by H. B. Stumbo
“So how have you been?” Riley’s eyes were kind, so much kinder than his brothers but I could tell that his tone had a different meaning. I wondered how much he knew of why I hadn’t been overseeing the designs on the garden. I wondered if Vance had told him that we had similar feelings for each other but I had run out because he warned me he was no good for me.
I shook my head. “I’ve been okay. How are you?”
“Good. I’m good, the gardens and dock look great you really should come see them.”
“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, Riley.” As soon as I said the words I blushed and Riley furrowed his eyebrows.
“Charlotte, all your hard work is worth seeing. Regardless of how you and my brother left things.”
So he knew something but his facial expression gave nothing else away.
“It wasn’t me who did the work.”
“But you created the idea for it,” He smiled his bright white smile again. “Man, you really do have a hard time taking compliments. Just think about it, okay? You’re welcome anytime.” He glanced oddly at the envelope I was holding, but looked away from it quickly.
I smiled back at him and felt a little embarrassed. I wondered how much Vance told him about the last time we spoke. “Okay, thanks Riley. What is this?” I held up the thick envelope and he shrugged.
“It’s for you, guess you’ll find out when you open it.” He leaned away from my car and started back towards his jeep.
“Riley…your brother, how is he?” The words were out before I even gave them a second thought. My cheeks were burning but luckily Riley was far enough away that he couldn’t see them.
He shrugged his shoulders again and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, “He’s…typical Vance. He seems distracted most days, but he is still the same arrogant, overprotective brother he has always been.” Riley smiled and shook his head, he waved as he neared his jeep and climbed in and sped away.
I shook my head and wondered what he meant by distracted. I envisioned Rita perched up on one of the tall chairs at the island as he cooked for her. I imagined her laughing at his stories and reaping in all the benefits that came included in the package that was Vance Wait. I shook my head and closed my eyes, what was wrong with me? Why did I assume so much so quickly? It could have something to do with the fact that I heard Rita discussing her obsession with Vance on several occasions and it always left a gaping hole in my stomach. He was distracted, and it was probably because he was distracted by her.
I sat in my driver’s seat and let the air conditioner fire up and cool me down. I opened the envelope and pulled out a flat invitation. So I had been right, it was an invitation.
You are cordially invited the Independence Day Celebration at the Wait Plantation.
Sunday, July 3rdat 5:30 pm.
This invitation provides you and one guest entrance to the party of the summer. A four course meal and drinks will be provided along with dancing, merriment, live entertainment, and a fireworks display.
Entrance granted anytime after 5:30, dinner will be served promptly at 6:30 pm.
Dress is semi-formal, parking will be provided by a Valet service. Invitation grants entry for you and one guest only.
No RSVP is required.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing our home with you.
Sincerely, Mr. Vance and Mr. Riley Wait.
I held the invitation in my hands and felt hot. This was tomorrow, such short notice and I wondered if I was an afterthought to all of this. I wondered why Riley was the one who gave it to me; maybe Vance didn’t even know he had invited me.
I tossed the invitation onto my passenger seat and headed for home, out of sight out of mind. I knew that wasn’t true though because my head was spinning with thoughts and curiosities. As much as I wanted in avoid large crowds and people, the thought of seeing Vance again erupted inside of me like a volcano.
No. I thought to myself. I couldn’t let myself go there, couldn’t let myself be pulled towards him. But I wanted to badly…really badly.
Chapter 13
“You know we are going, right?” Kim’s voice on the other end of the phone was ecstatic. She had arrived back home last night and would be home through the Holiday before she left again.
“Those boys are incredibly hot and you’d be rude to not show up. They’re hosting a party to show off their home since they redid the whole thing, you’re kind of part of the reason it is done.”
“I don’t know Kim, it feels weird.”
“No, it feels weird because you told Vance you’d stay away from him and you don’t want to show up and have things become awkward.”
“How do you know about that?” I knewfor a fact that I never even told Kim about the conversation Vance and I had. I kept Vance my secret, hardly anyone even knew of his existence at this point.
“Your brother filled me in. He told me to watch over you this weekend and then he told me about Vance. Honestly Charlotte why do you keep things from me? You know I’ll just find out later.”
I smiled through the phone, “Okay look, we will go but only because I know you won’t take no for an answer.”
“Yes! I mean what else are we going to do? Now tell me again, what’s the dress code?”
I smiled, “Semi-formal so let’s keep things under control here Kim.”
“Nonsense. This is an occasion. I have the perfect dress for you to wear. I’ll be over around noon tomorrow.”
“Noon?” I shrieked.
“Well duh, we’ve got to make sure you are incredibly hot. This isn’t just a party, it’s a chance for Vance to lay his eyes on you, and we can’t have you looking all sad and shy.”
I shook my head, “Whatever Kim.”
Kim being true to her word showed up at noon and wasted no time on primping and polishing me. She did my nails, makeup and hair and then sprayed me down with one of her perfumes. She had brought over a slew of dresses for herself and only one for me. It was a tea length black dress with a deep V neck line that would plunge fairly low.
