Chapter 4

Daniel Moore

I got out of the car and walked up 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 looked at them carefully 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 correctly, 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 on mine. At his age, I was still thinking about how to make my empire rise. I guess 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 by running her fingers through my hair and asking if I was the same height as last week. My father rolled his eyes when he heard her and gave me a strong hug to let me into the living room. Once there, my cousins threw themselves at my legs until their mother called them to offer them sweets.

“Again with the bribes, Aunt Moore?”

“The kids don't pay attention to anything but candy or you.”

“I'm glad to know the little ones love me so much,” I say, ruffling their hair, and they laugh. They're both five years old, they're dark-skinned, and they have long, wavy hair. They're beautiful little girls, I adore their gray eyes and how identical 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 only know how to say that I'm a spoiled girl,” “Can you buy me more candy without mom knowing?” That's all I've heard since I arrived, they haven't let go of me and haven't moved away from me. They're both 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 had his eyes on one of the paintings that was done for the company. It was this year, I don't think he ever saw it because at that time, he was traveling with my parents. Sometimes, I give him free time to go out and enjoy life, he deserves it, and there's no better person than him. I'm aware that many times I make mistakes, and many times, I behave like a heartless idiot, but Gabriel more than anyone knows 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 TV, 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 it through? Are you sure?”

“Completely, I don't need anyone to be keeping an eye on me. I can do it alone.”

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

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

“I just spoke the truth,” I replied.

“Leave him alone, Claudia. He's just trying to encourage Gabriel. Men have different ways of giving each other encouragement.”

“Well, it's not the right way,” Mom replied, annoyed, and tilted her head uncomfortably.

“Gabriel isn't the same age as you, you should remember that.”

“Father doesn't think the same way.”

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

“Say something, Santiago,” my mother says.

“Gabriel needs to learn how to open an event, just as Daniel said. If he doesn't know how to open one, he won't be able to stay in the company or have his own business,” I reply.

“I won't continue arguing with you,” my mother says.

“Mom, don't argue over a comment that didn't affect me at all.”

She could have said anything like “You're my son, I care about you” or “I'll always defend you,” but she just remained silent because she knew that no comment would change what my father or I thought. Gabriel was growing up under my roof, he knew how I was, 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 overboard, 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,” my mother says.

“Who's Ginger?” I ask.

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

“You should have consulted me first.”

“Daniel, we've invited all the employees, she's one of us too,” my mother replies.

“Your brother is right,” Dad intervenes.

Great, now he's on his side.