“I know they are. I visited three years ago and I am yet to recover from all the hotness.”

  “But right now, I need to go home and sleep. I am beyond exhausted,” Brandon continued.

  “I told you to take it easy at the club last night, you ignored me.”

  “Well. One has got to have fun, man.”

  “The hot chick you were with?

  “She’s gone.”

  “What do you mean gone?

  “She left my house angry this morning. I needed to leave and told her to because I couldn’t leave her in my house.”

  “Huhn…no lady is going to like that. She wasn’t a prostitute you picked by the roadside dude. How come you took her to your house though?”

  “She seemed decent, she is, and also, I was too tired to think straight last night.”

  “Call her bro.”

  “I will…but right now I want to sleep.”

  “Yeah, you should get some sleep, you look tired. Sure, that experiment is accurate?” Ryan asked teasing him.

  Brandon laughed and got up.

  “We’ll grab a drink at the bar downstairs and then head home.”

  “Who puts a bar in a lab?”

  “The Demarco empire doesn’t mess around with their wines. It keeps us alive. In moderation, of course.”

  “You drank enough last night. That wasn’t moderation man.” Ryan said leaning on the wall, watching his friend step out of his office.

  “Heading home too?”

  “Nope, the conference meeting I told you about. I just stopped by to say hi, since it’s next door…it’s starting in about an hour.”

  “It’s today?”

  “Yeah….”

  “And you went to the club last night? Who does that?”

  “You’re kidding me, Brandon, That’s rich coming from you!”

  Brandon raised his hand in the air as though to say, “I surrender.”

  “Home it is then, and you to your conference meeting. Good luck with it man.”

  “Thanks.”

  They parted ways at the car park.

  Ryan was Brandon’s childhood friend. Though, he wasn’t just a friend, he was like a brother to him. They met in high school and clicked from day one. Everyone knew they were inseparable and had a long shared history. They knew each other’s secrets. The only secret Ryan didn’t know about was the location of the time machine and Brandon often felt terrible about it because he knew if Ryan were in his shoes, he would have told him. But he needed to protect his great grand father’s legacy.

  He also wasn’t oblivious to the fact that Ryan liked his sister, but that was a conversation they both avoided. He had been waiting for Ryan to say something, but he’s been quiet about it. He found it quite awkward, but then he knew Ryan wasn’t so bad a person. Even though they partied and traveled around the world, and he knew he hooked up with women, he knew Ryan would be faithful if he got into a relationship.

  His phone rang as soon as he got into the apartment. It was an unknown number.

  He shouldn’t have ignored his gut feelings because as soon as he picked it up, he heard Priscilla’s voice over the phone.

  “What did you do?” she asked

  He could tell she was distraught.

  “And how come I couldn’t reach you through my line, but someone else’s line connected?

  “Baby sis…. just relax.”

  “Don’t baby sis me, I was worried sick, I even had to call Ryan to check you were Ok. And he told me you were fine, that he saw you a while ago.”

  “Ok…I’m sorry.”

  “For what exactly, that you blocked my line or the fact that you made me lose one of my models.”

  “Priscilla….” He wasn’t done.

  “And where so you want me to get another Russian model in the next 24 hours, not just a model, one as professional and sophisticated as Bella. Tell me?”

  His heart broke into pieces. He didn’t like hurting her or her vision. He knew how much it meant to her.

  “Hey common on baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t ruin anything with Bella honestly, I can explain what happened…. I can see there’s no point though. I will help you find another one.”

  “How?”

  “I will call Gusco and if we can’t get one here in New York we can fly someone in from Russia”

  “People plan their lives, Brandon. We’ll never find someone within 24 hours.”

  “I have said it right. I will make it happen, trust me.”

  “If we have to fly anyone, all expenses will be on you, including the bills for her services.”

  “Fine. I am sorry sweetheart.”

  “What happened exactly with Bella?”

  “I only told her to leave the house because I needed to leave the house?”

  “That was all?”

  “Yes, and she got upset.”

  “Well, she wasn’t a random girl you saw on the street and picked up for a night. You approached her as though you wanted to date her. You should understand she may be a bit upset.”

  He groaned. “Ryan said the same thing too.”

  “That’s the truth…it also depends on how you explained things. Did you tell her you didn’t want her to feel lonely at home since you wouldn’t be around, and she could come later when you get back, or did you at least cook up a lie to make her leave?

  “No, I didn’t ….I just told her point blank.”

  “And you expect her not to get upset.”

  “I will apologize to her and try to bring her back, let’s see.”

  “No…just apologize to her. She slept with my brother. I don’t know if things will be the same again with her professionally.”

  “I’m sorry, I ruined it.”

  “That’s fine, but how about the fact that you blocked me?”

  “Ohh.. common why do you think I blocked you.”

  “Duhh, I am not a fool bro.”

  “I was tired. Bella already told me she wouldn’t do the shoot anymore, and I knew you would call. I didn’t want to go to the lab distracted.”

