My final event here was back when I was fifteen, before tragedy struck. Life had been so simple then. If only I could go back in time and really enjoy those last moments I had with her.
The white plantation style mansion appeared as we cleared the many large maple trees that lined the drive. The large white columns that framed the porch were lit with several strands of faint white lights that glistened in the twilight hour of our arrival.
My father smiled. “You ready to mingle with the town’s finest?”
“I’m always ready,” I exhaled deeply.
Facing this crowd was going to be tough. There had already been many whispers about my return to Boulder from my peers, but this was a whole other crowd. These were the city’s finest, richest and most pretentious. It would be obvious that my engagement to Braden had been severed with my return, which would only create much speculation and many questions.
The car came to a complete stop. Seconds later, Mr. Thomas graciously opened our door.
“Welcome Mr. Helms and Miss Haley.” Mr. Walsh stood outside the club and greeted us. He was the owner of the country club and one of the wealthiest men in Boulder.
We both nodded, and he and my father stepped aside to chat. I decided to steer clear of their conversation and took a seat on one of the white, scroll patterned metal benches that were scattered throughout the property. I searched the parking lot, wondering if by some chance, I would see Andrew tonight, but I only saw a line of stretch limo’s heading up the drive.
My father eventually joined me for a seat on the bench and sighed loudly. “I guess you know about Evelyn and me?”
“Yes. I kind of had a run in with her while picking out my dress, and Ryan informed me earlier in the semester that you were rumored to be dating her,” I admitted, relieved to be finally speaking these words.
“Are you upset?”
“Not at the fact you’re dating—I want you to be happy, Dad. If Mom were here, you wouldn’t be out there looking for love, but she isn’t. You’re alive and deserve happiness.”
“Good,” he sighed.
“But I am upset that you felt you couldn’t tell me—your own daughter,” I said, a little frustrated.
“I know, and it was hard to keep it from you, but necessary.”
“Why?” I asked hurt.
“You were already overwhelmed with your breakup, and I didn’t want to add another factor in that could possibly make you go in to a deeper depression.” He lightly brushed his hand along my back. “I figured when the time was right I would explain. And I guess that time has come.”
“Do you love her?” I asked, watching his face, trying to gauge his reaction.
“No, I’m not there yet. We have a lot of fun together, but I’m not sure that I’m ready to love someone again.” I could hear the sadness in his voice. My mother was his first and only love. I was sure nothing could compare to that.
“I know how you feel, Dad,” I agreed. The words accidentally flowed from my thoughts to my mouth.
I saw his brow line wrinkle, trying to figure out if he had just discovered a secret. “Do you think you have found love again?”
I had to lie. I wasn’t in love with Andrew. But I was definitely infatuated, which was pretty dangerous territory, all things considered. “Oh, no, but one day I will, and I hope I’ll be ready.”
The weight seemed to lift from his face. “You will be, you’re young and resilient,” he smiled.
The smell of fresh roses and floral scented candles filled the room as we strolled inside. I closed my eyes to inhale the familiar scent. The foyer was beautifully decorated with pale-colored floral arrangements, mainly roses and lilies. The large crystal chandelier sparkled ever so slightly in the dim lit room.
A small symphony orchestra strummed their instruments, playing soft, harmonious music in a small room off to the left. Everyone was adorned in their finest attire. Muffled laughter could be heard as they waved their champagne glasses around. My feet reluctantly moved.
Faint whispering began as I walked past. My presence was obvious, and Andrew had been wrong about all people. These were the ones that would smear every tragedy of mine right in my face, without batting an eye.
My father clenched my hand, and I smiled. “Keep your head held high. These people aren’t important,” he reminded. We entered the main hall and were ushered to our table.
The main hall was eloquently decorated with the same floral arrangements as in the foyer, placed in the center of every ivory cloth-draped table. Crystals hung from the glass vases with small, votive candles dimly lighting the tiny crystals.
It appeared more like a wedding reception than a speaking event for a book author. The stage was faintly lit, with yet another small orchestra strumming their cellos and violins.
I searched the room to see if Ryan had arrived, secretly hoping I would find Andrew. A hand waved from the table where I expected him to be seated. I excused myself from the table. Heading in Ryan’s direction, I continued to hear the whispers from the many tables I passed. My eyes dropped, gazing only at the beige and gold carpet beneath my feet.
As I approached his table, I cautiously lifted my eyes from the floor. Ryan was grinning from ear to ear. “Oh my goodness!” he exclaimed.
“What?” I quickly asked, wondering if something was wrong.
“You look ravishing,” he gawked.
I was relieved. “Thanks, I don’t feel like it right now.”
“Why, what’s wrong?”
“My father just admitted to dating Evelyn Cardwell, as you had warned me about. My dress is itchy and, well, I hear the whispers from everyone as I walk by,” I sighed.
“First, sorry about your dad, but don’t worry, he’ll always love you. Second, you could always take off the dress,” he winked. “Third, who the hell cares what these people think?”
“I realize my dad loves me, but his lying upset me. And I’m not taking off my dress.” I shot a quick disapproving look.
