Chapter 5: Family Matters

*Nigel’s POV*

"Mr. Smith, it's 9:00 am," William, my butler, noted as he peered his head into my bedroom.

"One second, William."

I pulled the covers off and grabbed a pair of jogging pants and a t-shirt from the drawer.

I walked to the door and opened it to let William in.

"What's on the agenda today?" I asked, walking to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

I walked out of the bathroom, and William handed me a green smoothie. "You have a meeting with Richard at 10:15 at the Billionaires Gentleman Club. Then, you have tea with your mother at noon, and your Swedish massage is scheduled for 2:00 pm.”

“Hmm, I'm looking forward to that,” I mumbled. "And what else?" I slowly sipped my smoothie and stared at the waves crashing onto the shore from my bedroom window.

"4:00 pm, you have a meeting with Jamison & Son Airlines and -"

"Ah, yes. Have I told you about my new idea?" I interrupted.

"No, Mr. Smith, but I'd be happy to hear it." William held two bow ties in the air for me to choose from.

"Sky blue GUCCI silk bow tie for tea with my mother and the Louis Vuitton Monogram Gold black silk bowtie for my meeting with Richard,” I noted, and then went straight back into business. "So, I'm considering expanding the Royal Estates Brand. My great-grandfather started Royal Estates but only wanted to stay in the resort industry." I opened my dresser and skimmed my fingers across my watches.

"Yes, your great-grandfather was a great man, from what I hear," William replied.

"Yes, he was dedicated to providing excellence in everything he did. He ensured his customers received first-class service during their stay at his resorts. I want to provide first-class service when people fly,” I replied, finally picking a watch to match my outfit.

"Hmm, forgive me, Mr. Smith, but don't airlines already provide a service for first-class passengers?" William looked at me curiously.

"True, indeed. However, I will be buying jets to offer private flights with a touch of royalty. Imagine stepping on a plane and walking on a red carpet leading to diamond-encrusted gold leather seats, with foot massages and the finest cuisine created by the best chefs in the world."

I stared off into the distance, imagining my creation.

"I think -"

"And that's not all,” I continued, cutting William off once more, not realizing I had. I was too eager about my own idea to notice. “The jet will also have a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. The bedroom will mimic the Renaissance era, similar to our resorts. Imagine canopy beds with silk red and gold curtains with rose petals on the floor."

I snapped out of my momentary daydream to see William's reaction.

"It sounds romantic," William replied, handing me my shirt.

"Yes, and that's what I'm going for, William. These flights will be available for romantic getaways, honeymoons, or anniversaries. Can you see yourself holding your new bride's hand as she walks upstairs and steps onto the red carpet?”

"Well, I-"

"And I know what you're thinking,” I pressed on. “How private can it be if you have a pilot? Well, the cockpit will be closed off from the rest of the plane, and I'll have soundproof walls installed."

He closed his mouth and smiled. "You never cease to amaze me, Mr. Smith."

I beamed. "Royal Estates Getaway. That's what I've decided to call this new venture."

I stared into the distance again and momentarily envisioned Sophie on the plane with me. Woah, where did that vision come from? I barely even knew her.

"I think it's splendid, sir," William noted, interrupting my daydream. "After you meet with Jamison & Sons, you have a -"

“Interview with Sophie at 6:00 pm,” I finished for him.

The very mention of her name sent me into a fantasy world, and I imagined us on a private getaway where her every wish was my command. What was happening?

I finished drinking my smoothie and grabbed my clothes from William.

"Please message George and tell him I'll be ready in thirty minutes."

And with that, I was off.

***

"Mr. Smith? Mr. Smith?" Richard waved his hand in my face, interrupting my daze.

"How was the interview with this...hmm...Sophie girl?" asked Richard as he grabbed a cigar from his case.

"The interview was good. Sophie was really nice,” I noted casually.

Richard handed me a cigar. I wasn’t particularly eager to smoke, but it was an everyday activity at our billionaire's club. We played cards, drank brandy, discussed politics, and smoked cigars. No strippers, though; some of the men have mentioned expanding the club to include strippers.

"What did you share with her?" he asked, blowing a puff of smoke into the air.

"Just the basic stuff, nothing too important or confidential,” I replied.

Richard laughed as I tried not to choke on the cigar smoke. "Still not used to smoking cigars yet?" he asked.

I chuckled softly. "No, not yet. I did invite Sophie to the yacht party tonight, however.”

"Why would you do that?" Richard stared at me with contempt.

'Because I need to see her again, and I can't stop thinking about her.' I thought to myself.

"Well, I thought it would be a good idea for her to experience the life of a billionaire since she's interviewing billionaires,” I stated, taking another puff.

Richard sighed. "Fine, but we don't want to be too flashy. We only want to share information that will inspire the community and encourage them to support my candidacy for governor. I need all the votes I can get."

Richard blew another puff and smoke and took a sip of his brandy. I always wondered why he had to drink alcohol in the morning. There were some rumors that he's an alcoholic. Maybe they had some truth to them.

"Don't worry. I have everything under control,” I assured him.

Richard scrunched his nose up at my response.

When I first agreed to do the interview, I was okay with concealing the motive behind it, but after meeting Sophie, I didn’t know how long I could keep this a secret. At least this secret wasn’t as bad as some of the other ones.

"Hmm, I guess it should be if she attends the party, but I don't want her staying the whole night. Show her around for a few minutes, and then get her out. I don't want her asking any of the guest's questions either,” Richard stated.

