Conrad
I have been a little anxious all morning, wondering how Maya was getting on spending time with just my mother and trying to find a dress. I haven’t heard from her, but I know she is fine since she is with my mom. Joshua dropped her off and will pick her up.
I am still surprised Maya agreed to attend the event with me this weekend. I will happily and proudly walk in with her and keep her by my side. It isn’t going to be an easy thing for her. As long as my father doesn’t say a bad word to her, and Bridget and Meredith stay away from her, everything should be okay. And if they do, I will not think twice about defending Maya and leaving. We are at a table with my parents, and I am not sure how that will go. At least I don’t need to worry about my mom since they get along.
I am due to go on my lunch break. I will give Maya a call when I do. She may not answer; it depends on whether she is busy trying dresses on. I can’t wait to see her in her dress. I know she is going to look so beautiful. My mom will help her pick the most suitable one for the event. I just hope that Maya doesn’t change her mind when the night comes around. If she did, I would understand. I wouldn’t push or get mad at her. I would respect her choice. I would love to have her with me, though.
I finish up what I am doing, ready to head out, until there is a knock at my office door. I glance up, and I am surprised to see Maya. I didn’t expect her to finish shopping so soon.
“Maya, what are you doing here? I thought you were going shopping?” I ask, standing up to greet her.
She smiles brightly, “Hello, my love. I did go shopping. I got everything I needed. I come with a surprise for you, though.”
“For me?” I ask, confused.
She glances behind, and next thing, someone else jumps into the frame, “Did you miss me, big brother?”
“Chelsea? What are you doing here? When did you get home.” I say excitedly, rushing over to hug her tightly.
She hugs back in the same way, “I arrived late last night. No one knew I was coming. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“It is so good to see you. I have missed you. How long are you here?” I ask as we part from the hug.
“I missed you too, brother. I am here for a week. I will be coming on Saturday.”
“Great! It will be nice to have you there with us.” I smile.
After I say hello to my sister, I turn to Maya and kiss her softly.
“So, how did this happen? You two meeting?”
“I hijacked their breakfast this morning.” Chelsea laughs.
“I hope you have been nice to my girlfriend?” I ask with a raised brow.
“I have been. I don’t have any issues with Maya. She is great, and we hit it off straight away.” Chelsea grins.
I focus on Maya, “Is she telling me the truth?”
“Yes, she is.” Maya smiles.
Thank God. The last thing we needed was someone else against us. I am not surprised, though; Chelsea is great. She is a good one. She would never side with Bridget either because she didn’t like her. I didn’t understand why at the time, but my sister must have seen something in Bridget that no one else did.
“That makes me happy you two are getting along.”
“We came to get you to take you to lunch, big brother.”
“Then perfect timing because I was just getting ready to go out for lunch.” I smile.
I grab my things, and the three of us head out. I slip my arm around Maya, keeping her close to me. She looks up at me, smiling sweetly.
“I missed you.” She whispers.
I kiss the top of her head, “I missed you too, sweetheart. Where is your dress?”
“Still in the store. A couple of adjustments are needed. I pick it up in a couple of days.”
“Good luck when you see her in it, bro. You are going to lose your shit and forget how to breathe for a moment.” Chelsea smirks, nudging her hip against Maya’s.
Maya giggles and blushes, hiding her face in my arm.
“I am sure. I can’t wait to see her in. She will look beautiful.” I say.
“Yes, beautiful, classy and sexy all mixed into one.” Chelsea corrects.
Maya shakes her head and whines, “Stop.”
Chelsea laughs loudly, “I promise I will stop now. I just thought I should prepare my brother for what has to come.”
“I don’t look that good in it.” Maya protests.
“She does, don’t listen to her.”
“I know she will.” I nod.
I wonder what colour and style she picked. I would ask, but it will ruin the surprise. I can wait until Saturday.
“Why didn’t mom come?”
“She has her book club to go to.” Chelsea answers.
“Oh, yes, that’s right. I forgot about that.”
She goes to it every Tuesday. She has done it for years.
We arrive at the restaurant for lunch and are quickly seated. It would be nice to have time with Maya and my little sister. I haven’t seen Chelsea in over six months. She doesn’t come home often, and I don’t have the chance to go to London either often. Maybe it is time for that to change. Maya and I could take a break in London to see her at some point. She moved to London about three years ago to set up a new office. It was only supposed to be a six-month thing, but she fell in love with the place and decided to stay. She is in charge of the office there and doing a great job.
She is the youngest and has accomplished so much. I am proud of her for it.
“Should we order some champagne and catch up?” Chelsea suggests.
“I need to go back to work, remember.” I chuckle.
“No, you don’t. You are the boss. You can take the rest of the day off.” She states firmly.
“Yes, I am sure they can cope without you for one day?” Maya laughs.
“Fine! How can I say no to you two?”
They grin widely at me when I agree. Chelsea has always had me wrapped around her little finger since she was a kid. Now, the same thing happens with Maya. I would do anything for either of them without hesitation.