His Return | Rini Au

𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕣

~Ricky's gc~

~Nini's iPhone~

~Ricky's iPhone~

The sound of footsteps echoed in the main hallway. Grandma Mo continued to paint the mini croissants with egg wash, unaware of the sound.

"Did you hear that Grandma? I think someone is here to see you." Nina's eyes lit up, excited for her to see her grandson back from his trip. "I'll put these in the oven." Nini volunteered as she slipped on oven mitts, sliding the tray of pastries in the heated contraption.

"We're home." The sound of Raymond's voice was louder than usual. It was either from over excitement or so Grandma Mo who was also hard of hearing could hear him.

"We?" Nini whispered to herself who's back was still turned away. Assuming Raymond would be the only one to be there. She slowly turned around to see two tall men standing in the kitchen. Raymond was in one of his typical suits, while the man next to him was in a black roll-neck sweater, and a beige trench coat. This had to be the New Yorker.

"Grandma are you baking?" Raymond projected his voice once again as he greeted Nini with a welcoming smile.

"yes dear, Nini and I are making croissants." Ramona smiled while examining the man next to Raymond. "And is this who I think it is?" She slowly approached Ricky as he turns his curious eyes away from Nini to embrace his grandmother.

"It's been a long time grandma." A smile broke free as Ricky gently wrapped his arms around the little fragile woman. She slowly pulled away and cupped his face in her hands, taking in every detail of him.

"My handsome boy." Her smile quickly faded as she smacks his shoulder, surprising everyone in the kitchen. Ricky's eyes widened in shock, holding his arm.

"Why haven't you visited your grandma?" She scolded him.

"I'm sorry." Ricky let out a chuckle. "But I'm here now right?". He defended himself with another charming smile. Nini had done a little research on him prior, so she knew he was a good-liking guy. But she just didn't expect him to be this attractive in person. Nini caught herself staring, as she quickly stopped herself from smitten any longer.

"yes but i may not have been--"

"-- Grandma--" Both Raymond and Nini say in sync, taking her light hearted joke to offense.

"Oh I was only kidding." Ramona shook her head as she makes her way to the living room.

"Nini, how about you get yourself cleaned up and your can take the rest of the day off." Raymond ordered more so than a suggestion. Nini raised her brows by his first comment. He pointed at his cheek as she followed his gesture, referring to the flour that had smeared across her right cheek.

"Right.." Nini quickly removed her apron. "excuse me." She smiled sheepishly at the two men before leaving to head to the bathroom. Ricky let out a little laugh as he waited until she was out of sight.

"Who is she?" Ricky asked curiously.

"She's a caregiver. She's been taking care of Grandma for the past 2 years now."

"huh.. when I hear 'caregiver', I pictured someone older.. you hired her?" Ricky questioned as Raymond nodded.

"She's also a good friend of Ashlynn's."

The sound of footsteps halted their conversation. Ricky shoved his hands in his front pockets, acting as if they weren't just talking about her.

"Well I'll be heading out now." Nini reported. Her eyes taking a quick glance at Ricky who seemed to be eyeing her sharply, which only made her even more nervous.

"Before you go, I haven't formally introduced you. This is my brother Ricky. Ricky this is Nini. He'll be staying here for the time being."

"I will??" Ricky furrowed his brows, clearly unaware.

"you're not staying at my place. Besides, it'll be nice for Grandma to have some company." Raymond smiled widely, patting Ricky's shoulder. Nini watched the two brothers exchanging weird looks, giver her the cue to leave.

"I'm gonna go.. It was nice meeting you Mr. Bowen." Nini smiled awkwardly.

"what?" Ricky raised his brows, catching him off guard. Before he could say a proper goodbye, she was already speed walking towards the door.

Ricky turned his attention back to Raymond, gesturing at the direction Nini had left.

"is she always that formal?" Ricky asked, a grin grew widely across his face. Raymond laughed to himself as he gently pushes Ricky out of the kitchen and towards the living room where Ramona was.