The chatter in the kitchen grows louder as I make my way down the hallway. Quinn, Jarred and Drew have started the festivities a little early, their champagne flutes lifted in a toast.
Drew looks handsome in his tailored black suit. It hugs him perfectly, showing off a lean but muscular body underneath. His black hair is gelled back; a classic yet modern style used in men’s fashion magazines. He could easily pass as a model, he really is that handsome. But none of that changes the fact that he’s an asshat.
The three of them ‘clink’ their glasses, laughing at something Jarred said, and when Quinn’s eyes fall on me, Drew spins around. His mouth lifts into a boyish grin. “Wow,” he breathes. “Cassey, you look incredible.” Again, I blush with the unexpected compliment. He’s kissing ass, but I won’t point it out. “Thank you. You look very handsome.” I reply. Any woman in my position would be salivating at the sight of him, maybe even falling over her own feet. But he’s a dick, and while looking at his face, his suit, and even his shoes, only one word comes to mind. Safe. He passes me a flute filled with champagne and when our fingers brush.
I wait for the spark, the electricity. Nothing. He solicits a whole lot of nothing from my body He’s everything I should be attracted to. But I’m just not. I smile weakly, swallowing the fizzy gold liquid, along with any reservations I may have had, in three gulps. Quinn’s eyes almost bug out but I ignore it. The only way I’m going to survive this evening is if I start topping up on liquid courage now.
“You girls ready?” Jarred asks. His eyebrows furrow slightly, noticing my odd behavior. Quinn nods, grabbing his hand and walking out the front door. I turn to follow and stiffen, if only infinitesimally, when Drew’s hand touches my lower back. I remind myself that it’s only one night, and having Drew’s hands on me won’t be that bad. I can tolerate it. I hope. I lock our apartment door behind me and we walk downstairs, piling into the town car that will drive us to the hotel.
After a short, yet awkwardly silent drive, I’m grateful when we come to a stop outside the Four Seasons. The door is opened and Drew climbs out first, reaching his hand down to help me. Camera’s flash and I’m caught a little off guard. Drew straightens next to me and wraps his arm around my waist, smiling widely at the paparazzi. I almost forgot that we were at an event that garners the attention of most of the city’s social Elite.
Of course there would be paparazzi. “Sorry about that,” Drew whispers, leading me up the stairs. “I didn’t know Press are allowed here tonight. It’s a private party.”
“It’s okay,” I reply. “I should’ve expected it.”
Quinn and Jarred follow behind us, stopping to greet some people they know. An older gentleman stops in front of us and shakes Drew’s hand. He doesn’t acknowledge me and Drew doesn’t think to make an introduction. I step out of his embrace and walk into the banquet room, in search of more liquid courage. I don’t need to stick around just so that I can be ignored. Thanks but no thanks. A waiter decides to walk past at that exact moment and I grab a glass of whatever is on his tray. I down the amber liquid quickly. “Hey, why’d you dash of like that?” Drew asks, reaching my side. I resist rolling my eyes. I may not be from a hoity toity family, but I still have manners. “I was thirsty,” I reply dryly.
He starts to speak but is soon cut off when Quinn and Jarred finally join us. “I didn’t think Mom and Dad were going to have so many people here,” Jarred remarks, obviously addressing Drew, who’s frowning at me. He looks back at Jarred and replies, “You know what they’re like. I bet you Mom bribed Dad to let her have this party.”
“Mom probably threatened to hide Dad’s Viagra for a month,” Jarred chuckles. Drew scrunches his nose in disgust. “Seriously dude, we do not need to be talking about Mom and Dad’s sex life right now. It’s gross.” “Agreed,” Quinn intercedes. “And speaking of parents, Cassey and I better go say hello to mine before they come find us.” She kisses Jarred on the cheek and starts walking in the direction of her parents. She waits for me to catch up and then threads her arm through mine.
Something about it is comforting and I feel a small bit of my insecurity diminish. “Are you okay, Cass?” she asks. I look into her eyes and see the concern swirling around her irises.
“I’m fine,” I lie.
