“I realize that, Sir. However, I need to speak with you. Please, just give me a few minutes of your time.”
“For Elysabeth’s sake, I agreed to listen to you, so say what you will, then leave, and never darken my doorstep again.”
“Thank you, Sir. I know you were upset by my Christmas gift to Elysabeth, but I swear to you I expected nothing in return. I care deeply for your daughter, more than I could ever say. She is an amazing young woman. She is brilliant, funny, caring, and fiercely loyal to her loved ones.” I smile at the honesty in Damien’s voice, feeling ten feet tall that he thinks so highly of me. “I doubt I could ever find another like her in a million years. I ask only that you allow me to continue to see her.”
“I don’t think that would be in her best interests. I gave her a choice, and she chose to sever ties with you.” I roll my eyes. If it wasn’t for my father’s deep voice, I would think Damien was talking to a four-year-old who had just stomped his foot.
“Please, Sir, is there anything that I can do to change your mind? As I understand it, her choice was made under duress. She would never throw away her future, but she mentioned a desire to seek out a loan, and employment.”
“She wouldn’t do that,” my father says dismissively. “She needs to focus on her studies.”
“I believe she should as well, Sir, which is why I offered to fund her education if you would not reconsider your demand that she stay away from me. We do not wish to be parted.” I grimace. That may have been stated a bit too plainly.
“You are trying to buy her.” My father speaks as though he’s solved an age-old mystery” As if expensive gifts aren’t enough, now you want her indebted to you?” God, my father’s being a drama queen. It would be funny if this weren’t so serious.
“No, Sir.” Damien backtracks, realizing his mistake. “Not at all. I merely attempted to offer her another option amongst those she was considering. How can I put your mind at ease, Sir? I can return the coat if you like. I will only see her with a chaperone if that is what you want. But, please, I must see her. She means the world to me.” I don’t know how my father can possibly remain so stubborn in the face of Damien’s beseeching tone. I seriously consider throwing open the door and running into Damien’s arms to stand by his side. I might have, except I feel a hand on my shoulder and stiffen.
“Shame on you, Lys,” my mom’s scolding is tempered by her smile, “listening at doors. Let me pass. I’ll talk to your father.” I stand aside, letting my mom through. She shuts the door behind her. “Hello, Damien. I must say, you are truly . . . truly . . . Ay, como se dice? Oh! Incredible.”
“Estel, there is no reason for you to interfere.” My father’s voice wavers. When my mom chooses to make a stance, she always wins. If only she’d stand up to him more often.
“I think there is, Cariño.” Her voice is like ice. You don’t dare disobey when she speaks like that. I’m inside, away from her glare, and I cringe in sympathy. I know she’s giving my father that angry, disappointed look that makes you feel about two inches tall.
“You are ruining the happiness of your daughter for no reason. Not to mention the grief you are causing this remarkable young man. We will have no more of this foolishness, or your daughter will be lost to you forever.”
“She wouldn’t,” my father says. But a hint of doubt has crept into his voice. “And his gift . . . his expectations . . . “ He starts to sound whiny, and I know my mom’s going to win.
“Nonsense, you know she would,” she says dangerously. “You have made your point, and, like an honorable man, Damien has tried to fix the situation. He has made it quite clear he has no expectations. Elysabeth trusts and believes him. That’s good enough for me. Now you need to be man enough to admit when you are wrong.”
Ooh, good one. I can easily envision her poking him in the chest. My mom’s words give my father something else to focus on. “Man enough?” he scoffs. “I’ve always admitted when I was wrong. I have no need to man up.” My mom claps her hands together. We both know that’s the closest we’ll ever get to acceptance or apology from my father.
“Splendid. Then it’s settled. Come along, George.” My mom winks at me as she comes inside, pushing my confused-looking father ahead of her slowly. I step outside with a grin, and Damien comes to give me a hug.
“Your mother is absolutely amazing. I must find a way to thank her.”
My mother clears her throat behind me. “I think you already have,” I tell him, turning his face to see her smiling from the doorway.
