“Charlie!” The voice pulled her attention away from the setting around her. She spotted Drew hurrying toward her, messenger bag slung across his shoulder and hair still wet from a shower.
She slowed and waited for him to catch up. The moment he was close enough, her hand wound about his. “Shouldn’t you be on your way to class?”
“What kind of fiancé would I be if I didn’t walk you to class on your first day?” He squeezed her hand.
The word fiancé made her uneasy and she couldn’t pinpoint why. “I’ll feel bad if you’re late.” She glanced down at her phone, checking the time.
“Don’t worry about it.” A frown pulled his mouth down. He glanced at their hands. “You aren’t wearing the ring.”
A month had passed since she’d agreed to marry him. Last week he’d presented her with a ring: two silver bands twisting around one another, nestling a small round diamond between them. It wasn’t flashy and her mother would turn up her nose at it, but Charlie liked it well enough. She’d slipped it onto a chain, which hung securely around her neck.
In three days, if everything went according to plan, the ring would move from her neck to her finger and neither Richard nor Margaret would be able to say anything about it. If everything went as planned. Charlie didn’t want to hold on such a slim chance, but every time she looked at the ring she couldn’t escape the hope that washed over her. This had to work.
She touched the cool metal through her shirt. “I’m wearing it, just not on my finger.” The frown remained on his face. “I have to keep it hidden from my parents. We can’t risk Richard finding out and trying to stop us.”
Drew’s jaw clenched. “I wish we didn’t have to be so secretive. I want our parents to celebrate this.” He ran a hand through his hair, his nervous tick.
They’d reached her first class and stopped by the building’s steps. Charlie faced him, taking both his hands in hers. “We can celebrate with your family once the Compatibility test is over.” Rising up onto her toes, she brushed her lips across his. “Now, get going or you’ll be late.”
He slipped one hand around her waist and pulled her closer, capturing her in another kiss. This one held all his frustration and made her arms break out in goose bumps. His tongue danced with hers, making her toes curl with pleasure. His other hand caressed her cheek. When they finally broke apart, she was out of breath and her lips were tender.
The tension in Drew’s face had obviously lessened. “Have a good day.” He walked away before she could reply.
It took her a moment to bring her focus back from the kiss. She glanced around, conscious of how public their display of affection had been. No one seemed to have noticed the kiss, much to her relief. Shaking the moment off, she faced the brick building and took a step forward.
The beginning of her end.
~
Two days into University, and already the professors had inundated her with papers. Seeing the workload, Charlie regretted opting for the six-month graduation program. She’d anticipated the rigorous pace, but wished the classes were more enjoyable. After a few days, she decided it would be enough to just get through.
Her phone buzzed on the desk, cutting into her thoughts. Drew’s name appeared on the screen.
-Are we still set for tomorrow morning?
Charlie smiled at the text. She could picture Drew pacing in his apartment, the anticipation eating away at him.
-I’ll see you here at 10:00. Stop pacing and go to bed.
She set her phone down, returning to her paper. Her fingers flew over the keyboard attached to the tablet. The click of the keys helped her settle into a rhythm and soon she lost herself in the flow of writing.
When the phone vibrated again, Charlie jolted in her seat. She tried to ignore it and finish her thought, but it vibrated continually, indicating a call rather than a text. She picked up without looking at the caller ID.
“I thought I told you to go to bed,” she teased.
“It’s Ruth.”
They hadn’t spoken since her coming-out party and didn’t know what to say. “I hadn’t expected to hear from you,” she finally responded.
“I’ve been a terrible friend. I should have called after the incident at the party. But, after what happened between us …” Ruth trailed off. The remorse in her voice threatened to chip away at the protective wall Charlie had thrown up after their fight.
“Well, I’m fine.” Charlie’s words came out clipped.
“I’m glad.” Heavy silence filled the empty space between them. Ruth broke the silence first. “I’m sorry for how I reacted to the dance. I was an idiot. I shouldn’t have blown everything up.”
The apology melted the last of Charlie’s anger, leaving behind an ache in its place. “It’s okay. We’re both under pressure”
“You’re a better friend than I deserve.” Another silence fell between them. “So, what happened after the gunman disappeared?”
The woman posing as a medic flashed into Charlie’s mind. “Nothing. I talked to the Guard and went home.” The lie rolled off her tongue.
“Have you heard anything from the Guard since?”
“I’m not being kept in the loop. My father knows something, but he hasn’t said anything to me. They’d tell me if I were in imminent danger, I hope.”
Ruth’s questions were beginning to make her uncomfortable. She couldn’t tell if this was Ruth’s awkward attempt at conversation or if she was digging for information.
“I’ve asked my father, but he hasn’t said anything either,” Ruth confessed.
“How like them, keeping information from us.” Charlie tried to sound joking. “I guess we’ll find out more when the general population does.”
“I’m sure.” Ruth didn’t sound convinced. “What else has been going on since the party?”
“I started classes this week. Right now I’m just trying to keep my head above water,” Charlie offered, wondering how she could cut the call short.
“You’ll do fine. You were always good in school. Anything else new?” Ruth probed.