We reach her parents before she can question me further and I’m somewhat thankful. I don’t want Quinn to know just how out of place I feel. She will feel guilty when it has nothing to do with her. She is the only person who doesn’t make me feel inadequate simply because I lack wealth or social standing. Well, her and Kyler too. He hasn’t made me feel inferior in any way. “Hello, darling!” Quinn’s mother, Bree, chimes. Quinn lets go of my arm and hugs her mother, who could easily pass for Quinn’s older sister. Bree Avery is a stunning woman, with her waist-length platinum blonde hair, green eyes and genuine smile. Her build is very much like Quinn’s, except she’s a few inches shorter. She smiles warmly at me, her eyes sparkling with genuine kindness and sincerity. For a brief second, I wish my own mother could’ve looked at me that way. But she never did.
“Cassey, sweetheart, how are you?” she asks, wrapping her slender arms around my shoulders.
“Very well, thank you Bree. It’s so lovely to see you,” I reply. Quinn hugs her father, kissing him on the cheek, and steps back. He hugs me hello, his big arms engulfing me in a fatherly embrace. David Avery is a burly man and those who don’t know him would be intimidated. But he’s a teddy bear, and a man who’s unafraid of showering both his wife and his daughter with affection. Their family dynamic is strange to me, unfamiliar.
I’ve only ever known a father who hits his wife and drinks alcohol to deal with the emptiness of his life. I don’t know what a fathers’ love feels like, because I’ve never had it.
But when David Avery looks at his wife and his daughter, I see it.
“I didn’t think we’d be seeing you here, Dad,” Quinn says.
Her father smiles warmly at both of us. “Clive Blake and I went to college together, we go way back,” he says.
Quinn’s manicured brows dip into a frown. “Jarred didn’t mention it,” she says.
“I didn’t mention what?”
We turn around and see Jarred and Drew step up to us. They greet Quinn’s parents and resume the conversation with ease. A sight in my peripheral catches my attention and the chatter around me falls away as I turn my gaze. Kyler strolls into the room and it feels like the air is sucked out of my lungs. I’m not prepared to see him. I don’t know how to handle what happened in his office yesterday and I was hoping some time away from him would help erase the image of him and Jessa from my mind. The traitorous butterflies in my belly take flight, flapping around wildly trying to find an escape. Where Drew looks handsome, Kyler looks very – I search for the right word – debonair. Sauvé. I watch the way his suit moves with each step he takes, clinging to his long, lean muscles. My heart drops when I see a certain redhead wrapped around his body and I can’t help but notice the way she looks up at him, adoringly, laughing at something he’s said. When he smiles down at her my jealousy claws its way up my throat and I swallow to stop it from boiling over. I have no reason to be jealous.
He’s my Boss, and I’m foolish to think he’d want more.
“Hello? Earth to Cassey?”
Drew’s voice breaks my trance and when I look at him, he’s frowning. Again. I can’t seem to please him tonight. Not that I want to anyway. I didn’t even want to attend this stupid thing.
“I’m sorry. What did you say?” I ask, not in the least sorry for not hearing him. Coming here with him was a mistake. Too bad I can’t just hail a cab and leave. My manners are getting the better of me, and convincing me to stay. “I said I’d like to introduce you to my parents,” he half snaps.
His sudden pissy attitude fuels my irritation. I bite my tongue, afraid I’ll say something that will be far from lady-like, and simply nod. He takes my elbow and I keep my head down as he leads me to the center of
the room where his parents stand. Drew clears his throat and I straighten, smiling politely.
“Mom, Dad, this is Cassey Emerson. My date.”
Drew’s parents eye me from head to toe.
“Cassey,” he says, looking at me. “These are my parents. Joanne and Clive Blake.”
