Of Kings and Aces

10| Meeting the Family

If Benedict Jackson was vying to be on my list of top ten most despicable people, he made a successful new entry at number five. God knew how much I wanted to call up Cara right at that moment just for spite. But I stopped myself because it was going to be my birthday soon and I did not want to upset my mother.

"Look at what the cat dragged in," I smirked, eyeing Seb. He was still in his uniform and it was obvious he had left the Vernazza in a hurry to get here on time.

"You know what? Forget whatever nice thing I said about this guy. He is an ungrateful, inconsiderate dick," he scowled.

"Happy birthday. I poisoned that and made sure to make it way too seafood-y for your unrefined taste," he stretched out his arms to hand over the Pyrex dish he was holding. Unfortunately, I had my hands full.

"Here, let me take that," said the reason for my distress, and he reached for the dish in Seb's hands even though he was holding a bottle of wine.

"Nah, it's fine. I'm just going to take this to his mom so she's going to love me even more and disown this asshole here." Seb took the pasta away and left us, leaving me to fend for myself.

"Come in. Welcome to our humble abode," I forced a smile and kept the door open for him.

"Thanks. Are you sure you're okay with this? Because I can just go, I don't want to intrude," he said hesitantly.

"Nonsense! Any friend of my son is welcome. Come in! And who might you be?" my dad asked as he caught us by the door. He took the bottle from our guest and stuck out his hand.

"Jacob, sir. Jacob Kingston. It's nice to meet you," he shook his hand.

"I'm Ed. How did you become friends? I don't recall Brad having a British friend," he looked at us. "That is a British accent, isn't it?"

"Yes, sir," he chuckled.

"Work. He's Jaxx's – Benedict's friend from the States, the one I mentioned that he invited to join our firm," I explained as Jacob stepped in and took two bottles out of my hand. He did it while I was talking to my dad, making it difficult for me to argue.

"Ah yes, Ben and my son have indeed told us a lot of impressive things about you. Bradley, could you please get some ice from the kitchen and bring it with you to the lanai?" he said and whisked Jacob away while I was left wondering what in the world I did to deserve fate's cruel game.

When I got to the lanai, everybody had settled down and was busy talking to one another. Seb was charming the mothers while Jaxx was talking numbers with Chino's dad and mine. Chino and Val were talking with my older brother, Harris. I could not believe my eyes when I saw Jacob and Cole having an animated conversation. Cole was wary of new people but it seems he was really improving on his social skills. He only noticed my presence when I sat beside him.

"Kuya!" [older brother] he gave me a half hug. "Jacob said he could beat your ass on GTA anytime."

"Oh please," I scoffed and our eyes met. He wasn't wearing his glasses so I could see the dilated pupils clearly at the center of the twinkling sea of blue. He was already in a dark blue shirt, black gym shorts, and trainers. It seemed Jaxx pulled him out of the street while he was out for a jog but he still looked well put together.

"Only one way to find out, if your ego can take it," Jacob smirked.

"You're trash-talking me in front of my brother? On my birthday? That's low even for you, Jacob," I bluffed but I had a strong feeling he would be able to easily whoop my ass at GTA -- no matter which GTA -- because I'd be busy looking into his eyes.