"Sorry, did I wake you?" She chimed.
"No, you didn't. Is London still sleeping?" I walked over to her and handed her the small hand broom before I started making my own coffee.
"No. He's getting up and going to get in the shower before we head out."
"Head out where?" I inquired.
"I'm taking him to find a tux for that gala thing he's taking you to tonight."
A benefit thing? It was for abused children you nitwit. Not that her rich pretty little brain could ever comprehend that. "Well that's nice of you." I went back to making coffee and then I sat back and waited, impatiently.
"It should be a pretty good turn out this year. This benefit gets a lot of media attention. I hear you're supposed to be speaking?" God how did she know all this shit?
"Yes, I am. Are you going?"
Please say no. Please say no. Please say no.
"I am actually. I know the woman who is running it this year. She's an amazing person. You might know her. Her name is Julia Hayes."
I almost spit my coffee across the room when I heard the last name, "As in Tristan's mom?" I wiped my face with a paper towel and attempted to drink some more.
"Yes, that's who she is. How do you know Tristan?"
"Long story." I couldn't look at Nancy because I knew whatever emotion I was feeling would be eminent on my face.
"I bet. Yeah I met her when Tristan and I were...oh I suppose you probably don't want to hear about that. Well, I'm off." She grabbed the two cups of coffee she had just made and headed back upstairs in the direction of London's bedroom.
I let out an audible sigh as I grabbed my coffee cup and made my way out back. Very few things or people for that matter ever made me mad, but it almost seemed as though Nancy just loved to push my buttons. When I got down to the now infamous lounge chair, I noticed a drop of blood on the side and couldn't help but laugh a little. I hoped Tristan was healing okay.
"What's so funny over here?" Tristan's voice was husky and laced with sleep.
"What are you doing here so early?" I smiled at him wanting him to know that I was just trying to tease him a little.
"I went surfing this morning. The waves were just too perfect to pass up. Thought I would come by and take my chances that you'd be out here."
"Looks like you got lucky."
"Looks like it, huh?" He smiled and those dimples stroked the fire that was already beginning to burn deep inside of me this morning.
"Hey Tristan, I have kind of a personal question to ask you."
"Okay."
We both sat down on the lounge chair so we were facing one another. "Did you and Nancy ever have a thing?"
He let out a deep throaty laugh and my brows pulled together in confusion. "That would be a big, hell no. Trust me it wasn't for a lack of trying on her part, but I wasn't interested. She's not my type." I could tell by the look in his eye that she may not be, but I most certainly was.
"Oh."
"Why? What is she saying to you?"
"She mentioned your mother this morning, and then she proceeded to tell me that you two were more or less involved at one point."
"She knows my mother?"
"That's what she said. She said this benefit tonight is put together by her."
"Well, yeah it is, but I don't think Nancy knows my mother on a personal level. I honestly wouldn't know though. My mother and I don't speak much."
I was finally starting to get some answers and the pieces of the mysterious puzzle I like to call Tristan, started to make a little bit more sense. "I'm sorry."
"Not your fault. Shit happens, you know?"
"Unfortunately, I do."
"Well I hate to cut our conversation short, but I have a spa and hair appointment before I get ready for this thing tonight." All of a sudden it dawned on me that Tristan might be going. I was about to ask him, but then he had just said that they don't speak much, so it really wouldn't make sense for him to go. I wasn't one to bring up situations that people clearly didn't want to speak about, so I just left it alone. "Hey Tristan, have you heard anything about Blake lately?
"No, why?"
"No reason. I guess I should stop looking. Never mind. I'll chat with you later."
"Well, have a great time tonight. Maybe I'll see you afterwards."
"Maybe." I placed a chaste kiss to his cheek and made my way back inside.
I took a quick shower, pulled on a pair of yoga pants and a shirt and headed back downstairs to grab my things. Nobody was down there, so I left a little note saying where I went and when I'd be back, just in case London happened to wonder when he eventually made it downstairs.
I was in the middle of my massage when my cell phone chimed next to me, alerting me of a text message. I glanced at the screen and saw Tristan's name flash across it. I tried as hard as I could to not jump up and down like a little schoolgirl, but I was ecstatic to see he was texting me again. I clicked on the screen and opened up his text.
Hope your day is relaxing.
T
It wasn't much, but to me it was enough. It meant a lot to me that he was thinking about me enough to want to let me know. My fingers went to the keypad to type a message back, but I stopped myself mid text. As much as I wanted to talk to him and let him know that I was thinking about him too, a part of me wanted him to think that I didn't need to hear from him to make me happy. I clicked my phone off and threw my phone over by my purse.
A couple hours later, I was finally getting my hair done and then I would be all set to go. I opted to wear my hair down with two twisted strands of hair on each side going back and tying together in the back. It was the perfect look to go with my perfect dress.
I drove home at a glacial pace, not wanting to speed up the process of me not being able to possibly run into Tristan tonight. I just wish I would've asked for him to be my date instead of London. Lord knows he would be waiting all night just to see if he could get in my pants, again. I went straight to my room when I got home. I didn't want to take the chance of possibly running into Nancy again. My red satin dress was hanging on the closet door when I walked into the bathroom, and I got a very creepy feeling in my stomach when I realized that I hadn't left it there. Then I realized it was probably London's doing. Sweet gesture, I guess.
