Bittersweet Honey

2. Congratulations

Toni.

"Now they always say,
Congratulations.
Worked so hard,
Forgot how to vacation.
They ain't ever had
the dedication."

-Post Malone

​     I didn't even see Ren and Alex after the meeting for many reasons. Eleanor drowned me in paperwork, but I just had to pull through until 6. That's the time I'm set free. And even if we have a million things to talk about, I still have to go to dad's place for dinner. I'm dying to tell him about today of course. And I'll try to call mom on the way.

​     I pick up my things and head to the elevator. Eleanor mentioned my car could be on level 2 of the parking lot. This day just feels surreal. I have been pinching my arms since my first meeting.

​     When I click on my key's button to unlock the car, I squeal at the sight of a beautiful, silver Aston Martin Vantage. I almost faint at the thought of it being mine. Well, it's the company's, but I get to drive around in it! As soon as I step inside, my first thought is that I won't have to take the underground in a while. The leather seats feel priceless, and the finishes and details are thrilling and so elegant. When I turn the engine on, I'm reminded of when dad used to take me to the races when I was little. I can't help but whoop on my own! Dad will be so proud when I tell him the news.

​     I stop by a liquor store on my way to pick up a bottle of champagne so we can toast later. I arrive and park across the street from the loft building. I walk to the front door and look over my shoulder to see my new car again. Just as I'm about to reach the main entrance, a loud motorcycle parks right beside me, and I recognize the driver when he takes off his helmet.

     ​"New ride?" I ask him.

     ​"Yeah. Jealous?" Tristan answers back with his usual moodiness.

     ​"Not one bit." I point back at my Vantage and Tristan looked at me with a mix of disbelief and surprise in his eyes. 

     "I have news, let's go."

​     We get on the lift together and knock on dad's door. He opens up with a huge smile on his face, arms open wide and with an apron on his waist. I instantly recognize the smell of Sunday roast, even if it's not Sunday, dad knows it's one of our favorite meals.

     ​"There they are! My little kids!" He cheers as he welcomes us in. He's always so dramatic, and he treats us like kids sometimes, but I know it's because he enjoys taking care of us. He gives each a big hug and a kiss on the cheek, which Tristan wiped off soon after.

     ​"Hi dad!" I say as I leave my coat in the closet. 

     "Dinner smells great." I realize I feel nervous about telling him. I think I'll wait until we're having dessert. Tristan being here complicates things. He's my older half-brother, and he has always disliked me very much. He never played with me, and I mean, he is nine years older than me, but I always felt like he hates me. Whenever something good happens to me he is massively unimpressed.

     ​"You brought champagne? Did I forget my own birthday?" Dad half-jokes.

     ​"You didn't, you're not that old, dad." I answer as I take a seat on the living room, and Tristan chuckles as he opens up a beer.