He walks toward her, drawing me with him. “Mrs. Vance, how can I possibly thank you enough?”
She smiles. “Make sure you take good care of her when you two are out, and try your best to make her happy.”
“I will, Ma’am, I swear it!” He hugs me close.
“Damien, allow me to apologize for my husband. I hope you won’t be too upset with him.”
“No need to apologize, Ma’am. Although taken to extremes, I understand he was looking out for Elysabeth.”
My mom shakes her head with a smile. “You are truly remarkable. Now, Damien, Lys, would you like to stay for dinner?”
I shake my head. “Maybe tomorrow, Mom.”
Her disappointed gaze eats at me, but I’m still pretty mad at my father. I also don’t want to be around when he realizes he’s been manipulated. “Very well, Lys.”
Damien offers my mom a bow. “Ma’am, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. And thank you, for everything.” I can hear the sincerity in his voice, and I know my mom can too.
“Of, course, Damien. You are very welcome. Have a good evening. Lys?”
“Bye, Mom. I might see you tomorrow.” I hug her tight.
“All right, but you’ll have to speak with him eventually,” she whispers in my ear.
“I know, Mom. Just not now.” She smiles sadly before going back inside while I follow Damien to the car.
“Elysabeth, you should have stayed for dinner with your parents.”
I shake my head emphatically. “No, Damien, I shouldn’t have. Trust me. My father and I both need a day or two to cool down.”
“Are you not planning on joining them for dinner tomorrow?”
“I don’t know. And if I do, I’m not sure it would be good for you to come with me. It will probably be awkward.”
“I will do as you think best, Chérie, but I think you, at least, should dine with your parents tomorrow.”
“We’ll see,” I say as I stare out the window. Damien can’t possibly know what it’s like after my father and I fight. It will take at least a week before we do more than be civil to each other. I don’t really want to expose him to that.
As we stop at a light, Damien places his hand on my shoulder, and I turn to him, seeing his warm smile. I place my hand over his and my heart speeds up. I’m thankful he cares enough about me to go through all of the craziness of the past week.
Damien and I do end up joining my parents for dinner, and it’s as awkward as I feared. Damien is a perfect gentleman, but everyone is rather quiet, and what conversation there is sounds forced. Somehow, though, we make it through.
I prepare to return to school with a mixture of excitement over my final term, and relief that we won’t be able to join my parents for dinner for a while.
CHAPTER 11
“He’s here! I can hear his car in the driveway,” I whisper to Damien. We race back to the kitchen and sit down at the table. I wait impatiently, listening to the key turn in the lock, then to the door open and close. True to his routine, Shawn dumps the mail on our hall table, then heads down to his room.
I physically restrain myself from saying anything as I hear Shawn open his bedroom door and dump his book bag inside. His footsteps lead back to the kitchen, and I hold my breath until I catch sight of him.
“Happy twenty-second Birthday, Shawnie!” He visibly recoils, obviously startled by my loud greeting.
“Geez, Lys, are you trying to give me a heart
attack?” Despite his words, a smile is forming on his face.
I stand from my seat at the kitchen table. “Aww, did I scare the old man?” I ask with a grin.
Shawn grimaces. “Old man? We’re the same age!”
“Not right now, Shawnie. You’re officially a year older than me. Anyway, that’s not the point. We have presents for you!”
“We? Oh . . . ” Shawn apparently hadn’t noticed Damien was seated at the table, too. I’m glad that he only seems surprised, rather than hostile. Damien nods in greeting, but stays silent in deference to my impatient fervor.
I steer Shawn to a seat and push my gifts to him. “Come on, open your presents!” I’m bouncing in my eagerness to see his reaction.
Grinning good naturedly at my enthusiasm, Shawn complies. His polite humor changes to genuine pleasure as he unwraps his first gift. It’s a book that he’s been eyeing on everyday applications for mathematical formulae.
“This is great, thanks Lys!”
“You’re welcome, Shawn.” His second present is more of a gag gift. I simply couldn’t resist when I saw it at the store. It’s a t-shirt that reads,
√-1 ♥ math, or i ♥ math.
