Roberto

If looks could kill. Roberto’s car would have probably 5 minutes crash by now.

What is the problem with him? Can't he see that he is not invited for the dinner?

“Jia. I didn't know you are surrounded by these guys. Well, I'm not against if you choose between these two.” Mom whispered.

I rolled my eyes. “Ma. Mr. Button is my client. Not my lover. Keith right there. I don't know why he is still here.”

I place the bowl of soup in front of Gio. “Gio, sit beside me,” I called my son.

“Mommy cant Keith sit beside us also?” He batted his eyes on me. Gosh. How can I say no for this cute little guy?

“No, and address him as Sir or Mr. He is your Uncle Claude’s boss”. I flatly answered my son and I earned a pout from him.

“No. It's okay. You can call me Papa.” He joked.

Gio flushed. “Uhmmm.”

“So Gio. What do you want for your birthday?” Keith asked him.

Gio looked up like he was thinking something. “Can we go to the beach?” His eyes are shimmering in excitement.

“It's up to your mom, Gio”. Keith looked at me.

“Its okay Gio. Let's have your party at the beach, right Mr. Alford?” I smiled triumphantly.

Keith looked at me confused.

“Well, Could we invite Grandma Saki? And everyone?” Gio smiled.

“Awesome!!! I've already invited your Aunties and cousins also!” I sent messages already and showed it to Gio and especially to Keith. “we don't have to problem the location and transportation since Mr. Alford himself offers this to us, right?” I winked to my son.

“Yayy! Thank you, Sir!” Gio turned to Keith. “Umm. You don't like?” Gio looks like to cry on Keith’s facial expression.

Keith snapped from thinking so hard. “No no no. Everything’s fine for you, Gio.”

“Yayy!” Gio raised his both arms due to excitement.

“Hey.” Keith turns to me while I wash the plates.

“Hmm?” I asked innocently.

“You.” His eyes became flat like he wants to spit laser on me.

“You too.” I backfire.

“I thought this plan is just for the three of us? Why with everyone?” Keith put his hands on his hips.

“You're the one who offers this. Why complaining? And Gio already knew that mom and I are planning a party for his birthday before you came barged in.” I said

“This supposedly a birthday gift.” Keith shooking his head.

“Let me ask you, Kieth?” I face him.

“Fire away.” Keith like he is surrendering his patience.

“is your company running a scholarship program or sponsorship?” I asked him.

“As far as I know, yeah. For kids who’s brains are exceptional, we offer them scholarships up to college.” He said.

“Does this include that the company will pay their birthday parties?” I crossed my arms.

“Hell, no. Why do we have to pay for their birthday parties? Maybe we give them enough money to buy something as a gift but not parties.” He snorted. “We have thousands of employees to pay their salaries and bonus.” He said.

“Then my son is a very exceptional case. Alford Group of Companies will be financing my son’s 2nd birthday party.” I smirked.

Keith looked at me in the eyes intensely.

“He is my son.” He firmly said.

“Wow. How come you come up with that statement?” My eyebrow raised.

“I know. We broke up 5 years ago. He looked like me.” He pointed out.

“Majority said that I looked like Selena Gomez with burgundy hair color, so does it count that she is my mother?” I asked him.

“This conversation is going nowhere.” He shook his head.

“Conceited are we? We broke up 5 years ago, doesn't mean I still loved you after we broke up. I dated someone after we broke up.” I turned to the dishes.

I felt hot daggers on my back. He looks like he wants to conduct Dragon Fire Jutsu like Sasuke in Naruto Shippuden shows.

I raised both of my hands and faced him. “Do as you like.”

One week passed since Keith visited his son and I started Roberto’s clothes in Altaria Tower.

I heard knock on my workroom door and I think it was just Alberto bringing me snacks.

“sup, Alberto? Found a new way to prank your boss?” Still looking at my work.

Alberto didn't reply instead I heard someone cleared their throat.

