LINDEN
“What did they talk about?”
“There was no talking involved, boss. They were fighting.” There was a hesitation in Qamar’s voice, but I had to know if Estelle was in danger.
“What else, Q? What are you not telling me?”
“They were fighting about you.”
I nodded in understanding, even if he couldn’t see me. “It’s my fault. I provoked Gustav.”
“It’s not your fault. This issue had been there for years before you even met Ms. Bladwyn. And even if you’re not going to tell me, I will do the right thing and what’s good for my client. What are you gonna do, boss?”
“I have plans.”
“Good to hear that.”
“In the meantime, keep an eye on her. Sometimes, she does reckless things to prove she’s right.”
“You can count on me, boss.” I hung up the phone.
“What’s the matter?” Willa asked with a plate of lasagna in her hand.
“I might just do something stupid.”
“I’m not judging. You can be stupid for the greater good.” She gave me the plate and a fork and joined me on her couch. “That’s delicious.”
“You never change.” I chuckled. Willa like to eat on the couch.
“I’m alone and with my big brother. I’m sure you’d rather curl up on my couch than go to the table.”
I took a slice and tasted the vegetable lasagna. It was delicious. “It’s Pops’ recipe.”
She laughed out loud. “I could have watched cooking shows or on YouTube channels. What’s the matter with you?”
“You got everything from Pops but not his cooking skills.”
“You’re just the perfect and reliable son, jerk.”
I put my hand on her knee. “I’m not even a good son, Will. You have no idea how many mistakes and wrong decisions I made, how many times I failed in life, how many regrets I have. I’m not perfect and reliable. You, on the other hand, have failed, but you got up and stood strong. Now look at you. You have a good life. You are happy and able to do the things you’re passionate about. And even how many times you failed and will fail, there’s nothing to be ashamed about. I am here for you, and Pops will always be here for you.”
“How did you become so wiser? I think being around a bunch of rich kids and good people influences you to be the person you are today.”
“I still have a lot to learn, to be tougher, and I’m making enemies.” I didn’t realize I already finished Pops’ lasagna.
“That’s the disadvantage of becoming famous.”
“I’m not, sis.”
“Keep telling yourself that. You have a massive eight million followers on your Instagram, 2.3m on X. Don’t you plan to create a Tiktok account?”
I was amused at her. “What do I do? Dance?”
She laughed. I always loved her laugh. When she realized I was watching her, she stopped. “What?”
“I’m just happy that you’re happy.”
“I love you, Gabe. Please don’t change. Always look back to where you came from.” I saw the pride in her eyes that melted my heart.
“Thanks, Will. That’s the greatest advice you’ve ever given me.”
“Now, let’s talk about why you’re here.”
“I missed you, and it’s Saturday.” I tried not to be too caught up with what was happening between me and Estelle. And I also had to see my family.
“Where were you last two Saturdays, Saturdays of last month, and the last two months?”
“We ate outside, and I was busy with—”
She stopped me and held my arm. “I know. I was just messing with you. Estelle called me.”
“What did she say?” My quick question put a smile on her lips, her eyes warmed.
“You should marry her, brother.”
I couldn’t match her enthusiasm. She quickly saw me as I stared away.
“You’re not together anymore?”
I nodded. “She broke up with me. I know from the very beginning that I should stop myself, but she was also into me even though our relationship has to end somehow.”
“Wait.” She fixed her seat and faced me. “I’m confused.”
“We met weeks ago because she’s been running away from her father. She’s arranged to someone else. Well, loaded than me.”
“I’m sorry, Gabe.” She wrapped her arms around me, and she hugged me tight.
“It’s all right.” I hugged her back and let go of a shaky sigh.
“Hey. Look at me,” she said as she held my hands. “I’m no expert in relationship advice. Hell, I don’t even have a good reputation when it comes to a long-lasting relationship. I’m a divorcee, for God’s sake, but trust me, if you two are meant for each other, go for it. Fight for her, to hell his money, whoever he is. Your weapon is your heart and sincerity. And do you also realize that you’re also loaded? Down-to-earth rich?”
“We have plans.”
