The Boys

"Whatever helps you sleep better at night, Max. At least Becca is a fitness freak, even with her extremely busy schedule. I guess she's representing both of you." Gregory said with a smile.

"Oh man, Becca! Becca, my darling daughter. I'm so proud of that girl. In fact, I'm proud of our children. Angelina is out there working so hard and breaking boundaries. I saw her on the news org the other day and I couldn't help but smile like a proud Godfather." said Max.

"I'm glad our kids didn't get too comfortable with all that wealth surrounding them. It's good for them to hustle so hard to make names for themselves."

"You don't say, Greg, very responsible lads. Determined and focused." Maxwell added.

"I agree. The kids are really trying. Although, it scares the hell out of me when Angelina makes those big decisions and takes bold steps toward achieving them. Because in all honesty, I find it hard seeing her beyond my little girl of yesterday."

"Hmm, It should scare you, my friend. Their dreams are so big and wild. If it doesn't scare you, then it's not big enough."

"Does it scare you too? I mean, Becca is so successful. She owns one of the biggest high street fashion brands in the world and as young as she is, she's already breaking boundaries all the way from North Pacific! Does it not scare you at all?

"More than ever, you have no idea. I pray every day that she doesn't fall in love with some irresponsible man that will end up ruining everything she worked so hard for." Maxwell said as both friends stared at their cup in deep silence, aware of what might be going on in each other's mind.

"But I'm a proud father." Maxwell added, slicing through the silence. "There is nothing as beautiful as having kids who are innovative, smart, and creative."

"Hmm, let's toast to that." Greg said, raising his glass, "to successful children that have brought nothing but absolute joy and happiness to us. Cheers."

"Cheers.." They clicked their wine glasses with Greg together.

After a sip, Greg stood up and headed back to the pool bank.

"Gee, your body has turned into a real work of art. At this point, you should be named the king of hearts because, with that body, you can comfortably steal the hearts of any sane woman out there. No wonder the women Angie has been setting you up with are always hooked once they set their eyes on you." Maxwell complimented.

"What can I say man, I need to be serious with my health." Said Greg. "And I can't even believe Angie keeps setting me up with these women." He chuckled and looked up at Maxwell who was struggling to stifle a laughter.

Catching each other's gaze, both friends burst into an actual laughter.

"That reminds me.." Max started, "how was the lady from yesterday? Did she catch your fancy?"

He shrugged. "She looks nice and cheerful."

"So, you like her?"

"Not in the way you probably think. I'm not cut out for all these relationship stuff, just yet."

"It's been years, Gregory. At some point, you'll have to live your life."

"But I'm living my life already." Gregory insisted. "Work is booming, my kids are happy and successful. What else is left."

"Are you happy?"

"Yes." He rushed in. "I'm happy. And you need to change your perception about my happiness. Being in a relationship doesn't guarantee happiness."

"But at least, it guarantees companionship. You have someone to speak to. Someone to take care of you." Max replied.

"Well I have you, and I pay Mrs. Dee and the other housekeepers enough money to do their job. I get to talk to Dean every day. So, you see. I'm sincerely not missing out on anything."

Max shook his head. "Such a big head." He murmured. "Were you able to get your deal with ZED agency kick-started?"

Gregory slipped into the side of the pool and soaked his legs inside. "I got the documents from their rep yesterday. I'll have Nathaniel go over it tomorrow before I sign."

"You do know that you don't need ZED to do your thing right? You can skip them and get on with your project."

"The young guy seems to really need me on board. You know how these Ad companies are, they push their employees to the wall just for the purpose of securing a project. This young man in question wants to use the opportunity to prove himself to his Boss and I just want to help the boy and his colleague out." Gregory explained.

"The boy and his colleague?"

"Yes, his colleague was at the Coastal-inn with him. I met her for the first time yesterday."

Max removed his glasses and placed them on the mini table beside him. "It's a she?" He asked, sitting up.

"Yes, is there a problem?"

"No, no problem. Not at all." He replied smiling. "The Good-samaritan Gregory! They should rewrite that story about the good Samaritan and add your name to it."

"Now wouldn't that be fine."

"Delusion." They laughed.