4 - At the Restaurant (1)

The trio headed back to their hotel and had lunch at the cafe across the street, nothing special. They were saving space for the scrumptious dinner they were having that evening. And because Sebastian was buying, the brothers were thinking of ordering their most expensive steak.

After checking their pending emails and calling the office for any updates, they took a quick nap afterward. 

The siblings wanted to have enough energy for their nighttime activity, and waking up for the first flight that morning zapped their energy.

“Hey guys, I want to be there at 6:30, so we can take pictures. I want to show those guys back home where we’re going,” Max reminds them as they got ready. 

Max always acts like he is still in college, hanging out with his friends. At SST, the policy required everyone to dress business casual most days. Being partial owners allowed them to occasionally break the rules.

The unofficial rule was, as long as they didn’t come wearing pajamas and beach attire, the staff could dress as casually as they wanted. 

Clara wanted staff to be in an environment where everyone felt comfortable and didn’t need to put on airs. 

This was because most of the people working for them were from local orphanages or were student workers. Their salaries usually went to their studies or lodgings.

Clara did not want them to feel pressured to spend hard-earned money on fancy clothing. They could do that later when they earned actual salaries.

She only had one exception. When there were presentations, she required everyone involved in that project to dress their best. That way, people do not underestimate them and their capabilities.

As for the rest, the technicians and other people who visit the sites, have uniforms provided to eliminate the confusion of being mistaken for intruders.

Clara’s personal philosophy was that clothes do not make a person.

SST employees give it their all, no matter what background they came from so they are all given the same opportunity.

-=-

The Johnson siblings got to the “V” early so there would be enough time to take pictures and get drinks before “The President,” sarcastically termed by Clara, came to join them. 

She wanted the siblings to enjoy this time together as they seldom go out as a group the past few days. 

Being too busy launching their product and developing their technology left them tired all the time. It was as if the more money they were taking in, the more drained they became. Some days, they don’t even see each other at home. 

The “V” had an outdoor balcony where people hung out while waiting for their reservations. So the siblings chose this as their selfie spot. 

Selfies seemed foolish to some people, but growing up without any pictures or remnants from their youth, the siblings longed to capture all their memories so they would have something to look back on when they get older.

To thwart Sebastian’s advances, Clara decided against wearing the off-shoulder black dress that she brought just for the occasion. 

“What happened to the dress you were wearing?” Max asked while they took turns for their solos.

“I don’t want him to think I was dressing up to impress him. Plus, I don’t like the way he stares at me. I feel like his prey.” Clara shuddered feeling like Sebastian’s eyes were already on her.

Jeremy shrugged waiting for his sister to spill everything on her mind. 

“I’m a grown woman, and I will not be a subject of anybody’s fantasies.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa... When did this happen?” Max reacted. 

“Are we talking about who I think we are talking about?” He winked at his sister to tease her.

“I thought he was a very nice guy. Very handsome if you ask me.” Max chided. He was pretending not to know what was happening as he winks at Jeremy.

“Sis, maybe it’s time you thought about someone that way. You are not getting any younger. You know, biological clock and all.”

Clara swiped him with her purse. “What do you know about biological clocks? I’m not that old.”

“Plus you don’t want to end up as a cougar, preying on the young, do you?’ Max added, smiling to himself. 

Jeremy chuckled silently. His siblings always came up with the most interesting conversations when they argued with each other.

“Oh, shut up! Cougar? You think I’m a cougar?” she slaps Max on the arm.

“You’re not old and we both know what you mean. This idiot here is just teasing you.” Jeremy stared pointedly at Max, telling him to stop before her feelings got hurt.

“Heeey! I’m not an idiot. I’m a matchmaker!” Max said, forming a heart with his hands. 

“I love you, Clara,” she shook her head and laughed.

“If you do not want his attention or his comments, let me know. I’m here. I will protect you,’” said the ever-loyal Jeremy. 

Being the youngest, he had always been protective of his siblings. He would do anything for them to keep them together. No CEO would steal his sister any time with his sweet words, just to play with her feelings.

“Thank you, my dearest,” Clara says while pinching his cheeks. “See, this is the reason you are my favorite.”

“Hey!” Max pouts even before Jeremy can show his disgusted face. “Why is he your favorite? I’m much more handsome than he is.”

“You are such a kid, Max. Just stop it.” She glared. “But kidding aside, I’m glad you guys came with me today. It wouldn’t have been the same without you. Remember when we did these installations a lot in the beginning? Those were memorable.”

The men nodded and thought about those times when they were starting up the business.

‘For the record, I love both of you equally. I am so lucky to have you in my life,” Clara says as she hugs them together and kisses both their cheeks. 

“We just need a little more patience, and all our hard work will pay off soon.” She wipes the lipstick off their faces before continuing. She was getting teary-eyed. 

“This is it, guys. The beginning of our success. I think this calls for a drink,” she says, looking around for the bar.

Sebastian arrived ahead of time just so he could have drinks with the SST staff before dinner. 

He overheard them saying they were going to be at the bar at 6:30, so they could take pictures. He planned to join their activity by volunteering to take their pictures. His goal was to get closer to Clara.

As he tries to look around the restaurant lobby, he witnesses the touching moment between them. Suddenly, something primal within him seemed to have awoken, and he felt a little angry. 

‘What is happening here? Are they that close? Why are they hugging?’

‘Jeremy seems too young for her, but Max? Are they in a relationship?’ He frowned.

‘I checked her files. It said nothing about a boyfriend or a husband. She’s supposed to be single. That’s why I’m actively pursuing her.’

‘This can’t be happening. I just found her.’ 

‘She’s MINE!’ his head roared. The thoughts screaming at him shocked him and rendered him immobile. So he took a few minutes to calm down and recoup.