A Passion Rekindled

by Nolan, Rontora

  “But.”

  “No! No buts. He cares about you so much. Just because you were dating Jonah doesn’t mean he gave up on wanting to date you. He talks to Chris about you all the time. You are the one he wants to be with. Not Amber, not any of the others just you Scarlett.”

  “I guess you’re right.”

  “I know I'm right. I went through the same thing with Chris. I saw his exes and wondered what in the world he wanted with me. Then I realized all he wanted was me.”

  “Jay look at you ok Chris would be stupid not to want you.”

  Sarah walked over to them.

  “Ok Jay I am going to take you and Scarlett Cindy is ready for you.”

  Jay stood up. “We are so grateful you fitted us in.”

  “Anything for my best customer I can’t have you walking into that Ball looking a hot mess.”

  “Thanks.”

  They stood and walked over to the chairs. After they were finished with their hair and nails, they stopped by the mall in search of the perfect dress for Scarlett with matching shoes they went back to Jayla’s house. Scarlett loved the house at first sight. It was a two-story Victorian style house. With a wraparound porch and rear deck that lead to an 8-foot pool Scarlett could see them relaxing on the porch while the kids swam. But the elegance of outside of the house was no match for the inside. When she walked in, she saw a formal parlor and dining room off the inner doorway. There was a wide-open family room connected to a sun washed breakfast room. The kitchen was very conservative with contemporary appliances. The living room was Scarlett’s favorite with plush carpeting and a fireplace.

  “Wow I can see you reading right on the floor.”

  “I do.”

  “I always wanted a house like this.”

  “I worked hard for it. So we better get dressed or the guys will have a fit.”

  “Jay I don't know where I would be without you.”

  “Well it is a good thing you don’t have to find out.”

  “You really think everything will be ok?”

  “Scarlett I know that you’re terrified. But if he cares about you like you and I both think he does then you need to pull it together. Don't let Helen or Amber or anyone make you believe that you’re worth anything less than what you are.”

  Scarlett hugged Jay. “Thanks for everything.”

  “I know you have been through a lot and so have I, we tough women need to stick together.”

  “Yeah when you are right you’re right.”

  “And let me just say again how much I enjoyed seeing you give it to Helen.”

  “I don't get her.”

  “What’s to get?”

  “She likes us as women but not as her future in-laws.”

  “It’s whatever. What matters is how Chris feels about me and how Christian feels about you. It doesn’t matter what Helen or anyone thinks.”

  “Well let’s get going. We don't want to keep the men waiting now do we?”

  “Fine men like that? Heck no.”

  ***

  Christian and Chris waited at the entrance. The girls were fifteen minutes late.

  “Where are they it’s freezing out here?”

  “Jay said they should be here any minute.”

  “Yeah well we are already late.”

  “Christian calm down it’s not that serious.”

  “Boys why are you out here? No dates?”

  Both men turned to see their parents walking behind them. “Mom, dad I thought you guys would be inside already.”

  Christopher and Helen Waters walked over to them. Christopher looked handsome in his black double-breasted tux and black shirt with a white tie. Helen looked stunning in her black Long halter dress out of stretch Carmeuse. The material gathered under the bust line by a beautiful square buckle accent with cascade streamer tie. She wore a beautiful matching bolero Jacket with pearls with her arm was draped over Christopher’s gloved covered hand. She smiled at her sons both looking as handsome as their father. Chris wore a two-button notch black tux with a Satin light blue vest. He wore a white micro-fiber pleated wing shirt along with a light blue satin 4-in-hand tie. Christian wore the same except his vest was silver and his tie was a stripped white and silver.

  “Well what’s a ball if you’re not fashionably late?”

  “Wow this can’t be the Helen and Christopher who raised us to be 30 minutes early to everything can it Chris?”

  “Wasn’t it you and your brother who told me I needed to live a little? But don't think I don't know that you didn’t answer my question.”

  Chris smiled and gave her an inquisitive look. “Which was?”

  “Why are you standing out here?”

  “We are just waiting for our dates.”

  “Your dates? Who are they?”

  Christian smiled. “Jay and Scarlett.”

  “Jay and Scarlett?” Helen frowned.

  Chris smiled widely. “Yes they are on their way.”

  “Christopher Patterson Waters I thought I asked you to bring anyone but her.”

  Christian looked away and smirked. He shook his head. Helen looked at him. “I don’t know why you’re laughing Christian Preston Waters what did I tell you? I told you to leave Scarlett alone. Why don't you boys listen at all?”

  “Mom I invited Scarlett because I happen to like her.”

  “Yeah and Jay is my girlfriend and you’re just going to have to get over it.”

  “You men have reputations to uphold.”

  Chris sighed. “And we are doing just that Mother. Its time you butted out of this one. You hurt those girls and mom I love you but you will not talk to Jay or Scarlett like that again. We are Waters men. You raised us to make up our own minds and to look at the person for who they are and not what they have and you should just trust our judgment.”

  “Hello everyone.”

