Welcome Back Matthew (5)

27 December, Club TJ's, City K

While everyone heard Steven's comment, before anyone could respond the staff can in carrying entrees and sat them around the table. Everyone had a taste of all four options on their plate. Matthew looked at Andrew who had a smirk, as he had tricked everyone in that they will be able to taste each new dish. Everyone's drinks were refreshed, and they all gravitated to the table and started to talk among themselves, while they sat down and started to eat.

Matthew, as he sat down realised how much everyone's life had changed since they had spent any time together. It was not difficult to determine, despite all the trash talking that was happening that other than himself, John and Lexi, who followed their dreams to do what they wanted, everyone else was stuck in their jobs with family expectations. While he knew Phillip and Chester enjoyed their positions, it was difficult to determine who enjoyed their job and who hated it.

As the various courses came out Matthew, while being dragged into the conversations occurring around the table by everyone, realised how much he had missed out on with everyone over the time leaving him feel a little isolated. Some things that they were talking about were alien to him. It was only when everyone finished eating and despite Andrew's on and off whining about some of the dishes and he looked at his watch Matthew realised it was 9:30pm. Where had two and a half hours gone since Phillip picked him up? As the wait staff removed their plates, coffee and tea were brought out for those who wanted it, along with fresh alcoholic drinks for everyone else.

Matthew looked around, and realised that that beside himself, it was Lexi and John who were not drinking. Phillip was still on his second drink, Chester on his third and he had completely lost count how much Andrew, Steven, Joan and Rachael had.

Across the other side of the table, watching Matthew throughout the meal was Lexi. Being this close to him after so many years was nerve-racking, so she avoided speaking directly to him unless it was absolutely needed during their conversations. That made the whole meal uncomfortable as she felt that she could not join the discussions.

How she wished that Matthew was only here for a short visit, not for what appears to be years. As she knew the longer, he was here and the more he interacted with everyone the closer he would get to the truth about Dominic.

It was the one thing that she promised Richard to get him when she was five months pregnant to stop most the physical abuse. Everyone had to be told and always believe that Dominic was his son. When they married her parents made sure that everything was in Richard's name, her trust fund, the house, and her shares in the company. Richard's will made it clear that everything was left to his child or children from the marriage, and when it was read, a letter was handed by his lawyers to her.

Richard spelt out that there was a second document to be with his will, and his lawyers were only instructed to deal with it is the truth of Dominic's parentage came out. The letter was harsh and abusive, another go at her from beyond the grave. It made it clear that if the truth came out everything he owned, including what her parents gave him control of on their marriage would go to his mistress and her family. It also made it clear that for every year they were denied those assets when the truth came out the penalty that had to be paid was significant. Her company, despite being successful even now would struggle to pay even twenty percent of that penalty.

Right at the end of the meal, Chester realising that Lexi had not been involved in the conversations had to ask, "What is wrong Lexi?"

Thinking quickly on her feet so no one would realise the real reason for her actions "Just worried about Dominic Chester, you know that his behaviour was like before."

Andrew could not help himself "You two spoil that boy, and let his behaviour get out of control."

"Stow it Andrew, he does not have his father and realised on you, Chester and now Phillip to be his role models. Your behaviour is the worst influence on him."

Paul added "You are always like a spoilt child, and …"

"Do not say it Paul, I know your secrets …"

"And where the bodies are buried. We have all heard that before Andrew, and you know after all this time that threat does not carry any weight."

Steven added "Come on you two, let us get to the serious part of the night, poker, relaxing and more importantly celebrating Phillip and Chester's engagement, plus now we also have the gang back together."