I immediately straightened up from my work.

“Good afternoon, Roberto.” I was shocked to see him in my workroom. Normally, the boss will call his employees if they want something, right?

His eyes wandered from me to my desk and back to me.

“Umm. Do you want something?” I ask.

He smiled at me. “Ne, so you and Alberto have kind of good relationship against me huh?” He laughed. “Naah. I just want to freshen up and relax and I thought of you and went here. So hows your work?”

“Don't worry about me. I love my job. How is your work?” The last time I checked on him in his office, there were piles of papers on his table.

“Thank You! For asking.” he sat comfortably on the couch and pinched his nose bridge.

I laughed. “What? Any glint of hope that you will finish your work before the office hours end?”

He laughed. He laughed hard.

“You crazy.” I shooked my head.

“You know, I've been working on this company since I was in college. And till now, I still don't see the light you are talking about.” He said.

“After I accomplished one work, and Alberto will come knocking on my door with 5 more additional problems.” He leaned on the couch while closing his eyes.

“Why don't you chill out sometimes? Like, go somewhere where you can relax or something. Reward your self once in a while.” I suggested.

“Do you often do that?” He asked.

“Yeah. After I accomplished one project. I deserve to relax. And my son deserves my time also.” Still working on the suits.

“Can I go with you guys?” His eyes pleading.

“Umm. Don't you have friends?” I ask nervously.

“I have. One is Alberto. Two is Alberto. Three is Alberto. I have three Albertos.” He laughed emotionless.

“Hahahahaha you are hilarious, Mr. Roberto. How come you don't have friends? You always go to different parties or business trips.“ I went to the cabinet of fabrics.

“Ooh. I have. There are Josshie, Wills, and Glennypoo. Keithster and everyone. But there are all busy with their lives and companies. I hardly see them except if there’s something they want or need to discuss. No chill out chill out.”

Poor rich kids.

“Well. I have one here. You.” He pointed his forefinger on me.

“What?” I turned to him.

“I have. You.” He repeated.

I have you.

Those words...

“Happy birthday, Gio. Happy birthday Gio. Happy birthday, our dearest Gio. Happy birthday Gio!” We all clapped our hands.

“Wish wish wish!!!” A 5-year-old baby Samantha shouted.

“I wish Mommy would give me a baby brother or sister,” Gio said while closing his eyes and blow his candles.

Gio went to his playmates while I was watching him from our tables.

My mom teased me with “ehhhhhh.”

Then Claude added, “That squirt wants a sibling.”

“What? He means he wants a dog or a cat. He keeps on saying he wants a cat or a dog before he goes to sleep.” I answered. I swear to God I saw Keith snickered on my reaction.

I blushed hard.

“Don't ‘eehh ehhhh’ me. What am I? ****** Mary? Conceiving a child without a partner?” I rolled my eyes.

There. Keith laughter broke among the snickering Claude and Wilfred.

“Shut up!” I spat.

“Jia. First, you will never have a partner. You will be forever alone with your designs.” William said.

“I have Gio,” I said.

“Gio has everyone. It's not like he will be stuck with you for the rest of his life. That kid is amazing. He knows how to deal with and charm people around him. Who knows what he’ll become in the future.” Keith added.

“Second, you’re not a ****** anymore.” This time, Claude.

K. O. No words came out from me.

What a supportive brother I have here.

then another car arrived.

It was Alberto with a huge gift.

“Roberto.” William and Roberto shake hands. Keith was just standing there with what-the-hell-he’s-doing-here facial expression.

I hugged Roberto. “Welcome. How’s your travel?”

“It's fine. Where’s Gio?” He asked.

“Excuse us for a sec, guys. I’m going to accompany Roberto in the meantime.” I said.

“Oh, Keithster! You’re here too. How rare to see you at a kiddie party?” He joked.

Keith’s eyebrows twitched on his last sentence.

“Hey.” He just said with a stoned face.