HADWIN AND DINNER INVITATION-E

Ace reached home and collapsed on the bed, exhausted with today's event. He knew he had to keep it as a secret from his father, who might pry him for other things. After a quick shower he sat on his bed and flip through the book given by Grandpa Jones. So, this is the reason why Astrid stayed back in the jungle. Her ability would be hampered if she practises indoors, not to mention jeopardizing her safety.

His mind started racking back from the times he met Astrid up to today. He wondered who could be his mentor? He smiled, a genuine one, loving the way she opened to him, but his mood darkened when he thought of the name she mentioned. Ace Wagner immediately dialled Gordon Browne, his secretary.

Gordon: Good evening, sir.

Ace: Find me details of a guy by the name of Miller Smith. He studied in the same school as Astrid.

Gordon: Woodstock High School. The year 2027.

Ace: And be quick this time. He is from Anubia City.

And he hung up after that. Ace called his butler to prepare two cups of strong caramel coffee and send it to his room.

Gordon called after 5 minutes.

Ace: Who is he?

Gordon: He is the son of Smith Industries. Specialising in car components and manufacturing. Has 2 elder sister. And 1 younger brother. Finished studies at UCLA majoring in Business Admin. Somewhat of a player. Parties hard. No steady girlfriend. Helps his father as an intern.

Ace: We aren't in any business dealings with them?

Gordon: No, sir.

Ace: Keep tabs on Miller. I want to know his whereabouts and daily routine.

Gordon: Yes sir.

Ace: Keep it discreet.

Gordon: Sir, may I suggest something?

Ace: Mmmmmm

Gordon: Mr and Mrs Mann are having a wedding anniversary dinner party on 6th June. They are quite close to Smith's. I think they have business dealings with each other as well. The Mann's have invited your family for their dinner party. Would you like to RSVP for their event?

Ace: Not now. Later.

Ace hung up again, feeling a slight headache. He drank a cup of coffee and started reading the Book of Elements and its history. By the time he finished reading it at 4.00 am Ace was intrigued. He hid the book in his walk-in closet and slept, after texting Gordon he will be late for office the next day.

...................................................

Hadwin woke up with the alarm blaring loudly. He groaned and his fingers started fiddling with the alarm. He was not a morning person and hated the fact that he had to wake up early and follow Ace Wagner to the office today. He slept again after closing the alarm.

Suddenly he felt his blanket being pulled away and he bends his body into a foetal position.

`Wake up, Master Hadwin. It's time for work', Butler Lionel proceeded by opening the windows and pulling the curtains aside, letting the morning sun penetrate into the room.

`Just a little more. I am tired', Hadwin mumbled and placed a pillow over his head.

`Master Ace is already waiting for you at the table for breakfast. And he is not in a good mood', Butler Lionel spoke sternly and that got the attention of Hadwin who dashed into the toilet to get ready.

Ace was taking his shower as well. The hot water cleared his mind off the recent events that were happening around him. The book of Elements explained a lot to him, how the elements choose its bearer, the basic understanding of the elements, how to bond with them, the initiation ceremony, what to expect from it for life, how to utilize it in daily life and ultimately learn to control it into shapes of animals, so it can be used as an extension of vehicle. He sighed heavily and got dressed. So much to learn in a short period of time.

Both brothers met at the breakfast table and Hadwin mumbled colourful words at Butler Lionel who lied to him about Ace being mad at his tardiness.

`Did you learn anything yesterday at work?', Ace questioned while buttering his bread.

`Yeah, Gordon showed me my cubicle and told me to start from the bottom of the ladder', Hadwin shrugged.

`And you are starting in the sales department?', Ace smirked. Hadwin's personality suited to that post. Not to mention a bevvy of beauties for him to mingle. But he must tell him not to date any of them, he would set a bad example to others.

`You can't date them or screw them around. Keep that in mind', Ace finished his coffee and checked his phone for emails.

`God, those girls are so pretty. What a bummer', Hadwin put his hand behind his head and arched his body.

Hadwin finished his meal silently and went through his phone to text Astrid. If he can't date someone from the office, he can date with Astrid and she promised to meet them every fortnight.

Hadwin: Morning, gorgeous. Don't forget this weekend.

Astrid: Morning. What weekend?

Hadwin: Our date?

Astrid: You mean with Ace and you?

Hadwin: Shall I pick you up Route 3?

Astrid: Can I bring Enlil along?

Hadwin: Sure. Time?

Astrid: 10.45pm

Hadwin: 😊

Butler Lionel placed letters on the foyer table for Mr Jacques Wagner and Ace. A pale gold invitation card caught the attention of Hadwin who pried it open and sat on the Mercedes Maybach S650. It was an invite to Mann dinner function. He took a photo of it and passed the card to Ace. Ace looked at it and toss it away. He had no interest in going to any functions. It was a nonstop cycle of talks, business offerings, drinks, a marriage proposal and dance.

Hadwin had better plans. He thought of trying Astrid's advice to find the right girl and wondered if he should invite her. Hadwin immediately texts her again.

Hadwin: Yo, I have a dinner invite. 6.6.2035

Astrid:?

Hadwin: Be my date?

Astrid: Sorry my poor ass won't fit in your rich ass society.

Hadwin laughed at her bluntness earning a stare from Ace.

Hadwin: Please, just a formality. No strings attached.

Astrid: What happened to Cruella De Vil or the ugly stepsisters?

He smirked at her snarky comment and smiled.

Hadwin: Banished to hell. Pretty please?

Astrid: NO.

Hadwin called her. She answered panting slightly after the 3rd ring.

Hadwin: Please hear me out. It's a dinner function. Nothing more. We eat, dance then we go back.

Astrid: Look I don't socialize. And I hate being a prima donna. You will be drunk with a chick and I will be left with the wolves.

Hadwin: Awww. Jealous?

Astrid: No, any reason I should?

Hadwin: How about I promise you no drinks sober all night?

Astrid: And if you do? I will be the next alien from the terminator and whoop your ass so hard, Mars would feel better.

Hadwin: Hahahaha. That is hilarious.

Astrid: I don't believe your said promise. Try harder.

Hadwin: Listen, how about I video call you every day before I sleep, and you be the judge.

Astrid: You gonna remain sober until the dinner?

Hadwin: No, I will remain sober as long as I can ok?

Astrid: That's like 17 days from today.

Hadwin: Please don't say no. It will be fun.

Astrid: Our version of fun differs, Hadwin.

Hadwin: Please, please, please, pretty, please with a red cherry on top.

Astrid: Alright, alright. You keep your promise and I will be there.

Hadwin: Sure, thanks.

Hadwin sighed. Now he must maintain his sobriety until the dinner ends. This is going to be a long day. He sighed on his hand, oblivious to Ace who overheard his conversation. Whomever he spoke to seem to have him on a tight leash. And it was a positive change. It reminded Ace of Astrid. Perhaps he was speaking to Astrid. Ace missed Astrid already.