The plastic smiles stays fixed on my face and I stick my hand out to greet them. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I greet politely. “And congratulations on your wedding anniversary. Jarred and Drew speak fondly of both of you.” Drew’s mother accepts my hand, though she touches it like it’s diseased. “Drew,” she says, ignoring me. “You didn’t tell me you were bringing a date.” “Joanne.” Drew’s father gives his wife a stern look and then takes my hand. I’m surprised when he places a gentle kiss on my knuckles. I expected him to greet me no better than his wife did. “It’s a pleasure to meet you my dear. Thank you for joining us. I do hope you will enjoy your evening.” “Thank you,” I reply.
Drew’s parents are greeted by several other friends and Drew joins in their conversation.
He makes no gesture to introduce me. In fact, he’s acting as if I don’t exist. When I excuse myself, the only person who shows the tiniest bit of acknowledgement is Drew’s father, Clive.
I don’t miss the way his guests look at me, like they can smell that I’m out of place. I walk away from their group, head held high, no matter how small I feel right at this moment. The tears I can feel welling up threaten to spill so I bite the inside of my mouth to keep them at bay, at least until I’m alone. I escape the banquet room, mostly unnoticed, and go in search of the bathroom. When the ‘click’ of the door sounds behind me, I close the toilet and take a seat just as hot liquid escapes over the rims of my eyes. I’ve never been ashamed of who I am or where I come from. I used it to my advantage, to drive me to make something better of myself, my life. But the way these people looked at me, like they know I’m not part of this world, has left me feeling abashed. I wrap some toilet paper around my fingers and dab under my eyes. The sight of my smudged and ruined make-up spurs up sudden anger. I don’t have to prove myself to these people, nor do I have to change just to fit in. I may not have attended a fancy prep school or grown up in a mansion with maids and butlers to cater to my every whim, but I worked my ass off in college to be more than what I came from. Damn these horrid snobs I tell myself. Damn them all to hell. I gather my pride, and my composure, and step out of the safety of the cubicle. At first glance, the mirror reveals what I already know. My make-up is ruined and I have the worst case of raccoon eyes ever. So much for waterproof mascara. I open my clutch, grateful that I remembered my emergency make-up bag. I wipe away the smudges of black under my eyes and apply fresh concealer, followed by a new coat of mascara. I add a bit of color to my cheeks, more so to hide the redness from crying than anything, and as I swipe my nude gloss across my lips, the bathroom door swings open. I’ve never seen Jessa Price up close until now.
Sure, I’ve seen her in every female glossy magazine in publication, along with a few gossip magazines, but not like this.
I can definitely see what all the fuss is about though.
Her red hair is fiery, and from what I hear it matches her personality. Her complexion is creamy, like porcelain, and her skin is as flawless as it looks in those skin care adverts. Her legs are long, longer than I mine since she looks to be a head taller than I am, and connect to what men would describe as the perfect ass. But none of those are part of the reason why I’m jealous of her. No. Only one thing has made me hate her before even knowing her and it’s the fact that I caught her in Kyler’s lap yesterday and that she’s here with him tonight. And yes, I hate her for it, but I won’t analyze why seeing them together has me unglued. She catches me staring and her Angelina Jolie like lips lift into a knowing smirk. Bitch. I roll my eyes and put my lip gloss back in my clutch. Now that my make-up is fixed, and I’ve given myself a ‘pep talk’, I feel ready to get this night over with, without the courtesy of another mini breakdown. You’ve got this Cass, I remind myself. I step into the hallway, making my way back towards the banquet room, and find Quinn arguing with Jarred. Her hands flap around, making dramatic gestures that only Quinn can, while he stares at her angrily, hands on his hips. They haven’t seen me yet, so I take a step closer in the hopes that I can hear what’s going on without getting caught. “I can’t believe you’re defending him,” she snaps angrily. “After he’s been a dick to her all night.”
Jarred sighs, clearly exasperated with their argument.“He’s my brother, Quinn. And I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Quinn huffs and crosses her arms over her chest. It’s the stance she takes when she’s really pissed. “And she’s my best friend, Jarred. Do you think I didn’t notice how he ignored her in company? Or how he didn’t say anything after that shit your mother pulled? I won’t even mention the fact that he insulted her earlier this week by referring to her lack of money!”
Jarred frowns. “What shit?”