Looking in the mirror at my reflection, I barely recognized myself. My dress hugged all of my curves and with the one strap that went across my chest and over one shoulder, I couldn't help but feel amazingly beautiful. I smoothed down the fabric over my sides and sat down on the small stool in front of my bed to pull on my black leather peep-toe pumps. When I was done getting dressed and checking my hair and makeup for the seven hundredth time, I finally started making my way downstairs.
"Wow, Riley you look...wow."
London had been standing at the bottom of the stairs waiting for me. "Thanks." I smiled at him as he continued to ogle me as I made my way to the bottom of the stairs. "Shall we?"
He held out his arm for me to take it and I did. Instead of going to the garage to get in the car, London led me to the front door. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
I set the alarm and continued out the front door with him, afraid of what might be waiting for me outside. A black stretch limo was parked at the bottom of the driveway and I wasn't quite sure how I was supposed to react. This was just one more thing that proved that London really didn't know me, as much as he thought he did. In trying not to be rude, I turned and smiled at him and whispered a thank you.
The ride to the hotel where the gala was being held was extremely long and even more boring. London couldn't quit talking about himself, and Nancy. Apparently, she was the friend he had been staying with and that just pissed me off. I didn't know what exactly was going on with those two, but I honestly didn't want to know. The more London stayed out of my business, the better.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Tristan
I pulled up outside of the hotel and found my mother, wait
ing for me at the end of the red carpet. She didn't do anything small that was for sure. I rolled my eyes before exiting my car and meeting up with her. This night was about to turn into fake bullshit in, three, two, one...
"There's my son. It's amazing to see you, honey." My mother kissed both of my cheeks as she gripped both of my arms.
"Hi, Mom." I politely kissed her back before making my way up to the entrance.
"Wait, dear. Let's get a picture."
Oh this was such bullshit. "Mom, I don't think that's a good idea." I spoke through gritted teeth.
"Oh nonsense, it'll only take a second."
I let my mother steer me back to the carpet and stood with a fake smile on my face, as her many minions took our picture and asked for my name. They didn't even know who I was for Christ’s sake.
"This is Tristan." My mother replied to one of the many photographers. "Thank you for the photo op. I need to head inside now."
She gave a polite wave as she pulled me through the crowd. For a short petite older woman, my mother was quite strong. Once we made our way inside, I pulled my arm out of her death like grip.
"Good to know you're still just as proud of us as always."
"Don't you dare lecture me." Her finger was in my face and I was reminded of the night my sister left. "Those people are complete strangers. Only the people who matter in my life know about my children."
"Whatever, Mother. I'm not here for you anyway."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
I started making my way past a few people, all the while looking for Riley inside. "I have business to take care of."
"You're here on police business? Why didn't you say anything?"
"No Mom, not official police business, just personal type business. Now if you don't mind, I'll catch up with you later." I started to walk away from her knowing she wouldn't chase me down in a room full of people she was trying to impress.
I glanced around the room a million times before I settled into my assigned seat. I grabbed a glass of champagne and sat back, waiting for Riley and London. My mother tried to come over to me a little while later, but I pretended to be completely enthralled by the blonde next to me. That same blonde and me were in the middle of a very serious conversation about her nephew who had been abused as a child, when the sight of red caught my eye.
I kept listening to, I think she said her name was Tiffany, as my eyes went right to the woman wearing that bright red dress. She was breathtaking. Her hair was down and draped over her bare shoulders with just small pieces pulled back on the sides. I had rarely ever seen her hair pulled off of her face, but I was secretly hoping she would wear it like that more often. It showed off her very distinct features and her bright blue eyes stood out the most among them.
My eyes made their way down to her curve hugging dress, that I could only assume took her hours to find. I knew Riley well enough to know she hated wearing dresses and shopping was pretty much right up there with that. The red satin strap stretched across her breasts and one shoulder, and I licked my lips knowing exactly what her flesh felt and tasted like. The rest of the dress hugged every curve, and then flared out at the bottom just enough for her to walk without tripping. I laughed to myself as I watched her trying to make her way across the room without falling. She was absolutely amazing, and her clumsiness only added to that beauty.
"Tristan, did you hear me?" Tiffany, or whatever name was, broke through my thoughts as I was mentally starting to undress Riley from across the room.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" I looked at the leggy blonde in front of me in confusion.
"I was wondering if you would like to dance." She blushed.
"Um, maybe later, okay?"
"Okay."
"Please excuse me for a moment." I lightly touched her shoulder as I squeezed between her and another person to get to Riley.
I was halfway across the room when another blonde caught my attention, although this time it wasn't good attention. Nancy came strutting through the doorway, seeking out someone in particular, my mother. They both kissed each other's cheeks as if they had known each other for years. My mother held her back at arm's length, admiring her dress no doubt, with a smile plastered onto her face. Oh give me a break, you fake bitch.
