"Thank you, Trevor." Alexander said with a smile as he alighted the car. He was happy; that month his company had a thirty percent boost in its profit margin and he was very proud of that achievement.
It hadn't been easy juggling around and trying to stay relevant in the market while the economic world was battling with instability. Any small mistake could have put them at the bottom of the food chain or worse, rendered them bankrupt.
He turned to look at his driver, "Trevor, you can come in for some shrimp pasta and wine in the evening. I'm cooking." He told him.
Trevor nodded with a grin on his face. Alexander got into his house and Violet ran to hug him.
"Welcome, dad!" She signed in glee.
"How is my angel?" He signed back.
She answered him with a cheeky grin which he loved so much, and gently pinched her cute cheeks. They held hands and walked to the sitting room. He sat and took out his phone from his pocket, opened his iMessage and tapped Nicole's name.
He and Nicole had been seeing each other frequently since Nicholas's death. For the meantime, he had been going to her house and there, they always ended up having sex not once, not twice. He didn't know what she thought of them yet but he knew he didn't just want to be her sex buddy...he wanted something else but wasn't so sure about what she wanted.
*Want to come over? I'm cooking dinner.* He texted.
It was hardly a second when the three dots popped up, showing him she was replying his text.
*What's the occasion?* It read.
*Work was great and I want to see you.* He replied.
She sent him a laughing emoji and then a wink.
*The last part got me. Fine, what time?*
*Seven ish?*
*Okay. I'll be right there.*
Nicole came around wearing a pretty flowered dress which was a nice change from the depressing black she wore everyday as a sign that she was in mourning. She let her hair down but didn't wear any make-up; nevertheless, she looked beautiful.
Alexander invited everyone into his dining room. He had already prepared the pasta and was serving the table. Trevor was seated and so was Derek - he had called him after texting Nicole. She and Violet sat beside each other with Violet latched onto her like a leech.
He smiled at the sight. He was wearing an apron and when he was done serving, he pulled it off and sat down. He had placed a glass of red wine beside everyone and lifted his up.
"Let's make a toast." He said. They all followed suit and raised their glasses with a smile.
"Let's make a toast to love, and family." He announced and they all clinked their glasses with each other. He looked at Nicole and she gave him a small smile.
She picked up her fork and rolled some spaghetti into her mouth. He waited patiently for her reaction. "What do you think?" He asked.
Her eyes lit up in pleasure; she lifted her hand and gave him a thumbs-up. He smiled, pleased that she liked his food.
When they finished eating, Trevor saw Derek off while Violet went onto watch TV. Alexander was left with her and they both walked to the open window to enjoy the humid nightly breeze.
"I am so glad you came." He said. The breeze caressed her hair and he couldn't stop himself from reaching out to touch her cheeks. He moved closer to her as they stared into each other's eyes. He leaned in to kiss her when Trevor came back and once again, interrupted them.
"Boss, someone's asking for you, a woman." He said.
Alexander looked at Nicole in confusion - he wasn't expecting anyone. He nodded towards Trevor, "Bring them in."
"Are you expecting anyone?" Nicole asked after Trevor left.
"No. I'm just as confused as you are." He replied and turned with her to look at the entrance.
Trevor came back with the unexpected guest following behind. When they came into view, he was shocked at who it was.
"Hello, Alexander."