Enigma

by Aimee Ash

  “No! Hear me out and then you can have as much space as you want.” He took my hand and we left the house. Seb didn’t follow us.

  We headed to the beach and I was already beginning to feel calmer as the sea breeze whipped through my hair. Jack knelt down in front of me, and I saw that his eyes were blue again.

  “Kate, I feel like I constantly have to apologize for my behavior. I don’t want you to think that I’m keeping things from you on purpose. I just don’t want to burden you with all the details of my past, which are irrelevant to my future. I’m not the person I used to be.”

  I understood that Jack was trying to protect me, and I didn’t need to know everything about his past, but there were a few things that I needed to know.

  “Jack, you keep telling me half-truths and that’s frustrating. It’s too late to protect me. I’m completely involved with you, past and present, and I need answers. What was that purple liquid that was coming from Seb’s lip?”

  Jack sighed. “Oh . . . I didn’t realize you’d seen that. Kate, this might be a reality check for you. Maybe now you’ll accept that we aren’t human. Our physical bodies are just disguises for us. The purple liquid you saw was blood. We have purple blood.”

  I felt a little sick. Jack was right; this was the moment that my eyes were opened to the fact that he wasn’t human, but I still loved him. I stood, not knowing what to say, and then I remembered what I was supposed to ask him.

  “What did you mean when you said you hadn’t slept for days?”

  Jack sighed again. “I should be more careful with what I say. Seb and I don’t need to sleep every night like humans do. We can go without sleep for up to fourteen days. It depends on how much energy we use. We have natural adrenaline pumping through us.”

  Maybe anything was possible.

  “So, how often do you sleep?” I asked.

  “I usually sleep once every two weeks, sometimes twice.”

  I was amazed, but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t overcome. Seb’s purple blood made me feel a little uneasy, but it didn’t really matter if Jack only needed to sleep every two weeks. I had heard enough for one day and decided not to pry any further. I had to get ready for my father’s party and digest everything that Jack had told me.

  CHAPTER 19

  When I arrived back home, I saw that my mother had gone overboard. Huge, white candles were lit on spikes and scattered around the front of the house. I walked around to the backyard and absorbed its beauty: colored fairy lights decorated the garden and a huge, white tent, and red rose petals floated in the pool.

  My mother had booked a singer and arranged for synchronized swimmers to perform in the lily pool. There was also a show of belly dancers and a fire-eater to endure throughout the evening, along with a finale of fireworks. All of this fuss wasn’t entirely for my father, but after a few drinks, he would happily go along with anything.

  I walked up to my bedroom and rustled around my closet for an outfit. I decided to wear my gold-satin, floor-length gown. It had black, onyx stones lining the hem, and revealed my back; it was the perfect dress for the occasion. I wore my hair up and had a spray of gypsophila weaved around my curls. After I slipped on a pair of matching gold, kitten heels, I looked in the mirror and spun around, feeling almost like a princess.

  Guests had begun to arrive and I mentally prepared myself for plenty of air kissing and lots of two-faced conversation. At least I had my boyfriend to spend the evening with, which was a first. I just hoped that Seb and Jack would be on their best behavior, and I would definitely be keeping Jack away from anything that smelled of alcohol, even the chocolate liqueurs.

  After one last look in the mirror, I headed downstairs to mingle with the guests. Jack and his family hadn’t arrived yet, so I made small talk with Savannah Jenkins. Our parents had been friends since we were three years old, but I hadn’t seen Savannah in a couple of years. I didn’t dislike her, but the only thing we had in common was how much our parents liked to flaunt their wealth.

  To my relief, Jack and his family finally walked through the door. Jack wore a full, black tuxedo that complemented a pale blue shirt. The first three buttons were undone, exposing just enough of his chest to tease me. I guess that was some kind of sweet revenge for my emerald-green dress. Lindsey looked lovely in a cream skirt suit, but Jonathan looked incredibly uncomfortable in his gray trousers and short-sleeved cream, paisley patterned shirt. I was surprised that he had even agreed to come, because he wasn’t a very sociable person. My parents and their friends would probably be Jonathan’s worst nightmare.

