After Eternity

Chapter 25

"Sweetheart..." Cliff called his wife to a side holding her arm softly.

"What?" She asked.

"James is gonna bring a person with him..." He started and Alex grinned. "Exactly because of that... act normal... don't make any questions and try to make her feel at home." He smiled.

"Hum... I am guessing this person is important..." She grinned again. Cliff bent over her and kissed her lips.

"Maybe..." He said but she knew he just didn't want to say something he knew. Cliff and James shared secrets they didn't share with anyone. Not even with her and she had known them almost her entire life.

"I am curious." Alex said.

"They are arriving." Cliff told her and winked. "She is English, someone who came to work with him."

Soon, James parked his car in front of Cliff's house. A huge lawn faced his front door. His property was huge, Diana could perceive it even if it was dark.

"Ready?" James asked taking the keys of the ignition and she nodded. He opened the door of his car and so did she. Then he waited for her. "Here..." He said offering her his arm. Diana crossed her hand over it.

"I am nervous..." She said.

"Don't be." He said kissing her forehead before entering his front door which was opened. "It's going to be alright." He offered her a sincere smile that could only be answered with another one. Diana smiled and nodded, and he didn't resist to peck her.

"James..." She whispered after surprised. Someone could see them.

"Hey!" Cliff came to them with a huge smile on his lips and arms opened.

"Bro..." James said as they bear hugged and Diana saw a woman coming to meet them. Immediately James pulled away from Cliff and placed a kiss on the woman's cheek. "Alex! How are you?" He asked and she assumed that was Cliff's wife.

"I am great, and you?" She smiled back at him. "Haven't seen you in a while!"

Alex was close to their age; Diana could tell but still a very beautiful woman. Her eyes were incredibly green and her hair black, reaching her shoulders. Tall, slim, no one would guess she had had three children and one just a year ago.

"I am doing great." Then he turned to Diana. "This is Diana." He simply said, presenting her to his friend.

"Nice to meet you." Alex greeted her with a smiling face and Diana smiled back, shaking her hand.

"Nice to meet you too."

"Welcome." Alex added.

"Diana... please... feel at home." Cliff told her. "What do you want to have to drink?" He asked as a bartender of the catering service passed by them. The man stayed still with a tray full of different beverages and Diana grabbed a flute of champagne and so did James.

"To you." James said raising his glass. "Too many more years together, happy as you guys have been." He said.

Diana could recognize the intimacy and the friendship between them three. It was so clear they all have known each other for quite long.

"Thanks." They couple said almost at the same time and they toasted.

"Diana... come..." Alex told her. "Come meet some other of our friends."

Diana looked at James and smiled and he nodded. "Let's go." She said feeling her initial nervousness abandoning her.

When the women were out of sight, Cliff turned to James. "Come for a cigar. He said. "Cubans!"