~The Stuarts~

“Of all the ladies in this city for Pete’s sake, John, the only one you could find was an obsessed pet owner with terrible taste in makeup?!” 

“In my defence, sir, she is the daughter of one of the wealthiest businessmen in town.” John said and Cole looked up from his laptop screen and glowered at him. 

It was the following afternoon. They were both in Cole’s office and John was standing to the side holding some files. He continued in his quest for self justification.

“She didn't seem so bad when we spoke over the phone and she actually seemed like the perfect match. You know? Rich, classy, famous…” John said.

“Indeed” Cole said with an eye roll. “I will definitely put Olivia in charge of setting up my blind dates from now on.” Cole said. “ What happened to Miss Felicia anyway? She disappeared after the incident.”

“She went home, sir. She was really upset. I tried to stop her but she just ran off, threatening to sue the waitress and the entire club. What do we do about her sir, should she be punished?”

Cole’s eyes shot up “Who? Miss Clumsy? No, of course not. She apologized profusely.” He said immediately. “Which reminds me…” He continued, “I need the profile of that girl. Get me every information that is available about her, immediately.” Cole said standing. “Have it ready and on my table by Monday morning.”

“Information about the waitress?”

“Yes. The klutzy one with dark hair and blue eyes'' Cole said.

“Sir, yes, sir!” John said with a mock salute. “You're leaving sir?” John asked and Cole turned with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes John, you got a problem with that?”

“No no, of course not. It's just… You never leave so early.” John said and moved swiftly to help him pack up his stuff.

Cole put on his coat. “We are having dinner over at Mr Stuart’s tonight.”

“Oh, we’re going to Grandpa's tonight?” John's face lit up.

“We're not. I am. It's a family dinner” Cole said, walking out of the office with John tailing him.

“But I am family.” John said with a pout. “Are you sure Grandpa didn't add me to the invite list?”

Cole turned around and sent him a glare. He walked off when John put up his hands in a surrender motion. 

“See you later, Mr. Stuart.” John called after him, grinning wildly.

***

Cole walked into the Stuart mansion. He had not visited in a while but everything looked just the way it had been the last time he was here. He remembered visiting as a child and always playing in the backyard and in the pool. Then when Grandpa Stuart wasn't busy, they would go hiking or fishing. Those were some quality memories.

Cole made his way into the house and met his Cousin Smith. They were already downing some wine before dinner.

“Coley, my boy!” Grandpa Stuart exclaimed when he saw his grandson. “It's so nice to see you, son.” He said, giving Cole a tight hug around his waist. You could tell that Grandpa Stuart was a tall man in his prime but he was now bent slightly with age.

“Grandpa, I'm not seven anymore.” Cole said with an exasperated look on his face.

“Nonsense, you'll always be my little boy.” Grandpa Stuart said and Cole rolled his eyes. Smith came forward then for a handshake.

“Hello, little boy,” Smith said as they clasped hands and Cole glared down at the short man. Smith chuckled and went back to the bar. “Have a glass of wine will you, cousin? It will help you loosen up before dinner.”

“No thanks, I'll go check on Gran.”

“Fine, she's in the kitchen” Smith said and turned back to Grandpa Stuart.

Cole went over to the kitchen following the all too familiar aroma. Grandma Stuart was always cooking and baking and despite her age, she was still the head of Stuart Bakery, which was one of the first companies in the group.

He walked into the kitchen and she was there, dishing out orders to the few staff that were working with her while placing a pan of pie to bake in the oven.

“Apple pie! My favorite! Hi Gran” Cole said.

Grandma Stuart turned towards him. She was a petite old woman but still looked so stern with her half- moon glasses. Cole had always thought she belonged in a college class room rather than a bakery. Now she pushed those glasses up her nose and observed Cole.

“Who is this intruder in my kitchen?” She said in her throaty voice. Another person would have fled at her hostility but Cole knew her so well.

“Grandma.” He chuckled slightly and bent to give her a hug. 

“You'll very soon lose the right to call me that. What kind of Grandson abandons his Grandmother for months.” 

“Come on, Grandma, everyone's been busy and…”

“Maxton” Grandma Stuart called sharply and one of the male helpers answered, looking up from mixing what looked like a batter 

“Yes ma’am?” 

“Please tell my grandson to vacate my kitchen if he's going to continue being a nuisance.” She said going to observe the rest of the workers.

Cole chuckled, “Alright I'm sorry Grandma. I will visit often from now on.”

“Have it your way, Honey.” She said to Cole then to her staff, “Alright people, let's start to set the table. It's almost dinnertime.”

The rest of the family soon arrived. Smith’s mother, Mrs Penelope Stuart arrived first with Rose and her five-year-old twin daughters, Ava and Anna. Jade arrived a few minutes later with her husband, both looking like a million bucks in their outfits.

Cole’s parents also arrived then. Cole was the spitting image of both his father and mother. He had his mother’s Hazel eyes and his father’s sandy blond hair. 

His mother came over to greet him. “Honey, how are you doing? How's the company going?” She said, giving him a hug. 

“I'm fine, Mum. How are the patients?” Cole asked. Both his parents were doctors.

“Oh, the usual” She said, “We better go sit before Mrs Stuart comes for us.” She said, laughing and they went to locate their seats.

Cole could only hope that this dinner would go well.