10

When Nathaniel Duval was officially declared fit to return home, the first thing he did was to turn in his resignation letter to Oasis Laboratory after which he took a long walk as he tried his best not to freak out at what he'd done.

What do I do now he wondered, trying to decide his next step.

Remembering that impulsive decisions was how he got in this mess in the first place, he took a deep breath and called his cousin for help.

I can't believe you did something so stupid, Lorenzo chided. How could you quit your job without a back up plan he asked his cousin. You were supposed to be the smart one Mateo he concluded.

I know Nate replied. I know okay? I don't know what I was thinking he continued.

You weren't thinking at all Lorenzo responded. How else can you explain quitting your well payed job for no reason whatsoever he said. So, what are you going to do he asked.

I honestly have no idea Nathaniel replied. I'm literally drowning right now.

Well, why don't you come work with me at H-Corp Lorenzo asked.

H-Corp Nathaniel repeated. I don't think that's such a good idea.

Why not he asked. I know you want to work there. You even applied on more than one occasion.

I have seen your application. It's pretty awesome. Why are you against my suggestion.

Nothing. I just don't think it's a good idea he replied.

Why? Because of my boss's daughter? Were you two like... together together?

What? No! We just attended the institute at the same time. We were in the same class. That's all.

Okay... Just calm down. It wouldn't matter even if you used to date seeing as you are both married.

You do know she's married right?

Yes..I do. I met him once. March....he seemed like a great guy.

Auguste. His name is Auguste.

Right. Sorry. It's just...I remembered he was named after a month.

Yes but it's not like the month. It's August...with an e. He's french.

Right. My bad. August with an e.

He's a really great guy. He's awesome and friendly and smart....

I'm sorry. Is there a point to this lesson?

All I'm saying is that she's happy. He makes her happy and while I don't know what your little arrangement with Jillian is...I don't want you to ruin their marriage.

Henri is my friend. Just like Auguste is my friend too. You are my cousin... my brother but they are my family too.

I get it. I'm not going to do anything to mess with your life. You have my word.

Good. I'll talk with the Professor and try to get you an interview.

Lalo, I'm fine. I'll sort myself out.

Nonsense. Just let me help you alright? You need a job and regardless of your history or the lack of it with my boss's daughter, this job will be good for you and I'm certain that she'll be so busy,she won't even remember you exist.

Alright. Fine. You win.

Just then Lorenzo glanced at his watch and yelled, berating himself for losing track of time and he got up heading straight for the door when Nate called him back.

Lalo, is everything alright?

Yeah. Sorry. I forgot I was meeting with some friends and now I'm really late. I have to go.

Friends huh? Anyone I know?

No. You don't know all my friends. I have to go okay? I'll see you tomorrow.

Yeah. See you tomorrow.

When Lorenzo arrived at the apartment, he was greeted at the door by a haggard looking Auguste holding a phone with one hand and a donut on the other.

Finally! I was just about to call you. What took you so long?

I'm sorry Gus. Something came up at the last minute. I came as soon as I could. On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is it?

Twenty-five. It's really bad.

I'm sure it's not that bad.

It's worse Lalo. She's freaking out. Since she got the call, she's cleaned the apartment twice, scrubbing the tiles with a toothbrush,made enough donuts to feed an army and now,she's baking cupcakes. This is the fifteenth donut I've eaten today. I'm gonna weigh over 200 pounds before this day ends.

You are exaggerating. I'm sure it can't be that bad.

When Lorenzo entered the apartment,he was greeted by the sight of baked goods spread out on the dining table and he gasped in shock.

I told you it's bad Auguste stated.

No, this isn't bad.... it's worse Lorenzo replied.

When Henri came out of the kitchen and saw Lorenzo,she sighed in relief.

Finally, someone who can help me in the kitchen she said. Auguste has been eating my treats.

Henny.... Lorenzo called. Why don't you sit down for a minute....Try to catch your breath.

I can't she replied, voice cracking slightly. I'm afraid that if I stop moving, I'll break down and cry.

Sweetie Auguste called. I'm sure it's not that bad. I mean, what's the worse that can happen if we stay? It's a big city. I know he gives you the creeps but I'm sure you are not going to run into him everywhere you go. Besides, he's married. You said he told you so.

Yes... but you didn't see the way he looked at me. It was creepy. It made me very uncomfortable.

I'm sorry you felt that way honey,Auguste replied. But if you ever feel like something's not right, we can get a restraining order... anything but you can't bail on your Dad,he needs you here.

I know....I'm probably overreacting. He did say he was married and he seemed happy.

There you go Auguste said. Surely, Lalo can confirm that and put your mind at ease. Right Lorenzo?

I'm sorry Lorenzo said. What were you saying?

Your cousin is married right?

Cousin? My cousin?..... Right... Nate. Yeah... he's married.

See? Auguste replied. You have nothing to worry about. You'll be fine. Besides, your Dad wouldn't ask unless he couldn't help it.

I know Babe. You're right.

Are you alright Lalo?

Yes Lorenzo answered. I'm fine. Why?

You are acting really weird Auguste replied.

What? I'm not...he lied unconvincingly.

Lorenzo.. Auguste began. What's going on?

Why do we need to confirm if my cousin is married or not Lorenzo asked.

He doesn't know? Auguste asked his wife.

Of course he doesn't know she replied.

It was a long time ago.

What was a long time ago Lorenzo asked suspiciously.

She used to know your cousin Auguste replied. They went to school together in Bern.

The Brennholtz Institute Lorenzo answered. I know about that. Wait! Did you date my cousin? Is that what.....

No! Henri replied. Of course not. Auguste has always been the one for me okay? I was young and I may have thought he was cute but that's it. He had feelings... very obvious ones and I may have confused about the route I wanted my life to take but my destination has always been the same and very clear and that is Auguste. But confusion...my hesitation may have lead him to think that he had a future with me and when it became obvious...I left.

Well, that's all water under the bridge now Lorenzo replied.

Yes. So why do you still look weird Auguste asked.

I do not. Lorenzo tried to lie again.

Lorenzo Enrique Suarez, tell me what's going on with you right now Henri demanded.

Okay!Okay! It's nothing serious he started. It's just that you may see Nathaniel more often than you'd like.

And why's that Auguste queried.

He may be working with us at H-Corp soon Lorenzo stated.

What are you talking about Henri questioned him.

He quit his job Lorenzo explained. He didn't have a back up plan or anything like that. So, I sort of suggested...

Sort of? Really? Auguste asked him.

Fine! I suggested he send his application to the company Lorenzo answered truthfully.

Why would you do that Lalo Henri queried. Granted, you didn't know my history with your cousin but you know better than to suggest something like that without discussing it with Tessa first.

I'm really truly sorry he apologized.

It's just that he's been wanting to work with us for some time now. I've seen his previous applications. I wasn't thinking.

That's it Henri replied. I'm telling Dad. We are not staying.

Honey, you can't just.... Auguste tried reasoning with her.

Babe, please don't fight me on this she pleaded.

Okay! Auguste replied. I won't. Whatever you want.

I'm so sorry Lorenzo apologized. I didn't know....

It's fine Henri replied. I'm not mad. I promise. I just need to focus on my family and I can only do that at the home I made with my husband...