“Kim I cannot wear this.” The dress was going to leave very little to the imagination.
“You can and you will. It’s sophisticated, I wore it to a meeting in Colorado for Christ’s sake and that was way more formal than this.”
She tossed me a silver chain with a large shimmering diamond at the end, “It’s not real but it’ll dress you up a bit.”
I climbed into the dress that hugged me in all of the right places. The V wasn’t as deep as I thought but it still revealed a decent chunk of my chest. My chest wasn’t as large as Kim’s and the dress actually was very elegant; the opposite of how it would have looked on her. I draped the necklace on and looked at myself in the mirror. I did look good, I’ll give Kim that. She tossed me a pair of plum stilettos and I slipped into them with ease. I felt hot, I felt ready to take on the world, but I didn’t think I was ready to take on Vance.
We arrived at the Wait Plantation near six. Kim had chosen a deep green dress that made her dark hair shine and it showed off all of her assets, maybe a little too much.
We were greeted by a mass of cars and several valet boys who swarmed my car instantly. We stepped out and one of the boys handed me a number and slipped into the driver’s seat. We walked up the porch steps and were greeted by a handsome black man in a grey suit, “Good evening ladies, may I see your invitation?”
I handed him my invite and pointed to Kim as my guest. He stuck the invitation in his suit pocket and turned to the table behind him. He presented us each with a flute of pink champagne and smiled, “Enjoy yourselves. You may go through the house and out the parlor doors to the gardens. You may sit where you like and feel free to roam the gardens.”
I nodded at his pleasantness and sipped on my champagne. We entered the house and I was blown away by the fresh floral arrangements sitting around. There were some in the corners and some on the tables, and two large ones on either side of the parlor doors that led to th
e backyard. The lighting in the house was set on dim; it was very romantic, rustic even. It seemed a little over the top but Vance’s words played in my mind.
I like to host parties, I like lavish things. As much as I hated to admit it, and so far it looked like he was a good host. Son of a bitch, there was another thing to add to his list of reputable attributes.
There were a few bystanders inside but I could tell by the roar of laughter and noise that the backyard would be packed. We stepped through the doors and my breath hitched in my throat. Kim clasped my hand as we both took in the sight that was the backyard.
The porch was lined with twinkling lights that hung overhead and stretched out over the vast yard to form a canopy of lights. The cobblestone was new and a deep tan color that contrasted against the huge white hydrangeas that lined the walkway. The raised beds were full of peach roses that were in bloom and a few other shrubs. The fountain in the center twinkled with lights and I was vaguely aware of a few men playing classical instruments in the corner of the garden near the willow trees. The entire backyard looked unreal. There were plots of purple cone flowers where weeds had once grew and large junipers and wildflowers along the edges of the garden. Past the garden and in the yard between the house and the garage a large white tent was set up with tables and chairs and another mass of white twinkling lights overhead. I almost couldn’t believe it. Everything I had drawn up and thought of was laid out before me almost identically.
“Charlotte, this is…wow.” Kim was speechless.
“Yeah,” was the only word I could think to speak. There were no words to explain the beauty of the large garden and how everything turned out. It was beyond any landscaping renovation I had ever completed, it was staggering.
My thoughts were interrupted by someone calling my name. I turned to see Riley running towards me, “You came! I’m so glad you get to see it like this.” His smile was infectious and he turned towards Kim.
“Hey Kim! You both look great! It’s so nice to see you guys.”
Kim and Riley chatted about the yard as I continued to look around and take it all in. I was caught off guard when I spotted Rita and the other girl from work sipping on drinks by the tent. Rita’s face soured when she saw me and she whispered something to the other girl, I think her name was Jane. I watched as they giggled. Apparently Vance felt the need to invite her and I wondered if he even knew I was invited. I felt Riley’s arm around my shoulder as he spread himself between Kim and me.
“So can I get the two best looking ladies here a drink besides this pink bubbly shit?”
Kim giggled, “We’ll have whatever you recommend.”
“Great! The bartender is making this killer cocktail, I don’t know what’s in it but I’ll grab you each one!”
Riley disappeared off to the bar and left Kim and I to once again be hypnotized by the yard. Kim was babbling about the roses and I glanced back towards Rita. I watched as she turned around as someone came into view behind her in the tent. My body went rigid at the sight of him.
Vance was dressed in slacks and a cream colored button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He looked similar to Riley, they both looked devilishly handsome and much more dressed up than I had seen them be before. I heard Riley approach and he handed Kim her drink and I felt him slide mine into my hand, but I couldn’t peel my eyes from his brother.
I was aware that Riley and Kim were chatting again but I couldn’t tell what it was about. I was too busy staring like an idiot at the man whom I told I’d stay away from.
I watched as Rita spoke to him, I couldn’t be sure but he looked uninterested. Was it possible that Rita was just a business friend? Could all of my assumptions and her stories be one sided? I hoped it was that way but I watched as she raised herself up on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. It looked as though it took him by surprise and she smiled menacingly in my direction. Vance’s eye’s followed her line of sight and a look of sheer shock ran across his face.
