Chapter 42: The Harshness of Reality
Alastair slides the answer button, and before he can even form a greeting, Cecil speaks.
“Alastair, your mother has asked me to remind you to make certain everyone is dressed appropriately tomorrow night,” Cecil sighs over the phone.
Alastair can hear his mother hissing orders at their house staff in the background.
“Of course,” Alastair responds dutifully, using all his strength to not sound miserable. He must not do his best work, because Cecil seems to catch on almost instantly.
“Now, now, don’t sound so down, Alastair. I know our treatment of that boy seemed harsh, but he was dangerous! And anyway, this new girl seems…” Cecil pauses, clearly trying to find something nice to say. “You two look very nice together,” he decides.
Alastair seeths at the pitiful attempt at kindness. He glances up to see Oliver roll his eyes.
“What does she do, if I may ask? And please, do not say she runs a cafe,” Cecil chuckles, but its dark intones make Alastair bristle.