“If you did, that would definitely give them something to whisper about,” he chuckled lightly.
“You’re outrageous,” I grinned.
I searched the room as we spoke. “Who are you looking for?” he asked curiously.
“No one, just seeing who’s attending,” I lied. My hopes were dwindling as the start of the event was nearing.
“So, what are you doing afterward?”
“No plans, as I’m sure my father will be visiting Evelyn after this.” I rolled my eyes.
“So, let’s hang out.”
“Okay, but no more suggestions about removing my dress,” I laughed.
“I promise.”
The tables were beginning to fill. It was time to return to mine at the front. “I better get going,” I frowned.
“Just another two hours or so.”
“See you later,” I smiled.
To hear the sounds of whispering again would only irritate me further, so I intentionally hummed as I walked back to my table.
My father smiled as I approached. “Ryan’s a nice kid. I’d approve,” he winked.
“Dad, it isn’t like that. We’re just friends,” I hissed.
“For now.”
I shook my head and ignored my father’s teasing. My thoughts went back to my disappointment with Andrew’s absence. The lights dimmed even further as I turned toward the stage, preparing to be bored.
A warm rush of air brushed the back of my neck. I quickly turned around. “Andrew!” I gasped.
“Can I speak with you for a second?” he asked politely.
“Yes, of course.” My heart began to race as I stood up. On one hand, I was relieved to see him once more, but on the other, I wasn’t sure what he might want to speak to me about. If it was to tell me goodbye, I wasn’t sure I would be able to handle the news.
A hand grabbed mine. “Who is that?” my father asked, glaring up at Andrew with concern.
I leaned down and whispered, “He’s my history teacher.
I had e-mailed him about an assignment,” I quickly lied.
“Oh, okay, hurry back,” he said, continuing to eye Andrew.
We headed out one of the side doors. He held the door open, and we turned the corner of the building outside.
My arms wrapped around his neck without thinking twice. The sparks I yearned for had returned. “I’m glad you’re okay,” I whispered. “You are, right?” I asked, pulling away from his face.
“Yes, I am—everything is okay, like I said it would be. I couldn’t exactly call you, as I never got your number,” he said softly.
“Where have you been? I’ve been so worried!” I exclaimed with relief.
“I knew you were concerned, but I had to deal with a few things,” he smiled uneasily.
“Am I at liberty to ask?”
“I’m positive you do not want to hear any details.”
“Are they dead?”
“I told you, you don’t want to hear any of the details,” he reiterated.
“Oh.”
“I hope you can forgive me for behaving so inappropriately…” he hesitated. “But I had to protect you.”
“Forgive you?” I asked in confusion.
“Yes, I should’ve controlled my rage and just pushed them out of the way. I went too far.” He sounded ashamed.
“You did what you had to do, and I owe you my life,” I said, staring in to his crystal green eyes that sparkled more brilliantly than any of the country club chandeliers.
“You did keep your promise and not tell anyone?”
“Yes, of course. I was worried, but I’d never mention it,” I assured. “I mean I looked in the newspapers and drove by, and it was like nothing happened,” I explained.
“I wish nothing had.”
“So I’m not hallucinating, am I?” I asked nervously.
“No, and I’m sure you have lots of questions.”
“Can I ask them or will it cause more trouble?”
“Yes, you can, and I’ll try to answer them as truthfully as possible.”
“Should I be afraid?” I gulped.
He appeared hurt by my question. “Not of me.”
“Okay.”
“Can you get away tonight after the event?”
I was thrilled and terrified. We were going to get another chance to be together again, but at what cost. “Yeah.”
“I’ll meet you right here afterward,” he smiled.
“Okay, see you then,” I smiled back. He ran his finger along my hand. My eyes closed to take in the feeling of his touch, feeling so torn—more torn than I ever had. My eyes opened back up.
“Please don’t be scared,” he whispered. “I would never hurt you.”
“For some reason, I truly believe that,” I admitted. Never once had he ever laid a hand on me, except for the accidental burning, but I couldn’t explain that phenomenon just yet.
“By the way, you look amazing tonight, as always. Gold brings out the beauty of your soft blue eyes,” he smiled.
“Thanks,” I blushed as we made our way back inside.
I sat down at the table next to my father. “You’re just in time,” he whispered.
“Great,” I mumbled, not really paying attention.
“Are you sure that handsome, dark haired man is just your teacher?” he asked suspiciously.
“What dark haired man?”
“The man you left with,” he said puzzled.
“He has blond hair, Dad.” I rolled my eyes. “And, yes, he’s my teacher.”
“That wasn’t blond hair I saw.” Creases formed on his forehead.
“Andrew has blond hair and green eyes,” I huffed, irritated. I had spent more time with Andrew than he had and was perfectly aware of his appearance.
“That’s him, right?” He nodded in Andrew’s direction.
“Yes, it is.”
“He has black hair and dark eyes,” my father insisted.
