It Goes On

by Ashley Claudy

  Arching her perfectly manicured eyebrow, Chelsea smiled at something on her screen before setting her phone down on the table in front of her. She twisted in the chair to yell in Sonja’s direction, interrupting her mid-sentence, “Hey Sonja, shut up. Make sure to pour the white wine, not red.”

  “So how old are you?” Chelsea asked as she reached for her phone again.

  “Twenty, how old are you two?”

  Sonja handed us each a glass of wine and replied, “Chelsea is twenty-one. I turned twenty in January. I asked father about you, so I know you turned twenty last month. We are only four months apart. What a scandal right? That’s why tonight we may just introduce you as a cousin, I hope you don’t mind.” She took a long sip from her glass.

  I tried to think of a response, the smell of the wine was making my stomach turn inside out. I sat down the glass and decided to respond to the most immediate issue. “Who are you introducing me to?”

  Chelsea and Sonja traded glances before Chelsea explained, “We’re throwing an end of semester party. Exams just ended this week.”

  Sonja interrupted, “I thought you might want to stay here and meet our friends since your mom is leaving tonight with our dad.”

  “Whoa. What?” I struggled to keep up with this confusing conversation. I attempted to take a sip of the wine, but my stomach quickly reminded me that it would not tolerate it, so I set the glass back down again.

  Chelsea noticed and asked, “Are you feeling all right? You, um, look kind of sick. You don’t have to stay for the party.”

  “I drank too much last night,” I explained. “Where are Connor and Carly going?”

  My anger towards Carly was rising with every breath I took. Why did she not mention any of this? Connor obviously talked to his daughters. I didn't like being the only one who didn’t know.

  I ignored my stomach’s protests and took a large gulp of my wine, trying to wash down the lump forming in my throat.

  “Father has to go to Hawaii on business,” Sonja explained, her voice softening with sympathy. “He’s opening a hotel there. Your mother is his new personal assistant, so she’s accompanying him. They won’t get back till Wednesday. Did your mother not tell you about this?”

  I shook my head and took another restorative sip of wine.

  I don’t know why it still hurt when she kept information from me. She never told me things until they were happening. It’s been like that my entire life. All of our moves, any decision, she never discussed it with me; she just did them, and I was given no choice but to accept.

  Sonja tapped my leg. “Well, our party starts at ten. We were hoping to spend time with you this weekend and get to know you better. You can invite a friend to come tonight so you won’t feel completely awkward. I hate not knowing anyone at parties.” She eagerly waited for my response while Chelsea focused on her phone.

  “Okay,” I reluctantly responded. I wanted to get to know my sisters, but being around a group of their friends intimidated me. “I’ll invite my cousin, Lexi.”

  Sonja squealed and jumped up to hug me. “Good, good, good. We’ll have so much fun. Text your friend, and then let’s go to dinner. I’ll give you a quick tour of some of the house on the way.”

  I texted Lexi the address and information to the party and she responded in an instant.

  Hell Yeah I’ll be there.

  Chelsea continued to mess with her phone and waved for us to go on without her.

  The quick tour started with a peek at the oasis of a backyard. It had a large hot tub that overflowed into a pool and a pool house that could be a home. Beyond that were putting greens and tennis courts. Staff scurried around, setting up tables and lights for their party tonight. The main house had two kitchens, the largest one for the staff and one for the family to use. But the smaller family kitchen had at least ten burners and three ovens, although Sonja admitted they barely cooked for themselves.

  Carly, Connor, and Chelsea were waiting for us in the dining room. Gold rim dishes were set on a long white marble table, but the centerpiece of the room was the chandelier that reflected on the table. It hung just short of the length and width of the table and cast a gold glow over the room.

  Connor rose from his seat at the head of the table as we entered the room. Carly and Chelsea sat on each side of him. Sonja took the seat next to Chelsea, and I reluctantly sat next to Carly. Once we were all seated, two people brought out trays of food and set them on the center of the table.

  “I thought a family style dinner would be best tonight, a little less formal.”

