Until Him: Book 3 - Until Then Series

by Victoria Ashlee

  “Because you are trying to block out tonight just as I am.”

  She looked over at me with the same eyes my Nan gave me.

  “What is going on tonight? Why did I need to be here?” I demanded quietly.

  “We’re attending a ballet.” She smiled, looking away from me.

  “Not what I’m asking.”

  She sighed, “Your father thinks he can figure his way out of anything. Even if…” She stopped herself.

  “Even if what?”

  The lights cued us to return to our seats. We both looked up.

  “Mum, what is it?” I tried to bring her attention back to me.

  “Look at that, the show is starting again.” She patted my cheek. “I will see you after.”

  “Mum!” I called out. Other guests glanced at me. She kept walking.

  My guard immediately went back up. The real show is just beginning apparently.

  I made my way back to my seat. The lights started to dim as I sat down next to Sophia.

  “Did you find your Mom?” She asked.

  “I did.”

  “Did it not go very well?”

  I kept my attention on the stage, “When does it ever go very well?”

  She took my hand, squeezing it three times.

  The floor stage lights lit, revealing a silver sparkling stage floor. Two ballerinas appeared moving towards each other. One dressed in gold, the other in silver. The music that filled the air wasn’t a piano this time, but a violin; the dramatics of the two dancers crashing into each other followed the music.

  Sophia sipped her wine next to me. I looked past her at my Nan. She’s trying to protect me. I know it. That’s why she’s here. I feel as if I'm starting to put the puzzle pieces together, and I don’t think I'm going to like the outcome.

  We were sitting in the car on our way to my parent’s for the after party that they were hosting. Sophia kept fidgeting with her hands. I didn’t understand why she seemed so unnerved. I refrained from bringing up my conversation with my Mum to her, because I knew it would make her more on edge. She was already nervous enough going to this party, but my presence was insisted upon.

  I took her hand as we stepped onto the lift. The doors closed, she rested her head on my shoulder. I watched as the number counted up, the higher we went.

  “Do you think they’ll have food?” Sophia asked.

  “I’m sure.”

  “Good I’m starving.”

  Something felt off, “If anything happens tonight. Know that I love you.”

  She looked up at me; I knew I sent worry into her. She touched my cheek, “Nothing is going to happen. Stop acting so weird. Between you and Tim you are freaking me out. But I love you too.”

  “Why did Tim freak you out?”

  The doors opened, before she answered and the party began.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Stefan

  We entered my parents' penthouse living room. Servers were walking around with trays of champagne and finger foods. Sophia plucked a cheese covered cracker from the first one she saw.

  My eyes scanned the room for my parents, but they landed on Olivia Greenberg. What is she doing here? I didn’t see her at the ballet.

  “The only people I know here hate me.” Sophia whispered.

  I leaned down, “We won’t stay long. I promise.” I looked around again. “Tell me if you see my Nan.”

  “She didn’t leave when we did. She might not be here yet.”

  “Do you want something to drink?” I asked her as another server passed by.

  She smiled, “No I’m fine.”

  My eyes caught my Mom in the distance speaking to another woman. Her body language was very relaxed. Something in me told me to go save her from embarrassment.

  “We need to go save my Mum.” I told Sophia, as we walked through the crowd.

  She looked around until she saw my Mum, “Why?”

  “She’s intoxicated to say the least.”

  She laughed, “This should be interesting. I should run for the hills now.”

  “I won’t let her say anything to you.”

  “Why is she drunk? Isn’t she worried about what people might think?”

  “Apparently not and I’m not sure why she let herself get like this.”

  “For a woman who wanted us here so badly, it’s very strange.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  “Here’s my son and his beautiful lady friend.” My Mum wrapped her arm around Sophia’s waist pulling her away from me. Sophia shot me a look.

  “Hello.” I greeted the woman that was speaking to my Mum. She was one of my Mum’s luncheon friends that I recognized. “My Mum’s not feeling very well, if you can excuse us.”

