39

Did you send for us? asked a very curious Thomas, who was entering the office.

What's going on, Alex? asked Patrick with concern.

Don't panic, guys, don't panic.

How can we not? We've just been informed that you urgently require our presence,’ mused Patrick, a little upset.

Nothing like that, please calm down and take a seat, requested the blond.

Very well, we're all ears, Thomas encouraged, taking a seat in the armchair.

I've noticed Juliet is very sad,’ reported Alex, who was still pacing the room. Even if she tries to hide it, she's not very good at it.

That's true, nodded Patrick. I've been seeing her down a lot lately, and I guess maybe...he got quiet.

Maybe what, Patrick? demanded Thomas.

Maybe it has something to do with the holiday tomorrow, he said at last, shifting in his seat.

Right! I'd forgotten, Thomas recalled. How could I forget something so important?

Maybe because your girlfriend is far away, the brown-haired man recalled. Although I put it more down to you being a very forgetful person, who is always in the clouds.

Patrick, I'm not going to allow you to insult me. Remember that I'm the oldest, I mused indignantly.

Well, you don't look like it, sometimes you look more like the youngest than me.

Patrick...

Boy, please,’ Alex interjected. Don't start fighting.

Alex, as you may have noticed, I'm the one who's quiet, it's Patrick who's the inciter.

Just because I'm telling the truth,’ he complained, crossing his arms.

You guys are never going to change, eh,’ the blond mused with amusement. That's why you're my favourite cousins.

Well, Alex, it's not like you have much of a choice either, since having relatives like Alexei, or the others, we're something of a blessing,’ Thomas spat.

But moving on to Juliet,’ interrupted Patrick, ’What's really going on?

She misses Armand very much, and I would like to help her.

What do you suggest? this time Thomas asked curiously.

I would like that tomorrow, being Valentine's Day, I could spend it with Armand,’ he said at last.

That confession of the blond, stunned the brothers, who looked at him incredulously, because although his idea was not bad, the bad thing was very hasty, especially to get tickets to board the nearest train.

Thomas and Patrick looked at their cousin in disbelief once he told them his idea, and as usual the younger brother let him know.

You know it's a bit complicated, don't you? Especially the ticketing part, Patrick recalled.

But don't forget that I have my influences too,’ the blond said confidently.

I don't doubt it, but suppose you pull some strings, and you don't get Jul's ticket, what are you going to do? Have you thought of another plan?

There is no other plan, it has to be this one.

You're a real piece of work, Alex.

Come on, Patrick, don't be a spoilsport,’ interjected Thomas. You'd better tell us how we can help you, because I guess that's why we're here, right?

Thanks, Thomas,’ said the blond sincerely. I have sent John to get the tickets, and although I would like to accompany my sister to New York, this time it will be impossible for me, as I have too much work to do,’ he said regretfully.

What a problem,’ Thomas commented, stroking his chin. As far as I can make out, you want us to accompany Jul?

Exactly, he answered without further ado. Can I count on you? he asked, stopping his gait and looking at them.

Of course, Alex, they both replied in unison.

I've thought of preparing a big surprise for the pair of them.

So, be more specific and tell us what we have to do, Patrick mused, shifting in his seat.

You're always so direct, cousin,’ joked the blond. Do you think you can make sure that the restaurant I'm going to book is ready? It has to have a romantic atmosphere, you know the ideal one for the occasion.

I don't think I'll have any problem with that, just tell me where the restaurant is, so I can get there a little earlier.

It's the Royal restaurant, it's just outside New York, to be exact, near the beach.

How do you manage to plan things so quickly? Thomas asked incredulously. Even I could, and I have assistants too.

Maybe because it's practice. It's served me well to be the head of the Thompsons,’ he replied, winking at him.

Maybe so, I whisper.

Getting back to the restaurant, I'll have to figure out how to get there first, can you rent a car?

Don't worry about that, I've got that covered too.

Alexander Thompson, you're a real piece of work, Patrick mused. So, I just hope your assistant is able to get the tickets for the train.

I have every confidence that he will, said the blond.

Then... I'll take my leave, I have some calls to make.

Once Patrick had left, Thomas and Alex were left alone in the room.