Say Goodnight Before You Leave

20. High End

Present. London.

I couldn't deny the charm Dallas has over almost everyone he meets - I completely don't know where he got it from, not me for sure - and with Lars wouldn't be any different. In the few minutes we had on the garden of The Goring last time we saw each other, he was completely impressed and enchanted by his wit. So Lars decided to invite him to accompany him to a tennis competition taking place in magnificent the Royal Albert Hall.

I didn't even think twice, I allowed him to go. I knew he would love it, but the most important thing would be something none of them would know, that this would be an uncle/nephew experience. That or maybe it was me trying to redeem myself from some sort of guilt.

Whatever was my reasoning it felt immeasurably good to see the happiness in Dallas' eyes.

The driver comes to a stop and, through the window, I can see the imponent building of the concert hall, more magnificent in person than through the photos. Lars approaches the car as Dallas gets out of it. I roll down the window and he leans closer, pulling his sunglasses up to his hair.

"Hey, it would be nice if you came with us, I could get you a ticket."

"It would, but Weaston invited me to brunch."

"Oh, I forgot about that. I turned the offer down because of the game."

"I'm down for any sort of free eating so... I gotta keep my priorities in check." Lars laughs looking over at Dallas who's gazing at the building in awe. "Hey, it'll be just the two of you, right?"

"Goddamit, I told you before, it'll just be me and the boy watching tennis. I don't wanna use the C-word with you so soon, but-"

"Lars, when did you lose your manners!?"

"Is not that C-word," he laughs, "I never used that one, I'm a gentleman. I mean crazy, Terese tells me women hate being called crazy, but that's how you acting like. You and Mads don't get along, but it's not like he'll introduce Dallas to some street gang and offer him drugs," he says in a low whisper.

"Look I wish I wasn't such a neurotic mother, but I am. I've always been. It's just... I wanna keep my past and my present very well divided."

"That's fine, I won't interfere. Now, I gotta go or else we'll be taking some goddamn long lines. Have a fun brunch, eat for me."

"Don't worry, I will. Dear, have fun!" I shout to Dallas before telling the driver to go.

We head to the restaurant I would be having brunch with Weaston. Only that, when the driver stops the car by the sidewalk, the place looks nothing like a restaurant entrance, it looks like nothing at all.

I draw myself closer to him. "I'm sorry is this the right spot?"

"Yes, ma'am. The exact address you gave me, London in the Sky. Many of our guests come here."

"If you say so. Thank you very much."

I get on the sidewalk and adjust my dress once the car left. As I'm about to call Weaston, he appears from the entrance in his casual colorful look with his wife beside him.

"Maysilee, Maysilee, don't you look fantastic! And late."

"Sorry, I had the driver drop Dallas somewhere else too. Hi, Miranda." I give her a kiss before turning to him again. "What the hell is even this place, I was starting to think the driver dropped me at the wrong spot."

"Yeah, there's a surprise in our brunch I didn't tell in advance, as a surprise. Some already knew what it is, but if you don't, then I can still enjoy myself for holding it back. Come say hi to the rest of the people."