  Amber walked over to Christian with her arm wrapped around some guys arm. She wore a long sliming Silver dress. Strapless with a shawl she walked with confidence. Her date was about as tall as Christian with soft baby blue eyes and black wavy hair. He wore a simple black suit with a silver vest. Amber pouted her lips out. “Christian, Awww no date? Well if you would have called me back maybe I would have come with you.”

  “Amber I have a date.”

  “Oh then where is she.”

  As if on cue, a limo pulled up and Jay stepped out. Chris walked over to her and kissed her cheek. Jayla Monroe had a well-toned mocha complexion. She walked up to Chris wearing an Ivory gown with a sweetheart neckline made out of gorgeous organza. Decorated with golden small sequins it zipped in the back. She wore Ivory heels and a matching wrap. Her makeup was simple yet flawless and her hair was pinned up with curls. She wore pearls around her neck and in her ears. Chris pulled her to him.

  “You look so beautiful. Thank you for coming.”

  She looked up to him and smiled. “Only for you Chris.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too but can we go inside before it starts snowing?”

  “Yea but where is Scarlett.”

  “She is still in the limo. I think she’s freaking out a little bit.”

  Chris peered into the limo. “Wow…Scarlett you look great. Why are you still sitting there?”

  “I'm kind of nervous.”

  “Don’t be.”

  “Chris I don’t do things like this. The most dressed up I get is for work. I'm not sure I look right for this occasion. And what about your mom?”

  “You do look great and forget her…now come on.”

  “What if I make fool of myself?”

  “Then you make a fool out of yourself.”

  Scarlett shook her head trying to stop her hands from shaking. “I shouldn’t have agreed to this.”

  “Scarlett don’t worry about it I know you’re nervous but you look breathtaking so suck it up and come on.”

  “What if I step out and Christian regrets inviting me?”

  “That w
on’t happen now get your butt out here.”

  Scarlett took a deep breath and stepped out the limo she felt like all eyes were on her. She wore a pink Italian Satin gown made with delicate embroidery highlighted with hand-sewn beads. The dress had a crinoline underskirt for puffiness that flowed over her curves. She wore Silver strapped heels and a matching shawl. To top off the outfit she wore diamond earrings and necklace. Her hair was up in a French roll with curls at the top. She wrapped her shawl around herself.

  Christian stepped away from Amber and walked over to Scarlett. “Wow you look incredible. You’re so beautiful.”

  “So you don’t think it’s too much?”

  “I think I am very lucky to have you on my arm.”

  She smiled up to him. “You really mean that?”

  “I do.”

  She grabbed hold of his arm as they walked to the entrance and followed Chris and Jay and Christopher and Helen into the hall. As Christian escorted Scarlett to their table and took her wrap, Helen smiled.

  “Scarlett I have to say you look absolutely beautiful. You and Jayla both do.”

  “Thank you. You look gorgeous too.”

  Jay smiled. “Yes Helen thank you and I have to agree with Scarlett you look stunning.”

  As Chris and Christian glanced at their father then each other, the photographer walked over to them.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Waters what a pleasure it is to see you this evening. I have three others walking around taking photos for you and since the individual pictures did so well last year we are continuing them this year. Of course all of your pictures are on the house so if you like we can take them first.”

  Helen smiled. “Of course. Guys bring your dates.”

  Helen followed the photographer to a back wall where he set up a mini studio. The backdrop was gold and white balloons alternating in color and twisting all the way to the top of the wall. The backdrop was gold and it looked beautiful. As Helen explained to the photographer what she wanted, everyone took their places. Helen had Chris, Christian, and Christopher take their photos first wanted a portrait of the men in her life. That was followed with her and Christopher, then Jay and Chris and finally Christian and Scarlett. As Helen and Christopher walked away, Christian and Chris pulled the girls back for a photo of the four of them. As they said their thank you's they headed back to the table. Scarlett didn't know what to think about what just happened. Maybe appearances meant a lot to Helen. Maybe she just wanted to let everyone see she was happy with whomever her son’s chose. Or she was just putting on a front. Either way Scarlett didn't want to be bothered with it. As they walked to the table and Christian pulled out her seat Scarlett smiled.

  “Thanks but I need to go to the restroom.”

  “Ok its right over there.”

  “I will come with you.”

  “Thanks Jay.”

  They walk to the rest room. Scarlett laughed. “What is up with Helen? I mean who was that woman?”

  “I don't know. Chris said he talked to her. Maybe she has turned over a new leaf.”

  “I don’t know. I hope so. I have to say though Jay I have never felt so beautiful in my life.”

  “Just what do you think you are doing?”

  “Excuse me?”

  Jay and Scarlett turned towards a fuming Amber. She moved closer to them.

  “Showing up here with my man are you crazy?”

  Scarlett looked at Jayla then to Amber confused.

  “Your man? Really I guess he didn’t get the memo.”

  “I am the soon to be Amber Water’s; Christian’s soon to be wife and you are messing with my future.”

  “Look Amber is it?”

  “Oh you know the name don't act like you don’t.”

  “Look I am here to have fun so if you don’t mind.”

  Scarlett walked pass her but Amber grabbed her arm and turned her around. “Well I do mind. You don’t belong here. Look at you. You’re a whale. You don’t belong in this world.”