  Connor’s explanation seemed odd. This was less formal? Than what? I mean, there was staff dressed in tuxedos setting the table for us.

  Chelsea frowned, still looking at her phone. “I have to serve myself?”

  “Chelsea put your phone away during dinner,” He demanded, but then smiled around the table. “We only have an hour all together before Carly and I have to leave; let’s focus on each other.”

  Carly smiled at Connor, and a part of me wanted to speak up, confront her, and wipe that smile off her face. But the part of me that hates confrontation, especially public confrontations, won, and I stayed quiet.

  A part of me was happy to see her smile, even though it scared me. As angry as I was at her for everything I’d learned in the last two days, she was still my mother. She had a tough life, and I wanted her happy, but I didn’t trust this man she was smiling at.

  She turned to me, and even though her smile didn’t falter, I could see the nervousness hidden in her eyes as she grabbed my hand. “I accepted a position working with Connor. We will leave for Hawaii tonight. Would you like to join us?”

  Sonja interrupted before I could respond, “No. She's going to stay with us. This will be good sisterly bonding time.” Then she turned to her father and challenged, “You had twenty years of chances to bond, whether you took advantage of that knowledge or not. I only just found out Chelsea and I had a sister. We get her this weekend.”

  My hand flew to my mouth to keep in the water I choked on. Sonja winked in my direction, and Chelsea glared at her.

  Connor took his daughter’s jab in stride. “So, that’s settled then. Your mother and I will return on Wednesday. Take that time with your sisters. Maybe all of you can accompany me to Hawaii for our hotel's grand opening.”

  The conversation for the remainder of dinner was polite. Mother and Connor discussed itinerary for their business trip, and Chelsea and Sonja discussed arrangements for tonight’s party. Their chef, Mr. Hampton, would stay late to cater the party and additional staff would bartend and serve.

  I needed to text Lexi back and let her know this was a real party, nothing like the few I’d been to before that were lucky to have chips for food.

  Mother and Connor left in a chauffeured car right after dinner, which left me with the SUV while they were away. I took advantage of this fact and drove back to the hotel to change and primp for the party.

  ~Carly~

  Carly fastened her seatbelt and stared out the window at the men driving trucks around the tarmac.

  Connor didn’t even look up from his phone as he gave further directions, “Ensure that a breakfast spread is available for the eight am meeting. Big investors will be there and we need their partnership on future projects.”

  Still simmering, Carly pulled her own phone out to add a note about breakfast into her planner. She was disappointed that this trip was really about business. Their days were completely booked with no time to lay out at the beach with Connor.

  She desperately wanted to please him and would do her best at the jobs assigned, but more than that she wanted him to desire her, as he had twenty years ago. She’d thought this job offer was an excuse to be around her, but on the car ride to the airport, he had spoken to someone on the phone and ended with, “We will go to dinner when I get back. I love you, sweetheart.”

  Carly calmed her anger by reminding herself that she had the next four days with him, and t
he sweetheart on the phone did not. She would use this time wisely and please Connor in any way she could, and then he would be forced to see her as someone he needed.

  She ran a hand down his arm to get his attention, “What are your favorite breakfast foods? Do you have a preference on Coffee?”

  “Provide a variety of items to please everyone.”

  His gruff response surprised her; she decided to stay quiet until he spoke to her.

  Chapter Five

  You either have to laugh or cry. -

  Marjorie Pay Hinckley

  “Knock, knock,” Lexi yelled as she entered my hotel room. “I brought you a dress from the last designer I modeled for. It’s always easier to be brave when you look hella fabulous.” Lexi spun, showing off her fabulousness in her loose-fitting gold dress that sunk low on the back with ankle boots.

  I changed into the white summery lace dress she brought me. On her long legs, this dress had to be extremely revealing, but it came to a decent length on my thigh. I slipped on black heels, and we left for the party.

  “Holy fucking shit.” Lexi was in awe of the home looming in front of us. It had been impressive during the daylight, but at night it was stunning. Lights lit up the many windows, the driveway, flower beds, and fountain.

