Dropping The Crown

Ricardo's POV.

Mother was making a substantial fuss about my birthday party. It was now only one day away and she insisted on it being the best of the best.

She had already hired and purchased caterers and decors. The maids were busy like bees as she gave them instructions on how and what they should be doing in terms of decorations.

I have decided to join the fray as I got off work.

"Darling, you really shouldn't be out here. It's your party and this whole thing is a surprise," Mother said as I walked onto the back lawn.

"Ah. I have no problem assisting. I've had many parties, and if you wanted it to be such a surprise, you shouldn't have had it here."

She patted my cheek and barked another order at the maids. I looked in their directions and I saw exhaustion.

"Mother, just how long were the maids on their feet?" I questioned.

"Oh. Few hours. Why?"

"They appeared to be tired."

"That's because they're lazy. Instead of cleaning, they're gossiping and skylarking. You ought to

be stricter. They're not working for free, you know," she answered and began flipping through a booklet she was holding.

"Excuse me," I told her, and I made my way over to Miss. Prime who was struggling to attach a solar lantern to the top pole.

"Allow me to help with that," I said and reached for it. I was taller so it was easier for me to do that instead of her.

"Thanks much," she replied and smiled before turning her face away.

"Was that the last one?" I asked her.

"There's one more." She reached for it and handed it to me.

"There. All done."

"Thanks again."

"Don't mention it. What else can I help with?"

"Sir, are you sure?"

"Of course, yes."

"Mavielle and Flamboyant are setting up the chairs and tables. I'm on my way to assist them." "Let's go."

We made our way further down the lawn where the other ladies were doing more sitting than setting up. They leaped to their feet when they saw me.

"Mavielle, just how long have you all been out here?" I asked Mavielle who was rubbing at her knees.

"Since this morning."

"What?"

"And with very little rest. All we had today was a bottle of water," she added.

"Why?"

"Mrs. Parriston didn't want to hear of breakfast or our lunch breaks. The moment we arrived, she ushered us out here."

I took in the ladies and my blood came to a boil. "Excuse me, ladies, and please do take the rest of the evening and tomorrow off. You've done enough."

"Thank you, Mr. Parriston."

"Go to the kitchen and have a meal before you leave." I watched as they walked towards the entrance and disappeared inside.

"Ricardo! Just where are the maids going, we're not done out here as yet. There are still chairs and tables to put into place and..."

"Mother, that's enough!" I snapped.

"Darling. I love you but hell would freeze over before I allow you to ever disrespect me like that again. Don't you dare raise your voice at me."

"What is your problem, why are you treating my house-assistants like they're slaves?" "House-assistants, please, they're maids and they're working for an income."

"That I'm paying. Not you."

"But I have to pick up their slacks. You can't even say the word 'maids' much less give them instructions to follow."

"Mother, I'm not doing this with you. There's always an issue between you and them whenever you're here. The last one quit the day you walked through the doors."

"I'm not the one responsible for..."

"You're always not at fault. Look, I love you. You're my mom but this is my home and my life. You'll not be giving any more orders to the ladies today, tomorrow or any other day. They don't work for you. Am I clear?"

"Very."

"Thank you." I walked away from her.

"How is the setting up going to finish?!" she called after me.

"Hire some helpers," I said back and walked into my mansion.

The table-clock beeped and showed 11:00pm. I was already lying in bed but sleep didn't favor

me.

I kept thinking about her. Her shyness was interesting, and her smile lit up my heart. Her plump

lips were so kissable and tempting. She was doing something to me.

"What are you doing to me?" I asked myself and looked at the ceiling.

*Knock Knock A knock came to my bedroom door. I got out of bed and opened it.

"Hi, darling."

"Penelope, what do you want?" I asked. I was annoyed by her presence now.

"Why are you sounding so irritated by seeing me?"

"Maybe I am."

"Ricky.."

"Don't call me that."

"I thought you'd be in a much better mood. Your birthday is only one hour away and I wanted to give you a surprise."

Without waiting for me to say anything else, Penelope undid her satin robe and let it drop to the floor. She stood in a beautiful white lingerie. The dim lights still reflected on her smooth skin, her own hands roamed her lower body and she looked at me without blinking.

"Maybe I should come back in an hour. That should give you plenty of time to think about what you've been missing."

She picked her robe off the floor and walked away like she was a model on a catwalk. Eventually, I closed in the door. For a moment there, I was mesmerized by her body. She was indeed beautiful and I was tempted more than ever, especially since it's been a moment I wasn't involved with anyone else.

I awoke the next morning at 6:00 am. I went to my home-gym then had my morning shower and went down to breakfast.

"Good morning, sir. And happy birthday," Beth greeted.

"Thanks."

"I made your favorite smoothie."

"Off to a good start."

My mother walked into the kitchen and one could feel the shift in the pleasant atmosphere.

"Good morning. Happy birthday, my darling," she said and pulled me in for a hug.

"Thank you, mom."

"I've got you a present. The first one for the day."

"Thanks." I unwrapped a picture frame.

My dad and me by the lake. I was only three. I was holding a toy boat and dad was teaching me

how to try a rope to it and make it sail on the water. When it was far enough, I can easily pull it back with the rope in my hands.

I wished he was still here.

"I know you miss him. We all do," mom said and pulled me in for an embrace.

"Thank you for this. I'll make sure to cherish it."

It was time for the party when the sun got lower and lower in the sky. The solar lanterns

illuminated the lawn outside, and the party guests started filing in.

I just wanted it to be over. I dressed and made my grand entrance which my mother insisted for me to do on a stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and girls. The man of the hour. My son. Ricardo Parriston," my mother introduced on a microphone. Claps and cheers erupted from the crowd and people came forward with their gifts.

The music blared, the party lights playfully lit, the cakes, the eats, the drinks, the dancing, the greets. It was a lot.

My best friend, Derick showed up with his fiancée in tour. He left her to mingle with some other

ladies and he made his way over to me.

"You know Rockett is here, right?" I asked him.

"Your sister made it clear she wants nothing to do with me."

"That's Rockett for you."

"Where is she by the way?"

"Hmm.. Thinking of, I haven't seen her. She's probably indoors."

"I see."

The party continued. I drank and drank some more with several of my employees who attended

and my friends.

I excused myself when I had to use the toilet.

"The guest bathroom is closer," I told myself. I made my way it to and entered.

After feeling light, I washed my hands and started drying it.

The door pushed in.

"Oh. I didn't know you were in here."

"Shit. I completely forgot you occupied this space. I'm sorry, Miss. Prime."

She was wrapped in a bath towel and my heart raced as I looked at her from her legs up to her

face.

"I'll just come back when..."

"I'm leaving right now. No need for you to leave." I tossed the tissue into the trashcan.

She moved away from the door without realizing her towel was caught. It was yanked from her

body right in front of me.

My eyes popped and so did my member.

I quickly made my way outside and left an embarrassed looking Miss. Prime in the bathroom.

She had nothing to feel embarrassed about though. She was perfect.