“Alanna you seem nervous,” he says he takes my shaking hand in his. I bite my lip as I reply.
“That’s because I am. I am terrified of what my mom has planned.” Adrian laughs at me.
“Baby don’t worry your mother hasn’t planned anything that should be terrified of.”
“Do you know what she has planned?” Adrian rolls his eyes.
“Of course I know,” I frown at him.
“Tell me,” I protest. Adrian lets out his husky laugh and I scowl harder at him. He lifts my hand up to his lips and he kisses my skin.
“No,” is all that he says.
The car stops and I gaze out the window at my family’s condo. I cannot remember the last time that I was I here. All I remember is that it was long before I met Adrian.
“Baby this is your stop,” I look at him in confusion what does he mean by ‘my stop’?
“Huh… explain?” I say quickly. Adrian laughs at me and I lightly scowl at him.
“I have a few things that I need to take care of. So you should spend this time with your family. I am sure they are itching to see the birthday girl!”
“What things?” Adrian scowls at me.
“It is nothing that concerns you. Now you really must go and see your family.”
“Are you at least coming to say hi?” Adrian takes my hand again in his as he exhales.
“Tell your family that I am sorry for my rudeness and that I will see them tonight at the party.” I force a smile as I agree with what he is saying. Adrian quickly steps out the car and now he is at my door. I grip his hand as he ushers me up the front steps. The air is warm and Adrian’s eyes make me melt. He pulls me in for a kiss and then he lets me go. I watch as he marches back to the car. He turns to me and he blows me a kiss.
“Until next time baby,”
I walk slowly into the oversized condo and my mom and Penelope instantly greet me.
“Lanna,” Penelope shouts as she rushes into my arms. I grip my little sister and I realise that I have missed her so much.
“Happy birthday Lanna,” she says in bright voice. I gently stroke her face as I push her curls away. Her massive brown eyes are staring back at me and I gently let out a tear.
“Oh Penelope I have missed you,” I gush as I pull her in for another hug. I regretfully let go of her as my mom grabs onto me.
“Happy birthday sweetie,”
“Thanks mom,” I say, as I break free from her grip.
“So tell me about London,” my mom says as she pours us a coffee. I lean forward and rest my arms onto the surface of the breakfast bar. My mom hands me the coffee as I begin to tell her all about my trip - making sure I leave out the details about Chad, Zara and of course William for now.
“Wow it sounds amazing, where is Adrian anyway?”
“He has things to do and he apologises for not being here.” My mom frowns at me.
“But he is coming to your party… right?”
“Yes and speaking of my party when are you going to let me know the theme?” My mom smiles as she reaches into the kitchen drawer. She turns to me and she hands me a black, feathered mask.
“The theme is masquerade,” I gently roll my eyes as I look over the mask. My mom is waiting patiently for my response. I instantly flash a smile towards my mom as she stands opposite me, wearing a dark red sweat suit. Her hair is in a flawless bob and her makeup is perfection.
“Wow,” is all that I manage to say. I stare at the mask and I feel a sudden excitement rush over me. I always loved the idea of masked ball - ever since I watched an episode of gossip girl. Something about the secrecy and the idea of the masks allures me in. Also I cannot escape the thought of Adrian in his mask, he will look even more amazing than usual.
“Sweetie I know that you have always liked the idea of a masquerade party. Your father and I want to spoil to you this year because of how scared we were about losing you.” My mom gushes as she reaches over and gives me a firm hug. She pulls back and her face is beaming.
“Wait here sweetie I will go get your birthday gift!” My mom rushes into one of the bedrooms and she returns with a large, white gift box. There is a red ribbon tied around it and I smile as my mom hands it to me.
“Happy birthday, sweetie!” I slowly begin to open my gift and when I finally manage to get through the several layers of tissue paper, I find a MacBook Air. I instantly smile at my mom.
“Wow thanks mom, I love it!” I gush.
