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Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Six - 21st Birthday

Tuesday, 22nd September 2020

ZACHARY

We arrived back at Casa de la Estrada and got off the car. I wrapped an arm around Diamond's waist and we walked towards the front door. Opening it, we were expecting a clean foyer. Instead, we got-

"THERE'S MY BABY!"

We flinched from the shrill scream that came out of a grown man. Blake, Diamond's cousin limped into the foyer, his glass of alcohol spilling everywhere on the floor, which already had spilled beer.

"Blake, I think you need to calm down a little," Diamond said, shaking her head as she walked over to hold his forearm to stand him up straight. Blake waved it off, "I'm fine. Just happy you're here."

She tilted her head to the side, "You were just here two months ago."

"Exactly, two months ago. You have any idea how long that is?" he asked, leaning on Diamond as they headed back into the living room. She just shrugged, "It's still only two months."

Kris and I watched their back-and-forth conversation as they disappeared into the living room. He turned to look at me, "She's gonna take a while to calm and reassure him, so head up first."

I nodded and walked up the marble steps to the third floor. Upon walking up, I passed by the ginger waiter holding a silver platter with a tea set on it.

His green eyes met mine and we glared at each other as we passed to get to our destination.

I don't know why I even give him a second glance. I know Diamond likes me, and not him. She's my girlfriend, not his. He's an idiot if he thinks he has a chance.

***

Sunday, 27th September 2020

I blinked the sleepiness away as Diamond and I walk down to the kitchen. She was wearing my hoodie over her silk nightgown because I found out Sunday was that waiter's day-off. So, I'm not giving him any chances to ogle at her.

We arrived at the food haven and I picked Diamond up to put her on the island. I held her arm and rubbed soft circles on it, "What drink this morning?"

She tapped her finger against her chin, "Cappuccino, please. Thanks."

I nodded and kissed her cheek, turning to make her coffee. As I was waiting for hers and preparing mine, I heard the door slide open and rolled my eyes at the voice, "Morning, miss."

I glanced over my shoulder to see the waiter with a smile on his face as he waved at Diamond. She waved back, "Morning, ginger."

I turned back to the drinks and took it, handing it to my gem, "Here you go, Diamond."

She thanked me and took the drink, sipping on it slowly. It seemed only at that point did the employee see me because he greeted, "Morning, sir."

I nodded and sipped on my cup of coffee. I thought interactions between my girlfriend and the employee were over but noooooo.

"Happy birthday, by the way," Diamond said to Cain and he gave her a bright smile, "Thank you so much, miss. I didn't know you knew."

She shrugged, "You were talking about it and I remembered. I got you a little present that I think may be useful."

She called out her AI and it flew down, giving her a box. She handed the box to him and he gave her a smile before opening it.

I put a hand on her bare thigh, causing her to look at me. I raised an eyebrow and she just shook her head, gesturing that it's nothing.

Cain picked up the item inside and inspected it.

"It's a multi-tool with all the things a waiter needs," she explained to him and he looked at her, "Thank you, miss. It's so nice that you even engraved my name."

She just waved it off, "It's not much, especially for your 21st birthday."

He shook his head, "No, it's perfect. Thank you."

He glanced at me with this stupid victory smirk that I so badly want to wipe away. He kept the tool in his pocket and leaned on the counter, "So do I get some privileges for today, miss?"

Diamond looked at me, seemingly asking my permission. I just shrugged, I mean, it is her family's employee.

She squinted her eyes at me before returning her gaze to Cain, "Whatever you want."

His eyes lit up like a druggie who saw a bag of cocaine, "Can we go out?"

"Uh, you mean your friends...right?" Diamond tried to not seem rude, but you have to think. Can we go out? Do you know how many ways are there to interpret that?

Exactly my point.

Cain shook his head, "They could come, but I was wondering if..."

He moved his finger in the space between Diamond and him. She replied smoothly, knowing how uncomfortable I would be if she were to go out alone with him, "If I go out, Zach's coming with me and a few other bodyguards too."

He glanced at me before nodding, "That's fine. I think it could work. I'll bring a friend."

He's really trying, huh?

She nodded, "Sure. After lunch."

"Okay," he gave her a smile and waved, leaving for the staff quarters. When the door slid close, I put a hand on her cheek and gently moved her head to face me, "You know what he's trying to do, right?"

She sighed and held my hand that slid down to her shoulder, "I know, but I mean, it's a once in a lifetime 21stbirthday. Just let the ginger have fun. And besides, you're coming too so you'll know where I go and what I do."

I glanced down at where our hands were touching and kissed the back of hers.

"Okay."

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