Shawn takes one look at it and bursts out laughing. “That’s awesome, Lys. Really, it is. Thank you!” I grin in acknowledgement as he pulls it on over the shirt he’s already wearing.
I push the last present to him. “This is from Damien.” Shawn shoots me a quick, questioning look, but I gesture for him to open the gift.
He does so, and I can tell he’s surprised by the gorgeous leather briefcase he unwraps. “Wow, Damien, this . . . this is really great, thank you. But, um . . . ”
I can tell Shawn is uncomfortable, obviously wondering why Damien has bought him a gift considering his less-than-kind behavior on occasion.
Damien clearly understands Shawn’s discomfort as well. “You are one of the most important people in Elysabeth’s life,” he says, drawing me to him. “And you make her happy by being such a good friend. I cannot help but show my appreciation for the joy you bring her.” I blush, touched by what Damien has said.
“Besides,” he continues. “Every professor of mathematics must own a leather briefcase.” Shawn tenses for a moment, no doubt wondering if he’s being made fun of, but Damien’s easy smile convinces him the joke is well-intentioned.
“Well, thank you,” Shawn smiles. “I suppose this puts me one step closer to my goal, then.”
Damien nods in agreement. “A small step, but yes, I suppose so.”
I grin, enjoying the playful banter between the two most important people in my life. “So, Shawnie, we’re taking you out for your birthday. Where do you want to go?”
“Go?” he asks, looking confused.
“Yeah, you know, to eat. Damien and I are taking you out to eat for your birthday.”
***
We end up at Morton’s Steakhouse and the three of us have a blast. Shawn and Damien both order the largest steak on the menu. I have no idea how they finish that monster. I’m content with the petit filet mignon.
The food is excellent, as is the service, and I’m ecstatic to see Damien and Shawn getting along so well. I suppose Shawn smuggling Damien in and out of the townhouse gave them some time to talk. I sincerely hope it’s the beginning of a true change in their relationship.
At the end of the night, as Damien is leaving after dropping us off, I’m pleasantly surprised when Shawn initiates a handshake with him.
“Thank you, Damien. For dinner, and for my gift.”
“You are quite welcome, Shawn. Enjoy the rest of your birthday.”
Shawn nods and goes inside after a quick glance at me, letting me know he’s giving us privacy, for which I’m grateful.
“Damien, thank you for a great evening.”
“You are very welcome, Chérie. I know you wish to spend some time with Shawn, so I will take my leave. Enjoy your evening.”
“I will. Have a good night.”
He leans forward and we share a passionate kiss before I go inside to spend the rest of the evening with my best friend.
***
I wake up on Valentine’s Day eager to find out what Damien has planned. He hasn’t been willing to give me even a hint. He keeps telling me it’s a surprise. I dress comfortably for now, assuming he’ll call me before he comes over, and I can ask him how I should dress then.
I’ve got the whole day free, since my professor cancelled class. She just asked that we all email her our homework.
I find Shawn downstairs in the kitchen, looking a bit sad. “Hi Shawnie.” My tone is hesitant, careful.
“Oh, hey Lys.” He offers me a forced-looking smile. “I’m guessing you’re pretty excited, huh?”
“Well, I haven’t had a real Valentine since high school.” I try to keep the excitement and eagerness out of my voice.
Shawn stands and comes over to me, enveloping me in a hug. “Hey, it’s okay. Smile, be happy. I’m fine. You enjoy the fact that you’ve found someone. I will too, someday. I’ve got plenty of time.”
I blink back a traitorous teardrop. I feel unbelievably guilty that I’ve found someone when Shawn hasn’t. “Aw, thanks Shawnie. You’ll always be my best man, remember that. And of course you’ll find someone. You’re an amazing guy.” My phone chooses that inconvenient moment to ring.
Shawn kisses my forehead before letting me go and stepping back. “Have fun today, Lys.”
I force a smile. “Thanks, Shawn,” I answer my phone as he walks to his room. “Hello?”