Time really did stop. There was no noise, no movement, just Vance’s deep blue gaze locking on my own. I felt hot, I still wanted him just like before but I was mad. How quickly had he moved on? By the look on Rita’s face, he was hers and she was staking a claim. I felt stupid for coming after all. I was stupid for expecting anything different. I had known him for a little over a month now and I couldn’t expect him to not try to get with someone, he was human. Just because he was no good for me, didn’t mean he felt that way about every woman he came across. Time sped back up and I heard Riley.
“Charlotte, hello - come in.” I turned towards him and plastered on a smile.
“Sorry, what was that?”
“Do you want to see the dock?” Riley was smirking; I could tell he was aware I had been staring at his brother.
As much as I did want to see the finished project, in that moment I just wanted to get away. “Why don’t you and Kim go on ahead, I think I’m going to use the restroom.”
Riley smiled and he led Kim and disappeared through the flocks of people. Kim offered a weak smile and a wave as she meshed in with the crown around her. She was looking at me to make sure I was okay, even though she couldn’t hear me I whispered, “I’m fine”.
I wasn’t sure who I was trying to tell that to, her or myself.
I glanced back over my shoulder and noticed Rita speaking to Vance quickly. It looked like she was upset about something and he looked like he was talking to her in the way a parent would talk to a child. He reached over and rested a hand on her shoulder but she pushed it away. He pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head as she talked quickly.
This was too much too take. I wanted to run and hide. Micah was right about him, he would tell me anything he could to let me down easy. Clearly Vance had plenty of women on the side, why did I think for one minute that he was a good guy. Someone with as much money and as good looking as him would not and could not be attracted to just me.
I was happy things never went any further than a tug on my hand or his breath on my face followed by the fast end of a short kiss. I already was feeling miserable about things and we had barely touched. I couldn’t imagine what I’d be like if we had.
He told me I needed to learn to trust people, he spilled his guts to me, he begged me to do the same and then the minute I run away he put up no fight for me and moved on with the next woman Rick dropped on his doorstep. Classy.
I needed to go home. I scanned the yard for Kim and looked towards the dock; I noticed she was chatting with Riley and two other men. Before I could make a move for her a booming voice rang over the microphone and a silence fell among the crowd
“Ladies and Gentlemen we ask that you please take your seats, your meal is about to be served.”
Just then Rick came up behind me and smiled. “Charlotte, I had no idea you’d be here!” I smiled at him and greeted his wife, Kelly who looked less that excited to be at the party, she looked like I felt inside. I wondered if Kelly wanted to leave, too.
“Come, you can sit with us.” Rick motioned for me to follow him and I sighed.
“Oh no thanks, I’m actually not staying.” I held up my hands in defense as his face soured.
“Nonsense!” Rick yelled causing both Kelly and myself to jump. “Come on, come on.” He grabbed my hand and animatedly exclaimed his approval for my designs as he walked us across the lawn.
I turned unwillingly to follow him through the thickening crowd of hungry people headed towards their tables when I was met by Vance’s gaze. Oh this really was too much for me to take right now. I wanted to run; I wanted to do what I was good at; disappearing. I could tell by the look on Vance’s face that I was not going to get away easily.
Chapter 14
We stood motionless as the crowd moved around us and stared wildly at each other. I noticed Rick turn around, still speaking although I was out of range and could not hear him. He was looking to see where I disappeared off to, but eventually shrugged his shoulders and pulled Kelly
towards a table. I glanced back towards Vance and felt myself begin to shake.
“Charlotte,” He breathed out my name and his voice was hoarse as he looked me up and down. “You came.” He closed his eyes briefly and when they opened they were on fire. “You look beautiful.”
I rolled my neck to the side and sighed, “I was invited.” I stated firmly and ignored his compliment. I wanted to tell him he looked beautiful, too but the image of Rita kissing his cheek washed that thought from my mind.
He half smiled. “I know. I requested your presence here after all.”
I looked oddly at him. “You are the one who invited me? But Riley…” I pointed towards the dock feeling confused.
“Riley delivered the invitation, yes. The invitation is from me.”
“Why?” I felt like crying from frustration.
He looked shocked, “Because I wanted you here.” He spoke lowly to avoid any unwelcome attention from other guests, “Because I owe a lot of this to your creativity. But if you still want me to be honest, mainly because I wanted you here.”
I shook my head and bit my lip, “So you could show off your new girlfriend to me and hope that I’d be jealous?”
His face twisted into an expression of confusion.
“I saw you with Rita. I know I said I’d stay away from you but you were so damn convincing about that ‘feeling’ that we both had for each other that I thought maybe you’d be as miserable I’ve been since I cut ties with you.”
His expression changed again and he shook his head. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he mumbled.
“Ha,” I crossed my arms across my chest and rolled my eyes. “I know more than you think. Rita’s already convinced everyone at the office that you have something going on, and she made sure to tell us she was taking care of her client’s needs. Tell me, did you play the truth card with her, too or was she just too easy that you didn’t have to go that route?”