  “I have always told you to take responsibility for your actions. I might have been upset if you had called me, but maybe I might have found someone else.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Nahh …. I am not gonna take just sorry.”

  “So, what did you want?”

  “A trip to the Maldives, after my shoot.”

  “Priscilla….”

  “That or forget you have a sister.”

  “Okay, deal.”

  “Or better still, you can come why me and Ryan to Miami…”

  “No thanks…..”

  “Maldives it is.”

  “Thank you, now find me a model.”

  “But you know there are agencies you can reach out to sis.”

  “This is on you bro… I’m going to sit in my apartment and sip my champagne while you endure the stress.”

  “Fine.”

  “I love you,” she said, giggling.

  He rolled his eyes and cut the line.

  He was tired, but he knew he had to fulfill his sister’s promise. He smiled, she was the sweetest among them all, always quick to forgive. If it was his other sister he’d done that to, he didn’t even want to think of it. Also, he wouldn’t interfere with her issues like that. She was the spicy one of them all. But she would have even called their mother and told on him, which would have been even worse.

  Last born privileges he often said.

  He made some quick calls to agencies he knew and others he saw online, but they all said it was short notice and their models were either unavailable or booked.

  Frustrated and sleepy after about three hours. He called Ryan and explained the situation. Ryan told him to get some sleep and assured him he would find someone for him.

  “The issue is not just getting anyone Ryan, of course I can get Russians in this country, but she needs someone who is really good.”

  “I told you to trust me, right?

  “Yeah…”

  “Good. Then go and get some rest.”

  “Thanks man.”

  “Anything for you, bro.”

  He slept almost immediately hoping in his heart that Ryan would sort it out as promised. He wouldn’t want to hurt his sister again. When he woke up, he had the option of three models from Ryan.

  “How?”

  “You are welcome.” His friend responded laughing.

  “How did the conference go by the way?”

  “Beautiful.”

  “I will fill you in on the details later. I have to go for now.”

  “Okay.”

  He called his sister and assured her everything was going to turn out fine.

  Chapter Three

  “Hey, mother.”

  “I have told you calling me that makes me feel older than I am.”

  “Okay, Mummy?”

  “That’s even worse. Call me mum.”

  “Okay mum,” he said laughing.

  His mom was the sophisticated type. It was obvious in her words, how she dressed, and her actions. She wouldn’t want to be associated with anything less, which also translated into whatever her children call her. She wanted to be called mum or by her first name. But there was no way her children would call her by name, so mum was the usual word. However, he always loved to pull her leg.

  ‘How are you son?”

  “I’m great mum.”

  “You are doing really well at the lab. I am so proud of you son.”

  “Thanks.”

  “When did you last speak to your sister Brandon?”

  “Oh, I spoke to Priscilla two days ago.”

  “I didn’t mean Priscilla.”

  “Common mum, you know Jennifer is very busy...she is a doctor.”

  “I’m sure if she sees your missed calls, she will call you back.”

  “Mum….did she say something to you?”

  It was something Jennifer could do as far as he was concerned.

  “No, I just want you to be a good big brother. Now hurry along and check on your little sister. I raised you to be a caring brother and first-born son, not otherwise.”

  “Mumm….”

  “I love you, baby.”

  She cut the line.

  Calling his sister wasn’t a big deal, but did she report on him to his mother or what??

  He dialed her number immediately. She picked up on the third ring.

  “oh…. you are alive after all,” she said sarcastically.

  “Really??...you told mum I haven’t been calling you.”

  “Nope. She only asked about when last we spoke.”

  “And what did you tell her?”

  “I said, it’s been like forever.”

  “Really? Three months ago is forever?”

  “Aren’t you even ashamed to say that out? A whole three months.”

  “You could have called too.”

  “Maybe if you checked your phone well, you will see one or two missed calls from me last month.”

  “I didn’t see any missed calls.”

  “Of course.”

  “Okay whatever. How are you?”

  “Good.”

  “And your boyfriend?” he added stiffly.

  “He has a name, you know.”

  “Hope all is well with you?”

  “Yeah, all is well, I moved up third-year residency last month.”

  “Awww, I’m really proud of you baby.”

  “That was why I called last month, I wanted to tell you.”

  “I’m sorry baby, I am really happy for you. You always make us proud.”

  “I know….huhhh wanted to ask.”

  “What’s up?”

  “The time machine issue, did you disclose the location to anyone?”

  “No…why?”

  “Someone’s been asking me all about it all of a sudden here.”

  “Feign ignorance about it and be careful. If you sense any danger, call me, please.”

  “Okay, sure…. I don’t think it’s anything though. She is a colleague. She’s just been extra pushy about it.”

  “Keep saying you don’t know.”

  “I will.”

  “Take care of yourself okay? I love you and say hi to that butt head boyfriend of yours.”

  “He has a name Brandon,” she stressed.

  “Bye love.”

  “Bye bro, love you too.”

  He hung up the call and turned to pick up his passport by his bedside. He scolded himself for not actually calling his sister like he should. He’d always been closer with Priscilla no doubt, and their apartments weren’t far from each other, so it was natural to stay more involved with Priscilla.

