The sun was barely up and shining through the windows of the Quinton Mansion on a Sunday morning. Derek was already awake, doing his morning stretching exercise.
Ever since living in the Quinton Mansion, Derek developed a early morning routine of morning stretching and static exercise. At least three times a week, Derek would do a morning run around the Quinton Mansion.
He was in the midst of doing his static exercises when he heard a knock on his room door. Not wanting to be rude, Derek paused his routine and went to answer it.
"Morning, Young Master Derek." It was Sandra, the housemaid.
"Good morning, Sandra. How may I help you?" greeted Derek.
Derek did not realise that he when he answered his room door, he was half naked and Sandra had a full view of his upper body chiselled arms, chest, six-pack washboard abs and all.
Sandra gasped and blushed slightly before informing Derek her reason for knocking at his door.
"Erm...Master and Madam Quinton wanted me to inform you that you will be joining them for breakfast in one of the their beach resorts far away from Townsville. They expect you to be downstairs in 30 minutes." said Sandra, still blushing seeing Derek half naked.
"Understood, Sandra. Thanks for the information." replied Derek, before gently closing the door.
'I hope Young Master did not see me looking at his body. He's so hot!!' thought Sandra as she headed off to do her work.
Derek decided to end his morning exercise routine and take a quick shower before changing into some comfortable and appropriate attire.
Wearing a white polo t-shirt, navy blue bermudas and a pair of beige boat shoes, Derek descended down the stairs to the front door, where Peter, Lea, Owen and Amanda were waiting.
"Good morning Mum and Dad. Hi Owen. Hi Amanda." greeted Derek.
"Good morning, son." replied Lea.
"Wow, son. Did someone tell you the outift theme?" teased Peter.
For a moment Derek was confused. Then he looked at everybody and immediately understood what his father meant.
All the men were dressed in polo t-shirts and bermuda shorts, while the women were dressed in bright coloured, body hugging sundresses.
"Haha nice one, Dad." Derek chuckled before rolling his eyes.
"Shall we go? Wheels up in 30 minutes." Owen suggested.
"Yeap. Let's get going." replied Peter.
All five of them then proceeded to the Townsville airport, where their private jet was waiting for them.
Once inside, The seniors sat in the front row, while Derek and Amanda sat at the back row, next to each other.
The plane took off the tarmac without any complications. Within minutes, they were in the air.
"You know, come to think of it, this is the first flight I can remember taking in my life." Derek whispered to Amanda.
"Me too, boss. Everything looks so small down there. The view up here is amazing too. I must admit, being this is my first flight I'm a bit nervous." Amanda whispered back.
"You're doing fine for your first flight. No need to worry." replied Derek.
He didnt realise it; but Derek unconsciously patted Amanda's hand in the process, making Amanda blush.
"One more thing, Amanda. We're outside the Quinton Tower. Just call me by my name Derek."
"No problem, bo...sorry. Derek." replied Amanda, smiling.
"Much better." said Derek, then turning his attention to the front row.
"So Dad, Sandra said we're going to one of your beach resorts far from here. Where exactly is it?" asked Derek.
"Well son, we are heading to Brighton Beach in England. It's about an hour flight from Townsville, that's why we need to fly there." replied Peter.
Owen continued, "Young Quinton, do you remember chef Marcel? He owns a restaurant in your parent's beach resort. I took the liberty to make reservations for our breakfast to be had there today."
"Ah Chef Marcel...I missed his pancakes and waffles." reminisced Derek.
"You know, this is a good opportunity to do some scouting work of our own." said Amanda. "We have yet to set our own criteria of what we want for our new beach resort in Townsville. Maybe after today, we may have an idea on what we are looking for when we review the proposals coming in."
"That's an excellent idea, Amanda." Lea complimented. "Son, I'm so glad Amanda is joining us for this trip. Amanda is a valuable addition to the family. You better take care of her."
"Valuable addition? To the family? Mum...what are you implying?" asked Derek curiously, his eyebrows raised in suspicion.
"Ermm what I think your mother was trying to say is Amanda has been very vital assisting you in settling down in your role. So you must be fair to her. Understood?" interjected Peter.
"Yeah....I will be fair to her." replied Derek, while eyeing Amanda, looking for her reaction.
Unfortunately, Amanda was blushing in embarassment. She looked out the window during that conversation and used her long hair to cover her face from Derek's view. Well, everyone's view for that matter.
The plane soon landed at a domestic airport near Brighton Beach. Everyone alighted from the stairs of the plane and proceeded to another Rolls Royce waiting for them. Since Hector did not join them, security from the Quinton's beach resort was there to welcome them and drive them to the resort.
Once at the hotel, they were escorted to Chef Marcel's private outdoor dining area. It had a stunning panoramic view of Brighton Beach.
Peter, Lea, Owen and Amanda took their seats; but Derek felt a sudden urge in his bladder.
"Sorry everyone, I have to use the restroom. I'll be back. In the meantime, mum, can you just order the usual pancakes and waffles for me? Thanks." said Derek.
"No problem, son" replied Lea.
Derek then excused himself and exited Chef Marcel's restaurant before heading to the restroom.
Once he took care of his bladder problem, Derek went to wash his hands when he noticed the janitor entered the restroom.
At first glance, Derek paid no attention to the janitor. However, after a second glance, he noticed something familiar about the janitor.
'He reminds me of someone I once knew....but I can't put my finger on it' thought Derek.
A split second later, his eyes opened wide in surprise. He then turned around to face the janitor.
"Desmond? Is that you?"