Chapter 17
Lawrence gave Alicia a look full of disdain, his deep voice laced with irritation.
“You’re already in your 30s. When are you going to start acting like it? I told you to leave the entertainment industry a long time ago, find someone decent, and settle down. But no, you’re still out here looking like a hot mess. I’m not even sure what you’re trying to be.”
Alicia wiped her mouth and playfully raised an eyebrow at Lawrence. “Dad, seriously? Weren’t we talking about Thiago? Why drag me into this? I’m not getting married. I’m a proud no–marriage girl. The only thing I’m committed to is my love for baby–faced hotties!”
As she spoke, her sultry eyes slid toward Hans, who immediately looked away like he hadn’t seen a thing.
Alicia pouted, her elegant features suddenly dimming with disappointment.
“Hans,” Lawrence called out.
Caught off guard, Hans jumped. “Y–Yes, Mr. Langston Senior?”
“You’re sure that was a girl Thiago jumped out of the car for? He’s not… playing for the other team, right? He’s finally into women?”
Hans cleared his throat. “Yes, Mr. Langston Senior. She was really pretty, the sweet and clean–cut type.”
Alicia perked up again, pouring herself another glass of wine with a mischievous smile. “Wow… So that’s his type? What was he even doing getting on a bus with her? Has he ever taken public transport in his life? Does he even know how to swipe a fare card?”
Just then, the front doors of the villa opened, and one of the maids, Tina Tyler, walked in, leading Thiago through the foyer.
Hands in his pockets, posture loose and cocky, he strolled in with a smirk. “Well damn, look at this welcome party. When did I become such a big deal?”
Lawrence gave him a sideways glance. “I figured I’d better show up before the cops call me to bail you out for stalking some girl on a public bus.
”
Thiago turned to Hans with a crooked grin. “Where’s the glue I told you to buy, huh? Thirty years old and already forgetting things like an old man?”
Alicia set her wine glass down and stood up, sauntering over to throw an arm around Thiago’s neck.
“Look at you. Got a little taller and suddenly you’ve forgotten all about your sis? So, when did you start falling for good girls, huh? And why didn’t you tell me first? What am I, dead to you?”
Thiago grabbed her wrist with one hand, prying her off. “Get off me. Quit getting handsy. I’m saving myself for my future wife.”
That caught Alicia’s attention fast. “Ooh? What’s the lucky lady like? Spill the tea. I wanna hear all about her.”
Thiago smirked. “It’s a guy.”
Anicia didn’t hesitate and smacked him hard across the back. “Get the bell outta here!”
Alicia was ten years older than Thiago. She was seven years younger than their oldest sister, Cecilia, but while Cecilia had always been the straight–laced overachiever, Alicia and Thiago were thick as thieves growing up–equally chaotic and completely unpredictable.
Lawrence rubbed his temples, the beginnings of a headache already creeping in. “When are the two of you going to take a cue from Cecilia?” Alicia was still hanging onto Thiago’s shoulders. “Come on, Dad. Cecilia’s no fun. You’ve turned her into a damn work robot.”
Thiago chimed in with a smirk, “Yeah, and she’s dragging her husband down with her. Dude hasn’t said a single interesting word in years.” The three of them were still talking when the siblings‘ mother, Brenda, came down the spiral staircase. The moment she saw her son and daughter goofing off, she rushed over and cupped Alicia’s face in her hands.
“Let me take a look at you. Why do you look so skinny? Are you over your target weight again? Is that agent of yours starving you?”
Alicia hugged Brenda’s shoulders and grinned. “No, Mom, I’m dieting on my own! Gotta look good on camera. I’ve always known it–Mom loves me best!”
