Precious Secret

12. BBQ

IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!

AN: I know I made Stephen an only child in the beginning, but I'm taking it back now. He has two brothers. One older and one younger.

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Stephen.

"I can't believe you talked me into coming here." I grumbled at Brandon looking at the scene around me.

We were currently at his house for a family and friends barbecue, and to be completely honest, I'd rather be anywhere but here.

"C'mon man. We haven't gotten together like this in years." He looks around and then lowers his voice, "I know there's a bit of tension between you and Krys right now, but just set that aside for tonight. Walk around, mingle, catch up, meet the wives and kids, and try to have a good time. Alright?" He roughly pats me on the back before walking over towards his wife.

I take his advice and make my rounds, meeting his family and saying hello to a few of my buddies wives. I've met most of them before, but it's been a while. Whenever the guys and I hang out, it's just that. The guys. No wives or girlfriends allowed. Not that they're engaging in any debauchery or anything. We just like our man time.

I walk off of the porch and onto the grass, making my way over to Fernando. He's been unusually busy the past few weeks, and I haven't gotten a chance to speak with him about anything besides work.

"Long time no see!", I greet him with a half hug and handshake.

"Yeah, it's been hectic." He chuckles. "You know Dominique." He says gesturing to the beautiful woman next to him.

They've been together for a few months now. Fernando never stays single for long. He's always out searching for love, and finding heartache instead. She seems like a nice girl from the few times I've been around her. Hopefully it'll be different this time around.

"Of course. How are you?" I give her a brief hug. "I'm gonna go get a drink, you guys want anything?" She asks while standing up. We both decline and she walks inside the house.

"Have you talked to you dad yet?" He asks when she's gone.

"Nope. I talked to my mom though. She says he's out of town with his buddies, and that they're somewhere in the jungle with no cell reception. He won't be back for another ten days."

"Your dad's the ultimate workaholic, I'm surprised he even left town for so long." Nando whistles.

He's right. Growing up, my dad was notorious for missing some of my school events because he was too busy with work. School plays, soccer games, award ceremonies, bring your parents to school day. You name it, he probably missed it.

"Yeah, but with my brother taking over soon, I think he's a lot more comfortable leaving the office for extended periods of time"

My older brother, Cameron, has wanted to follow in my father's footsteps since the day he was born. And being the first born out of the three of us, he got his wish. We're in the midst of the transition now, but sometime within the next few months, he'll officially take over as CEO of S&S Enterprises.

"Well I, for one, can't wait until he gets back." He tells me, glancing over to the other side of the yard. "Hey Sav!" He waves over to Savannah as she walks onto the patio. She waves back and starts to make her way over to us.

Here we go with this again.

There's a man following behind her who, judging by the rock on her left hand, is probably her fiance.