“Elysabeth, how are you Chérie?”
“I’m good, thanks. How are you?”
“I am doing well, Chérie. Might I wish you a happy Valentine’s Day?”
“Thanks. You too. Are you finally going to tell me what we’re doing today?”
“Not yet, Chérie.” I can hear the smile in his voice.
“Can you at least tell me how I should dress?” I aim for curious, but I’m afraid it’s a bit on the whiny side.
“Yes, I suppose that is necessary. Semi-formal attire, please, Elysabeth. And bring a coat. We must arrive at our destination by 5:30, so I will pick you up at 4:45. It will be good to see you. I have missed you these past few days.”
“I’ve missed you too. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Of course, Chérie.”
As I hang up, someone rings the doorbell. Desperately hoping it isn’t Zane, I go to the door and peek through the peep hole. I can’t see the person’s face as it’s obscured by an enormous bouquet of roses. Curious, I open the door and look out, ready to slam the door shut if necessary.
The bearer of the bouquet, a guy who can’t be more than 17, tries to maneuver around the flowers before giving up and setting them down on the doorstep.
“Elysabeth Vance?” He sounds a little exasperated. Though with having to deal with such a large bouquet, I can’t blame him.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“I need you to sign for these. There’s more in the truck, so please sign at the “x” while I get the rest.”
I stare down at the bouquet by my feet that’s easily four dozen red roses. What more could there possibly be? The bouquet alone probably cost a fortune.
I’m broken out of my thoughts by the truck door closing, and quickly sign the form. I glance up at the delivery guy who’s holding three red boxes.
“Shawn! Could you come give me a hand?” He reaches the door as I’m handed the boxes.
“What’s all this, Lys?”
“Not sure, but can you grab the bouquet for me?” I walk around Shawn, leading the way back to the kitchen.
“Good lord! This is humongous.”
“I know.” I glance at him over my shoulder. “And it’s gorgeous.” I set the boxes on the kitchen table, and Shawn follows suit with the bouquet.
“I’m going to guess these are from Damien.”
“I certainly hope so, Shawnie.”
“Well, open the boxes.”
He sounds even more impatient than I feel.
Grinning, I move to do as he suggested, when it occurs to me to look for a card in the bouquet. I carefully comb through the flowers, finally finding the card, which has fallen off of its little holder.
I can’t help but smile at the message.
Dearest Elysabeth,
Please accept these gifts as tokens of my affection. I do not have words to describe what you mean to me, but I will attempt to do so to the best of my meager abilities. You complete me. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I never thought that I would ever meet someone as special as you. I love each and every moment I share with you. I cannot wait to see you tonight, Chérie.
Yours Always,
Damien
“They are from Damien. Isn’t he the best?”
Shawn grins. “Perhaps you should open the boxes and find out just how great he is?”
“Oh! Yeah! Of course.” I eagerly pick up the first box and untie the white satin ribbon. The moment I lift the lid, I can smell the chocolate. Sure enough, within are a variety of chocolates, both dark and milk. I quickly eat one, closing my eyes as I savor the flavor.
“Mmmmm . . . ” It’s a truffle with a silky mousse inside.
Shawn pokes my shoulder, jolting me out of my chocolate fueled mouthgasm. “Lys, I know you love chocolate, but you have two more boxes to open.”
I grin sheepishly. “Right. Do you want one?” I shove the box at him and untie the ribbon on the next box in the stack. This box is quite a bit larger than the previous one. I lift the lid revealing an adorable teddy bear nestled among the tissue paper.
I pick it up and give it a hug, relishing how soft and plushy it is. It’s about twelve inches tall and bright red with a gold heart embroidered on its stomach and each paw.
With a last squeeze, I set the bear down and open the final box. What I find inside makes my heart stop and I slam the lid back down with a little squeak.
“Lys, what is it?” Shawn asks, giving me a devilish grin. I lift the lid again and peek inside, barely able to believe my eyes.
Shawn comes around the table to look in the box with me and whistles. “That . . . is impressive.”
The Most Special Chosen Page 15
