chapter 7: Uninvited guests

Chapter 7:

"Would you like me to drive you somewhere you can get some chocolate?"

"No, go to your home. I want to have home-made cakes for dinner."

I had a hard time saying no to regular people, so the thought of saying no to him sounded a lot harder, especially because he looked like someone that was not used to being denied.

We sat in awkward silence in my car as I drove back to my apartment. I caught him looking curiously at me a few times from the rearview mirror. He would pry his lips open as if to say something to me, then shake his head, thinking better of it and remaining silent.

He was probably as awkward as I was but the little ice prince hid it well with his frosty, put together appearance.

"What's your name, little guy?" I asked as an attempt to break the ice.

He took the bait easily. "Lucas," he said, tipping his chin up an inch. "My name is Lucas."

"Well, Lucas, it's nice to formally make your acquaintance. I'm Anastasia, but my people call me Ana."

He only shrugged and stared disinterestedly out the window at that.

I continued, undeterred. "Well, Lucas, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?"

That caught his attention. "I like to play chess."

"Oh. Wow, I'm pretty good at chess too," thanks to Tylor of course.

His gaze snapped to mine immediately, his eyes catching mine in the rearview mirror and glowing with interest. "How many regional championships have you won?"

I blinked. "What?"

"I've won three regional championships and five state championships in the under Ten category," he said, brimming with proud.

"Wow." I could never.

"Piece of cake," was all he said.

Moving onn, "is there any other game you like to play?" Tag? Videogames?

"I play polo."

My eyes bulged. "Polo? Like on horseback?"

He nodded. "I am a very proficient equestrian too and I'm leading the junior croquet team at school."

I looked at him in shock. Wasn't he like five?!

"Do you like school a lot?" I asked, partly thinking he'd whine about school since he was so good at sports.

"I do," he nodded, "but only because I get to outshine my peers."

"Oh, you do well at school too?"

"Of course," he said, his nose in the air and a snobbish look in his eyes. "My father pays my tutors heavily to coach me in various subjects. I am currently studying sixth grade syllabus and I have mastered math, English and science courses for the previous grades. Passing my schoolwork is a walk in the park for me and I don't even mean to blow my own horn."

My mouth hung open. I couldn't believe that I was talking to a five year old, but on the bright side, he was coming out of his frosty shell and talking more.

For a split second, my daughter, Sophia, flashed in my head and I narrowed my eyes, a frown pulling at my lips.

I loved her to pieces but maybe I had spoilt her too much. She never really showed interest in anything except her toys and tv and getting what she wants.

"I have a daughter about your age. I wish she was as smart as you. She's just a pouty, crying glutton."

He nodded. "I know your daughter. She looks cute."

My eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know her?"

"A picture," he said, matter of factly. "I saw a picture of the two of you in that wallet my father kept."

Oh. I never really questioned why Mr Greyson kept the walllet in the first place. I'll have to ask him for it when I get to work tomorrow.

I pulled up infront of my apartment and led Lucas to the front door.

Sophia opened the door, her eyes lighting up in excitement, but she stopped when she saw Lucas, her jaw dropping in alarm.

She pulled on the hem of my dress and questioned, "who is he, mummy?" She had said it in her whisper-voice that was actually the loudest freaking thing on earth.

I bent to their level and introduced the two of them to each other.

I looked at Lucas. "Lucas, this is my daughter, Sophia. The one I was telling you about." I looked at Sophia, "Sophia, this is Lucas. He's my new boss's son and he will be staying with us for dinner."

At this, Sophia pouted, visibly upset. "Why are you coming to our house for dinner, why doesn't your mother make your dinner?"

Sophia probably hadn't meant any harm with her statement but a look of hurt flashed across Lucas's face.

I realized that I never thought about it. Maybe Lucas didn't have a mother; she was probably dead, or knowing the kind of rich and attractive father he had, she had probably agreed into giving up the child for money. I suddenly felt sad and overprotective of the little boy.

"Be nice, Sophia," I scowled at her, and apologize to Lucas immediately.

Sophia's pout melted into a concerned expression. "I'm sorry, Lucas," she said, sincerely. "Do you want to see my toys?" She asked, extending a peace offering.

Lucas's cold appearance warmed up at that. "Yes."

I beamed proudly. "Good, why don't you two play with toys and watch tv while I make dinner."

"Okay mommy!" Sophia squealed, already latching on to Lucas's hand and pulling him in.

By the time I finished cooking and setting up the table, I could hear Sophia's excited squeals from the living room.

"Do it again! Again!" She laughed excitedly, clapping her her hands and grinning wide.

My brows furrowed curiously and I walked into the living room to see Lucas holding up a Rubik's cube and Sophia was sitting cross legged on the floor, watching him with literal stars in her eyes and bated breath as he rearranged the cube. Within seconds, he was done and revealed it to her, a smug look on his face.

"Wow!" She whispered. "How did you do that? Even Tylor daddy can't do it this quick."

I laughed and shook my head, looking at the complex lego set Lucas had put together for her in record time. It was a collection that had been to complex for her age and I had never had the time to put together for her.

"Alright, kids. Dinner's ready," I let them know.

Lucas stood up first and then, like the gentleman he clearly was, he helped Sophia to her feet.

It didn't stop there. He pulled out a seat for her at the table and even helped her dish out some food in her plate before helping himself to the food.

I couldn't stop watching them interacting together as Sophia encouraged him to dip his chicken wings in some of the thick gravy I had prepared.

Strange emotions welled in my chest at the sight of them as they brought their heads together in conspiracy and started to talk between themselves.

They were an exceptionally good looking pair, well mannered and particularly warm together. They could pass for siblings.

The thought brought tears to my eyes and I blinked multiple times and pretended like I forgot something in the kitchen.

When I came nack, Sophia and Lucas were looking expectantly at me.

Sophia was giving me that grin she usually gave me when she wanted to ask for something but it was Lucas that spoke up; "can you let Sophia go to my school next year, I promise to take care of her."

I blinked. "But the exclusive school you go to must be expensive and noble, I can't afford it."

He shook his head and said matter-of-factly. "It doesn't matter, the school is owned by my family. You are my father's employee, I will ask him to get Sophia free admission."

My eyes widened. "You would do that?" And would Greyson even listen?

He nodded.

"What if he refuses?"

"My father never refuses me. All I have to do is ask."

I tapped my chin and thought about it.

Sophia was pouting and begging, giving me her cutest watery puppy dog eyes. "Please mummy, pretty pretty please? I promise I'll do all the chores for a week?"

I hesitated, giving it a thought. She would never do that of course, but it's the thought that counts.

I was just about to give my answer when there was a knock on the door.

I left the table and went to answer the doo.

Greyson stood before me in all his sleek suit, dark haired glory with an unimpressed scowl on his lips that did nothing to harm his handsome features.

And then it hit me.

Shit! His son. He probably thinks I kidnapped the little guy.

I opened my lips to explain myself but I was stuttering over my words and unable to say a single coherent sentence.

"You... Bo... boss. Yes, Lucas is here, but I didn't mean to take him away, I promise. I'm so sorry. I should have let you kn–"

"I'm not here for him," he cut me off immediately, looking around at my tiny foyer in what seemed to be fascination and curiosity... Or well, as curious as an actual ice statue can get.

"T- then what are you here for?" I asked, still stammering. Get a hold of yourself goddamnit!

He looked at me, "I'm here for dinner."