12
ESTELLE
“Oh, God! I’m so relieved you’re finally back.” Mom had been hugging me for about a minute, and she hadn’t let me go just yet.
“Mom, you have to let me catch a breath.” I couldn’t help but chuckle.
Finally, she pulled away and inspected me from head to toe, then to Quinn behind me. “She’s not going anywhere. Leave us, Quinn.” When Quinn shut the door behind him, Mom said, “You look beautiful. Not too tan. And you look happy.”
“Because I am.” I couldn’t let go of her hand. I really missed my mother. Mom always looked beautiful and sophisticated at fifty-five. I hoped I would look just like her when I turned her age, and I was her carbon copy anyway.
“Are you ready to come back to work?”
“This is your office, Mom. The job suits you well. You’re meant to be the CEO of Star LLC.”
“What about you?”
“I will still be the chairman, contribute to the design, be the consultant, attend meetings, continue with the campaign and donate to charities. Are you okay with that?”
“Yes, of course. You’re still young, honey. I want you to enjoy, have fun, and be that young woman. You have enough responsibilities for most of your age. The chairman is not an easy task.” She sighed. I knew exactly what she was going to say next.
“No. Let’s not ruin our day. Can we have dinner?” I pondered. “Anytime you want.”
“Just say what you want to say to your dad. He will always be your father, even if the facts hurt him. And nothing can change that you will always be his blood.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
“I love you, my darling.”
“I love you, too.” I smiled before I walked out of her office.
Quinn drove me home directly. I didn’t want to roam around and let the news reach my father. I wanted to have alone time before I faced him.
“Oh, My. I’m sorry. I’m just too excited to see you.” My assistant Micah just rushed downstairs to hug me.
“I miss you, too, Micah.” I laughed. If she could hug me as if we didn’t Facetime and did conference calls.
“Are you jet-lagged?” She followed me upstairs to my room.
This three-story modern house had been mine for the last two years. It was big for me, but I never threw a party here because I greatly valued my privacy. During holidays, I celebrated either with Mom or Dad.
“I’m fine, but I need a nap before you throw all the meetings to me.”
“Don’t worry. Since tomorrow is Saturday, you will begin all the meetings and works on Monday. That gives you enough time to recuperate.”
“You’re the best, Micah.” I entered my room and halted. I was astonished. It was aesthetically feminine with light and modern colors, yet still me. “You’re right. K & B is the best. This is perfect. I want to start my new day in a new room. Thank you.”
“Anytime. I’ll leave you to rest. If you need anything, call me anytime.”
“Thanks.”
Before she reached the door, she paused. “By the way, Mr. Moses Braddson just called earlier. He said if you could return the call, that would be great.”
My brows met together. “Moses Braddson?”
“Yes. The Hover, Braddson. I don’t think he’s interested in buying Star Cosmetic, isn’t he? But Star Activewear is possible, you know.”
I know precisely why he called. He knew me and played golf with my father. “Send me the contact.”
“On it.”
“Thanks.” I instantly received his number.
Once I was alone, my mind went back to Linden. I just couldn’t erase what happened in that boat. I wasn’t exactly hurt, but I wished we ended our conversation nicely.
I pushed myself into him because I thought that was what the invitation was all about. I guessed he was just doing his part. And I was just too ahead of myself.
I dialed Moses Braddson’s number and waited until he answered.
“Hello?”
“Mr. Braddson, I hope I’m not interrupting. I’m Estelle.”
“You’re not, sweetheart. I’m waiting for your call, anyway. How are you?” His voice was calm, but I still wondered why he suddenly contacted me.
“I’m good. How are you doing?”
“I’m doing great, thank you, Estelle. You’re probably wondering what this call is all about.”
“Yeah. I was surprised when my assistant told me. How may I help you, Mr. Braddson?”
“Are you free on Saturday? Tomorrow.”
“I guess I am. Yeah.”
“I can send a driver to pick you up. I’d like to see you in my estate. You can bring your bodyguard with you.”
“May I know what’s the occasion?”
“My daughter-in-law, London, will reveal my grandchild’s gender. I was hoping you could come and celebrate with us. You will receive the invitation in your email.”
“Of course, I’d love that. Thank you.”