Ruth’s persistence set Charlie on edge. “I have plans with Margaret tonight.” She couldn’t keep suspicion from entering her voice. “Something about prepping me for the flow of suitors she’s expecting.” Another lie. “If I don’t go talk to her soon, she’s liable to drag me out by my hair.”
“Oh, okay.” Ruth sighed into the phone, her heavy breath crackling in Charlie’s ear. “I know you’re in Portestas and I’m stuck in California, but don’t be a stranger. If you ever need to talk, I’m only a phone call away.” Her obvious desperation struck a chord with Charlie. Ruth was up to something.
“Thanks. I’ll remember that.” She didn’t try to hide the suspicion in her voice.
“Sure. Good luck with your mom.”
They said goodbye and Charlie set the phone down, returning her attention to the tablet. She sat there, staring at the screen, suddenly exhausted. She couldn’t write anymore of her paper. Powering down the tablet, she crawled into bed.
Her thoughts wandered back to the Determining. It seemed like a lifetime ago. How could it only have been a little over a month? Things felt different now; everything looked upside down. Ruth had morphed into a shadow of her former self. The comfort Charlie once found in her vanished, leaving behind the remnants of a close friendship turned to uncomfortable acquaintance. The parents she thought she knew had become the authors of her own personal nightmare.
Drew felt familiar, but even that relationship had changed. Her pending marriage to Mason had set a time limit. If it weren’t for the time constraints, would they even be getting married? Charlie didn’t know.
She’d begun her relationship with Drew as a way to anger Richard. Date the poor boy and flaunt it in his face. The more time she spent with him, the more she liked him. As they got older, she just assumed they’d end up married one day. But not now. Not when everything felt rushed, desperate. Is Drew really the man I want, or am I using hi
m again, this time to save myself from Mason?
Absentmindedly, she reached under her shirt, pulling the ring out. The cool metal warmed at her touch. Wallowing in her problems wouldn’t solve anything. Drew believed in the system and, this time, she would too. If they were meant to be together, their Compatibility would tell them.
Charlie rolled onto her side and fell asleep holding the ring tightly in her hand. Images of Drew and Mason permeated her dreams, but she slept on, trapped between her last two options.
Chapter Nine
Drew arrived at Charlie’s door precisely on time. Ruth would say it proved he was predictable, safe, like it was a bad thing. Charlie chose to think of it as reliable. From the second he stepped through the door, she could sense his nerves, which only served to heighten her own anxiety.
“Are you ready?” Drew tapped his hand against his leg as he shifted from foot to foot.
“Yes, but I’m nervous.” Charlie played with the ring as she examined him, her future husband, and her heart skipped a beat. Whether from excitement or dread, she couldn’t tell.
“It’ll be fine. There is nothing to be nervous about.” Drew tried to reassure her with a smile, but the waver in his voice negated any calming effects his words might have had.
She captured his hand, cutting off its nervous drumming. “This is our future. If there was ever anything to be nervous about, this is it.”
He leaned in, pressing a light kiss on the edge of her mouth. “Everything will be fine.”
Charlie couldn’t tell if his words were meant to convince her or himself. “I hope you’re right.”
Drew didn’t hear her. He headed to the door, opening it for her. “Do you want to take a cab or walk?” he asked once they stood at the bottom of the stoop.
“Walk.”
He nodded, taking her hand as they headed down the street.
Traveling on foot was the safest option. Richard had people monitoring her chip at all times. She couldn’t hide where they were going, but spending credits on a cab would put up a red flag. When her chip logged where the cab had taken her, their plan would be over. Every move she made today must be perfect. She couldn’t do anything that might alert the security team.
To get to City Hall, they walked through a shopping district. The stores lining the streets carried high-end merchandise, catering to Charlie and the other wealthy residents living in the area. Drew tensed as they passed a posh jewelry store displaying outrageous promise rings in its window.
Charlie squeezed his hand. “Don’t do that.” He turned to her with a puzzled look. “Don’t look at those rings and compare them to the one you gave me. I love my ring more than any of those oversized monstrosities.”
“I love you.” He kissed her on the cheek, obviously conscious of the crowds around them.
She wanted to press into him, to deepen their kiss. But it wasn’t safe for them to be so affectionate in public. Not yet. She returned the chaste kiss before whispering, “I love you, too.”
Charlie watched some of the tension fade from his face. He took her hand, squeezing it gently. “Let’s go.” They continued down the street toward the City Center, both still affected by the passionate kiss.
The streets of the City Center were completely blocked off to vehicles, making the district quieter than all the others. Rather than the blare of car horns and the rumble of engines, the bustle of the crowd permeated the district. Businessmen and woman packed the streets, creating a mass of suits and clacking high heels. Charlie looked at their faces as she and Drew walked hand in hand down the sidewalk. Every person she examined sported dark circles under their eyes and a sickly pallor.
One woman in particular caught her attention. She stood about a head shorter than Charlie, but she had the same wavy light brown hair. She couldn’t have been more than a year or two older than Charlie, yet she walked with a weariness seen in the elderly. In an instant Charlie saw herself in this woman’s place, beaten down and defeated. This was her future, and it made her stomach drop. Picking up her pace, she pulled Drew toward City Hall.
