53

Thompson Residence-New York.

What do you think of this tapestry, Robert? asked Alex, showing him a picture from the catalogue.

Yellow? he asked incredulously, looking horrified. Cousin, that colour is a terrible colour, I can hardly tolerate grandma's yellow living room in the Chicago residence,’ he said regretfully, ’For God's sake, there are so many beautiful and harmonious colours, they always have to choose yellow.

Are you serious? he mused incredulously. It's not that hideous, besides it's a unisex colour,’ replied the blond, taking a closer look at the photo.

Of course I'm serious, Alex,’ he mused firmly, taking the catalogue from his hands and turning over a new leaf. Robert was taking it very seriously in helping to prepare his nephew's room, for although, thanks to his artistic gifts, he possessed the refined tastes of apparently the whole family, why don't we choose the white tapestry and combine it with the lamps that have gold ornaments, he suggested, looking carefully at the tapestry.

I feel it will look too ostentatious,’ said the blond. I wouldn't want people to think that we're too...

Extravagant,’ he interrupted.

Exactly, that, he nodded, looking at the other colours.

Oh, please! In the end, people are always going to talk, so don't let that stop us from indulging in certain tastes when decorating our nephew's room.

You almost had me convinced, Robert,’ he said in amusement. I'll think about it.

Look, it will not only look pretty, but also very elegant, he hastened to say. Think about it, in the centre will be the crystal chandelier and on the sides the gold-coloured lamps,’ he said, pointing to the spaces in the ceiling. The furniture will all be mahogany, there definitely has to be windows overlooking the garden and a rocking chair, so when Jul is cooing to the baby, she'll be able to see not only the garden but the rose bushes as well. Remember that every mother should have a beautiful view that can transmit peace.

Robert! Every day you surprise me, although Alex was amazed at his cousin's tastes, he was aware that he liked art and that his tastes were a bit extravagant, but he never imagined that he would apply them to his nephew's room, but he had to admit that his tastes, although expensive, were beautiful. I will have to inform grandma that we no longer need her French decorator,’ joked the blond.

That damned decorator should be sued, for it was he who was responsible for choosing that hideous yellow tapestry,’ she said in horror. If I were in Grandma's place, believe me I would have fired him by now.

I think you are exaggerating. Pierre, he's one of the best in his profession.

What are you talking about, Alex? I ask incredulously. That man has horrendous taste, he can't even match harmonious colours with furniture. Everything he selects is too old-fashioned.

But, it's a great fortune, that the great Robert, the one who is not only one of the best businessmen in the country, but also one of the best decorators of all time, is here in New York to help,’ said the blond dramatically.

Come on, Alex, don't be a clown,’ he reprimanded him.

You're ruining my moment of fun, he complained.

I only gave an opinion, he reported. Of course, you'll have to ask the parents-to-be as well, he shrugged, turning his gaze back to the photographs.

Jul, he has allowed us to make the choice, as he has seen our great enthusiasm, but we'd better consult with Armand, after all it would be good for the father to be involved as well, suggested Alex.

How do you think of that, object. He'll be able to ask for the tapestry to be black, just like his soul and instead of looking like a baby's room it will look like a dungeon, I joked. Definitely not.

You're very cruel, Robert,’ the blond said mockingly. But I guess you're right.

Of course I'm right, I mused proudly. Leave that to the elegant one, Robert. You just have to know how to choose the right colour and the most splendid furniture to match, he reported. I have it all in mind, what I do need, is for you to accompany me to buy the furniture and also to think about the rooms in the villa in Scotland. I suppose the Duke and Lady Amelia will fit out the room in their villa, then the arrogant aristocrat will have his say, though I will warn them not to let him, for the results will be dreadful.

You two don't change, do you?

We'll never change, we'll grow old and we'll keep fighting,’ I report, smiling a big smile. It's our way of showing our affection for each other, after all, we're almost family now.

I'll definitely never get bored with you guys. I can't wait to see you when you get old, both of you with your canes and fighting.

Who said I'm going to use a cane,’ I mused offended.

You won't,’ I ask incredulously, arching my right eyebrow.

Of course not,’ he mused, more than offended. I'll be young forever, he said mockingly.

That's what we all want, believe me. When you find the ellipsis of eternal youth, would you be so kind as to tell me?

I'll have to think about it very seriously,’ he mused, pretending to think. I will, only if you promise to be good to me.

It's a deal,’ said the blond.

Very well, then, as soon as I have the ellipsis of eternal youth, you'll be the first one I'll tell.

I'll be waiting impatiently, he replied with a wink.

I must confess, Armand, he's a nice guy, I won't deny that he's sometimes a bit obnoxious, but I'm beginning to like him.

I've already created him, and you don't know how pleased I am to see that now they're starting to get along.

Just like me, I confess. I never imagined that my eternal rival would end up becoming not only my cousin-in-law, but also someone I'm beginning to like and appreciate.

Let's hope they stay that way.

So do I, as long as he doesn't provoke me.

I was afraid you'd say something like that.

Hey,’ she complained, punching him in the shoulder.

Ouch! What did I say?

What do you mean, you were afraid I'd say something like that?

Well, it's the truth, it all seemed too perfect to be true.

I don't beat you to death, just because you're my favourite cousin.

I bet that's what you say to others.

Of course not, he defended himself. Just between us, I can't stand the others, especially Alexei.

Don't even mention it to me,’ said the blond with annoyance, putting on a serious countenance.

What's the matter? Did something happen in my absence? he asked curiously.

A lot of things happened,’ the blond informed, letting out a big sigh.

Well, now we're alone, you might as well start by telling me, what things.

I don't know how you're going to take it.

You're starting to worry me, Alex.

That guy, he's pretending to Jul,’ he said at last.

What are you saying?

He had the cynicism to attend the engagement dinner, and to top it off, he was one of the many ardent suitors who started calling me an opportunist, claiming that I had turned my back on my own family in favour of a nobleman.

What nonsense is that, he said indignantly. We all know that's a lie. You have never been that kind of person; on the contrary, those who said such a thing are.

The truth is that I don't care what they think,’ said the blond, keeping his cool.

And you're right, it's fortunate I wasn't there, otherwise, I swear I would have beaten the shit out of that oxygenated blond, who, to my great misfortune, is a relative of mine.

The worst thing is that he had the cheek to go to the Chicago house to complain to me and try to seduce Jul.

This is the last straw! I exclaim, slamming both fists on the table. I'm not going to stand for that guy trying to get smart with her, she's not like the women he's used to.

Jul, she has no interest in him.

Of course not, who in their right mind would? Only if he pays for it.

Likewise, Armand knows about it. So on that front, we can rest easy, we just have to watch out for Amber.

Amber? I'm curious. Who's Amber?

A colleague of Armand's, who is apparently obsessed with him, and who can't stand Jul.

God help us. Is Armand salty?

Why do you say that?

He's being stalked by crazy women, now I can't believe Patrick is paired up with one.

Robert, whether we like it or not, we have to support him.

We have no choice and I will, as long as that woman doesn't try to get smart with Jul.

Cecil has changed a lot.

I hope it's true. In any case, I'm going to keep an eye on Alexei and that woman, I have an idea of who she is.

Well, let's continue choosing the details for the decoration, Alex proposed, showing another photo to his cousin, to change the subject, as he could feel his cousin's fury.