  Scarlett was about to speak but Jay stood in front of her. “Amber why don't you just get out of here, you’re just jealous of Scarlett. She looks so beautiful tonight and she is on Christian’s arm. So whether or not she belongs here in your eyes, doesn’t matter.”

  “This is not a Cinderella story little girl. You do not get to meet the prince and live happily ever after when I put so much effort in this relationship.”

  Scarlett smirked. “So if this was a Cinderella story you would be the ugly step sister right.”

  Jay laughed as Amber moved closer to Scarlett. “You don’t want to mess with me. I have real clout here. I am a lawyer and you don’t want to be my enemy.”

  “I am trying to be nice here so if you don’t mind get out of my way.”

  “You watch out girl you are just one of many. He will come back he always does and when he does, well consider yourself fired.”

  Scarlett placed her hands to her cheeks. “Oh no I better dance and enjoy myself now since you’re going to have me fired. Oh I am really petrified whatever will I do.”

  “You should be.”

  Scarlett laughed. “Well I’m not! You don’t scare me so get out of my face. And if you and Christian are so close why did he bring me here and not you…and why is he ignoring your calls? As far as I am concerned, I don’t want to be a part of this drama. I am going to have fun and enjoy this night even if it’s just one night I am not going to let you ruin this.”

  “I guess she told you.”

  Jay followed Scarlett out of the restroom. “That was awesome…don’t let her get to you.”

  “I won’t. And thanks for having my back in there. I haven’t really ever had female friends. I'm more of a loner.”

  “Well I am not like these prissy stuck up females. I told you earlier what to expect when you got here.”

  “Yeah I know.”

  They laughed and walked to the table. Amber smiled to herself.

  “This is not happening. You think this is over it’s far from it sweetheart.”

  ***

  Christian glanced at the table while he talked with friends. He saw Scarlett at the table with Chris and Jay laughing.

  “I have to say Christian you’re date is looking pretty good in that dress.”

  “I know.”

  “I bet she looks even better out of it.”

  “Brad why you got to say stuff like that I didn’t bring her here to sleep with her.”

  “But she is your assistant right?”

  “Yeah so what?”

  “So where did you find her?”

  “I didn’t she found me…and she is the best assistant ever.”

  “So is she more than an assistant?”

  Christian shrugged. “No! I don't know.”

  “So you mean to tell me you’re not mixing business with a little pleasure?”

  “What is with all the questions?”

  “Just wondering if I have a chance with her.”

  “Whatever man.”

  “I'm serious I know she’s a little what's a nice word for it thick around the edge’s but I don't care. Big girls need love too.”

  Christian shoved Brad. “Don't talk about her like that. What's wrong with you?”

  “Me what's wrong with you I was just saying.”

  “Well don't!”

  “Dude what's the problem this is how we talk about our dates all the time you never cared before.”

  “Well I do now so you better watch your mouth about her.”

  His friend Jerome who started his own law firm stood between them. Standing at 5’9 and a chalky white chocolate man, he was the shortest of all the guys. Brad walked away and Jerome wiped his forehead.

  “Well that was interesting…so…Amber seems to be highly upset you didn’t bring her.”

  “Well I’m not dating Amber so I really don’t care.”

  Romeo a 6’1 Hispanic executive investment banker looked over at Scarlett then back to Christian. “So can I ask your
assistant to dance?”

  “If you want to Romeo go knock yourself out!”

  “Shoot you don’t have to tell me twice a good looking woman like that.”

  Romeo walked over to the table and Jerome hit Christian on the shoulder.

  “He doesn’t waste time does he?”

  “No he doesn’t.”

  They watch as Romeo escorted Scarlett to the dance floor. They began dancing to a fast-paced song and Christian soon felt envious of Romeo. Jerome looked at him.

  “Christian you ok?”

  “Yeah I'm good.”

  “You sure because I got that look once. Right before I knocked Brandon out for hitting on my wife. And you looked like you were going to punch Brad in the face.”

  “I'm not going to hit anyone.”

  “Sure tell me anything.”

  “I’m not. If she wants to dance with him it is a free country she can do what she wants.”

  “But you got a thing for her?”

  “Why would you even say that?”

  “Cause we grew up together. I know you…and you wouldn’t turn on your boys for just anyone you like her.”

  “So what if I do. It’s nothing serious.”

  “It looks serious to me.”

  “Well it’s not…at least not yet.”

  “Why not?”

  “She just got out of a relationship and plus you know my mother she won’t hear of it.”

  “This isn’t about your mother I know you this is about you.”

  “That doesn’t even make sense.”

  “No? The last woman you got close too broke your heart. All you wanted to do was move on and you did. You moved on went from girl to girl and now you have found a woman you might be able to spend the rest of your life with and it scares you.”

  “Scarlett is so different. She is not like any of these girls out here. And I just I don't want to lose her. With Charlene, it was a love that grew from friendship. I felt we had to be together because it was who we were raised to be. But with Scarlett, it was love at first sight. And the more I see of her and am around her it grows every day.”

  “It must be love. You actually said Charlene’s name. In all the time you have been separated from her, I heard the girl. The heartbreaker or even her. Now it's Charlene?”