Chapter 6. Plans in motion

Back at Alex's office

   Jason refused to accept Alex's refusal. “Come on, big bro, you can reduce it to two hours, please, just say yes,” He pleaded, his eyes focused on him.

   That instant a thought swirled in Alex's head. “Hey Jason, if you are planning to spike my drink, and hook me up with some silly girl  again, I'm warning you…”

   “No, dearest bro,” Jason cut in instantly. “Come on, didn't I promise you the last time that I would never do that to you again unless you ask me to? We want your presence, just for a few hours, okay.” He pouted his mouth as he waited for an answer.

    Alex never denied Jason anything. He was like a brother he never had. His parents took custody of him at seven after Jason's parents died in a ghastly auto accident. Since then he had been treated as Benson's son. He gazed at his pouted lips and smiled. “Jason, stop pouting like a child, you are a big guy.”

    I'm just twenty-six, so I can pout for you. Please, big bro, two hours isn't much, hmm. He remained with his charm.

    Alex smiled and hissed, “Jason, how do you do it? Why is it hard to say no? I must confess your cuteness always gets to me.” Alex smiled, “Alright, I will come to Jessica's birthday party. I will try to stay for just an hour. Mind you, I don't need any hookups. Do we understand each other?” 

    Jason's face lit up with a smile as he stood up, walked over to him swiftly, and landed a peck on his cheek. “Thanks, big bro.”

    “Jason! Grow up and stop pecking me like some kid every time I fall to your whims.” He complained.

    “Really, you will always get that from me because I love you. Besides, you have sweet peckable cheeks. You are lucky you are my blood if not, it's those delicate lips of yours I will be kissing.” Jason said as he walked away quickly.  

    “Jason! Get the heck out of here, silly you.” Alex snarled at him laughing.

    Jason knew what would follow those words so he was already at the door laughing. “I love you, bro, thanks a lot. I will send you a reminder, and the time is 7pm.” He blew him a kiss.

   “Get out already, Jason. I promise to be there by 9 pm.” Alex said, and Jason left with a smile.

    Alex smiled, robbing his cheek. “Peckable cheek, hmm. How I wish to get such a peck from someone special to me.” He hissed out a worried sigh and stood up. Stretching, he walked over to the window and stared out into space.

    His thoughts swirled as he wondered why his saviour was not on social media. “Will I ever see you again, my dear Lucas? You will be a full man by now. I wonder if you still have those sweet curls in your hair. I think it's time to find you because I can't get you off my mind.” He muttered to himself

    Then caressed the pendant on his chest, brought it out, and kissed it with a smile. “My good luck charm, help me to see my life saver again. I need to thank him for saving me that day.

   While Alex was smiling and caressing the pendant, his phone buzzed. He walked back to the table and it was his father. He picked up, “Hello Dad.”

   “Son, I need you to go somewhere for me tonight.”

   “Dad, I'm not available tonight, I already have a promise to keep,” Alex responded suspecting that it would be some business party.

   “Alex, it's important for me to be present there. It's the Mayor's 60th birthday party and our family needs to be there. Just cancel whichever engagement you have and accompany your Mom to the party. Your sister and Jason already have other socials to attend.” Mr Benson explained.

   “Oh come on, Dad, can't Mom go alone? You know I hate such big-shot gatherings.” Alex responded wishing his father would find another way around it.

   “Grow up son, such gatherings will do you more good than harm. Stop hiding in your office or kitchen. Son, you are a big shot yourself. The more you mingle, the more you will expand. So attend the party with your Mom and represent me, okay. Do it for your Dad, please.” The father pleaded with him. 

    Alex accepted. “Alright Dad, I will go with Mom. What is the time and venue?” He demanded.

    “Thanks a lot, son, I appreciate this. Oh, son, the dress code is Caribbean wear and please have fun, okay.” He said as he passed him the remaining details 

   “Okay, Dad, take care,” Alex responded, and the line went dead.

   Alex slumped into his chair. “Oh dear, I hate big-shot parties. In fact, I hate all parties. Must they disturb people's peace? Thank God it's  Mom I will be going with. Within an hour we will be out of there.

   Meanwhile, Lucas, who saved Alex two years back, has turned twenty-five and has grown bigger than expected. The only thing that was familiar with his features was his curly brown hair, his pinky lips, and his beautiful blue eyes. Shiny stubble had added a touch of ruggedness to his smooth skin while his built-up abs added to his charms.

    Even as his confident stride commanded attention, his warm gaze put those around him at ease. With an effortless blend of charm and humility, he exuded a youthful energy that was hard to ignore. He has become irresistibly attractive.

   Lucas had just returned from his culinary practicals. The instant he entered his office his phone buzzed. It was her sister, Emily. “Yes, Em, what's up?”

   “Dad said you weren't picking up your calls. I guess you silenced it due to your exams. Anyways, he said he is taking us with him to the Mayor's birthday party.” Emily started, but Lucas reacted immediately. “I'm not going, I'm working on a new recipe for my last exams.”

    “Lucas, I've tried escaping it, but Dad said it's a must-attend. You know my friend Diana, her sister Jessica is celebrating her birthday too. She invited us, I even promised her that I would make sure you come along, and now this. I'm so pissed. Emily complained bitterly.

   “Damn it, why is Dad so controlling? When will he understand that we are not kids anymore? If only grandma were still alive.” Lucas whispered to himself before saying, “It's alright Em, we will go with him and find a way and escape from him so you can attend your real party, okay?”

    “Okay, big bro catch you later.” She said and the line went dead.

    Lucas dropped the phone and relaxed in the chair, closing his eyes. “Damn it Dad,” he cursed under his breath. He knew that his Dad only wanted them at that party for his silly “Get to know people that matter in society.” Not forgetting searching for another silly girl to hook him up with. Lucas hated his father's style so much but had no choice.

   It was almost 6pm when Lucas buzzed their father's number. “Dad, take Emily with you. I will meet you guys there.” 

   “Young man, don't start any hide and seek with me this evening. Get your ass down here because we are all going there.” His Dad cut him short.

   Lucas didn't give up, "Come on, Dad, I just need to wrap up a couple of things here at the office. I promise to be there by 7:30 pm. Have I ever gone back on my word to you?" Lucas asked, knowing his track record spoke for itself. They didn't always see eye to eye but his obedience was a trait his father appreciated.

    So instantly, Mr. Weston's tone softened. "Alright, Lucas. I'll go ahead. You come with your sister, but don't be late." With that, the line went dead.

    Lucas smiled because that scheme of his had always worked out. With that, they would go in his car so that when they wanted to escape, it would be swift.

   Unknown to Lucas, from his father's side, as he dropped his phone, he chuckled, “Oh mine, I guess my children have another plan tonight. Well, I will make my own plans too. Maybe this night will be the night for my Lucas to lose his virginity.” Mr Weston said mischievously. Picking up his phone again, he placed a call. 

   “Gabe, we need to plan fast, I believe Lucas has a plan to sneak out from the party tonight.”