  I took a step back and observed Sebastian. He wore a gray suit and a pink shirt with two buttons undone. His hair was slicked back and, as he walked in, he took off his sunglasses and slid them into his shirt pocket. He looked sophisticated and dazzled with sex appeal. In fact, everything about Sebastian screamed out to me. He was my type: tall, confident, and possessing a mysterious air about him. But I had to stop myself, because I was with Jack, and he was perfect for me.

  Jack approached me and kissed my lips. Lindsey gave me a brief hug and Jonathan shook my hand, like I was meeting him for the first time. Then, to my surprise, Sebastian leaned in when Jack wasn’t looking, and kissed my cheek in a very gentlemanly way. I found myself holding my breath; his kiss was dreamy and the smell of his aftershave was alluring. My mother was making small talk with Lindsey and Jonathan, so I took Jack’s hand and we headed over to the bar. He put his arm around my waist and leaned in toward me. As he spoke, his breath tickled my ear, and my entire body tingled.

  “You look amazing tonight, Kate. Irresistible!”

  My cheeks burned and I bit my bottom lip. As I turned to kiss him, a glass slid down the bar at lightning speed and stopped in front of me. I sipped it and, to my surprise, it was my favorite—vodka, soda, and lime. I looked to my right, and saw Seb slouched over the end of the bar. When he smiled, I couldn’t help but smile back. Then another drink slid down the bar and stopped in front of Jack. It was a neat orange juice and Jack didn’t smile, but he also didn’t make a big deal out of it either. Seb held his drink up to toast us then he walked off into the garden. He was charming, but I wouldn’t mention that to Jack.

  Picking up my drink, I took another sip and looked over at Jack, willing him to enjoy his drink too. He gave in and took a sip, and I smiled. As we made small talk, we heard loud, parade-style music coming from the garden. If we didn’t hurry, we’d miss the synchronized swimmers. My mother always expected me to be present at every event at a party, so Jack and I took our drinks and headed outside. As I walked in front of Jack, I felt his eyes scanning my body. I loved that he made me feel desired.

  We watched the synchronized swimmers who were great. Everyone cheered, enjoying the entertainment, and it gave me hope that there was light at the end of the tunnel for one of my mother’s parties. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her rush into the house looking panicked. I left Jack to see what the drama was about, even though part of me wanted to stay out of the way. When I walked into the kitchen, Heather was comforting my mother while looking seductively at Jenson Fenley—a wealthy and married man—over her shoulder. Designer accessories complemented the designer dress she wore, and her hair fell around her shoulders in curls. I walked up to my mother and placed my hand on her shoulder.

  “What’s going on, Mom?” I asked, half-heartedly.

  She was fighting back dramatic tears so that she wouldn’t ruin her makeup. “I had a singer booked; he was going to sing some of your father’s favorite classics and he cancelled at the last minute! The stage is in the gazebo. Kate, this is a disaster. What are we going to do?”

  My mother was using the word “we” now that there was a problem, and it seemed that Heather was relying on me, too. While wracking my brain for a solution, I told my mother to calm down and meet me by the gazebo in twenty minutes. I hoped by then that I’d have everything figured out.

  Outside, I saw Jack on the other side of the pool and
walked over to him as fast as my dress would allow. He was talking to the Russell sisters, who were vixens and made Heather look like a nun. I linked my arm into his and politely dragged him into the dining room. I closed the door behind me and stood in front of it like a security guard.

  “Jack, there’s a problem. My mother booked a singer and he’s cancelled at the last minute. I need you to go to my bedroom and Google local performers and make some calls for me.”

  Jack nodded. He was about to leave when Seb pushed the door open and walked in. Jack frowned at him, and I wondered what they were both thinking.

  “I couldn’t help overhearing you, Kate—”

  “What do you mean, you overheard, Seb? You were over by the bar. Oh, super hearing; I forgot,” I said.

  Jack sighed. “What do you want, Seb? I have something to do.”

  “I’m going to help you, Kate. Jack, you know I can sing. Why didn’t you tell her?”

  I looked over at Jack and felt a little relieved that the solution to my problem was standing in the room.

