Chapter 11

                                    

                                          



"Ah boy you still call me that?" Chuckled, Mr. Peckman. 
"how do you two know each other?" 
it was her mother, that asked the question Aloe had been curious about. 
"This here is Diana and Ray's son, Neal Raymond." Aloe's dad introduced Neal, patting his shoulder. 
"You mean Ray from PetRay?" Aloe's mother asked as if she too had recognized the boy. 
Aloe's dad nodded his head smiling eagerly. 
"How do you know them dad?" Aloe blurted still confused. 
"Petray was the company i worked before i started my own company. In fact its the only company i have worked before i started my business. Pete and Ray were close friends since university days" Aloe's dad explained, still unable to wipe that smile on his face. His eyes sparkled as if he was recalling those fond memories.
"Petray is a great company thats why i am glad my daughter get some experience there before she take over my business" Benjamin added. His eyes sparkled with proud when he looked at his daughter. 
"You must stay for dinner with us" Aloe's mom welcomed Neal inside. 
"How's Cain doing?" Benjamin asked Neal. 
"He is doing great job. Currently in china to resolve some company's issues" Neal answered. 
China? Aloe was the PA and she had no clue about the whereabouts of her boss. She felt pretty stupid to assume he was on a leisure trip to Maldivies or somewhere. Of course, it was Cain she should have known better. 
Jane Peckman played one of Diana's song after serving the dinner. 
"I am a huge fan of your mom's works" Jane told Neal smiling. 
Neal just smiled back and said thank you. 
The artist Diana was Neal's mom? Aloe thought but refused to ask out loud as she noticed his eyes grow darker. 
Aloe wondered if listening to his mom's old works were making him sad but then she recalled how he played them at work too and he was quite fine. 
The song was the only slow song sung by the artist Diana. It was the song Aloe's mom always played when they had dinner.  Perhaps it was this song that was effecting him. 
"Hey mom I will stop the song because ...... I wanna hear dad chew his food" Aloe blurted out unable to think of a good reason. Both Peckman's laughed at her daughter's ridiculousness. 
"Your mom doesnt laugh like this after you left home Aloe" Benjamin teased. 
"Aloe my baby is the drop of happiness I have in my life" Jane smiled looking at her daughter adoringly. 
"I missed you a lot and though I hate to admit you are growing up and you need to be your own person too" Jane added. Her lips stretched for a smile though a huge lump formed in her throat. 
"Pretty soon she will even get married and if the groom is you Neal I couldnt be happier" Benjamin added teasing Neal. 
Aloe chocked on her food when she heard her dad say that. Neal passed a glass of water to her. Aloe found her cheeks turn red. She opened her mouth to deny its not true but it was Neal who spoke first. 
"We are just good colleagues" Neal spoke winking at Aloe. 
Aloe mustered up the courage to give a small smile but the words felt like a stab on her chest. 
"Ah thats how it is. These young generation is so different from us aren't they, Jane" Benjamin chuckled. 
"Yes. Back in our days it was so different" Jane replied dreamily. 
Then Aloe's parents began telling how they met. 
"Couldnt have married the most beautiful woman in this world without Pete and Ray's help" Benjamin added. 
"How is Pete now? Still doesnt come out of home after his surgery does he?" Benjamin asked Neal. 
"Yeah uncle Pete has been paranoid he might fall more sick so he has very much distanced himself from work and going out of home even" Neal told Benjamin. 
"Back in days your dad and Pete were so fierce that there is nothing they cant do" Benjamin chuckled. 
"Pete was such an influencer and he was so outgoing while your dad, oh he is the master mind. I have never met a man who is as smart as he is" Benjamin told. 
"Don't keep these lads with our folks old tales. They have to go work tomorrow. Lets call it a night" Jane added when she noticed how late it was. 
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Neal and Aloe waved  as Aloe's parents drove away to the city. 
Neal turned towards Aloe to say he is going to leave too but before he could talk Aloe asked if she could show him something. 
Before he could reply, Aloe held on to Neal's sleeve and dragged him.