“Great. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Once the call ended, I was suddenly nervous. I remembered Quinn mentioned Linden and Mr. Braddson’s son were close. Was he back home, though? God, I hoped not. That would be the most awkward reunion of all awkward reunions.
***
“Are you sure this is the best idea? I know London, but I haven’t met her. I also don’t know the gender of her baby.” I stared down at the box wrapped in a pastel blue-pink wrapper with cute bows.
“You want to give the baby a gift. That’s it. Not expensive, but it’s the thoughts that count, Estelle. The couple can afford to buy the whole baby shop anyway.”
“I still felt like crashing their party.”
“I’ll bring the gift. Don’t worry,” Quinn volunteered. “You already said yes. It’s rude not to show up.”
“He’s right,” Micah agreed with Quinn while I was still on second thoughts. “Trust me. They would love what you choose. They’re so cute.”
“Fine. I already said yes, anyway. I hope I won’t—” I stopped. Micah didn’t have to know my brief fling with Linden.
“You won’t what?” she asked.
“We should go. Are you ready?” Quinn picked up the gift. “It’s light.”
“Yes, it is. And you don’t have to know what’s inside.” Micah arched a brow at Quinn.
The Braddson estate was huge, and he didn’t take his safety lightly. The security was top-notch. Given he was one the wealthiest men in the world and almost died in a plane crash, he shouldn’t take that incident for granted.
“This is way beyond what I imagined. This is what a modern castle looks like.” Quinn went to open the door for me. Once I was out, I recognized London in her blue dress, and it was not hard to miss the baby bump.
“Oh, my God.” She was already beaming when we kissed on the cheeks.
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Striker replied. I was too focused on London’s tummy that I didn’t realize he was behind her.
“How does it feel like to be first-time parents?”
“Excited. Thrilled,” they said in unison, causing me to beam. They looked so in love. I felt a little ache in my chest because I knew if I married Klayton, I would never see myself in London.
“It took us a year. So this is our greatest blessing,” Striker replied, then laughed. “Where are our manners, baby?” He looked at his wife with so much devotion. “See how excited we are. We even forget to introduce ourselves and welcome you in.”
“You’re Estelle. My husband Striker, and I’m—”
“London. I know both of you. This is Quinn Hunter.”
“Hello, Mrs. Cade. This is from Miss Bladwyn.”
“Aw. You don’t have to, but I love unwrapping gifts. Thanks.” She giggled.
Striker and Quinn shook hands, and London took me with her inside.
“I will introduce you to my super-extended family. They can be a little bit noisy, but I wouldn’t change them for anything.”
I felt pairs of eyes pinned on me. I realized London wasn’t kidding when she said super extended family, but one head I didn’t see.
“That bald is Sax. Next to him is Kye. They may be giants, but they’re softies. You can trust them with your life. Next is Neke, my best friend and also my assistant. Reef, the duck dynasty.” That had me cracking. “Reed, my bodyguard, he’s like a big brother.”
“Me, the wonderful Dad of Striker. Tate Cade.” Wait, what? The man in his fifties said.
“I have two wonderful fathers-in-law. Papa will be here shortly.”
Suddenly Kye raised his hand. “I’d love to know your beautiful name, ma’am.”
“Shut it, Kye,” London said playfully. “This is Estelle Bladwyn.”
“I thought so,” Sax said as he rose from the seat and held his hand out. “Recognize the pretty blue eyes. Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“She’s taken,” Striker warned him, gesturing something I didn’t catch. I wasn’t aware he was already beside his wife.
“Noted. She’s freaking Estelle Bladwyn.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked out of curiosity.
“Ignore Sax, but my guys have a huge respect for women,” Striker added. “Join us in the backyard, and please, feel at home.”
“Thank you.”
Everybody stood. Before we could move to the backyard, everyone seemed to stop moving, all eyes behind us. When my curiosity kicked in, I turned around. My mouth gaped. I was sure my eyes were big as saucers. And my heart did a little thumping before it nearly stopped.
Linden just walked in, but unfortunately, he didn’t come alone. He has a beautiful tall brunette in his arms. I guessed he was really into brunettes. I wouldn’t wonder why he didn’t stop me from coming home. He sure could have any woman in his arms any time of the day.
The most awkward reunion, indeed.
