As Lee navigated the winding roads back to the mansion, he couldn't help but steal a few glances at his boss, Austin. Austin's face radiated an expression Lee had never seen before—a tender smile that seemed to light up his features. The way Austin repeatedly checked his phone, eyes glimmering with anticipation, coupled with the subtle tension around his mouth, told Lee that something special had unfolded during their outing.
"So how did it go?" Lee asked, his curiosity piqued.
"What?" Austin responded, his voice laced with surprise.
"You know, you and that charming lady, Angel—are you two an item?" Lee pressed on, a playful tone creeping into his voice.
Austin's smile faltered slightly as he replied, his voice laced with a hint of sleepiness, "Why don't you keep driving?"
"Oh, come on, boss! Can't you throw me a bone? Just a hint? I can draw my own conclusions, you know," Lee teased, reverting to his familiar, boyish charm.
"What hints? And what conclusions?" Austin asked, his brow arched in suspicion.
"Alright, alright, I'll drop it for now. But it feels like you're finally in love with your little secret," he added, whispering the last words with a teasing lilt.
"Okay, Lee, you're impossible. There's nothing going on between Angel and me…" he began, but the moment was interrupted by the ringing of his phone.
Glancing at the caller ID, a smile began to creep onto Austin's face. Lee raised an eyebrow, his curiosity reigniting.
"Hello," Austin answered, his voice suddenly infused with energy.
"I just sent you the details for the hotel where we're dining tomorrow. Check it out," came the voice on the other end, warm and inviting.
"Yes, of course, I will. Thank you," Austin replied, his heart racing slightly at the thought of their rendezvous.
"Alright then, I have to run. See you tomorrow. Love you," she said abruptly before hanging up.
Austin was left momentarily speechless, his mind racing. "Did she just say she..." he started, but reality struck as she hung up so quickly. A knowing smile returned to his face as he scrolled through his messages, delighting in the one he had just received. His lips curled wider as he reveled in the moment.
"That bad?" Lee teased, noticing Austin's bright expression.
"You jerk! Forget it; it's just dinner," Austin attempted to brush off, though his flushed cheeks betrayed him.
"A dinner? Sounds more like a date to me," Lee pressed, unable to hide his amusement.
"Fine, whatever. The hotel is one of ours. Call the manager and make the arrangements," Austin instructed, trying to regain his composure.
With a more serious demeanor, Lee nodded and quickly dialed the number, leaving Austin alone with his thoughts.
Later that evening, as Austin stood on the terrace of their sprawling mansion, he let the day's events wash over him. Memories of Angel flickered through his mind—she had been a constant presence in his life, from their childhood days in elementary school to late-night study sessions throughout high school and even into college. Had he been too naïve to realize it before, or was this newfound affection simply fate intervening? Whatever it was, he felt a deep-seated happiness blooming within him, one that felt long overdue. With less than two years remaining, he sensed the urgency to create meaningful memories with her.
Yet, a pang of regret throbbed in his chest. If only he had the courage to confess his feelings, to share his truth with her—and with his family. But, for now, he felt trapped in silence. Just then, Lee approached, breaking him from his reverie.
"Boss, your mother wants to see you," he announced, glancing at Austin with an air of seriousness.
Austin frowned. "Isn't she supposed to be at the office at this hour?" he queried, glancing at the setting sun casting golden hues across the sky.
"It's evening already; she just got back," Lee clarified.
Austin was taken aback. Had he really spent that long lost in thought?
"Alright, let's go," he said, shaking off his musings as he followed Lee inside.
In the study room, Mrs. Dre sat, absorbed in her work on the desktop monitor. The faint glow of the screen illuminated her focused expression, highlighting her sharp features.
Austin knocked lightly before stepping through the doorway.
As soon as she spotted him, she set aside her work, her face instantly brightening with a smile. "Son, you're here!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth and affection.
"Have a seat," he offered as he took a chair across from her, feeling her welcoming presence envelop him.
"How has life been treating you, son?" she inquired, looking at him with genuine interest.
"It's been okay, Mom," he replied, trying to convey his mixed feelings.
"That's wonderful to hear. I was thinking of something…" she said, pausing to ensure she had his full attention. "I want you to come back to the company," she suggested, her tone expectant.
Austin fell silent for a moment, absorbing her words. "That's very nice, but I don't think it's a good idea," he finally said, shaking his head slowly.
She frowned, a look of disappointment flickering across her face. "Why not?"
"Well, I've been away for the last ten years, and quite frankly, nobody knows me there. In terms of respect and recognition, I just don't think it's a good idea," he explained, his voice tinged with humility.
"Austin Dre, you are my son. Respect for you in my company is paramount. As they treat me, so shall they treat you," she insisted, her tone firm but loving.
"I understand, Mom, but I believe I need to earn it," he replied earnestly.
Mrs. Dre beamed at him, her pride evident. "I'm proud of you, son, you know that?" she declared, her eyes brimming with affection.
"I know, Mom," he replied, reflecting her sentiment with a warm smile.
"So, what do you think about my offer?" she posed, waiting expectantly for his answer.
"It's a great idea, but…" he hesitated, unsure of how to voice his concerns.
"But what?" she interrupted, keen to hear more.
"What position were you thinking about?" he asked cautiously.
"Uh, perhaps assistant manager at one of the branches," she proposed, her optimism shining through.
Austin chuckled gently but shook his head. "No, Mom. I think it would be best to start as a regular employee first. That way, I can assess the company's condition and truly understand the employees' feelings," he suggested thoughtfully.
She looked taken aback, clearly surprised by his straightforward response. "What? You mean…?" Her astonishment was palpable.
"Yes, Mom," he confirmed, nodding in earnest.
"Alright, son, if that's what you want," she agreed, albeit reluctantly.
"Thanks, Mom," he replied, appreciative of her understanding.
"But…" she suddenly interjected, her expression shifting to one of mischief.
"What is it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
She smiled, a twinkle in her eye, and added, "Lee is coming with you."
Austin couldn't help but grin, nodding. "Okay, now let's move on from that."
"There's something else: your father will be returning tomorrow, and my friend has invited me for dinner the day after," she explained, her voice bubbling with excitement.
"So you're saying…?" A sense of dread washed over him as he connected the dots.
"You remember Pamela? She had a daughter back then, and she's an outstanding young woman now. Maybe you and she could…" Mrs. Dre began, her intention clear.
"Mom, really?" Austin interjected, a headache starting to throb at the base of his skull. He felt the familiar pressure rising as he braced against the whirlwind of new expectations his mother was setting for him, hoping to maintain his own sense of direction amid the chaos.