Beautiful Dreamer

40. All Eyes On Me

"I like your new apartment better. Your previous location screamed poverty. It must have cost a fortune to move here, bro."

"It did," Rey replied absentmindedly. "Get you a good job like mine."

"Are we going to fight again about this?"

"I'm working three jobs because of that debt. You think I'm enjoying it?"

"Okay, grumpy. I've never seen you since a year ago. So why'd you invite me to this event if you were going to do your scolding in person?"

"Can you sit there quietly? I'm trying to focus."

"I told you I'm not one for corporate stuff. I hate it here!"

"Siz, just lower your voice and pay attention, will you?"

"To what? This is boring. I'm wasting a good day when I could be earning more money to free us from those hooligans. It's not fair that you are bearing the burden for us both."

"Shut up and look at that guy seated on the far left next to the podium."

"He is good-looking." Rey's sister replied, her mood spiriting instantly. Nudging her brother's shoulder, she asked, "Mind introducing me?"

"He is my boss."

"So?"

"He is gay, too."

"Oh, that's disappointing. So, what's this event about anyway? You mentioned it was urgent."

"This is a great opportunity to network." Pointing at Ned, Rey added, "That man is well networked, and a recommendation from him will..."

"Hold it right there. I've seen him in the news before!"

"Lower your voice, silly!" Rey whispered. "You'll get me in trouble. We weren't allowed to bring in plus ones, and I snuck you in any way."

"He looks rich." Rey's sister commented, not heeding her brother's warnings.

"Tell me something I don't know. I once went on a business trip with him and felt the difference between our worlds."

Rey's sister laughed and then patted his brother gently on the shoulder. "First things first, I appreciate what you are trying to do, but I don't work with gay people. They are way too sensitive for me, and I don't want to say anything that can offend anyone. You know my loud mouth."

"If you want us to clear your debt, suck it up. Besides, they are not bad people, and you don't have a choice. I'm not the one who carelessly chose gambling off our parent's home."

"You just had to say it, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"When did you get like this? Mom and Dad will go ballistic if they hear you defending those people."

"I think I like him."

"Don't push it. I might believe you with that expression you're wearing."

"Well... It's just difficult to venture and explore an area I'm unfamiliar with." Rey sighed. "If I'm being honest, the first thing I noticed about him was his cologne. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about him too. A lot. Maybe that explains why these feelings are somehow difficult to decipher."

"B-Brother..." Rey's sister appeared utterly puzzled. "W- What are you trying to say?"

"I already know something is wrong with me, so don't tell me the obvious."

"Is this why you brought me here?"

"No. I had every intention of introducing you to my former boss. However, you also complained that your current job causes back problems."