  He decided to pay Jennifer a surprise visit soon, maybe even take Priscilla along. She’d love that.

  Right now, all he thought about was Miami. The lab was doing well and a few days’ vacation wouldn’t hurt. He stepped out of his house when he saw Ryan’s missed call.

  “On my way already.”

  “Okay.”

  The next few days were spent at a hotel with Ryan in Miami, and we had as much fun as possible. For some reason Ryan didn’t seem interested in any of the girls, even though they were falling over him.

  On their last night, he met Rukky. She was a model who made one of the top Magazines in Miami. They clicked straight away and exchanged numbers.

  He liked her not just because of her physique, but because she was also really smart and funny. He knew straight away that she would look perfect by his side.

  She also had her own money, so she wasn’t all about looking for someone rich to hook up with. The night before he left Miami, he assured her they would make it work as he would visit. He was hoping she’d want to see him in the city.

  Ryan thought he was acting crazy though. He tried to discourage his friend, but Brandon wouldn’t listen.

  “Common man, how is that going to work out?”

  “I will make it work dude.”

  “You?”

  “Wait….do you have any faith in me?” He asked laughing.

  “Of course I do, but I don’t see this working out at all.”

  “You don’t have to see it,….myself and my baby can see it.”

  “Ok, I’m sorry.”

  “what’s up with you though? You seem distant and uninterested.”

  “Maybe I’m growing up.”

  “Oh….so you’re saying I’m not mature?”

  “I didn’t say that.” Ryan laughed.

  Brandon laughed and kept quiet. He suspected it had to do with his sister, but he’d rather not jump to conclusions and silently hoped Ryan would speak up about his feelings one day.

  When they took the models to Priscilla for interviews, it was pretty apparent that he had feelings for her.

  With his youngest sister, Ryan was always himself. But around Priscilla he was always self-conscious, he acted more mature, and he had caught himself staring at her with longing in his eyes a few times. It is also obvious that those stares were not just lust, anyone could see genuine care and affection in his eyes.

  “You know you could tell me anything though,” he said.

  “Of course, I know that.”

  “So how did you resolve Bella’s issue?” Ryan asked changing the topic.

  Brandon didn’t push.

  “Oh, I called her. She didn’t pick up my calls. So, I sent her texts apologizing and explaining things to her. She is a good girl actually.”

  “Did she respond?”

  “No, she didn’t.”

  “Wow, she must have been really hurt.”

  “And I wonder why, though I get your point about being wrong. But the way she took it so seriously, I don’t understand.”

  “Maybe she pictured something more with you.”

  “A relationship?”

  “Yeah..I mean why did you approach her in the first place?”

  “Hmmm…if she had responded, I may have continued from where we left off. I really like her”.

  “Yet, Rukky became the love of your life suddenly here in Miami.”

  “Honestly, you are not the Ryan I used to know. Who is this guy?? Are you sure you are not impersonating my friend?”

  Ryan laughed.

  Two days later, Brandon was back at the lab and really busy.

  He loved having fun but was also dedicated to his job. He loved the lab regardless of the strain and stress is often placed on him. Everyone always wondered how he managed to live such a fun life and still maintain his position as the lead scientist at the lab. Those who worked with him, though saw that he was a different person at the lab, always curious, professional, and determined. His grandfather always told him he had the same fire as his great grandfather, Patrick Demarco.

  “Of everyone, you remind me so much of my father. You have the same tenacity and zeal he had. He would be proud of you.” His grandfather had said to him.

  Everything was great with Rukky, to begin with. But a few months after, it all went wrong. She was the one who broke up with him.

  “Common, babe.”

  “No Brandon, you don’t pick my calls or even return the calls.”

  “I have been busy.”

  “Sorry, I can’t date a busy man.”

  “Rukky…. I love you.”

  “No…you don’t. You think you do, but you don’t. Have a great life, Brandon.”

  She hung up before he could say anything else.

  Ryan had laughed a lot when he told him.

  “Are you going to just mock me? At least console me.”

  “Okay, I’m sorry bro. I really can’t help telling you that I told you so.”

  “I tried. She was the one that broke up with me.”

  “You have been busy Brandon, women want attention and care. You barely even have time for yourself these days. Common give her a break.”

  “When did you become a relationship expert?”

  “Does it matter?…”

  “Yes, because you seem to have changed a whole lot.”

  “Okay….”

  And that was all they said on the matter.

  Completely exhausted on a Friday morning, he went to the chemistry section of the lab and watched as they worked. He wandered over to another section where the spinal cord of a dead monkey was being examined as they wanted to understand the similarities between the spinal cord of a monkey and that of humans under different conditions. Their lab was multi-dimensional. Chemical experiments, biological experiments, and the physics aspect. The latter being his main interest. The sections are demarcated by huge walks leading to the massive structure. Each subsection of scientists had their head operating officer, but he was the overall lead scientist.

 

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