Home > Tristan : Darlington Brothers Series Book 4

Tristan : Darlington Brothers Series Book 4
Author: Avery North

Chapter 1

 

 

“Happy birthday Tristan!” Leona Jones sang when Tristan walked into the office.

“Who told you it was my birthday?” Tristan asked, smiling. “It’s supposed to be a secret.”

Leona laughed. "Helen, in HR, keeps track of everyone's birthday. She started last year, says it’s good for employee morale.”

Tristan nodded and gave Leona a cheeky grin. "Hate to say it, but it kinda made my day,” he smiled as he grabbed some candy from the bowl that Leona kept on the reception desk. “If I celebrated my birthday, you’d be the first one I’d invite,” Tristan teased as he walked past her desk, leaving Leona Jones giggling like a schoolgirl.

Walking into his office, he sat down in his chair, ready to start his day. He had five showings and a closure to deal with, and he knew he wouldn't be finished until late tonight. The fact that he was working on his birthday didn’t bother him, and he preferred to keep busy. His twin brother Tyler had called from Maui early this morning, but he hadn’t heard from anyone else, not even his girlfriend, Heather. She had left early this morning saying she had some business to attend to. He knew he shouldn’t make a big deal about it. After all, it was only a birthday, and he wasn’t five anymore, but deep down inside, he longed for the days of birthday cakes and balloons, though he knew that might sound strange to some people.

"Hey, happy birthday, bro," Lucas Darlington said, popping his head into his office.

“Thanks, Lucas,” Tristan said, smiling. “I heard from Tyler this morning. He’s still in Maui. How come he gets to spend his birthday there, and I'm stuck here working? I gotta find out his secret.”

Lucas laughed. “He timed his vacation just right. Anyways, change of plans today. You were going to meet with Horace Bekker at six tonight, but it’s been postponed.”

“Perfect, I can have a birthday evening in then,” Tristan sighed with relief.

“Well, not really. I booked you something else. The owner of Paddy’s is thinking of selling and wants to meet and ask some questions. I would go, but I can't. Hopefully, it won't take you very long.” Lucas said. “I’d really appreciate it if you could go in my place.”

Tristan frowned. “Paddy’s? Really? That place makes a fortune. Why does he want to sell?”

“Not sure. He’s getting on a bit, so maybe he wants to retire,” Lucas said, checking his watch. “Anyways, I gotta run. We’ll get together at the weekend and celebrate your birthday properly, I promise.”

Tristan nodded as his brother turned and left. Grabbing his first folder of the day, he opened it up to give it a quick review before heading out to the showing.

“Happy birthday Mr. Darlington!" Craig, the mail clerk, shouted and waved as Tristan walked by.

Acknowledging him with a wave, Tristan hit the down button of the elevator and waited. He wanted to get out of the building before anyone else saw him. He appreciated their wishes, but he just wasn’t in the mood right now.

Heading to his car, he double-checked the trunk to make sure he had enough pamphlets for the showings. “Let’s do this,” he said to himself as he closed the trunk and got in his car.

Standing in front of the first house, he checked his watch impatiently. He hated it when people were late to viewings. It was almost ten, and he still hadn't heard from Heather. She never forgot his birthday. Taking out his phone, he was about to dial her number when a car pulled up along the curb.

“Sorry we’re late,” an older man said as he got out of the car, “Traffic was terrible.” He came around the other side of the car and opened the passenger door. A woman, clearly much younger than him, got out and gave him a kiss.

"Thank you, Cuddle bunny,” she said in a high childish voice that immediately irritated Tristan. “Ohhhhh, this place is so nice.”

Tristan smiled as they walked towards him. The man was probably in his late fifties, and his wife looked about twenty. One thing was obvious, looking at the two of them − they complemented each other. He was most likely looking for arm candy and great sex while she was looking for money.

“Tristan Darlington,” Tristan said, holding out his hand.

“John Radmore and this is my beautiful wife, Sunny,” John Radmore said, shaking Tristan’s hand quickly then looking adoringly at his wife. He reached down and pinched her bottom, making Sunny break out in a fit of giggles.

Tristan took a deep breath, dreading spending the day with them. They had selected several houses they wanted to view today, and, watching them, Tristan figured he had his work cut out for him.

“So, this first house is a five-bedroom ranch style,” Tristan said as he found the front door key.

“Ranch? Where's the horses,” Sunny said with another giggle.

"It isn't that type of ranch, Cupcake," John said, chucking. "It just means it's all on one level."

Unlocking the door, Tristan could hear them kissing behind him and rolled his eyes as he opened the door. “Okay, here we go.”

Walking in, they stood in the grand foyer looking around. “All hardwood floors, ceramic tiles, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and the roof was redone two years ago,” Tristan said, walking behind them as they looked around.

Stepping into the kitchen, Sunny ran her hands over the marble of the huge island in the middle of the room. "Oh, Cuddle bunny, look. It’s just the right height. We can have lots of fun with this.”

“Now, Sunny,” John said, obviously embarrassed. “We need to behave.”

Sunny pouted at her husband, who immediately ran over and put his arms around her.

"I'm sorry, Cupcake. I didn’t mean to snap at you,” John said as Sunny suddenly smiled up at him.

Tristan cleared his throat, wishing he was anyplace else. “I’ll let you two roam around on your own. If you have any questions, I’ll be right here,” he said, not being able to stand any more of their nauseating displays of affection. Tristan was fine with showing affection, but there was a time and a place, and right now was not one of those times.

By the time they finished touring the fifth house on their list, Tristan had had just about enough of Sunny and John. She found faults in every single house. Either the baseboards weren’t the right shade of white or there weren’t enough windows in the rooms. Tristan couldn’t wait to say goodbye to them.

“Well, I guess we will just have to keep looking. I want my wife to be one hundred percent in love with whichever house we pick. Thank you for your time, Mr. Darlington," John said, holding out his hand.

“Yes, it’s important you love your house,” Tristan said, shaking John’s hand. All he wanted was to get away from the two of them, and he hoped they didn’t choose him to show them anymore houses. This was one time he would gladly hand a client over to another company.

Checking his phone when he got into his car, he exhaled. Still no message from Heather. Shrugging, he started his car, heading to Paddy’s for his last appointment of the day. After this, he planned on heading home, cracking open a couple of beers, and sitting by the fire outside. To hell with everyone else.

“Hey Tristan,” Paddy said when Tristan walked into the pub. "Right on time, as usual."

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