“Oh for God’s sake! Just never mind. Your brother is a total douchecanoe and I’m so done with this conversation.”
I take that as my cue and walk up to them as if I didn’t just hear their entire argument. I didn’t realize Quinn was close enough to see what happened with Drew’s mother, or how he’s been treating me this entire evening until now. “Hey guys,” I greet, trying for nonchalance. They startle and both look at me like deer’s caught in headlights. Quinn scowls at Jarred one last time and then hooks her arm in mine. “I need a drink,” she states. We make our way to the bar and order two shots of tequila and two whiskeys on ice. We wait for the barman to get our drinks.
“What was that all about?” I ask her casually.
“Nothing. Jarred got upset because I almost lost my shit with his brother. If I’d known he was going to treat you so poorly I would have never encouraged you to be his date tonight.” Her eyes meet mine. “I’m sorry, Cass. I can see you’re not having the best time.”
I shrug. “I didn’t know you saw what happened with Drew’s mother.” “I was walking past, and even if I hadn’t seen what she did, I would’ve wanted you to tell me. I seriously wanted to kick Drew in the nutsack for not saying anything to his mother.”
“It’s fine, it’s not like I have to see any of these people ever again. Except your parents.” I chuckle. “But at least they like me, poor girl status and all.” Quinn smiles but it doesn’t reach her eyes. She’s the only person I’ve ever told about the kind of life I really lived before college. I don’t think I could’ve found a worthier friend in this city, even if I wanted to. We are more than best friends. We’re sisters.
The barman places our drinks in front of us and we grab the tequila shots first. “To douchecanoes and mamma’s boys!” I say, lifting my shot glass. My Southern accent rears its head at the end and Quinn chuckles. We tilt the glasses back. The hard liquor burns all the way down my throat and warms my belly.
“I have no idea why you hide that accent,” Quinn remarks. “It’s sexy as hell and I bet you’d be reeling guys in once they hear you talk.”
“I didn’t think people would take a small town girl from Georgia seriously if I sounded like a hick. So I decided to work on making it less obvious.” Quinn takes a sip of her whiskey. “Whatever, Cass. I think you should use it to your advantage. I’m sure you can use it to find a willing man, just for a night.” I roll my eyes. “We’ve already spoken about this, like a million times! I don’t think I can do a one night stand.”
Quinn stands, fixing her dress and picking up her clutch from the bar. “All you need is a man that interests you,” she pauses. “And it doesn’t look like you’ll have to search far.”
I turn around and walk straight into Kyler.
~ Kyler ~
“Mr. Knight,” Cassey greets, the surprise on her face obvious. I almost cringe when she calls me Mr. Knight. I hate it. It sounds professional, and not nearly as satisfying hearing her say my name.
“Kyler,” Quinn says. “What a pleasant surprise. I didn’t think we’d be seeing you here tonight.”
“My parents are friends of Joanne and Clive.”
“I see,” Quinn replies. “Well, it was nice to see you. Cassey and I should get back to our dates.”
Cassey still hasn’t said anything and it bothers me. More than it should. “Actually,” I say, stalling them. I look at Cassey. “I was hoping you’d honor me with a dance.”
Her brows knit slightly and she looks down for a second before looking back at me. “I don’t think that’s - ”
“That’s a great idea,” Quinn interrupts, ignoring Cassey’s glare. She bends, whispering something to Cassey that causes her features to soften. “Okay,” Cassey relents. “One dance.”
Quinn walks away and I take Cassey to the dance floor, just as ‘Home’ by Michael Buble starts playing throughout the speakers. My right arm wraps around Cassey’s waist, brushing against the exposed skin of her back, while my left hand lifts hers to my chest. We start swaying, and Cassey is looking everywhere but me. I have a feeling it has something to do with what she walked in on yesterday, and I don’t blame her for feeling uncomfortable. But what she saw wasn’t what it looked like. Not that she’s listen to me, or believe me even if she did. However, there’s one other thing I need to talk to her about first, and I suspect it’s the reason she came looking for me yesterday. “I hear the Board has accepted your proposal,” I say.
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