  I handed the keys to the valet which only made me feel more out of place. What was I getting myself into?

  The moment we entered the house, Sonja was at our side, extending her hand to Lexi. “Hi, I’m Sonja. I’m so excited you two came.”

  We followed her to the back patio. Music played and the pool and patio were lit up. Lights hung from the bushes and trees spotting the yard. At least a hundred people were already here, spread out in small clusters in the yard. There was a bar to our right and many high tables with USC colored tablecloths, cardinal and gold. Round globes of the same colors were strung above the pool and patio.

  “Let me introduce you to my best friend, Sydney.” She practically skipped as she pulled me across the patio.

  “Sydney, this is Kate and Lexi. Sydney lives next door, but we’ve been friends since second grade.”

  A girl with wispy caramel blonde locks greeted us with a smile and shook our hands. “Sonja’s told me all about you, Kate. How do you like California?”

  “It has nice weather.” I bobbed my head, unsure what she may have been told. “Haven’t really seen much of it yet.”

  “Well, we’re planning on hiking Runyon canyon on Sunday, you should come, you too Lexi,” Sydney offered.

  “I have to work all day Sunday,” Lexi said. “That’s a fun walk though, great views.”

  We fell into comfortable conversation, and I was beginning to relax when Lexi nodded to turn my attention.

  Liam was leaning on the bar, drink in hand, scanning the crowd. When his eyes met mine, a slow smile spread across his face.

  I wanted to hide behind Lexi. My muscles were tense, and I felt nauseous. My greatest regret had just materialized at the party, and he was walking towards us. I prayed he didn’t mention last night. I didn’t want my sisters to get the wrong impression of me.

  “Corona and Cuervo, right?” Liam asked as he hugged me and then Lexi. “I didn’t expect to see you two tonight.” He leaned in to greet Sonja and Sydney with kisses on the cheek.

  Sonja smiled at me, and I could see the questions in her eyes. “Wow, Liam, you do move fast. Kate’s only been in town for two days and you’ve already met?”

  “I’m the unofficial welcoming committee for pretty girls, you know this.”

  I attempted to laugh with the group.

  “We were planning on hiking on Sunday you should join us,” Sydney invited Liam.

  “Oh yeah? Who’s going?” he asked, sweeping his golden eyes around the group.

  “Me, Sonja, and Kate,” Sydney said.

  “I’ll go. What time and where?”

  “Liam, when did you get here?” A sexy blonde purred and snaked her arms around his waist. I recognized her as the blonde he’d originally walked away with at the club.

  Liam pulled her around to embrace her and kissed the top of her head. “I just got here, Taylor.”

  “Is Ethan back yet?” She kept one arm wrapped around him.

  “He isn’t coming back till next weekend.”

  The blonde eyed Lexi and me. “Who are they?” she asked the group as if we were not standing right in front of her.

  Sonja spoke up, “Taylor, this is Kate, she just moved to LA.”

  I reached my hand out to shake hers, and she reluctantly took my hand with a limp grip.

  Sonja continued, “And this is Lexi.”

  Lexi nodded and gave Taylor a tight smile.

  Liam broke his gaze from Taylor, surprised by the introductions. “You moved here?”

  I’d been caught in a lie. I smiled, resigned, and shrugged. “Yup.”

  He shook his head and chuckled, a rough, husky rumble.

  Taylor moved her hand to Liam’s chest and pouted. “Ethan didn’t tell me he was staying in New York for another week. We need to go out together when he gets back.”

  “I’m gonna get a drink. Anyone want one?” Lexi asked.

  “I’ll go with you,” I responded, and Sonja and Sydney both asked for a cranberry and vodka.

  As we walked away, Lexi threaded her arm through mine and whispered, “I can’t believe he’s here. Karma has a crappy sense of humor.”

  I giggled and leaned my head on her shoulder. With each step away from Liam, my nerves relaxed some. “Ugh, of course he would show up. That’s just the kind of luck I have.”

