Chapter 18: "Brothers Reunited: Bonds, Business, and Banter"

Phil hurried to the door, turning his back on his brother. "Damn, is he going to want to fight me over her?" Paul adjusted his collar and nervously tightened his blouse's buttons. As the door opened, Petro walked in. He was dressed in a dark brown outfit, complete with high boots, his usual assortment of bracelets, a scarf around his neck, and rings on his fingers. His unique style drew the attention of both women and men.

Petro warmly embraced Phil, surprising him with his early arrival. After the embrace, Petro patted Phil's back slowly and said, "You're early, brother. Welcome." Phil, still taken aback, reciprocated the hug.

As Petro walked around the apartment, he exchanged smiles with Paul, and the two embraced closely. Petro playfully messed up his brother's hair and exclaimed, "How are you, brother? It's been such a long time!" Paul laughed and gave Petro a friendly pat on the back. "Indeed, it has. I'm doing well. How about you? You'll have to share what you've been up to all this time."

Seated on the couch, the three of them began to pour themselves drinks. Petro called Phil over, and they continued their conversation. "Alright, spill the beans, but first, let's grab a drink. What do you have, Phil?"

Phil stood up and replied, "Beers, whiskey, and vodkas." Paul chimed in with a grin, "You can bring it all." Petro agreed, welcoming the idea of various drinks.

While Paul fetched the drinks from the kitchen, he couldn't help but feel relieved by his brother's arrival. He hoped that their tension from earlier wouldn't jeopardize their bond; he didn't want to lose his brother's friendship over a woman.

With drinks in hand, Paul returned and placed the glasses on the table. The trio continued pouring themselves drinks, and Petro started sharing his story.

"Well, my life wasn't as carefree as Paul's, who manages to mix work and fun effortlessly. And it wasn't as challenging as yours, Phil." Petro glanced at his brother, a faint smile on his lips, before continuing. "It was demanding, but fulfilling. I worked tirelessly, dedicated to my dream, as you know. Then... Dad handed over the company to me. You both know how he operates—I couldn't refuse. But that doesn't mean I'm abandoning my own venture."

Petro took a sip from his drink before elaborating. He took a deep breath, running a hand through his loose hair. "And what about your own company?" Paul inquired, intrigued about the fate of Petro's venture.

Petro smiled at Paul and revealed his solution. "I've entrusted a reliable friend to manage everything in my absence. I'll visit her at the end of every month to personally check on things. And when I'm away, one of you will need to oversee Dad's company."

Both Phil and Paul reacted negatively to this proposition, shaking their heads in disapproval. Paul scratched his beard, a sign of his nervousness, while Phil absentmindedly scratched his ear—an old habit when he was anxious.

Petro chuckled, taking another sip of his drink. "It's just during my trips. I'll only be at my company for a few days each month. Come on, lend me a hand, please." Petro's plea softened Paul and Phil's resistance. Though neither of them wanted to get involved in the company, they knew that it was inevitable sooner or later.

"Seriously, that's not a bad deal," Paul interjected, his tone more positive. Petro finished his drink in celebration and turned to Phil, awaiting his response. Phil scratched his ear once more and shrugged. "Sure, why not." Petro smiled, grateful for their support. He refilled his drink and shifted the conversation to lighter topics.

"Great, brothers! Now spill the beans—what's the scoop on your love lives? Or are you two still indulging in your daily routine of picking up women?" Petro's playful grin lingered as he looked at his siblings.

Paul and Phil exchanged glances, the uncomfortable topic from earlier resurfacing. They silently agreed not to mention Ellen to Petro.

Paul spoke up first, addressing Petro. "I'm sticking to my usual routine—meeting different women each night." He smirked, filling his glass and taking a sip. Petro raised an eyebrow, finding Paul's behavior curious but not pressing further.

Turning to Phil, Petro inquired, "And you, Phil?" Phil winked at Petro, offering a small smile. "My schedule's pretty packed with work. Not much time for flirting, I'm afraid." He joined in the drinking, preferring it to a deeper conversation.

Taking another sip, Petro aimed to lighten the mood. "Fair enough. Now, I'll share my adventures. Despite the hard work, I managed to have some fun." He regaled his brothers with tales of camping trips, parties, and meeting new people. His stories impressed Phil and Paul, making them realize that Petro's life was more vibrant than they had imagined.