𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 ✓ (𝟷𝟾+)

The One and Only

Arin

The party was in full swing before we even arrived. Dad was mingling with his friends when Roger and I entered. His eyes dazzled when he called out.

"Kiddo." Almost leaping and hopping, dad panted, nearing us. He seemed like those commercial guys who loved making kids laugh with their funny theatrics. Knowing dad, this was one of the happiest I'd seen him. He was practically glowing from all the smiling.

"Hello Charles," Roger held out his hand.

Dad raised his hand sifting through the air and breaking Roger's words. "Dad or nothing." He placed his hands to his hips, waiting for Roger to comply.

"Dad," I intervened, asking him to knock off the new rule he whipped up for Roger. Before dad could speak in his defense, Roger decided to state his stand.

"Ohh, don't worry, Arin. I'd love to call him dad."

I eyed both men who decided there was no need for me to help them anymore. Grabbing a champagne flute, I walked over to Mrs. Rose who stood hand in hand with her husband.

A million-dollar smile flashed on her face as I watched them hold hands as if they were some newly married couple. My heartstrings were pulled in happiness. I wanted that with Roger, the commitment which transpired beyond age and decorum. The butterflies in the stomach even after ages of marriage.

"Are you enjoying the party?" I asked her. She tapped my shoulder, nodding.

"This is splendid, Arin. Did you organize it?"

"Oh, no. It was all my dad and his happy helpers. I did not help one bit."

Upon that question, I turned to look over to face the crowd. Roger was mingling with the office people but a part of me even in this closed arena missed him. I wanted to be next to him. Before I had the chance to turn back towards Mrs. Rose, I felt his presence near me.

"Hello gorgeous..." his voice floated across and his hand coiled around my waist, appearing from nowhere before he tugged me onto his chest. Mrs. Rose was beaming with joy, watching us act goofy.

"If only you'd have done all this earlier." She mocked him while I laughed at her retort.

Roger held onto me before leaning closer to Mrs. Rose. "It was all part of the plan Mrs. Rose. I always liked her since day one."

He moved back as I nudge him with my ankle.

Ouch. He cried happily before whispering, "You will be so sore for this?"

"Sore or sorry?" I mocked, watching his smile reappear. He placed his index and middle finger in the air, showing a trembling movement of what seemed to be my legs. Sore it was.

God! I was already hot for him. A part of me wanted to pull him into the nearest room and take him on again.

Glass clang, making me break out of my state of daydreaming.

Dad stood at the elevated area, holding a flute. "Ladies and Gentlemen," he looked around. "We all know the merger and the success that both Murphy's and Oswald will strive for. But today, I want you all to put your hands together for one special person. Without him, nothing would have been possible."

I turned around watching as dad gestured his hand. "The man of the hour, Xavier."

The crowd erupted into cheers and the sound of craps filled the air. Xavier got up where dad stood. Embracing him, dad reintroduced him to everyone before letting him with the mic.

After a bit of hesitation, Xavier tossed the device in his hands, walking around in circles. Roger stood next to me, his hand never left my body. With him, I always felt protected.