  My Mum’s face dropped, “I feel fine. Ignore him Christine.”

  I took my Mum’s arm, “She’s not fine. Have a good evening, Christine.”

  Christine gave me an awkward smile, as she excused herself.

  “What are you doing?” I whispered.

  “Blocking out tonight.”

  “This isn’t you.”

  “Why can’t it be? Why can’t I be a mess?” People's attention started to turn to my Mum, “I’m the woman who wrecked the Van Doren family and almost destroyed our family. But destroying our family is left for your father. He really takes the cake.”

  Sophia took her hand, my Mum sent Sophia a surprised look as she looked down at her hand. Sophia placed her other hand on top of their clutched hands, “I don’t feel very well. Do you have any medicine?”

  “Yes, in my bathroom.”

  “Can you show me?”

  “I don’t like you very much, child.” She let out an annoyed sigh, “Nevertheless I will show you.”

  We walked with my Mum down the hallway toward their bedroom. I saw my father who clearly could care less what my Mum was doing. He was mingling with some of his professional friends. We’re going to have words in a few minutes.

  My Mum walked into her bathroom, fumbling through her drawers. I could hear medicine bottles shaking. Sophia was standing at the bathroom door. I shut the bedroom door.

  “It’s just a headache. I don’t need much.” Sophia told her.

  My Mum placed two tablets in Sophia’s hand, “Now get out of my sight.”

  Sophia bit her lip, turning to move out of my Mum’s way.

  “Do not speak to her like that.” I growled.

  My Mum’s eyes found mine, “I don’t like her Stefan. She’s ruined everything.”

  I rolled my eyes, “She hasn’t ruined anything. If anyone has ruined things it’s the rest of you.”

  She sighed, “Really it’s your father.” She spun around the room. “Where is my glass of wine?”

  “I took it away from you.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  I ran my hand over my face, “Because you’re drunk Mum!”

  “I’m fine.” She tried to walk past me; I put my arm out stopping her.

  She wrestled with me, “Let go of me!”

  “No! You need to sober up!” I moved her toward her bed, as she tried to push towards the door. “Sophia lock the door!” I yelled. Sophia’s panicked eyes darted towards the door, as she rushed to turn the lock.

  “Let me go, Stefan! You don’t understand. I need this! I need to feel nothing!” Her knees started buckling. “I can’t do this anymore! Not after today. I can’t! My heart can’t take it! I have no control!” She started to sob, letting go of her strength. We slid to the floor, in a slow tumble.

  Sophia was standing there with her hand over her mouth frozen.

  “Can you get some water?” I asked her.

  “Yes.” She rushed into the bathroom, turning the water on. She returned with a diamond plated glass filled with water.

  My Mum’s fingers were digging into my suit. She couldn’t stop sobbing if she tried. We sat there for thirty minutes as she cried. Sophia was sitting in front of us, her dress pooled around her.

  �
��I messed up.” My Mum’s voice finally croaked.

  “How?”

  “You’ll find out.” She whispered.

  “What did you do?” I leaned her forward to face me. “I’m sure whatever it is, we can fix it.”

  “You can’t turn back time, my sweet boy.” She gave me a helpless smile, a few leftover tears fell. “It needed to happen.”

  “What did?”

  “Nothing.” She looked down at the floor. “I’m exhausted. Can you let me sleep? I would prefer to sleep this night away.”

  I stared at the ever so fierce Evelyn Edwards, who has been brought down to an emotionally distraught mess. Even my Mum isn’t safe from the wrath of my family. She started to stand; I jumped up holding her hand, helping her up. She straightened out her dress.

  I helped Sophia on her feet. My Mum walked over to her dresser, pulling out one of her nightgowns. She sighed, sitting on the top of the dresser. “I don’t even have effort for this.” She started to cry again.

  Sophia walked up to her, touching her back, “No one is going to judge you if you sleep in your ball gown.”

