MassaHJ
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Chapter 105 The Arrival
🕑 Added 2025-05-18 15:15:10 +0000 UTCThey arrived on Friday afternoon.
I opened the door, and there they were—Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, and Phoebe. Each of them carried at least one bag, looking excited but also a little tired from the trip.
As I welcomed them inside, I couldn't help but think about what Pepper had mentioned earlier: the premiere would be on Saturday.
Normally, movies premieres took place on Thursdays.
Still, having it on Saturday meant we had tonight to relax and catch up before the main event.
Everyone looked around, visibly impressed.
"Wow," they all said almost in unison.
Monica turned to me, wide-eyed. "You actually live here?" she asked, her voice full of astonishment.
"Yeah, cool, right?" I said.
Chandler looked around and said, "It’s like we’re in that movie Richie Rich."
"But with 20 more years, right?" I joked.
Rachel pinched my cheek and I said, "10?"
"Better," Rachel said, making me laugh.
I smiled and led them further inside. "Come on, let me introduce you to the staff."
I guided them toward the kitchen, where the three maids were waiting.
"This is Emily, Sarah, and Jessica," I said, pointing to each of them in turn.
They all smiled warmly and gave polite greetings, making the atmosphere even more welcoming.
The maids then escorted Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel, and Phoebe to their respective rooms to settle in.
As I watched them head upstairs, I leaned back against the wall, thinking.
We hired three maids, since the house is big. There's also one professional cook, although Mom still cooks from time to time—and she does it very well. I think she's really enjoying experimenting with fancy dishes.
Besides them, we have three bodyguards. One of them is stationed at the main gate. Another is my personal bodyguard; he usually goes with me when I visit Uncle Charlie's house.
So, with Jimmy, my driver, I had eight people employed here.
Besides, there are five more bodyguards outside, stationed in a minivan with equipment, hired by my company. Pepper had two bodyguards. I told her she should have more, like me, but she declined, saying that for now, two were more than enough.
Unfortunately, different from Jimmy, none of the others are from a known series or movie.
Well, my personal bodyguard could definitely play the role of the Mountain. He's more than two meters tall, really heavy, and extremely muscular. Even Terrance seems small next to him.
When everyone was returning downstairs, the doorbell rang. One of the maids quickly went to answer it.
Yeah, they are not Berta when it comes to doing their jobs.
It was Laura. I had invited her earlier—deciding not to call the rest of the group this time, just to keep things from getting too crowded.
I introduced her to everyone, and they all greeted her warmly.
After that, we headed to the balcony overlooking the ocean.
On the way, Chandler leaned closer to me and murmured, "So I'm not the only one with a girl out of our league."
I replied amused, "What are you saying, Chandler? She's totally my league."
He just shook his head with a smile and went to sit with Monica.
When everyone was seated, I asked “Where are the rest?”
Chandler spoke up, "Joey is on his way."
"Mike couldn't come, he has work to do", Phoebe added
I nodded and completed, "Uncle Charlie will come. Dad said he had something to do..."
Chandler glanced around the balcony, taking a better look at the cushions and the miniatures on the table.
"Wow, man, you really like Marshmello, huh?" Chandler commented, amused.
Laura pinched me lightly. I hadn't told them about the Marshmello deal. And I wasn't going to tell them now—I'm not Rachel; I don't want to steal Joey's thunder.
Rachel, who was sitting on the other side of me, narrowed her eyes playfully. "You're thinking something bad about me, aren't you?"
I turned to her with a dramatic gasp. "How could I, Rach? I love you," I exclaimed.
Everyone around laughed, and Rachel rolled her eyes with a smile, nudging me lightly with her shoulder.
"Now, say it," she challenged, smirking.
"Are you still Mrs. Geller?" I teased.
Ross choked on his drink, making everyone burst into laughter again.
Right after that, Judith arrived carrying a tray with a few bottles of wine. Up until then, everyone was sipping water. The maids followed her, bringing elegant wine glasses and carefully serving each person with a warm, professional smile.
"So, what are you all saying?" asked Judith, sitting down near Phoebe.
Monica smiled and summarized, "About Jake liking Marshmello… and about Rachel and Ross's marriage."
"We just started," I told with a shrug.
"Let's kick off with Jake liking the candy guy," Ross said, smirking.
Judith looked at me, immediately understanding, and said, "He's an incredible guy."
"See? Even Mom likes him. He's awesome," I added with a grin.
It was Mom who put up the Marshmello decorations
Laura smiled and added jokily, "I think he might have a big head—that's why he's always wearing a helmet."
"I like his songs," declared Rachel.
"Me too!" Monica agreed.
"Especially 'Wake Me Up,'" said Chandler, making a thumbs up to me
"Thank you, Chandler!" I said, grinning.
I heard a chorus of "Oh yeah!" from Monica, Phoebe, and Rachel, probably remembering that it was me who song the music.
We all raised our glasses for a toast. (Laura and I were drinking watermelon juice)
Then I sang a part:
♪They tell me I'm too young to understand
They say I'm caught up in a dream
Well, life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes
Well, that's fine by me♪
Ross said, "Wait, you sound like the person who sings this song!"
Everyone turned to Ross with a deadpan look.