“Now there is one more surprise for you, follow me!” My mom says she begins to head for the bedroom. I carefully place my new computer onto the kitchen counter as I trail after my mom. I walk into the bedroom of my family’s Condo and I smile as I see that the décor remains the same- everything in black and white. I walk further into the room and I see a dress lying on the bed. I move closer as my mom takes my hand.
“Do you like it?” She says as she makes eye contact with the black, feathered ball gown.
“Mom, it’s perfect!” I say as I begin to stroke the soft fabric of the dress. And I am not telling lies as this is most beautiful dress that I have ever seen.
“Now sweetie it is getting late you better start to get ready!” My mom says as she heads out the room. I again smile as I take in my dress. My black feathered mask lies beside it and I feel my excitement build.
I have a long hot bath and then I fully moisturize by body and I do that until my skin is glowing. I wrap myself into a white fully robe as I make my way into the bedroom. I quickly blow dry my hair and I begin to style it for the party. I leave my curls hanging loose but I fasten my hair at the top into a high loop. I finish with a few crystal hair jewels and then I apply my makeup. I gently let my lip-gloss fall onto the surface of the dressing table as I hear a text on my phone. I quickly rush over to my jeans pocket and I take out my white Blackberry.
Alanna, I have been held up at my meeting. I should not be too long but I will not be able to escort you to your party. Instead, I have arranged a car for you and your family. I will be at your party so please wait for me inside. I love you and I cannot wait to see you in your dress. I frown a little at Adrian’s words and I compose myself to write back to him.
Okay doll and I will be the one in black!
I gaze at my outfit in the mirror and I still cannot believe the beauty of this dress. It is strapless and the bodice is very tight. The bottom flares out as it hits floor and the black feathers that line the skirt are breath taking. I finish my look as I slide on my mask. I take a good look at the girl staring back and I smile.
“OMG, you look amazing!” Sophie says as she pours in the through the door. I turn to look at her and she is gorgeous in a cream ball gown. Her dark hair is tied into a frim up do and her eyes are stunning as she stares out of a gold mask.
“Thanks and you look stunning!” I say as I make my way over to her. We giggle and then we link arms as we head into the lounge. We walk in and my mom is dressed in red and is wearing a black mask. Penelope has on a beautiful silk, pink dress and a white crystal incrusted mask. We smile at each over as we make our way down to car.
“Wow!” Sophie says as she spots our car. My mom turns to me and she has a thick smile on her face. The driver carefully opens the door of the white Rolls Royce and we climb in. The driver hands us a glass of champagne each and my mom cannot hold in her excitement any longer.
“That boyfriend of yours is remarkable!” I laugh at my mom’s words and then the car pulls away.
We arrive at the venue and my nerves begin to show. My mom carefully leads me up the steps of the building and into the large room. There are cheers and laughter as I enter. I glance around the room and everyone I know is here. All my friends, business associates of my dad and even my distant relatives from out of town have graced me with their presence. I take a minute to stare at my surroundings and its beauty stuns me. The room is dark and light softly with candles. There are huge displays of white roses and a stunning band plays soft music. Servers are walking around carrying platte
rs of food and the champagne is flowing. Everywhere I look, there are masks and it is making it difficult for me to find who I am looking for. I begin to scan the room for Adrian but I am yet to see him. Sophie is standing by my side as her feet begin to move with the music.
“Alanna,” I hear a strong voice say as hand briefly caresses my shoulder. I turn around and I am surprised when I see Dr James - at least I think it is him. He is in a black suite and matching mask. His dark hair is in a quiff and his eyes are as black as the night. I smile at him as I begin to say hello.
“James?” I ask quietly. He laughs at me as he slips his mask from his face.
“Yes Alanna, it’s me. Happy birthday.” He says as he pulls me in for a hug. I grip him awkwardly and then I pull back. I glance at Sophie and I feel that James stuns her.
“James this is my friend, Sophie,” James reaches out for her hand as he makes eye contact with her. Sophie blushes and I feel that Dr James might just have a little crush on Sophie. As he holds Sophie’s hand in his, I am reminded of his relationship with Emma. My heart starts to race, as I fear what will happen when Dr James sees her here tonight. What will he do? After all the last time I saw him he told me that he was still in love with her. How will he act when he finds out that she is with Michael? My thought bubble is disturbed as James begins to talk.