  “At least I don’t recognize anyone else from last night. I have a feeling he won’t be mentioning much about it with that blonde pawing all over him.”

  I laughed again, letting the tension release.

  Lexi ordered three vodka cranberries, and I stuck with soda. When she raised an eyebrow at my choice, I explained, “Got to stay sober so we can make an escape at any moment.”

  “Thank God you’re the DD with a plan. I’m here for you, but I’m a lot more entertaining when I’ve had something to drink.” She took a sip before continuing, “Whenever you want to leave, I’m ready. I’m looking forward to hanging out at the hotel.”

  “You’re going to love the beds; they are so comfortable,” I added.

  “Shit Kate, do you think about anything other than sleeping?”

  When we returned to Sonja and Sydney, Liam and Taylor were no longer with them. I glanced around and spotted them sitting on a couch, his arm casually draped around her shoulder, talking to those around them. Chelsea was sitting next to Taylor. She was animated as she spoke to the group, a stark contrast from her bored demeanor at dinner.

  Sonja and Sydney thanked Lexi for their drinks and Sydney added, “So you two had the honor of meeting the bitch of the west.”

  Sonja’s eyes widened, but she laughed. “Sydney, that wasn’t nice. That’s Chelsea’s best friend.”

  “That she might be, but she’s a bitch. Take my word for it ladies.” She nodded gravely at us, then used the cocktail straw to sip her drink.

  “She can be a little cold when you first meet her, but she’s not all bad,” Sonja debated, but then she swallowed a mouthful of her drink and giggled. “Oh what the hell. Yeah, she’s a bitch to most people.”

  I snorted at Sonja’s candor.

  As the night continued, the party grew. I stayed around Sonja, Sydney, and Lexi mostly. I met several other people, most of whom regarded me with bored curiosity. Every now and then, Liam would meet my eyes from across the room and give me a lazy smile. I bet he thought it was a sexy smile, but it caused me to cringe in embarrassment.

  As more people showed up, I became increasingly nervous that Liam’s friends from last night might arrive. Plus, last night’s drinking binge was catching up with me. I was exhausted and decided it was time to leave.

  Lexi was talking to an impossibly tall man, and I felt a pang of guilt for pulling her away from the hot
ty, but she assured me she would see him around.

  “Took the bastard long enough, he finally asked for my number tonight,” She explained. “I’ve seen him around a dozen times this year, and we’ve always talked and flirted, but he never asked for my number. I was beginning to think he was gay.”

  I could tell by her voice she was drunk, so once we pulled away, I couldn’t resist teasing her.

  “Just because he took your number doesn’t mean he’s not gay.” I laughed at her expression.

  “Shut up. He’s not gay. See look, he’s already texted me a non-gay text.” She shoved her phone in my face and then read it aloud, “‘The night just went downhill without you pretty girl.’ Aw, see.” She thought for a moment and then pouted, “Oh crap, does this mean the balls in my court now, and I have to be the one to text him next? He’s supposed to ask me out.”

  I’d never seen this insecure side of Lexi before, and it made me giggle. She’d always seemed confident and take charge during our phone conversations. “Why don’t you ask him out?” When I saw her frown, I added, “Or you could just text him back now, something casual so he’ll have to make the next move.”

  Her face lit up. “Ooh, good idea.”

  Once we were back in the hotel, we raided the bar and spent the rest of the night discussing Lexi’s new crush, Chase Ramirez, and trying to decipher the texts he kept sending. It was a relief to have a distraction from my chaos.

  After Chase finally texted that he wanted to have dinner with Lexi Monday night, we went to bed. With the combination of alcohol and exhaustion, my conscious shut off the moment my eyes closed.

  I woke up to Lexi bouncing on the bed.

  “What are you doing?” I grumbled, trying to hold onto the last moments of sleep.

  “I’ve got to go. I’ve got work today.”

  It was a struggle to raise my head, and I squinted against the light in the room, trying to identify the time on the bedside table. 11:00 am. I dropped my head back down on my pillow. “Have fun, call me later.”