ᵢₘₐgᵢₙₑ ➳ Michael Gray [ON HOLD]

➳ chapter twenty-four - the sous chef

《 grandma's kitchen can solve all life's problems 》

➳

As Michael sat in one of the comfortable leather seats of the Shelby family private jet he appeared to be the picture of a calm and composed individual, only the sharpest of eyes would be able to catch his impatient shifting and nervous ticks as he flew to Florida and mentally prepared himself for any kind of reaction from Arabella at his unexpected presence at her childhood home. He attempted to rid himself of any anxiety as he worked away on his laptop, not getting much done in his weak attempts to distract himself for the long flight, instead his eyes continuously stray towards the two dogs laid on the seats across from him.

A small smile spread across his lips as he once again looked back at his laptop screen, at least both Lennox and Hades would receive a worthy welcoming from Ara.

The flight seemed to drag and Michael found himself feeling more and more nervous as they finally landed and he was greeted by the humid Florida air, walking down the steps with two dogs in tow. He hummed lightly to himself in approval as he swung his backpack over his shoulder and slid some sunglasses on, whistling to attract the attention of his two companions before making his way towards the airport where he would receive his luggage.

"Well well well, if it isn't the infamous Mr Michael Gray, aren't you a sight for sore eyes sweetheart!" 

The man huffed out a small laugh as he turned and was greeted by a grinning Reid who yanked him into a hug, to which Michael awkwardly patted him on the back.

When he was finally released he nodded in a detached manner of greeting and was huffed at as Reid took his bag from him,  "Honestly Michael, it's as if you've never met me before, I'm not one of your crazy, stone-cold kind of business associates, you can afford to give out a small smile."

Michael rolled his eyes in return, "Yeah Reid, nice to see you too. Can we get going now?"

"Patience Mr Gray," Reid snickered yet began to lead him across the car park, "Have you really missed my sister that much?"

He received a deadpanned look in return and was promptly ignored as they approached the unlocked car and Michael took it upon himself to place his luggage in the boot before opening the back door of the car for Lennox and Hades to jump in, both dogs having been guided by Michael on leashes through the airport.

"Somebody has an attitude problem." Reid sang quietly to himself as he followed Michael's lead and jumped into the driver's seat, checking that everything was okay before belting up and starting the car journey to the Tate household.

There was a brief moment of silence before Reid seemed unable to hold himself back any longer and finally blurted out, "Okay, spill, what has happened between you and Ara? Because there is no way you'd ditch on your work without some kind of serious thing having happened."