I sighed and nodded my head in agreement. "Understood. I'll see you tonight."

I handed Richard my cigar and proceeded to exit the room.

"Do you know what this is?" he asked, stopping me in my tracks. When I looked back, he was holding the cigar in the air.

"Ugh. Yeah, it's a cigar," I laughed.

Richard shook his head. "This cigar is worth more than some people's home. It's called the Mayan Sicars. It is of incredible historical significance. These cigars were created during the Mayan civilization and are the oldest cigars in the world, dating back to 600 years. They are worth five hundred thousand dollars.”

"Wow! I didn't know that." I glanced at my watch. "I must get going. I have to meet my mother for brunch."

I smiled and walked toward the door.

Richard placed the cigar in a case and handed it to me. "Keep it," he smiled. "Oh, and remember, don't let that reporter girl snoop around too much tonight," he continued, staring at me sternly.

God, why did I volunteer for this interview? But, if I hadn’t, I would have never met Sophie.

My phone started buzzing. I hoped it's Sophie, though she would have no reason to call. I planned on giving her a reason, soon.

I reached into my pocket and grabbed my phone.

‘Mom: Are we still on for lunch today?’

Every Saturday, I had brunch dates with my mom at 12:30, and she still text me to confirm that I was coming.

If I didn’t text her back, she'd call me nonstop.

So, I sent a quick reply and then exited the club to head to lunch.

***

"Hmm, you're looking perky today," my mother smiled as she kissed me on the cheek.

My great-grandfather immigrated to America from England in search of a better life. My parents were born in America but lived in England for a while, and my mother, at some point in her life, decided she wanted to speak with a British accent. She said she needed to be true to her roots.

"So, what or who is responsible for this glow?" she asked, placing her pink-laced handkerchief in her lap.

Our brunch was no typical brunch. We’d meet in the tearoom overlooking the beach. My mother's cook served us tea, cake, biscuits, and other delicacies.

Of course, my mother had to have the tea served with her finest China tea set, a white and gold Meissen Teapot with snowball Blossoms. It was handmade and hand painted in Germany as a tradition of porcelain dinner service from the world-famous Meissen, Europe's oldest porcelain manufacturer—an antique classic worth forty-five thousand dollars.

I was fortunate to grow up with the finer things in life, but I never understood why people must spend large sums of money on things like a teapot. But, then again, I'm sure my mother doesn't understand why I have ten cars.

"What? Come on, Mom. I'm always glowing."

"No, son, you're just like your father: all work and no play. I sure do miss him, though." She turned her head towards the window and stared out into the ocean.

"Me too, Mom." I sighed and momentarily reminisced on our time together. My father loved us, and I wouldn't be where I was today without his sacrifices.

"Have you heard from your brother?" she asked, sipping her tea.

"Mom, you ask me every week if I've heard from Charles, and you know he hasn't called since Dad died and he found out that the business was not left to him. It's been two years now. Just let it go. I'm sure he'll call when he's ready."

"Oh, did I tell you Julie came by to see me last week? Did you two get to meet up while she was in town?" She placed her tea cup on the table and squared her shoulders as she stared at me.

"No, Mom, kind of been busy."

"Well, you need to call your big sister. I'm worried about her."

"Why?"

"Julie has a new boyfriend every other month. She knows how important it is to maintain a positive image and not bring shame to the family name. Ugh, your father would be horrified and hurt watching her senseless behavior."

"Mom, everyone has their own way of grieving, and she's probably just, you know, letting it out." I grabbed a chocolate biscuit cake and took a bite, hoping she would change the subject.

"Oh, God, please spare me the details. That's um…what do you young folks say, TM, hmm, TM…"

"TMI, Mom. Too much information."

We both laughed hysterically.

I loved seeing my mom laugh. Although, she didn’t laugh as much as she used to, especially since my dad died. I knew she was worried about Charles and Julie, but I was concerned about her.

"Wouldn't it be marvelous to get the whole family together for Thanksgiving? Julie and I talked about it when she visited me. I only hope she doesn't bring a new boyfriend to dinner,” she chuckled softly. "And what about you, Nigel? You haven't dated since your breakup with Carissa, but I can tell someone has you glowing."

She sipped her tea and stared at me with anticipation.

"Mom. No one has me glowing. I'm just happy to see you.”

'Besides, I've only just met Sophie. I don't even know her, yet she already has such a captivating presence, and I can't stop thinking about her,’ I added in my head.

"Nigel, you see me every week. You aren't glowing because you're happy to see me."

She leaned forward and stared at me with anticipation to hear what had been contributing to this so-called glow I have.

"Mom. I am happy to see you," I shrugged.

"Well, I know that, but that's not why you're smiling."

I glanced at my watch. "Oh. Look at the time. I have a meeting with the owner of Jamerson & Son Airlines.”

"Oh. Whatever for?" she looked at me curiously.

"I'm thinking of expanding the business. I want to buy a few small planes and redecorate them. Royal Estates Airlines. Fly the royal way." I wave my arms in the air with excitement. "What do you think?"

"A visionary. Just like your father." She walked toward me, grabbed my face, and kissed me on my forehead.

I smiled. "I'll call you tomorrow morning and let you know how the meeting went,” I noted before leaving the brunch.

I’d call tomorrow because tonight, I'd be at a yacht party, and I needed to find a way to get to know Sophie better.