“ That’s my baby girl. You go, woman,” he chanted.

As if on cue, Nicky yawned and rubbed his eyes.

“ Right on time, my sweetie. Shall we go to bed?”

“ I asked Angela to clean the pool house. Have you seen the new furniture? You have good taste!” he complimented.

“ No, but I was sure it'd look good with the decor. I had my eye on that set. And thanks, Nol, I don’t feel like cleaning this weekend.”