Chapter 5 Awkward

[Evening]

"Honey, pass me the plate."

"Mom, what is dad planning?" When she did not say anything, Rachael sighed, "You really think I didn't notice?"

Shrugging, Reeta remarked, "I don't know what you are talking about. How am I supposed to know what your dad is planning? You should ask him if you are curious."

"Alright—" Passing her the plate, she asked, "Do you want any help?"

"No, everything is almost done here. Why don't you go and see what your dad is doing."

"Okay."

…..

[Study room]

When Rachael entered the room, Michael was busy sorting some files. "Dad, are you busy?"

"No honey, what happened?"

"Nothing, I am just bored." She sat on the couch and sighed, "I have nothing to do."

"Tina and Emma left?"

"Yes."

"I thought they were staying for dinner too." Sitting next to her, Michael asked, "Do you wanna go for a short drive? We still have some time left."

"And then what?" She rested her head on his shoulder. "I will be bored again tomorrow."

Kissing the top of her head, Michael wrapped his arms around her shoulder. "Okay so what does my princess want?"

"I was wondering if I should join the company again—" Without giving him a chance to say anything, Rachael started explaining her point. "Emma and Tina are also busy with work and we mostly hang out in the evening. After spending an hour in the garden, I don't have anything to do. I either end up watching Netflix all day or sleep. I have already taken a long break, I think it's high time I do something productive."

When Michael did not say anything, she nudged his arm with her pinky. "Dad, say something."

"Well, I was thinking about this too. In fact—" He got up and walked towards his desk. "I even discussed this with your mom last week. And we both think it's high time for you to join a company." Retrieving a brown envelope from the drawer, he gave it to Rachael.

"What is this?" She asked while opening the envelope.

"Your appointment letter."

She chuckled. "Why do I need an appointment letter? It's not like I gave a resignation or I was fired. I had just taken a break."

Before Michael could say anything and Rachael could unfold the letter, a helper knocked at the door informing them about the arrival of the guest.

"He is here already?" Glancing at his watch, Michael remarked, "He is early. Anyway, let's go down. It's not nice to keep him waiting."

…..

[Living room]

"Andrew—" Michael beamed while giving him a hug. "It's so good to see you after such a long time."

"It's good to see you too Mr. Watson."

"Oh this boy, what are you being so formal? Address me like you used to."

Andrew smiled and nodded. "Uncle."

Andrew Collins was the infamous CEO, chairman and the sole heir of Collins Corporation, one of the top multinational companies. He had inherited the company after the death of his father, Frederick Collins. He was thirteen when he tragically lost both his parents.

The very next day after his parents' funeral, thirteen year old Andrew was taken away by his maternal grandfather to Russia, his mothers hometown. Though things were quite rough after losing both his parents at such a young age, he had learned to cope with it.

Even after officially taking over the company at the age of twenty-one, Andrew never expressed any plans of coming back. In fact, he rarely visited the company. Everyone assumed it was because he didn't have fond memories of the place.

In his absence, Mr. Stephen, the Vice President of the company, managed all the official work for him. He was also one of the most trusted employees of his father's time. But after Stephen's sudden retirement announcement, Andrew decided to settle down in his birth place and take charge of the company himself.

The return of the thirty year old most eligible bachelor was already a talk of the town. It had barely been a couple of days since his return, but he already had a crowd of ladies simping all over him.

"That's right, just like old times." Michael patted his back and pulled away. He then grabbed his daughter's hand and pulled her forward. "You remember Rachael, right?"

"Of course," he answered.

"Okay then—" Looking at Rachael, Michael instructed, "Honey, it's still early for dinner and I have to help your mom in the kitchen. George will be a little late today, he has an important meeting. Why don't you accompany Andrew? Show him the garden."

"Dad—" Before she could say anything, Michael walked away.

An awkward silence enveloped the air in the living room after Michael's departure. Both of them said nothing and stood rooted on the floor.

"Your house is beautiful." Andrew finally broke the awkward silence.

"Thanks—I am sure your house is beautiful too." Awkwardly clearing her throat, Rachael said, "The garden is that way."

"After you."

...