  My Mum looked over at her, “They will judge you until the day you die.” She left Sophia’s side, walking past me toward her bed. She climbed up curling up in a ball. “Please shut the lights off when you return to the party.”

  Sophia gave me a sympathetic smile.

  “Ok, Mum.” I walked up to her, and kissed her cheek.

  She grabbed my arm, before I stepped away, “Tell everyone I fell ill. Please?”

  “Of course.” I smiled down at her. She closed her eyes, tightening into a ball further.

  I love my Mum. No matter what she has done, I still love her. There have been times in her life where she is misguided, but right now she has done something that has rocked her to her core.

  “Come on. She’ll be ok.” I whispered to Sophia, taking her hand.

  “Are you sure?” Sophia glanced back at her.

  I looked back, “I am.”

  We returned to the party. The house had been filled with so many faces I have met over the years. None of these people cared about my family truly. It was because we had the last name Edwards. That’s all they cared about; Their social rankings.

  “Are you ok?” Sophia asked.

  “Yes. Fine.” Now where is my father?

  I spotted him talking to Mr. Donahue. I needed to speak with him, but not with Sophia around. I didn’t want her in the line of fire again. I searched for Olivia. Sophia is comfortable with her. Where did she go and where the hell is my Nan?

  Olivia was in the corner speaking with a couple. We moved around the crowd. I noticed Thomas and Jess were talking on the other side of the room. The conversation didn’t seem pleasant, but they argue enough that it didn’t seem out of the ordinary.

  “Olivia!” Sophia said excitedly.

  Olivia embraced her, “Hello dear.”

  “I didn’t see you at the ballet.”

  “I was around.” She smiled, her eyes traveled to mine. “This is Diane and Rupert Alexander. I believe you have met before.”

  I studied them trying to rack my brain, but failed. I decided to lie, “Ah yes. How are you?” I shook Rupert’s hand.

  Sophia greeted them with a sweet smile and shaking both of their hands. I looked back at my father. He was still speaking to Mr. Donahue. “I need to go speak with my father. I will be right back.” I told them. Olivia stared at me, making me uncomfortable. Something is happening tonight, and I'm pretty sure she had changed all the plans.

  I left Sophia with them, as I moved through the busy room toward my father. He was oblivious that my Mum was indisposed, and that I was even walking towards him. That’s what happens when you get comfortable. You lose.

  “Mr. Donahue.” I nodded when I approached them.

  He held out his hand, “Stefan, how are you?”

  “Fine, thanks.”

  My father waved his glass, “I was just telling Bill here about that time…”

  “Don’t care.” I shot my father a look. “I need to speak with you.”

  “You don’t interrupt a conversation like this.” I said firmly.

  “I’m sure Bill understands. Don’t you?” I glared at Bill.

  “Situations like this is why I’m happy I have a daughter.” Bill raised his glass. “I’ll make my rounds.” He said as he walked off.

  “What is this about?” My father asked dryly.

  I clenched my jaw, “What is this about?” I snapped, “Do you know where Mum is right now?”

  “No. I’m sure she’s off mingling.”

  I laughed, “No, she’s in bed because she’s extremely intoxicated and distraught because of some reason no one will tell me, and it has to do with me being here tonight.” I licked my bottom lip, “Why is she so distraught?”

  My father looked toward the hallway that leads to their bedroom, “She’s acting irrational. She’s just had too much to drink. You know your mother.” He tries to shrug off.

  “Wrong answer.”

  He placed his hand on my shoulder, “Enjoy the party. Let her sober up, and speak to her in the morning. She probably won’t even remember speaking with you.”

  “You’re a piece of work.” I snapped, and turned to walk back towards Sophia. Clearly I was going to get nowhere with him. Where the hell is my Nan?

  When I got back to Sophia, she was speaking with Olivia alone. They both stared at me as I approached.

  “How did that go?” Olivia asked.

  “Typical Henry.”

  Sophia looked around me at him, “Does he not care?”

  “Not in the slightest.”

  Olivia set her glass down, I noticed she was drinking water. Strange.

