Chapter 4 4

Daniel Moore.

I got out of the car and climbed the steps to my parents' home. Punctuality wasn't my thing, so I arrived last. I had been busy at the office reviewing everything for tomorrow's event. The flyers they sent me were amazing. I examined them closely and appreciated the small details that were linked to the brand. The girl knows what she's doing. I didn't expect Gabriel's secretary to be able to choose graphic designers so well. I didn't even expect her to know how to conduct an interview properly. Maybe it was just luck.

Gabriel had arrived ahead of me. He's two years younger than me, and my parents put more responsibility on his shoulders than mine. At his age, I was still thinking about how to make my empire rise. I suppose my parents raised their expectations when they saw everything I had achieved at such a young age and wanted my younger brother to be able to do the same.

My mother greeted me, running her fingers through my hair and asking if I had grown taller since last week. My father rolled his eyes when he heard her and gave me a strong hug, letting me enter the living room. Once there, my cousins threw themselves at my legs, hugging them until their mother called them to offer them sweets.

"Again with the bribes, Aunt Moore?"

"The kids don't pay attention to anything except sweets or you."

"I'm glad to know that the little ones love me so much," I say, messing up their hair, and they laugh. They're both five years old, with long, curly, dark hair. They're precious little girls, and I adore their gray eyes and how alike they are. When my aunt found out she was having twins, she thought it would be hell, but I'm sure she's happy with the girls.

"Uncle Moore, buy me the dollhouse that came out last week."

"Uncle Moore, I'm glad you wanted to play with me."

"Uncle Moore, do you think I'm pretty?"

"Uncle, the kids at school just say I'm a spoiled girl."

"Can you buy me more candy without Mom knowing?" It's all I've heard since I arrived. They haven't let go of me and haven't moved away from me. Both are little devils who know how to get what they want. I wish I could say that I don't give in to their blackmail, but most of the time I do, and I hate that about myself. Not knowing how to say no when necessary.

I greeted my brother with a vague gesture and approached him. He was looking at one of the paintings that was done for the company. It was done this year, and I don't think he ever saw it because at that time he was traveling with my parents. Sometimes I give him time off so he can go and enjoy life. He deserves it, and no one knows better than Gabriel that I would do anything for my family.

"Family is the most important thing."

We ate and talked about everything, family, the latest things on television, the toys the twins wanted, what Mom thought about tattoos, tomorrow's event, Gabriel's excitement about opening the show, and the incredible work our graphic designers have done lately.

"Gabriel, son, have you thought about it carefully? Are you sure?"

"Completely. I don't need anyone to be on top of it. I can do it alone."

"I trust that you can. I don't need the vice president to be a hindrance who can't even open a simple event."

"Daniel," my mother scolded. "Don't talk to your brother like that."

"I've just told the truth," I limited myself to responding.

"Leave the boy alone, Claudia. He's just trying to encourage Gabriel. Men have different ways of encouraging each other."

"Well, it's not the right way," Mom replied, annoyed, tilting her head uncomfortably. "Gabriel isn't the same age as you, you should remember that."

"Father doesn't think the same way."

My mother gives my father a furious look to find out what he's been telling me, but Dad ignores her and says nothing. I know he won't be able to argue with my mother, and I won't force him to do so. I know he must remain loyal to their relationship, it's what I would do in his place, and it's what he has taught me all my life.

"Say something, Santiago."

"Gabriel needs to learn how to open an event, as Daniel says. If he doesn't know how to open one, he won't be up to par to stay in the company or have his own venture."

"I'm not going to argue with you anymore."

"Mom, don't argue over a comment that hasn't affected me at all."

She could have said anything like "You're my son, I care about you" or "I'll always want to defend you," but she just remained silent because she knew no comment would change what my father or I thought. Gabriel was growing up under my roof, he knew what I was like, and he knew my way of responding. Whatever my answer was, he was aware that he wouldn't be upset. My responses are always in line with how I treat people, and although I sometimes go too far, I think it's understandable on my part to try to keep myself in check at times.

"I've invited Ginger to tomorrow's event, I thought she deserved it."

"Who's Ginger?"

"The graphic designer my secretary hired, she's done a good job, and I thought inviting her wouldn't hurt."

"You should have consulted with me first."

"Daniel, we've invited all the employees, she's one of us too."

"Your brother is right," Dad intervenes.

Great, now he's on his side.