10 The Dinner

Billie Bob Jones

An older man stood by the door dressed in a black suit, a matching black vest, black tie and a white button up shirt. He looked much older than Benedito with pepper corn hair that was cut neatly and pushed back. He had a short beard that was perfectly groomed.

Laughing lines spanned around his eyes and even though he looked extremely mannered, his friendly smile calmed down my nerves.

"Good evening," he nodded his head in greeting. We all greeted him with friendly smiles. "My name is Pedro I am the head of Benedito's household. A glorified butler if I do say so myself," he grinned making us chuckle. At least he had a much better personality than the billionaire himself.

He allowed us into the house and I was amazed. Chandeliers spanned in every room complimenting the dark hard wooden floors and cream white walls. The décor in the house looked extremely expensive and truly belonged in a museum.

"As you can see Mister Pereira has a very selective taste so please be careful with everything you touch. He often likes for his houses to feel like a show room more than anything else," Pedro explained.

The house had corridor after corridor. We had passed so many different rooms that I had lost count. Each room looked different from the last and I could tell he had poured a lot of time and effort into the interior of his house.

"You'll find Mister Pereira with his business associates in here. If you need anything do not be afraid to scream," his smile was almost sinister as he ushered us in to the large living area with cream white couches, Persian rugs and imported coffee tables.

Benedito stood there with Ronaldo and the other man from the café speaking in Portuguese once again. He looked dapper as usual in a black trousers, a black velvet jacket, and a matching turtle neck jersey; that hid his extensive tattoos, with an expensive gold chain. His hair was tussled back in a messy low bun drawing attention to his face.

Ronaldo was dressed in a black suit as well but wore a white V-neck shirt; that displayed his tattoos, making the look more semi-formal. The third more quiet man wore a black suit as well with a white button shirt and black tie.

I wondered if they coordinated their looks or did they just always wear black. By the way they looked it was probably the latter.

When they heard us enter their gazes immediately focused on us. Ronaldo and the third man smiled whilst Benedito attempted to as well, yet his attention was focused on me. His scanned my body shamelessly, but I could tell he was unsatisfied with my attire.

I tore my eyes away from his, focusing on the smiling Ronaldo who approached us with the third man following in pursuit.

"It's so lovely to meet you Clyde," he shook his hand, "and the beautiful Jordon," he kissed my mother's cheek making her giggle. Clyde and I looked at each other before rolling our eyes as we chuckled. Ronaldo's gaze fixated on Delilah and I saw something flash through his eyes. "My name is Ronaldo and I swear I have never seen an angel more beautiful than you," he held her hand and raised it to his lips where he kissed her knuckles.

Delilah looked at me in almost panic before she looked back to the blonde man, "I work at the café you usually go to. My name's Delilah."

Ronaldo stared at her for a few seconds, it was obvious his brain was working overtime as he stared at her, "I am so embarrassed. You looked so different I hardly recognized you. Wow those aprons really do you no justice."

She blushed before smiling, "I guess so."

His attention focused on me and his smile grew even bigger, "Bobby, it feels like forever," he gave me a hug which Benedito did not seem to approve of as he gave him a displeased glare.

"It's good to see you again," I smiled.

"It's lovely to meet you all. My name is José," the man with short black hair and pale skin kindly smiled as he shook all of our hands.

"I'm glad you could make it for dinner," Benedito finally spoke, "You are more than welcome to have some drinks and appetizers," he waved his hand to the tables with finger food. Two male waiters stood behind them which we greeted.

I was starving and the sight of the delicious food made my mouth water. As the three men spoke to Ma and Clyde, Delilah and I made our way to the tables and got a glass of expensive wine which the waiter told us was from winelands in Greece.

Everything about this dinner was fancy which was foreign to all of us. We had been to countless events but this was by far more different to anything I had ever attended.

"I can't believe Ronaldo didn't recognize me," Delilah lowly said through her giggles.

"He is a major flirt," I laughed, "man compared you to an angel."

"I know," she shrieked making me laugh even louder.

Our bubble was popped though when I felt a warm hand hold my waist. The scent of ginger hit my nostrils. My face must have been extremely red because Delilah would not stop laughing at my face. I turned around and came chest to chest with the one and only Benedito Pereira.

My breath caught in my lungs as his arm fully wrapped around my waist.

"Even though I am very pleased to see you again, I am displeased you are not wearing the suit I gave you," his hazel predator eyes met mine.

I placed my hands on his chest to gently push him back but his hold on me only tightened. Was it normal for him to just grab men and hold them against their will? I could imagine how this looked to everyone else. I quickly dropped my hands to my sides so at least it did not look like I was participating in whatever was going on here.

"Suits aren't really my style," I raised my eyebrow as we watched each other closely.

"The shirt suits you," he looked down to my body and scanned me again, "very much so." And just like that he let go of me and walked to José.

I stood there completely confused on what had just happened and turned back to Delilah who looked equally as confused. "What in tarnation?" she muttered.

I shrugged and held out my hands.

"Would you please all make your way to the dining room? Dinner is ready," Pedro appeared out of nowhere and opened the large dark wooden French doors that led to the dining room.

Seats had been allocated to us and once again I found myself seated next to Benedito as he sat by the head of the table. I sat to his left, followed by Clyde who sat to his right. Next to Clyde was my mother and Delilah. Next to me was José followed by Ronaldo who was already having a chirpy conversation with Delilah.

I felt my seating was deliberate. I would have much rather preferred to be sitting next to Delilah instead of being under Benedito's hawk stare.

Dinner was eventually served and I almost groaned in appreciation. Everyone had a different course, mine although must have been the best. A beautiful rump steak was gorgeously grilled; medium done, with a mushroom sauce poured on top, a small salad and fries. To top things off I was served a beer which really was the cherry on top.

I barely paid attention to the conversation everyone was having as I feasted. From what I did catch Ronaldo was the head of the legal team in Benedito's company. He was a much respected advocate and was at the top of his field. He represented Benedito for every single case and not once had they lost.

His kind smile and friendly nature was simply a façade the man was a beast. He could force anyone to see his way no matter the circumstances.

José was the head of Benedito's finance department and had studied some fancy degree in accounting. He was all about the math and numbers, which explained why Benedito was the second richest man alive.

It was also surprising to find out they were cousins. There was a slight resemblance I had not noticed before but as soon as Ronaldo mentioned it, it all came together. José unlike the others was half Dutch and had grown up in Denmark but often visited his cousins during school break.

Not much was discussed about Benedito's upbringing but I could tell he wanted to keep it private.

"Would you like for me to ask the chef to make you more?" Benedito asked me lowly eyeing my clean plate.

No one paid attention to us because Ronaldo was telling a long yet hilarious story about the one time he tried to ride a horse which ended in tragedy.

My face flushed as my eyes met his. I was the first one to finish eating. "No. I think I'm pretty full," I nervously smiled and patted my stomach.

"Would you like some to go so you can enjoy it later then?" he leaned forward so he was much closer to me.

I wanted to say no but with the way he was looking at me with expectant eyes I knew it was more of a command than a question. I pursed my lips and gingerly nodded making him smile. It was the first time I had seen his full smile, but my soul. I had never seen anyone with such perfect white teeth.

"I'll be right back," he immediately got out of his chair and disappeared to the kitchen I figured.

When I looked back at the table José looked at me with a grin before he looked away which left me confused. What did he know that I did not?