“We?”
“My brothers and Moses.”
“Wow.” She was absolutely amused, clasping her hands together. “You have the cavalry. Go ahead. Take the star with you.”
“I’m actually having dinner with her later.”
***
I took Moses’ advice for once. I got a bodyguard. Jacques Lynx was a former Royal Australian Navy MMA, Pencak silat, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert. With his 6-foot-1-inch tall and well-built body, he could easily take down an opponent.
The black Tahoe entered Estelle’s Property, and I suddenly became nervous, even if this was just a friendly dinner. I couldn’t also ignore the guilt in my chest and the fact that she was getting engaged in seven days, and because of my poor decision, I put her in a terrible position.
Her assistant, Micah Sorell, welcomed us. “She will be here downstairs in a sec, Mr. Linden.” Her smile felt like she knew something.
“Thank you.”
“Please, follow me. She’d like me to take you to the backyard, sir.”
“Boss, I’ll be around,” said Lynx.
I nodded. “Lead the way, Ms. Sorell.”
“Just Micah, sir.” We went through the hallway to the backdoor. Estelle had a pretty neat lawn, a big pool, and a lounge at the back.
“Linden is fine. Mr. Linden is my father.”
“I see.” She laughed softly. “Wait here, sir. Take a seat.”
My mouth hung open to see the beautiful romantic setup before me. I never expected more than just dinner, but this was a romantic date with a blanket splayed on the ground, two huge fluffy bean bags, cushions, a low table with food and wine, a big white screen, lights, and lanterns.
I removed my jacket and shoes because I wasn’t informed what outfit I should wear. I stepped into the blanket and took advantage of the giant bean bag. It was comfy, and when I looked at the sky, it was dark, but I could see twinkling stars, a big slap reminder of what I was about to lose if I wouldn’t take risks.
“Well, look at you.” Her voice froze me. Estelle was already looking down at me with a huge smile on her face. She was wearing a white maxi dress and looked even more beautiful the last time I saw her. “You’ve never been speechless, Gabriel.”
My smile was huge as well as I took her hand and helped her to the bean bag. “You did all this for me?”
“Don’t get any ideas,” she quipped. “The weather is good, and I miss watching movies. I can’t remember the last time I went out to watch movies, and I’d never been to an outdoor movie theater before.”
“I’ll take you to one.” Once she sat down, I turned on the projector. “What do you wanna watch? Breakfast at Tiffany, Twilight, The Notebook?”
She arched a brow, but the smile never left her face. “I’m surprised you know Twilight and The Notebook.”
“Ask Sax.”
“What genre do you usually watch? Let me guess, action?”
“Action, Sci-fi, any good movies.”
“Just choose. You’re my guest.”
I scrolled what she had on the list. I chose Pride and Prejudice. The movie started playing.
“Why that movie? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“Because love should have no boundaries, should overcome class differences and life status. Prejudice is just toxic in our society. It still depends on how we let that infect us. Why two people in love can’t be together and happy? Because the people around us set high standards of what class A should be with Class A alone? I call that bullshit. I didn’t watch the movie, though. I heard it’s good.”
“I love Keira Knightley. She’s real and authentic.”
I poured wine into two glasses and gave her one. I thought she just licked the wine.
When she noticed me looking at her, she hid her smile. “It’s too early to get drunk and look around us. It’s beautiful just to doze off.”
“I looked at you and thought you’re the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. Plus, I’d never been into this kind of setup. Thank you. I love it.” I took two cushion pillows and a blanket and dragged myself to the side to still have space for one more. “Don’t let this space go to waste.”
“I was about to ask if I could come to your bean bag and join you.” She came to me, and I spread my arm so we could fit together when we snuggled.
“It’s customized, isn’t it? The size is a single bed.”
“Yup. I thought I needed one like this to curl in.” She snuggled her hand on my tummy, her leg over mine. I knew the movie would just roll, and I wouldn’t understand anything, but I loved nothing but to be with her despite our time together getting shorter and shorter every day if my plan wouldn’t work.
“Are you still watching?”
“Hmm.”
“Me too.”