Sunday.
Colton spent his afternoon at a golf club restaurant. He had a meeting with some clients and it lasted for three hours.
Just a little over 6 pm, on his way to his car, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Seeing the caller ID, he sighed. It was Caleb, his brother.
"Hi," He answered.
"Where are you, bro?" Caleb's whining voice came through.
"Working"
'God, Colton! It's Sunday!"
"And?" Colt said, wanting to know what his younger brother was trying to prove.
"And you shouldn't be working! You wouldn't listen to me anyway so there's no point lecturing you. When are you getting here?"
"You're at the mansion?"
"Yes, I've been here since 4 pm. Mom had me come early to help her out with a few things. Ashley is around too."
"Ashley? Isn't she meant to be somewhere in the world except New York?" Ashley was their younger sister and the last born of the family. She was 23 years old and fresh out of college. She has been on a vacation for five months now. According to her, since she's done from college, she wants a year's vacation to travel around the world before returning to school for her master's program.
"Don't tell me you're still mad at her? It's been five months. Move on, Dude!"
"Why should I be mad at her? It's her life, her decisions, father's sponsoring the vacation, so it's all good."
"But you didn't want her to go for the vacation"
"Look, I know college is stressful and all. And you obviously need a break once you graduate. It's okay to take a break for a month or two after that. But a whole damn year? That's beyond ridiculous."
"Kind of but hey, She's our baby sister, let her enjoy. I also hope you both don't make a fuss tonight."
"I have no energy for that. It's been a long weekend for me."
"Whatever! Be here before 7. I love you" Caleb ended the call.
Colton rolled his eyes at his brother's statement. Collecting his keys from the Valet, he got into his car and drove out from the golf house.
............
The Royal Mansion happens to be the most expensive and most beautiful home in New York City. Only Colton's parents lived there along with his younger sister, Ashley, and the staff.
Caleb on the other hand had to own a place outside the mansion because of his playboy ways. His mother hated the fact that he was used to bringing different women into the mansion so he had no choice but to move out. But his wing in the mansion was still available so there were times he stayed over.
Then the guest rooms were usually occupied by visitors and extended family members whenever they came around.
Stepping into the mansion, Colton went straight to the main living room on the ground floor. He saw his younger brother, seated, typing away on his phone.
"See who is here!" Caleb rose to his feet and engulfed Colt in a hug. Colton rolled his eyes but returned the hug anyway.
"How did the meeting go?" Caleb asked.
"Fine, deal sealed"
"So proud of you, bro!' He patted Colt on the back. The duo were almost the same height but Colton was taller.
"Where's she, your girlfriend?" Colton asked.
"Oh, I decided not to bring her again."
"Why?"
"I don't want Mom and Dad to think otherwise. Bringing a girl home only means something serious and Tamara and I are nowhere serious."
"Interesting!" Colton mumbled.
"Yeah! Such is life."
"If you know you aren't going to marry her then I'll advise you to let her know now. Anyways, you know how to deal with your shit. Where's Mom?" He asked. Caleb was known for giving his girlfriends break-up gift and that seems to always take their pain away.
"I'm over here, love." His Mother's voice came through as she approached her boys. She was coming from the kitchen.
Victoria Royal was 54 years old, still very much pretty and energetic as well. She was a beauty enthusiast and that reflected in her physical appearance. She was way younger than her real age. She has always been a model, fashion/brand influencer but she has been doing more of the latter after the birth of Ashley. She also gives a helping hand in the family business (Royal Empire).
"How are you, my love?" She pulled Colton into a hug.
Colton returned her hug. Even though they argue at times, heaven knew he loved his Mom so much and cannot imagine his life without her. The same goes for Victoria. She loved her three children with all her heart.
"I'm fine, Mom."
Pulling away from the hug, Colt kissed her cheek, Vicky tiptoed and placed a kiss on her eldest son's forehead.
"There goes the favorite Son!" Caleb rolled his eyes.
Victoria cupped her son's face. "You look tired. Haven't you been getting enough sleep? looks like you also need a haircut."
"Mom!!!" Colton groaned, releasing her hand from his face. "I'm perfectly fine. And I also think my hair looks okay."
"No, it doesn't. You're so focused on work that you forget to take proper care of yourself. I'm sure you've not been eating properly too." She said, checking him out to see if he had lost any weight.
"I do take care of myself!"
"But you don't look like it!" Vicky challenged.
"Come on Mom, he's perfectly fine. You fuss over him too much." Caleb intervened.
"Like I don't fuss over you too!" Vicky replied.
"You do. But not as much as Colt. He's a grown-up dude already. Who cares if he keeps bushy hair?"
"Here goes the jealous son!" Colton mumbled.
"No matter how old you guys get, I will continue to fuss over you all because you all will always be my babies. But I think the fuss will reduce once you guys start giving me grandchildren."
"There we go again!" Colton mumbled.
"Well, I don't think that applies to me. I'm too young to be a Dad. I'm not even 30 yet." Caleb said.
"What's the difference between 29 and 30?" Vicky asked her son.
"One year. But still, I don't want to become a father before my elder brother. It doesn't seem right!"
Colton threw Caleb a glare.
"Mom, I thought we agreed this dinner was going to be about us," Colt said to Vicky.
"Yes, I did and I don't think I've broken that promise. My future grandchildren are also part of the family already."
Colton sighed.
"And you, I would be very careful if I were you!" She directed at Caleb.
Caleb looked at his mom, confused.
"Being a playboy. The background of my grandchild's mother means a lot to me."
"I think I need a drink." Caleb excused himself.
"Mom, you will get a grandchild when the time is right." Colt gave her left shoulder a light squeeze.