40

What will I do? I ask incredulously.

Could you take Juliet and Armand to the dinner place?

All right, but like my brother, I'll need to hire a car, as you understand I won't be able to take mine.

I've rented two cars, one for Patrick to drive and the other one for you.

Perfect, I hope that the surprise you are planning will work out and that Juliet can spend it with Armand. They deserve it, they've spent almost two months apart.

Just as Alex was about to say something, he was interrupted by Steven his assistant, who happily entered the office, showing three train tickets, which would be leaving in a couple of hours, although just as Patrick had said, getting last minute tickets was almost impossible, however, by calling some contacts, he managed to get the three tickets, and the best thing was that they were in first class.

Sorry to interrupt,’ apologised Steven. I've got the tickets,’ he informed, handing them to the blond.

I appreciate it, so much, Steven,’ he said approvingly. From what I see, they leave in four hours.

That's right, it took me a lot of work to get them, especially because at this time of the year they are very scarce.

I know, for a moment, I thought it was going to be impossible to get them,’ he confessed, letting out a big sigh.

Since the tickets have already been obtained, I'll go pack my things and I'll also tell my brother, because I don't want us to be late or not arrive at all,’ mused Thomas, who stood up, jokingly.

Don't even say it,’ the blond hastened to say. And you'd better hurry, because in an hour, Steven will take you to the station.

All right,’ he answered, leaving the office.

You'd better have some refreshments and get ready to leave in an hour,’ informed Alex.

Very well, excuse me,’ said the blond's assistant.

Alex, who was once again alone in his office, hurried to sign some documents, and then went to see his sister, to inform her of his sudden trip.

Samantha, have you seen Jul?’ she asked, just as she saw her sister's maid leave the library.

Young man, your sister is in her room,’ the maid reported, blushing a little.

I thank you, Sam,’ he replied with a smile, patting her shoulder, which made her blush even more.

Once outside her sister's room, she knocked twice on the door, until she received permission to enter, Juliet was sitting in her armchair reading a book about human anatomy, she was so concentrated studying and taking notes, that she didn't even look at him.

Apparently I find you very busy,’ said the blond, approaching her and taking one of the books that was on the table. Are you about to take a course?

Yes, and the truth is that I feel very nervous, I'm afraid I'm not capable enough,’ she said sincerely, looking at him.

Don't say that, we both know you're capable of many things,’ he confessed, taking a seat next to her.

What's the matter, Alex?

Little girl, pack your bag, you're going to New York with the boys,’ he said at last.

Did you say New York? I asked incredulously.

That's right, I know how much you miss Armand, and that's why I'm letting you go for a week with him.

Oh, Alex! Thank you so much, you don't know how happy I am,’ she said very excited and ran to hug him.

I just want you to know that Patrick and Thomas will be your chaperones,’ informed the blond.

All right,’ replied the blonde with a wide smile.

You'd better hurry, because they leave in an hour.

So soon?

That's right, so you can arrive tomorrow and celebrate a special day with him.

I really appreciate it so much, Alex.

Don't thank me, just have fun, I'll leave you now to pack your things,’ he mused, placing a kiss on her forehead and leaving the room.

Juliet was beside herself with happiness, after all, she would spend Valentine's Day with her beloved rebel, with a smile on her face and that special sparkle that shone through those precious emeralds, she started to pack her suitcase. An hour later the servants were loading the suitcases into the car, where Steven was already waiting to take them straight to the train station. Alex, with a smile, said goodbye to his cousins and sister, wasting no time in entrusting them with his little sister, of course the brothers gave their word to take care of her with their own lives. So, the three young men got into the car, which was soon on its way, while Alex, with a big smile on his face, said goodbye to them and prayed internally that his plan would work out perfectly. In the car, the three young people chatted animatedly, even involving the always serious Steven, who for the first time laughed loudly at their witticisms, the atmosphere was so pleasant that the journey was short, when they arrived at the train station, the boys said goodbye to the faithful employee who wished them a good trip. Thomas, like a small child, pulled Juliet and they ran to the train, while Patrick, who was about to board it, was stopped by Steven, who handed him an envelope containing the addresses of the hotel where they would be staying, as well as the restaurant and the detailed instructions of what he should do.

