After I had dropped off Celeste at her house I drove to my Dads office to give him an update on the birthday situation.
His headquarters stood in the center of the metropolitan square. It's design sleek and modern.
I walked straight in, past the lobby all the way to the top. As his son, I didn't need an appointment, I could come and go as I wanted. After all, eventually I would be the one sitting in his office.
I waved to his secretary who immediately opened the doors and I took a seat on the plush black sofa.
My dads aesthetic was largely different than my own. His office was the typical black and white and shades of gray and gold littered about.
'When I get this office a major overhaul would need to be done.' I preferred neutral styles with pops of color. I could already see the room opening up without having all the dark tones inside.
'I wonder if it would be safe for some of my collection pieces to be hung here? I might have to modify the temperatures to ensure it doesn't ruin the paintings.'
"Hey kiddo, so I hear you have good news for me."
His voice broke my train of thought. My dad walked in holding a few folders, evidently having come from a meeting. His demeanor changing from his usual stone faced statue to a more relaxed statue.
"Yep all thanks to Celeste that we have the gifts all set. She suggested we could make something for dinner at home instead of going out."
My dad paused. He set the folders down and took slow seat in his office chair. He went right back into business mode.
"Celeste? Enzo's kid? Why would you ask for her help?"
I always forget our parents had an odd relationship. Not exactly friends but also not hostile either. Kinda like sharks in the water, aware of each others presence but not directly interacting.
I watched my dads body language and his eyes. He seemed to be confused.
"Yeah her. Since I have known her she has always been the best at giving gifts. I asked for her input since both of us have been getting nowhere in the last month let alone past few years and she got us set all within a few hours."
I laid down on the couch and looked up at the ceiling. I started throwing a small baseball that was on the counter up into the air and catching it in my hand. Repeating the motion.
"It's moms big birthday, if we are being honest our gifts rarely hit the mark. I genuinely think we have it this time."
I glanced over at my dad. He leaned back in his chair eyes closed. He seemed deep in thought.
"That was nice of her. So what do we owe her?"
I caught the ball again before fully turning my head to get a good look at my dad. His stance changed from leaning back to now having his hands folded over his desk glasses sitting prim on his face.
His work clothes just being a boring navy suit. Such a straight and narrow person of course for him it's always give and take.
"I took care of it already so we are pretty much good to go. If anything we would need to get the gifts wrapped."
"I see. Ok well I may still write her a card with my appreciation. But I think we should stick with the dinner at the restaurant. We don't want to give your mom any suspicions that we got help elsewhere."
He cracked his neck and began to shift through the folders he came in with. A sign that our discussion was over.
I got up from the couch now that I got the green light.
"Well if you need me I will be taking a nap at home then I will be heading off to the west side branch to see how the hotel is doing and do some inspections."
"Have at it then. Don't be late the dinner is at Maeves at 6:30. Be there before then to set up the gifts and table preparations. I will hold off your mom until then."
"Sure." At that point my back was to him and I was already at the door. I waved him off and left.
Soon enough her birthday came. Given it's a big birthday and the restaurant we are going to was upscale my Dad gave me a dress code. 'Clean, dressy, but not too formal.' I decided on a silk forest green button up shirt and black slacks.
My hair was normally messy as it was wavy or slightly curly depending on the day so I messed around with it until I got it looking more put together.
'I should probably get a haircut soon to get rid of the bulk.'
Before long I finished getting ready and grabbed the gifts and my leather jacket. In the garage I grabbed a random set of keys from the bucket and walked to todays selection.
Seems this time I grabbed the keys for one of my Hennessey Venom GT's. The engine roared as I pushed the pedal speeding towards the restaurant.
'Let's hope Celeste was on the money otherwise my Dad will rip me a new one.'
Soon enough I was lead in by the host to our table at the restaurant. The glass chandelier sparkled and gave the room a moody ambiance.
I set up the gifts and flowers and sat down waiting for the main guest to arrive. I played on my phone looking at upcoming auctions before I heard the door to our private suite open. My mom was the first to walk in.
She was wearing a beige ball gown dress and my dad matched with her in a similar beige vest over a white button down and beige slacks. He didn't wear a jacket.
"Happy Birthday Mom!" I went up and gave her a hug. Her hair was pulled back using a diamond clip which nearly poked me in the eye.
"Thank you honey. I am excited to see what you have in store for me today."
I simply smiled and led her to her seat. Dinner went by in a blink of an eye. And the time for gifts started.
'Moment of truth.'
I felt my heart beat out of my chest as she began unwrapping her first gift. She paused and looked up at my Dad and I wide eyed and mouth agape.
My heart stopped.