I scanned the room to find Riley once more, when I noticed who was attached to her side. London and his smug ass, stood beside her with his hand around her waist. It took everything inside of me not to run over to them and beat the shit out of him, again. Instead I decided to take the high road and make nice, for Riley's sake. I made my way over to the both of them and tapped Riley on the shoulder before coming around the front of her to get a good look at her. Her face lit up as she took in my appearance.
"Tristan, you look, you look...amazing."
"Thanks. It's a far cry from board shorts, but I do clean up nice, don't I?" I laughed. "Riley, you look beautiful. Red suits you." I leaned in and planted a long slow kiss against her cheek. When I pulled back, her hand had gone to my shoulder and London's face was red with pure anger.
"Tristan." London growled.
"London, how are you? You look better. Look, I just want to apologize for what happened. I never should've taken it that far." I reached out to shake his hand, but I could tell he was resisting the urge to punch me.
"Thanks." His hand slid into mine and I gave it a tight squeeze.
After our my-dick-is-bigger-than-yours stand off, I excused myself and told Riley that I would find her in a bit. I made my way back over to my table and grabbed another glass of champagne. I wasn't the type to try and make a girl jealous, but in this instance, I needed to see if Riley truly felt for me the way I felt for her.
"Tiffany, I'm open for that dance now." Her eyes lit up with glee as I held my hand out for hers.
"Perfect."
I led her out to the crowded dance floor, spinning her and then pulling her close to me. I couldn't deny that it felt nice to be having a good time, but it still felt wrong using Tiffany this way. Riley and London made their way out to the dance floor, and I let my hand slide down just above Tiffany's backside. Riley's eyes met mine a second later, and the look of betrayal took place of the once happy smile she had been wearing. I knew what I was doing was hurting her, but I had to make her see the type of guy London was before I could be with her. Most of all, I needed her to know what it felt like to want something that was just out of your reach.
When the song came to an end, I excused myself and went in search of my mother. Of course I found her over by two of the most influential people in town. She played her part quite well, and would have continued to do so, had I not walked over to her.
"Hi, Julia. I've been looking for you."
"Oh. Well, looks like you've found me." Her eyes went wide in shock.
I reached my hand out to shake the gentlemen's in front of me. "Hi, I'm Tristan Hayes. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The oldest gentleman took my hand, his brows pulled together as he tried to place me. "Any relation?"
"Actually, yes. I'm Julia's s-"
"He's my nephew. He came into town just yesterday for a quick visit. Tristan, this is Ron Goldstein. He's the founder of the charity."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, son. You're aunt here is quite an amazing woman putting all this together in such a short amount of time."
"She is isn't she?" I glared at my mother as she continued to try and intercept the next man's introduction.
"Hi there, I'm Gabe Whethers. I'm the co-founder."
"Pleasure." I shook his hand and then glanced down at my mother. "Can you excuse us for a second." I took my mother's hand and started leading her towards the back of the ballroom.
"Tristan, I'm sorry for that, but nobody knows my history and I'd like to keep it that way."
"It must be exhausting, Julia."
"What's that, Tristan? And don't you call me that, I am your mother."
"Oh now you're my mother? I'm saying it must be exhaust
ing to be someone you're not, everyday of your life."
Her hand came up and connected with my cheek instantly. "Don't you dare speak to me that way. Not at my event."
"How about I just don't speak to you at all. Good-bye, Mother."
She tried to grasp at my jacket sleeve, but I quickly pulled my arm away from her. "Tristan, come back here."
I continued to ignore her as I walked to where London and Riley were. She wasn't exactly pleased to see me, but I needed her to hear me out. "Riley, can you come with me for a second please?"
"I don't think so."
"Riley, please. It's important."
"Fine." Riley stood and walked right past me. I ran to catch up with her, grasping at her arm that she kept moving away from me.
"Riley, please just slow down."
She quickly turned towards me so we were now face to face. "Why do you do this to me, Tristan. You obviously know I care about you, but then you go and dance with some random floozy?"
"Look Riley, I know you care and I care about you just the same, but how do you think I feel given the fact that you chose to bring London with you and not me? Don't you think that's a little bit of a double standard? That's not important right now though. Right now, I need you to listen to me. London isn't who you think he is."
"Oh my god, are we back to this, again?" She threw her hands up in surrender. "I give up. I can't deal with all of this."
I grabbed Riley by the shoulders so she would stop pacing and listen to me. "Riley, London knows Mr. Rollins and Nancy. There's something going on between all of them. I don't know what yet, but I'm getting close."
"Tristan, you really have to stop this. I don't know why you hate London so much, but you need to leave this alone. Oh, and I know about him and Nancy."
"I hate him because he wants something I don't want him to have. Don't you see how much I care for you, Riley? I'm always looking out for you, I practically stalk you so I can catch just a small glimpse of you, hell I even beat the shit out of London because all he could do was taunt me about you. Don't you see?" I pushed my hands back through my hair and drug them down my face in aggravation. This entire situation was getting way out of control, and I really wasn't sure how much more I could take.
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