  “Care about what?” She asked.

  “My Mum is not well.” I wanted to tell her the truth, but I lied for the sake of my Mum’s feelings.

  “Hmm.” She looked at her watch.

  “I need to go to the bathroom.” Sophia told us as she started to walk away.

  “Wait,” I caught her arm. “Go to the bathroom down the other hall. I don’t want people walking back towards my Mum’s room.”

  She smiled, “Ok. I will be right back.”

  Olivia stepped in front of me, “Now that we’re alone. I need to tell you something.”

  I felt my emotions go dark, “What?”

  “In approximately 15 minutes, something is going to happen. I need you to let it. Do not wake your mother.”

  My chest tightened, “Olivia, you didn’t…” I stopped. “Not here.”

  “Do not make a scene.”

  I ran my hand over my face, “I won’t.” I took a deep breath. “Fuck this night.” I whispered.

  Those fifteen minutes dragged on like slow molasses. I kept looking for Sophia, but she had yet to return. I should go find her, but I have to be present for this. It has to look natural. Olivia and I forced a conversation for it to seem normal.

  Then in a split second my life turned into a blur. The front doors opened. Men in blacked out suits rushed in. My father’s face went white as a ghost. He shot a look towards me then back to them. The shock on my face wasn’t acting; no matter if I knew this was coming. Watching your father get arrested is still a shell shock to the core. Oh how the mighty fall.

  “They will come for you tomorrow.” Olivia whispered. “You need to let them.”

  I looked over at her confused, “What?”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Sophia

  The party faded behind me as I walked down the long hall. I’ve been in this penthouse quite a few times, but not enough to adventure around. I honestly didn’t know where I was walking. Bathroom, where is the bathroom?

  As I walked down the hallway to find the bathroom, I heard a door slam. It was loud enough to make me jump. Someone rushing around the corner instantly made me jump a second time. Jess. Why do I keep finding her like this?

  Jess’s eyes were dark. She froze in front of
me, studying my face.

  I gave her a weird look, “Are you ok?”

  “Capital H tx8542” She spouted off.

  “Um, what does that mean?”

  She took in a deep breath, “Remember what you told me earlier in the bathroom? Swim Sophia. Swim real hard.”

  Another door slammed shut. She glanced back, fear crossed her face. “Duck into this room.” She pointed to the door next to me. “Wait 2 minutes, then go into the first room around the corner on the right.”

  “Why?”

  She glanced down the hall, then back to me. “Just do it.” She said firmly, shoving me through the door. “Capital H tx8542” She whispered again, just before she disappeared, closing the door in my face.

  What in the world just happened? I looked behind me; I was in a linen closet. How do I get myself into these situations?

  “Jess stop walking away from me!” Thomas’s muffled voice yelled.

  Great, he would be involved. Prick. Should I go after her? Thomas wouldn’t hurt her. To be honest I think he secretly loves her. My stomach turned into knots. Why does she want me to go into this other room? Do I actually need to wait two minutes? Fucking hell I really need to pee.

  I cracked the door open, peeking down the hall. No one was in sight, so I decided to adventure out. My heart started pounding. I swiftly made my way around the corner, finding the large cherry wood door I suppose she was talking about.

  My hand turned the golden door knob; I slowly entered, finding a study. Bookshelves lined the walls, a large wooden desk sat in the middle. Two parallel sofas in front of it. Why did I need to come in here?

  I entered further into the room; I set my clutch down on one of the sofas. I walked over to one of the book shelves running my fingers along the books. I turned to scan the room again. The desk. I walked over to it, opening the drawers. She must have sent me here for something. Nothing but office supplies, pens, a notebook. I flipped through the book, finding nothing but a bunch of notes that made no sense to me.

  There was a long slender drawer that seemed stuck or locked when I tried to open it. One thing about these old desks is that there’s usually a release lever hidden under the desk. I got down on my knees under the desk, feeling around in the dark, until I found a small lever. I pulled it, the desk made an instant click.