Cannonball

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Falling asleep at these events is never a good idea, Nathaniel thought as he rubbed his eyes hoping that he can keep them open for another hour or so. He hated having to pretend he was one of them. But he couldn’t disappoint his family again, he’s screwed up enough times already. So he straightened his back, fixed his tie and downed his drink. He’s determined to get through this night, because after this he can go to his much anticipated vacation.

Nathaniel was in the middle of imagining the dock where he would go fishing when a man in a severe suit approached him. The man is his father. Holding a drink, he said, “Good work, I knew you were always so brilliant with numbers.”

“Thanks, old man. All in a day’s work.” Nathaniel responded while his father gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.

“Keep up the good work. And I know you’re leaving tomorrow so I may not be able to see you until you get back, you deserve it. You made good changes and I’m proud of you.” His father said while staring at the mass of people socializing at the event. “I see your mother, she asked me to save her a dance, and you know I can never say no to her.” His father said while slowly putting his unfinished drink down at the table where Nathaniel sat. His father was a couple of steps away when he suddenly turned back, “Don’t forget to give my regards to James.”

“Will do.” Nathaniel said while scanning the crowd for one particular face. He stood up to get a better scan of the crowd. Through the sea of glitter gowns, black and white tux’s and overdone hair he saw his younger brother chatting up one of the servers. He began walking towards the two flirts. He eyed his brother and mentally complimented his brother on how he seems to have a natural way with every woman he meets. The server is obviously eating up every word his brother has been spewing. Twirling her hair around her gloved finger while balancing her weight with one leg swaying back and forth, displaying a perfect picture of an enamored girl. Nathaniel caught the eye of his brother, twinkling with delight as he may have already gotten a warm body for tonight. But he was dutifully ignored as his brother continued to charm the panties off the server. Nathaniel had no choice but to clear his throat since his brother can’t seem to take the hint that he’s needed.

The girl swiveled to look at who disturbed their bubble and nearly choked on her coughing fit, she mumbled an apology and quickly excused herself, but not forgetting a glance back at the younger brother with a pointed stare full of hidden meanings that Nathaniel would rather not know.

“You just ruined the most fun I had all night. What’s up anyway? Don’t think I didn’t see you looking like a baboon trapped in a glass box.” His brother said while looking amused.

“So you’ve been laughing at my misery. How cruel, if you keep that up I might just withdraw from that even you so badly want me to go to.” Nathaniel retaliated.

“It’s still a long time coming, brother. I may not need you there anymore anyway.” His younger brother said haughtily.

Gabriel is Nathaniel’s ever loving younger brother. They love to tease each other but when it comes down to the natty gritty they always have each other’s backs. Nathaniel being eight years older than Gabriel, he wanted to his younger brother to idolize him and look up to him, but his past is hardly something to be proud of. He’d never want his younger brother to follow his footsteps. Gabriel is the more relaxed of the two. He takes life just as it goes, never gets too angry except the time when he punched a classmate for being a sod, but other than that he is very understanding. Nathaniel often talks to his younger brother whenever something is bother him. His brother could turn from a philosopher to a monkey in a split second. Nathaniel felt guilty that he may be the reason that his younger brother had to mature early. He regretted not being there when his younger brother accomplished something. But he’s here now, kind of, since he’s setting off again.

“I wanted to say goodbye, since I’d be leaving early tomorrow, or should I say in a few hours,” Nathaniel said while glancing at his wrist, finding that it’s already 1am.

“I’d be dropping you off the airport remember? Can’t you say goodbye then?” Gabriel said.

“Not if you want to spend the early morning with the lass you were chatting up. No need to sacrifice precious time for me, I thought you’d be tired enough as it is from the event you wouldn’t want to get out of your bed. I had Lance arrange a cab service for me.” He explained.

“I see, how considerate of you. I would have been fine honestly. But I guess I have to make up a different excuse to get out of her bed since I can’t use the ‘I need to drop my brother off at the airport excuse’.” Gabriel said with his finger doing an air quote.

“You are sleazy.” Nathaniel said. “I’m going to head out before anybody else notices me, I heard Mrs. Hancock has been parading her daughter around. I don’t want to be involved.”

“I’d take her if you’re really that worried about her. You know I’m a helpful gentleman.” Gabriel said, completing his sentence with a gentleman’s bow.

“If the ladies only knew how sleazy you actually are.” Nathaniel said.

“They’d never know, besides who else have I gotten it from big brother. Enjoy your vacation, Nate. You deserve a break?” Gabriel said patting his brother’s shoulders and quickly walking away to the nearest open bar.

The first part of his brother’s statement bothered Nathaniel more than he thought it would. Did Gabriel really get his womanizing skills from him? He had a fair share of experience with women, lots of them. But he always thought he was discreet. He liked his women and respects them, worship them even of course, what hot blooded man doesn’t. He loved their softness and sometimes their intellect. But in all his experience that has been the problem, it was always just a body to keep his bed warm. He stopped hopping from one bed to another a long time ago, but he still occasionally does. Only it takes more effort than it did when he was younger and more risky. In fact he cannot remember the last time he spent a hot night with a woman.

A few months ago give or take. Nathaniel thought.

He was never serious with a woman. They know what he wants and they want the same thing. But he couldn’t lie and say that he hadn’t thought about settling down, in fact he’s been thinking about it more and more. Nathaniel may not be the settling type, but he knows that when he eventually does, it has to be the right woman, the woman that would make him crazy. He always thought that he’d feel it deep in his bones when he truly does fall in love.

All the time he spent thinking he didn’t realize that Lance have ushered him into the car and drove home. He must be really, really tired if he didn’t realize he was in a moving vehicle. After shrugging off every thought about women and settling down, he got out of the car and headed straight inside his house. Taking off his shoes and socks and leaving them by the door, he cannot be bothered to pick them up, the cleaner would be due tomorrow anyway. Right now, his bed is beckoning him. It’s almost 2:30 am and his flight would be in five hours, he could spare a good three hours of sleep. He entered his room and immediately headed for his plush bed and fell face down. Nathaniel closed his eyes and was comforted by the thought that by tomorrow he’d be fishing without a care in the world.