  “So, do you want me to help you, Kate? I can really sing. Aren’t you going to back me up on this, Jack?”

  Jack crossed his arms. “As much as it pains me to say it, Seb is a good singer. He could easily do this for you, Kate.”

  I looked at him, knowing he would hate for me to allow Seb to save the day, but I didn’t have a choice. My mother was probably a total mess by now and Heather wouldn’t have given her any kind of rational support.

  “Kate, it’s your decision. If you want him to sing, then I won’t stand in the way,” Jack said.

  I couldn’t deny that I needed Seb and felt better that Jack had reluctantly approved of him helping. So I grabbed Seb’s arm, rushed him out of the dining room, and led him into the gazebo, which was filled with people waiting for the show to start. We rushed past everyone as casually as possible, and then I pulled Seb around to the back of the stage.

  “Seb, I’m begging you, please don’t mess this up for some kind of revenge on Jack.”

  I hoped that he wouldn’t be annoyed with me, but I had to hear him promise that he’d be on his best behavior before I let him go on stage.

  “I really wish you’d just give me a chance, Kate. You make me out to be some kind of troublemaker when I’m really a good guy. I’m doing this for you because I . . . I like you and I want to help you out.”

  I smiled; his green eyes were sincere. Relieved, I showed Seb the song list that would be played and he didn’t seem nervous at all. Then, I turned to him and kissed his cheek, wishing him good luck. I had no idea what prompted me to kiss him, and he was surprised.

  Taking a deep breath, I walked onto the stage. Everyone applauded as I stood in front of the microphone, and my stomach began to flip. My mother held my father’s hand, and as she looked over at me, she seemed petrified. She probably thought I was going to sing, knowing that I couldn’t even sing “Happy Birthday” in tune.

  Clearing my throat, I picked up the microphone and said, “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you’re all having a wonderful evening. We have a surprise for my father, so grab your dancing partner and please welcome onto the stage our singer for this evening, Sebastian Jones.”

  Everyone clapped as Sebastian walked onstage. Seb smiled and took the microphone from me. When I walked off the stage, I stood behind the curtain and looked into the crowd. Lindsey was choking on her wine, Heather stood with her mouth wide open, my mother was pretending to smile, and my father was smiling from ear to ear without any clue that we had managed to get a last-minute replacement. But I didn’t see Jack anywhere.

  Seb broke the crowd in with my dad’s favorite, Mack the Knife. He wasn’t good—he was amazing. His voice dazzled the crowd and had everyone dancing. I swayed side to side, smiling over at him, but still scanned the crowd for Jack. My mother looked over at me and mouthed, “thank you.”

  As I walked onto the dance floor, still looking for Jack, I felt someone tap me on my shoulder. I turned around and Brett was smiling at me. I threw my arms around him, squeezing him.

  “Well, big sis, it looks like you saved the day again. Come and dance with me.”

  Brett dragged me onto the dance floor and spun me around.

  “What are you doing here, Brett? I mean, it’s so great that you’re here! I’ve missed you so much.”

  “I’ve been released for a couple of hours. I have my sponsor sitting over there watching every move I make.”

  I looked over to where Brett was pointing and saw a man sitting in a chair waving over at me. I smiled at him.

  “I’m so happy you’re doing well. You look great. Do you know when you’re coming home?” I asked.

  Brett spun me around again, and I giggled.

  “Soon. I never thought I’d say it but I can’t wait to come home and get back to school.” Brett sounded excited and I was excited for him. I hugged him again, thrilled that he was with us.

  “I’m so proud of you, Brett!” My eyes welled up.

  “It’s all down to you, Kate,” Brett said, but I dismissed him.

  “No, it’s all down to you.” I looked away from him, trying not to cry.

  “Seriously, Kate. You saved me. Even Mom says that without you, I’d probably be dead.”

  To hear that overwhelmed me, but I continued blinking back my tears and we danced like we had when we were kids: all arms and silly side steps.

  As the first song ended, the crowd cheered, and Seb smiled shyly before singing another one of my father’s favorites, Pretty Woman. As he sung, he looked in my direction. I tried to avoid eye contact with him, but he was undeniably charming.

