Bab 384: Chapter 384
"How did the auction go, Lex?" Christian asked Alexander later that night in the west living room
of the palace.
Alexander was sitting in a chair, writing in his journal.
"Good. We were able to buy the Mucha." Alexander said.
"That's wonderful. We know how much mum loves art nouveau." Christian said, scratching the back of his head. Alexander nodded and smiled.
"Who doesn't, right?" Alexander said.
Christian nodded.
Silence between them made Christian uncomfortable but Alexander seemed unaffected.
"Alright then. Have a lovely evening." Christian said. Alexander nodded and gave a vague smile. The politeness between them wasn't a friendship. They barely spoke at all other than just obligatory chit chat and formalities. The truth was, he didn't know his brother at all. Sure, they played together when they were young, but Alexander was always aloof, to himself. He was not the kind of person to show anyone, anything. He was a block wall, a bit sullen and dark. He was intelligent and his sarcasm and cynical way of presenting his thoughts were most likely nothing he intended. He just saw the world through a heightened awareness which often triggered a keen disgust. His mother had placed him in a program for gifted children when he was 11 and his IQ tested in the high 160's then. He could only imagine his mind now. He was as beautiful as he was bright. And to anyone that interacted with him regularly, it was obvious he hated that about himself. He dressed simply and rarely did anything with his shaggy, dark blonde hair. He never wanted to stand out in any way, which was impossible when you looked like a young Paul Newman, regardless of how dirty your clothes and hair were. Christian and Isla favored more their father's side. More rounded and full features, full lips and large eyes. Christian was handsome. Regally. Alexander had become chiseled and attractive, in a more rugged way.
**********************************
"Good evening, Christian. How are things going with you?" Pearl said as she sat down for dinner.
"Going well, the usual business." Christian lied.
His mother knew him well and he always felt stupid the moment after he told her a lie because she always saw right though it. She wiped her mouth with her napkin and placed it back on her lap. She was in her early fifties and looked not a day over 35. She had been a rock star, the owner of a corporation, the queen of England, but to him, she was just mum. The keeper of the Cheerios, his garden dancing partner and sandbox playmate, storyteller at bedtime and support when he needed. She was radiant and absolutely impossible to dislike. Her smile, warm and infectious and her eyes always had a bit of a mysterious gleam. He loved that he was raised by such an incredible woman and was grateful for her.
"Maybe I'm mistaken, but we usually do not go to Germany demanded fair tariffs and trade transparency, do we?" She asked. Dylan, always the supportive husband and step father, who sat next to her, hid behind the beer he was drinking to hide his smile.
"Yes, alright, you got me. Other than THAT, everything is smooth and easy." Christian said.
"Watch yourself there. Do not be foolish and don't mince words. Never show your nerves." She said, cutting her steak.
"Understood." Christian said.
"Isla said you went to lunch today. That you hit it off with her friend's cousin… what was it? Sophie?" Dylan said, giving him a thumbs up.
Dylan shook his head and rolled his eyes. Of course Isla made a big stink about it.
Pearl looked at both of them.
"A girl? Dylan you know he has a lot on his plate right now. He's learning so much and is barely 21. He is in no place for marriage and a family right now." She said.
"Who said anything about marriage? Slow down, mother of the groom-zilla. I was just talking about him getting out and meeting girls. Having some fun." Dylan said. Pearl smiled at Dylan. He was a virgin until his late twenties and saved himself for 18 years to do it again. He was far from the expert on "having a little fun" with random girls. But it was cute to watch, anyway.
"Ugh. You two just keep focused on what you do and I'll keep focused on what I do." Christian said with a smile.
Alexander walked in and grabbed a cup of coffee. "Hello, Alex." His mother said.
Alex smiled (a rarity) and kissed her cheek and walked past Dylan, patting his shoulder. Alex loved Dylan, like a real father and they were similar in many ways. They always had a bond, even when Sebastian was alive, Alex would prefer Dylan. It made Christian sad sometimes. His bond was with his father and he missed him, desperately.
"Lex says you got the painting?" Christian said.
"Yeah. We won't talk about the price. I don't need another heart attack." Dylan said.
Pearl rolled her eyes.
"So, when are you going back to the states?" Christian asked.
"Next Thursday. And we will be there through March. Then will be here in London until June." Pearl said. Christian was happy for her. For them. They had loved each other in a way that made little sense to him. To be friends with, to stand by a woman you are madly in love with and watch her love someone else. Bear children with someone else and wait. Wait for years. No. He wouldn't be able to do that. If he learned anything from them, it was to make smart choices in love. To speak your truth. But little did he know, his lack of experience with that would make him a hypocrite sooner rather than later.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone