Draft version - Russian Roulette - Family secrets

Ch. 80: Too much information there, mate

Gareth hated Mondays.

Not in the Garfield way, though he could use some lasagna and his bed. But because he was always working. Days melted together, most times he had no idea if it was summer or Sunday. If there was work to be done, he did it. The only real reason he knew it was Monday was because the people at the company had normal weeks and apparently, they hated Mondays, and somehow that came and bit Gareth on the ass.

Grumpy emails, late reports with excuses that they did not get things done the week before. And worst of all somehow, they all expected him to be on top of the world on Mondays taking all their shit with a positive attitude, because they held the monopoly on hating Mondays.

If they wanted bright eyed and bushy tailed, they could go find a fucking squirrel.

He sighed.

Ok, shit to sign, reports to read, emails to answer, calls to return, tasks to delegate, RSVP on invitations, call mom and text Mackenzie.

It would probably be Wednesday before he was done.

The knock on his door actually made Gareth smile. He had spent 5 hours doing what he had set out to do. Working through lunch because he did not feel like lunch without Mackenzie there. But the knock told him that Jace was there, that meant sofa time and a whiskey. Anything involving a whiskey would put a smile on his face.

"Just get in here!"

Jace smiled knowingly when he entered and went straight for the bar and grabbed a whiskey bottle and two glasses.

"You look like you need this?" Jace poured for the both of them after he had sat down.
Gareth threw himself on the other sofa and swiped the glass from the table. "Seriously, I feel like work is multiplying every time I look away. Has it always been like that?"
"Yes, but you've never cared before."

Leaning back with his drink Jace studied Gareth. He had changed a lot. He was not the robot he had been for years. Not the playboy who fucked his way through Europe. Gareth was turning into the man Gareth had always wanted to be. A fierce leader, a respected businessman and a loving partner. Somebody with more purpose in life than making money and doing right by his family name.

Being a mafia leader did not mean he had to be tough as nails all the time. Or cooped up in some Russian restaurant with his henchmen eating Borscht while planning criminal activities like in the movies.

Gareth had found what he wanted to be long before Mackenzie came into his life, but it was not until her, he had found the courage and energy to become it. And now that Jace knew how Mackenzie felt he hoped they would both get that happy ending. Or beginning as it would be for them.

The beginning of a life together. A happier one.

"I haven't seen much of you lately," Gareth casually said while he looked sternly at Jace. "You need to tell me something, right? It's not like I don't know already."

Oh, shit!

"Eh, not sure what you mean, boss?"
Gareth laughed. "I hope Phoenix appreciates that you've been there to help and neglecting your duties here."
"Phoenix?"
"Cut the crap. Phoenix has been sick, I'm sure you've been there day and night to take care of him, right?"

Gareth rumbled with laughter at Jace who looked both confused and guilty. Of course, Jace had been with Phoenix when he was sick, Gareth would not have had it any other way. It was what couples did for each other. He had done it for Mackenzie, how could he expect Jace to not do it for Phoenix.