Danilo
The boy next to me kept quiet for most of the ride and I was far too deep into my thoughts to probe for any more information about him. It didn't feel right too anyway considering the fact I didn't tell him who I was.
I was not too sure how he would react if he heard I was the reason why he had spent a late night at the office. One thing I definitely knew was at the current moment I was not a fan favorite and I was not entirely in the mood for him to give me evil eyes for the rest of the drive.
There was a chance I would run into him one day at the office but for now the mystery of it seemed to suit the occasion. Where he lived was nowhere near to where I was going but he looked ready to have a stroke when I suggested getting him a cab and I did not necessarily trust a stranger to take him home at that hour.
I was sure my security was annoyed with me. I could see them tailing me in the far distance. This broke protocol but considering the fact they sometimes guarded Pa; where protocol barely existed, I was sure they were used to it by now.
That also left the fact of what in the world had possessed me to help him home. Pa had always drilled it into us to be selfless and I always helped a needing hand. It was engraved into our souls there was no way I would be comfortable in just letting him go back to the office to take a nap.
There was a good chance he would be back early in the morning and considering how he had hurt his ankle I genuinely did not want to be sued because of injury at work. I guessed he reminded me of young Benecio. They could be the same age for all I knew. Not that my brother looked like a nineteen year old.
Most people confused him for someone my age and the last time I had seen him actually look like a teenager was when he was fifteen. I just guessed I couldn't imagine leaving him when he was hurt.
"You can turn left here," he pointed to the street ahead and I simply nodded. He continued giving instructions until we arrived at a small green painted house that had a metallic fence and gate.
If I knew anything about Miami I would have tried to guess where I was but I didn't. The neighborhood looked cute though and it was evident it was for starting families. I spotted a detached garage to the back of the yard and that at least gave me some assurance that he was living with someone else.
"My cousin is inside," he picked up his backpack from his feet and gave me a small smile. "Let me try and call him." He pulled out an older model of a phone that had a terribly cracked screen that I was surprised it was working. He dialed for a while with no success. "I think I'll just hopple over."
"I'll help you don't worry," I climbed out the truck and lifted him out. He was tall enough that he reached my shoulder. In average standards he was taller than most but considering my genes he looked a little short. His body was extremely light though but considering his weight it made sense.
He handed me a key to unlock the gate which I did before I walked him up the stairs. I gently placed him down so that he could stand on one leg whilst I held him up. He pressed a code on the security system and I felt some pride to see it was designed by Pereira enterprise. Pai would be happy to know that.
Once the door opened I helped him inside and he switched on the lights. I could only get a quick glimpse of the house but it was small and cute. The kitchen was turquoise blue and the floors were light wood. It was a mix match of different styles but they all seemed to blend together perfectly.
I helped him to what I assumed was his bedroom. It was full of fabrics and sketches plastered all over the wall. I could only see a few designs but each were more brilliant than the last. There was a small desk with an older sewing machine and that confirmed that he was a stitcher.
"You can just drop me off here," he let out an airy laugh. His voice held a strong accent I was still trying to figure out but it was pleasant. He was soft spoken but you could tell he could switch within an instinct.
I helped him down on his bed and he instantly relaxed against the mattress.
"Thank you," he nervously smiled. "I don't know how I could ever repay you. If you could maybe give me your number I could treat you to a coffee one day."
I waved my hand dismissively with a smile, "no problem at all. My Pa wouldn't be happy to know if I didn't help you. You just get some rest. I'll show myself out."
He slowly nodded and before I could leave his room he called out, "my name is Dove by the way."
"It's nice to meet you Dove," I gave him a salute before I gently closed his bedroom door behind me then went out the house. The security system locked itself and with a quick jog I hopped back in the car.
I had driven the opposite direction of home which didn't leave me a lot of time to get back and take a Power Nap before I had work in the morning. Knowing Daniele he would want to make a grand breakfast and if I didn't eat my heart out I would be hearing about it the whole day.
I had already missed pizza night. Breakfast would be the last straw.