D&B5

54

They took Anda back into the dining room and seated him at a children's table provided by the restaurant.

"I've already ordered," Day said, before listing the dishes. "Is there anything else you want?"

"That's enough. But did you order anything for Ob?" Brick asked.

"I ordered steamed eggs, fried rice, and some fruit. Oh, I got ripe mango for Anda. I found his little snack pouch." Day replied.

"Good. Anda would have gotten fussy otherwise," Brick said with a smile.

"Oh, I ran into that woman earlier. The one you said moved into the house for sale near the exit," Brick told Day.

"How did you know it was her?" Day asked, since Brick hadn't met her before. Brick then recounted the encounter, explaining how the woman recognized Anda and what Brick had said. Day nodded.

"Good memory," Day commented, but didn't seem particularly concerned. Brick didn't mention the woman again either; he wasn't worried. However, Roman was. Brick had recounted the encounter casually, so everyone overheard.

"Should I have someone check her out? See what kind of person she is. We'll all feel better if she's harmless," Roman suggested, concerned for both Ob and Anda's safety.

"I think she's probably more interested in Day than the kids," Night joked.

"Let it go. I don't think she's a real threat, just a minor annoyance," Day replied unconcernedly. No one argued, and they continued eating. Brick and Day didn't worry much about Ob, as his uncles were looking after him. Anda was happily munching on his fruit pouch. After everyone finished eating, they prepared to leave. Brick's parents went back to their shop, while the others headed to Day's house to celebrate Ob's win. In reality, the adults were just looking for an excuse to drink.

As Day's group left the private dining room, the woman who had been watching them widened her eyes slightly. She was impressed by their appearance and demeanor; they seemed wealthy and sophisticated, making her even more eager to get to know Day-even though she was currently with the man supporting her.

..

..

"They look amazing," Brick commented, standing in front of a display case where Ob's gold medal from yesterday's competition was hanging. Day and Brick had put it there this morning after Anda had slept clutching it all night. They had laughed a lot last night when Ob gave the medal to Anda, who then refused to let go, even while sleeping. Ob had beamed at his brother's affection. Day had quickly put it in the case before Anda woke up this morning.

"Believe me, this case will be full of gold medals soon enough," Day said confidently.

"Is anyone awake yet?" Brick asked. Anda and Ob were still asleep upstairs. The adults had stayed up late drinking last night, but Day and Brick were up early out of habit.

"Nan's at the gym. No one else is down yet," Day replied.

"They usually wake up early. Must have been a late night. Even Mr Roman's still upstairs," Brick said with a chuckle. Day understood that Brick's use of "late" wasn't referring to just the drinking.

"Good morning, Mr. Day, Mr. Brick," the housekeeper greeted them. Three housekeepers were scheduled to clean today, along with two gardeners to tend the grounds, since Day didn't have time to manage the garden himself with work and childcare.

"Good morning, Aunt Pen," Day greeted her, before assigning tasks and specifying which rooms to avoid. Since they had guests staying over, he instructed them not to clean the guest bedrooms today. After assigning the tasks, everyone went to their respective jobs. Day went to find Nan, while Brick went upstairs to check on the children. Soon, Roman, Keith, Gear, Night and Mac came down from their rooms, and Night helped Brick look after his nephew who had woken up, bringing him downstairs.