  “Hey, Kate. Look at that guy singing. He’s looking right at you. He looks like your type too.” Brett raised his eyebrows at me and I felt embarrassed.

  “Brett, don’t be stupid,” I said dismissively. “I don’t have a type.”

  “Of course you do: tall, dark hair, rough around the edges, but silky smooth. Oh, and a biker too; can’t forget the bike.”

  Brett spun me around. He’d detailed my ideal guy to a tee, and I couldn’t believe that he had paid so much attention to me.

  “Well, I guess my type has changed.”

  “Well you’re obviously his type.” Brett pointed at Seb. “He’s looking right at you. I think he thinks you’re a pretty woman.”

  I felt my cheeks burn. I didn’t want Brett to meet Jack or Seb. He may have been a recovering alcoholic, but he was intelligent and very perceptive. I didn’t want him to start asking awkward questions because I didn’t want to have to lie to him. He didn’t even know I had a boyfriend. When it came to Brett, I had to protect him.

  Everyone began exchanging partners during the dance, and Brett threw me into Jonathan’s arms. He seemed reluctant to dance, probably because he had two left feet and knew it. Then I danced with Uncle Richard, who was drunk, and whose smoky breath made me gag. Next, I had to endure Perry, my dad’s colleague, and then, to my relief, Perry thrust me into Jack’s arms. I was relieved to see him, but felt under pressure to avoid making eye contact with Seb as Jack spun me around. I also had to avoid bumping into Brett too, while trying my best to remain relaxed.

  “Who was that guy you were dancing with?”

  “That was my brother, Brett. He’s been allowed to come to the party for a couple of hours.” I frowned at Jack, feeling like I shouldn’t have had to explain myself to him. But he seemed a little embarrassed and didn’t question me any further.

  Seb sang the last song, Tony Bennett’s The Way You Look Tonight, which was one of my favorites and had also played at my parents’ wedding. As Seb sang, I watched him over Jack’s shoulder, and he looked at me and smiled. When he finished the song, everyone applauded.

  Clapping, I walked onstage and took the microphone from Seb. After I thanked him, I asked everyone to take their places on the patio since the belly dancers were about to perform. Although I felt like the host of the party, my part was done and I walk
ed off the stage, rushing past Seb. Jack took my hand and we left the gazebo to spend a few minutes alone.

  As we walked through the garden, we heard a surge of laughter. Curious, we headed over to the patio and shuffled our way to the front of the crowd to see what the commotion was about. My father, Perry, and Sebastian were trying to belly dance. Everyone was having fun until the belly dancers began to unbutton the men’s shirts. Perry was in his element and proceeded to rip off his shirt. One of his buttons flew off and landed in Aunt Lynn’s wine glass, and she walked off looking disgusted.

  My mother laughed and Heather was trying not to look at my father exposing his not-so-toned chest. But Seb seemed to make up for the other two in the toned physique department, and the ladies were going wild for him. One belly dancer seductively undid all of Seb’s buttons and let his shirt drop to the ground. She then picked up the shirt and threw it into the crowd. Seb laughed but seemed a little embarrassed. To Heather’s horror, Savannah caught Seb’s shirt and he smiled at her. Savannah smiled back, but Heather looked jealous, which made me laugh.

  “Let’s leave, Kate,” Jack said abruptly, and pulled me away from the scene. “I’ve had enough of Seb’s show for one night.”

  I thought Jack was giving his brother a break tonight. I shook his arm off of mine.

  “Come on, Jack! He’s only having a little fun. Look, my father’s up there with him,” I said.

  “Okay, stay, and I’ll go.” Jack turned around and stormed off through the crowd. Reluctantly, I followed him. Everyone was having fun, and I thought that Jack had been okay with Seb singing and saving the day, but I was wrong. When I caught up with Jack, we sat on a bench by the pond watching the fire-eater from a distance. My mother had outdone herself with this year’s entertainment.

  “Why are you behaving like a spoiled child?” I asked.

  “What do you mean?” Jack stood up and looked down at me. “Don’t speak to me like that.”

  “Maybe you should go home,” I suggested.