My face dropped as I wondered if I had really been delusional this whole time. But Andrew had just agreed to explain everything and admitted I had not been hallucinating. “Okay,” I breathed.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
The main hall quickly filled with the sound of clapping. I rose from my seat and joined in. Knots were in the pit of my stomach as I searched the room and found Andrew standing and looking in my direction. He smiled, but I couldn’t. I was more confused than ever. My father politely held out the seat before taking his.
Mr. Walsh introduced the speaker as Mr. Alec Alexander, which happened to be Andrew’s last name also. Alec’s voice was sharp and piercing. He was exceptionally handsome, as all the women had gushed about earlier at the salon. He and Andrew almost looked like brothers, besides the noticeable difference in shades of hair color. Everyone’s attention was focused on him.
My eyes darted back and forth between Andrew and Alec, wondering if they were related. They both shared a lemon yellow glow radiating from their bodies. My body uncontrollably shuttered as a mixture of intrigue and fear filled my thoughts.
“What color is his hair?” I asked, leaning in to my father.
“Why?”
“Just answer,” I hissed.
“Blond,” he answered, shaking his head.
“Okay.”
My stomach knotted—a black haired man with piercing, light green eyes stood on stage. More questions were beginning to form, but would they be answered—unsure if I had the courage to be alone with Andrew.
My eyes flickered in horror toward the speaker. “One day you shall all be in our control,” he shouted. Everyone applauded. My hands couldn’t share in the action. I wasn’t sure if I had heard him correctly. My attention was too focused on Andrew, so I must have misunderstood.
“None of you shall see your fate, until it is too late,” Alec, the speaker shouted. Once again the room filled with the sound of clapping. I looked over at my father. He too was sharing in the joy with all of the others.
“Dad?” I whispered.
“What, Haley?” he asked, seemingly irritated.
“What did he just say?”
“He said all of you shall see the future in a different perspective and be able to succeed with a few of my simple tips,” my father repeated.
“Oh, I guess I heard him wrong.” I was confident that I had heard him say something else, but I feared maybe I was just imaging things after all.
“Is something wrong, sweetie?” he asked concerned.
“No, I’m fine,” I murmured.
The noise of clapping filled the room, once again, ending the speaker’s speech. Andrew flashed a smile in my direction sending conflicting emotions within. I leaned toward my father and whispered. “I hate to leave, but I have something to tend to. I’m sure Evelyn would love to join you, as she has been eyeing our table,” I mentioned.
He smiled. “You be careful and call me later to let me know you’re okay. Whatever you’re doing, just be safe,” he cautioned.
“I’m always safe, Dad,” I smiled, nervously sliding out of my seat.
Braden‘s best friend, Keith Hamilton, was sitting two tables over. He thankfully wasn’t looking in my direction as I made my way to the exit. I was relieved he hadn’t noticed me. I picked up the pace and pushed the outside door open.
Andrew was waiting with a smile on his face.
“That was close!” I gasped.
“What happened?”
“My ex’s best friend was there, and I almost thought he saw me.”
“What would happen if he did?” he asked curiously.
“He would’ve informed my ex of my return home, which would cause major problems.”
“You shouldn’t have to run from your ex. Is there anything I can do to make it easier for you?”
My thoughts flashed to two evenings ago, and I shuttered at the thought of Braden being involved in such an unfair fight. “No, believe me, he would instigate a fight and end up…” I stopped, fearing I would ups
et Andrew.
“I don’t go around hurting people on purpose.”
“He would definitely try to provoke you,” I warned.
“That wouldn’t be a problem unless he did something to you.”
“So where are we off to?” I asked, desiring to speak of lighter matters.
“Where would you like go?”
“Anywhere but here.”
“To my house?”
“Okay,” I agreed nervously.
“Wait here,” he instructed and disappeared into the darkness.
9
Divulge
Seconds later, his shiny, sports car pulled up. He opened the door, and I slid inside. I buckled my seat belt, and he did as well. I smiled. “You remembered.”
“I promised I would from now on,” he nodded as he stepped on the gas.
The lights of the country club twinkled one last time before darkness overtook them, as I glanced in the side mirror—the safety of humanity was now gone. In any other situation, I would have been nervous about being alone with such an alluring man, but other thoughts wreaked havoc on my nerves.
Our eyes would occasionally meet.
“I hope you don’t get the wrong idea by my inviting you to my house.” He broke the silence.
“Normally, I might, but not tonight,” I said softly, staring at his blond hair, knowing I was not imagining it.
“You can ask any question that you desire,” he offered, sighing heavily.
“What color is your hair?”
A strange expression spread across his face. “Umm… what color do you see?”
“I see a golden blond,” I answered, lightly biting my lower lip.
“My hair is black,” he said.
“I see a lot of things that aren’t right.”
“What color are my eyes?”
“Green, a sparkling emerald green,” I said, staring out the window afraid to look at him.
“They’re brown,” he murmured.
“What’s wrong with me?” I sighed, feeling tears begin to well.
“Nothing’s wrong with you,” he whispered.
His expression was confused, but seemingly relieved. “Please don’t disagree, there’s something definitely wrong with me.”
Discern (Discern Saga, Book #1) Page 13