Dinner

Stephanie carried the plate of baked brie to the dining table, and Mary followed behind her with a tray filled with grapes.

“Princess, stop licking the honey!”

They all heard Sarah yell from inside the kitchen. Princess ran out of the kitchen laughing happily.

Her little hands were stained with honey and she licked them off her fingers as she ran.

Stephanie caught her and cleaned her hands with a napkin.

“Princess, you need to stop getting on Mom’s nerves. You will get spanked if you are not careful.”

“Mom never spanks her, and that is why she is so stubborn.” Mary spoke as she arranged the plates.

“Don’t say that about your sister, Mary. That is so impolite.”

Sarah walked into the living room with a tray of toasted bread.

“I’m sorry, Mom. But sometimes, she frustrates me a lot.”

“She is still a little girl, Mary. Always remember that.”

Sarah finished arranging the table, and she looked at Stephanie, who was still cleaning Princess up.

“Go, and tell them dinner is served.”

Stephanie bounced her head and hurried to the living room. She met Sebastian and Philip laughing. She furrowed her brows and wondered what they were talking about.

“Dad, Dinner is ready.”

They both turned their heads to look at her. Their faces were still filled with laughter.

“We would be there soon.” Philip informed, and she nodded. She looked at Sebastian, and he smiled at her.

She walked back to the dining room and found Mom and her siblings seated already.

Princess stared at the brie hungrily, and she was almost drooling.

“How often do you feed Princess Mom? She eats more than I do. She ate almost three muffins today. After finishing hers, she ate half of mine and half of Sebastian’s. You need to help her diet.”

“Trust me, Stephanie, I am trying my best. But, she wouldn't let me rest once she is hungry. You should blame your father for this, she took after him.”

“Who has committed a crime again? I have always been blamed for any atrocity.” Philip uttered as he walked into the dining room.

Sebastian smiled at his statement as he also followed behind him.

“Isn’t it true Princess took after you when it comes to food?” Sarah asked rolling her eyes.

“You don't have to tell the world that, Sarah,” Philip whispered, and they all giggled.

Sebastian was about to sit next to Philip when Sarah stopped him.

“Sebastian, sit next to Stephanie. That is where I put your dinner.”

Stephanie heaved a sigh and rolled her eyes at her Mom.

“Mom, he can sit anywhere. His plate isn't glued to a spot.”

Stephanie carried Sebastian’s plate and gave it to him calmly.

“Sit anywhere you want, Sebastian.”

He smiled faintly and nodded. He collected the plate from her and sat next to Philip.

“Can we eat already? We are complete now.” Princess mumbled.

“Yes, Princess. We can eat now.”

Sarah brushed Princess’s hair as she spoke.

They all began to eat in calmness, and all they could hear was the clinking noise of Princess’s spoon against her plate.

“So Sebastian told me his father is great William Coleman.” Philip broke the silence, and everyone looked at him, including Sebastian.

He wasn't expecting him to bring it up during dinner.

Stephanie’s eyes widened, and her mouth fell open. She couldn't believe her ears. The son of the No. 1 Businessman in California was sitting in her dining room.

“You are a child to Coleman? Wow, that is great!” Sarah exclaimed, and Sebastian lowered his head shyly.

He had some toasted bread in his mouth, so he quickly munched and swallowed it before responding.

“Thank you, Ma’am.”

“I hope you are not depending on your father's wealth,” Sarah added as she spread the brie on her bread.

“Not at all, Ma’am. I am also a businessman.”

“Wow! That is so beautiful.” She responded, and Philip nodded as he plucked another grape and threw it into his mouth.

Stephanie kept eating and paid rapt attention to their discussion.

“Thank you very much.”

Sebastian kept his head lowered, and his bright smile didn't wear out. He loved the way they acted towards him.

“How old are you?” Sarah further asked, and Stephanie exhaled. She believed she knew where her Mom was going. She was beginning to pry.

“I am 27 years old.”

“27? A billionaire at 27. That is very impressive.” Philip complimented.

“Thank you, sir.” Sebastian bowed as he appreciated.

“I am done!” Princess stood up and carried her plates in her hand carelessly, and she walked to the kitchen.

“Be careful with that, it must not fall!” Mary spat.

“Don’t be harsh on her, Mary.” Stephanie said in a low tone, and Mary nodded reluctantly.

“Sorry about that, Sebastian. Please understand.” Sarah pleased.

“It is fine Ma’am. I understand.”

“What of your Mother? Siblings? All we know is your Father and his business. They never told us more.” Philip stated.

Sebastian smiled feebly at Philip’s statement and spoke up.

“I have no siblings, and my mother isn't with us anymore.”

They all went awkwardly silent after hearing his reply.

Stephanie raised her head and looked at him. She then understood what he meant when he said he wished he had a family like hers.

*He is the only son*

“Oh my... I am so sorry.” Philip apologized in pity.

“You don't have to be sorry, sir. It's nothing.” Sebastian responded with a smiley face.

“That would be enough, Mom and Dad,” Stephanie uttered, and they bounced their head.

Princess came out of the kitchen and walked up to Sebastian. She raised her arms and told him she wanted him to carry her.

He delightfully carried her and placed her on his thighs. She smiled widely and rested her sleepy head on his chest.

*

They finished eating, and Stephanie assisted Sarah to clean up the dishes.

“I should get going now. It is late.” Sebastian said, standing up from the sofa he sat on. He still carried Princess in his arm. She was fast asleep, and she rested her head on his shoulder.

“I’ll carry her.”

Mary carried her carefully from him and walked to the room to lay her down.

“Thank you so much for having me, Sir

and Ma’am.”

“We should appreciate you for accepting our offer. It was a very nice time spent with you, Sebastian. Thank you, and goodnight.” Philip said and Sarah nodded with a large smile on her face.

“Goodnight.”

He held his two palms like the shape of a lotus and bowed his head.

“I’ll walk you to your bike,” Stephanie told him, and he bounced his head.

They walked out of the house and headed to where he parked his motorbike.

“I am so sorry for my parent's never-ending questions. I am very sorry.” Stephanie said as they got to his motorbike.

“C’mon, Stephanie, you don't have to be worried every time. I enjoyed my stay. Thank you so much. I have never been this happy for a while now.”

A luminous smile crept up Stephanie’s face.

“Thank you too for dealing with Princess, most especially.”

They both laughed, and he shook his head.

“I love her so much. She is my favorite, and I owe her a Christmas present.”

“Thank you.”

He hopped on his motorbike and wore his helmet. He lifted the side-stand and ignited the engine. He adjusted the handlebars and placed his feet on the foot pegs.

“Goodnight,” Stephanie muttered. He nodded and pulled down the face-shield on his helmet. He rode out of her compound, and his bike made a roar.

Stephanie looked down the street and watched him until he was out of sight. The sound of his bike faded into thin air, and she turned to go inside.

She caught her Mom and Dad peeping out through the window.

“Seriously? This isn't funny!” She stormed into the house.

“Oh lighten up!” Her mom laughed.