If you need more money, let me know. I'll immediately make a deposit, the assistant hastened to say.

Don't worry, Steven, we won't spend that much either. It's not like we're going to be in New York for a month, is it? said Patrick wryly.

It's Alexander's instructions.

I know, but believe me we'll spend as little as possible,’ assured the young man. We'll see you in a week, my friend, Patrick said goodbye and boarded the train that was about to leave.

Once the train was underway, Steven boarded the car and headed for the mansion. Juliet, meanwhile, looked out the window and spoke very enthusiastically.

I'm so happy,’ said the blonde excitedly.

We're glad to hear that,’ replied Patrick, giving her a warm look. Well, as soon as we get to New York we'll be staying at the Royal Hilton, I understand it's very close to the Stanford Theatre Company,’ he informed. Then you'll have to get ready, as we're going to visit your fiancé.

Really, Patrick? I ask even more excited.

Of course, those were the directions Alex gave me.

Very good, she replied with a big smile. I will finally see him again.

And we'll be with them all the time? questioned Thomas, in a low voice.

Of course, or what did you intend? We can't leave them alone.

Don't be a spoilsport, little brother,’ I mumble. We must give them some privacy, let's not be mean.

I'll think about it, he said, not very convinced. But I wouldn't want Alex to find out, he'd probably kill me, Patrick said.

But who's going to tell him? he asked incredulously. Nobody here is going to do it, I assure you.

I told you I'll think about it. I'll give you my answer when we get there, he replied firmly.

Be nice to them. Besides, you owe them, Thomas insisted.

You don't give up that easy, do you?

You know better than that, come on, just this once.

All right, he said defeated. Just this once and you better not say anything.

I swear,’ he mused, raising his right hand.

All right, just help me carry out these instructions,’ he said, handing her the envelope Steven had given him before boarding the train.

Very well,’ he replied good-naturedly, taking the envelope and pulling out the sheet. Wow, I still insist that Alex really knew how to plan everything, and by the looks of it, it will be a very romantic and unforgettable night for this couple,’ he said quietly.

That's why everything has to go perfectly.

Don't worry. Everything will go according to plan.

Thomas was looking out of the window and planning how he would spend his days in New York, which Patrick took advantage of to tease him, as his older brother would surely get lost easily. Juliet laughed uproariously, earning the challenging looks of some of the passengers and the admiring glances of some of the gentlemen, she loved to see how her cousins got along, because even though they were siblings, they were very close. Where one went, the other went.

The first rays of the sun were coming through the window of the train, and with it the arrival to their destination was announced, the three young people woke up and after waking up they arranged their clothes and waited for the train to stop to be able to get off.

We are arriving,’ said Juliet with great excitement.

My back hurts, travelling is so tiring, complained Patrick, who was stretching.

Come on, Patrick, don't be a spoilsport. Besides, it wasn't such a long trip, Thomas hastened to say.

Speak for yourself. Now I remember why I hate travelling by train.

After arriving at the station, the three of them took their respective suitcases and got off the train, where a car was already waiting to take them to the hotel where they would be staying.

I don't know how to thank Alex for all this,’ said the blonde sentimentally. He's always been there for me, looking out for my happiness.

It's because he adores you, Thomas assured her, and who wouldn't give everything for his brothers?

Thom, he's right, Jul, Patrick sure would. Now, let's not get too sentimental, we're going to be late.

Once the car stopped at the hotel where they would be staying, Patrick was the first to get out of the car, helping Juliet, while Thomas got out of the other side of the car. A few minutes later, one of the bellboys appeared to take the young men's luggage to their respective rooms.

Come on, the suites have been booked for us,’ said Patrick wearily. You'd better hurry up Jul.

Don't push her, you're worse than Grandma, Thom chided him.

I'm just following instructions. We'd better let our cousin get ready while you and I freshen up and get out.

All right, he replied, resignedly.

Juliet, entering her suite and wide-eyed at how luxurious it was, looked around the room until her gaze fell on the large box on the bed, walked towards it, and as she tried to open it, a note fell out, written in familiar handwriting.

‘I hope this little present is to your liking, use it wisely’.

Love Alex.

After having opened the box completely, he took out a beautiful emerald dress, said, ‘I hope you like this little present.