Passing the numerous government buildings, Charlie noted how every structure looked like a replica of the last. All the buildings in the City Center were made of blinding white marble. Statues lined the roofs and tall pillars stood along the entrances like sentries guarding a gate. It reminded her of the paintings of ancient Greece she’d seen in history class. But unlike the old paintings, these modern buildings were impeccably clean, almost sterile. She felt uneasy looking at the carefully constructed uniformity.
“I know you’re nervous, but your grip is killing my hand.” Drew broke into her thoughts.
“Sorry.” Charlie loosed her hold.
“What are you thinking?” He glanced sideways at her before looking back to City Hall looming ahead.
“The future. Being here makes me think of the life waiting for me after University.” Charlie expected him to make a disapproving comment, but he didn’t.
“At least I’ll be there to face the future with you.” He stopped. They stood in front of City Hall.
Charlie looked away from the building, capturing Drew’s eyes. “I’m counting on that.” They shared a smile before climbing the steps.
Despite her father’s position on the Council, Charlie had never visited one of the government buildings. Or perhaps she’s avoided visiting due to his involvement. Either way, it didn’t surprise her to see that the interior reflected the sterile, controlled exterior. White walls and cold furnishings gave the building a clinical look. Like the crowd outside, the people milling about the atrium appeared solemn and hopeless.
A sign bolted to the wall across from the entrance listed the different offices in the building. Charlie scanned the sign for a minute before her eyes landed on the words Office of Interpersonal Determination- Level Three. She turned, searching the large, open foyer for the elevator. She spotted it and tugged Drew in that direction.
Pushing the call button, she whispered as they waited, “I feel like I’m inside a hospital.” The elevator doors slid open with a ding. They stepped inside, followed by a group of businessmen and women. The doors were inches from closing when a familiar voice called out.
“Hold the elevator!”
Charlie felt the blood drain from her face as Mason Novack slid between the doors. She gripped Drew’s hand, pressing herself as far away from Mason as she could. Drew looked at her with confusion until she mouthed Mason’s name. Understanding dawned on his face. As discreetly as possible, Drew guided her so that she stood in the corner of the car. He stepped in front of her. His tall frame blocked her from Mason’s view and gave her a small sense of safety. But, as the elevator ascended, her heart began to pound.
“It that you, Mason?”
Charlie peaked around Drew’s arm, careful to remain hidden. The man who spoke stood in the center of the car. Mason turned around at the sound of his name. She saw his gaze land on Drew. For one terrifying second, she thought he recognized him from her party, but his gaze moved on.
“Brooks, how are you?” A broad grin spread across Mason’s face. He pushed through the small space, coming to stand beside the man.
“Not bad, not bad. I’m surprised to see you here in the City Center. I didn’t think you left the company offices,” Brooks joked.
“The view from here is much better than the one at the office.” Mason glanced at a busty blonde standing across the elevator. She ignored the comment and his blatant stare, but Charlie noted a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth.
Brooks chuckled. “From what I hear, you’ll soon be expected to enjoy the view a little closer to home.”
Mason’s relaxed expression turned hard. “I wasn’t aware that the company ‘merger’ had become public knowledge.” His tone held a challenge.
Brooks didn’t seem to notice Mason’s tone or expression. “It’s only common knowledge to those of us with friends in high places.” He lowered his voice, a useless endeavor in the confi
ned space. “There were a few broken hearts when Grey decided to let you be the one to pluck his precious flower.”
“And a beautiful flower it is.” Lust darkened Mason’s face.
The elevator stopped on the second floor. Both men, along with Drew, Charlie and two other businessmen, remained inside. The pretty blonde slid past Mason, brushing her breasts across his arm as she did.
Brooks eyed Mason enviously. “Seems you have all the luck.”
“And I plan to continue my lucky streak.” Mason flashed a licentious grin.
Charlie’s jaw clenched. The only thing that kept her from reveling herself and slapping both men was Drew standing in her way. From where she stood, Charlie could see a vein bulging in his neck. He obviously didn’t care for the conversation either.
“Congratulations, you’re a very lucky man. When will the ‘merger’ be announced publically?” Brooks asked.
“The lawyers are in the final stages of reviewing the contract right now. I don’t anticipating it taking more than a week.”
“So soon?” Brooks raised an eyebrow.
“I see no reason to delay, and neither does Grey.” The elevator paused on the third floor. “This is my stop.” Mason nodded to Brooks before he disembarked.
When the elevator doors slid shut Charlie took a deep breath. She leaned her forehead against Drew’s back, taking a moment to let her nerves calm. They rode the elevator until Brooks and the businessmen exited. Alone, Drew stepped away from her and pressed the button for the third floor.
Overhearing Mason’s conversation only strengthened her resolve. Marrying Drew was the right choice. She glanced at Drew to see how he was fairing. A red hue colored his face, and the vein in his neck still stood out. “Are you okay?”
“I’d say I’m about as fine as you are.” She traced the vein on his neck with a fingertip. Under her gentle caress, the fury in Drew’s face slowly abated.
The Determining Page 9