“Alanna how have you been,” he asks in soft voice. I try to hide my anxiety as I reply.
“I have been great James and you, how have you been?”
“Yes I am fine. I see that you have met Emma?” My heart rate drops at his words, I glance over to the bar, and there is Emma and Michael. I franticly search for a reply.
“Yes, I hope you don’t mind that she is here?” Dr James smiles as he takes my hand.
“It is fine, Emma and I have talked and I have moved on. Speaking of which would you like to dance?” Dr James says as he holds out his hand for Sophie. She instantly takes him up on his offer and she smiles back at me as he leads her onto the dance floor. I am relieved that he and Emma have worked things out and I am excited about how he seems to feel about Sophie. I watch as they dance and they look like the perfect couple.
I search the room again but I still cannot see Adrian. I frown as I make my way over to the bar.
“What can I get you miss?” The server says as I tap my hand of the surface of the bar.
“Water please,” I again glance around the room but I still cannot see Adrian. I wonder where he is and I wonder what is taking him so long. I jump as I feel a hand on my back. I turn around and I see my dad standing before me. I lunge into his arms and he laughs at my actions.
“Happy birthday,” he says as he lets go of me. I look at my dad and I take in his handsomeness. He is dressed in a black tuxedo and he has opted not to wear a mask. His thick brown hair is flat and his big brown eyes are sparkling in the light.
“Thanks dad,” I say in a smooth voice. One of my dad’s business associates interrupts us.
“Jack just the man I have been looking for.” A tall grey haired man says as he embraces my dad with a handshake. My dad quickly introduces me and then he again wishes me a happy birthday as he heads off with man. I sigh as I turn back around to the bar. I lift my water and I take a sip. I again glance around the room and but I am yet to see Adrian. My mind is going into over drive and I fear the worst. What if he has been hurt, or what if he has decided not come? My heart races, as my emotions spin. I try to compose myself as I see Michael heading in my direction. I smile at him and he is breathtakingly beautiful. Michael has chosen a dark blue suit with a white shirt underneath. His black hair is strangely and his eyes are piercing blue as he stares out from his black mask. He glides over to my side and he gently kisses my cheek as he wishes me a happy birthday. I close my eyes at his touch and I lose myself in his beauty. He orders a scotch as he hands me a little black box. I gaze at him and I cannot hold back my smile.
“What is this?” I say as I lift the box from the surface of the bar. Michael lets out a laugh as he responds.
“Open it and you will find out!” He says as he sips his drink. I again smile at him and then I slowly begin to open the box.
“Michael you shouldn’t have,” I say as I stare at a huge pair of diamond earrings. Michael rolls his eyes at me and then he takes the earrings from the box. I look at him in wonder and then I blush as he gently puts the earrings into my ears. He smiles at me.
“They suit you,” I blush again but I manage to thank him.
“Thanks they are beautiful!” Michael finishes his drink and then he looks as if he has something to say.
“Where is Adrian?” I remember that Adrian is not here and I again scan the crowd for him. I still cannot see him and Michael notices my disappointment.
“He is not here yet.” I confess. Michael narrows his eyes at my words and then he reaches out for my hand.
“Would you like to dance with me, while you wait for Adrian?” I don’t even have to think about it. I instantly grab Michaels hand and he leads me onto the dance floor. Michael pulls me close to him and he slides his hand onto my waist. I blush again at his touch but I manage to compose myself as I take his hand. With my other, I slide it onto his broad shoulder. He smiles at me and then we begin to move the music. I briefly close my eyes as I remember that I dreamt about a night exactly like this one.
“I love this song,” I whisper as I take in the words of Lady Antebellum- need you now.
“Me too,” Michael says as he grips me tighter. I look up at him and I love the way he makes me feel. His hands are strong and safe and I feel like I am different person when I am with him. I stare at him through my mask and I feel that something is bugging him. I gently rub his shoulder as I begin to pry.
“You look tense is everything okay?” Michael rolls his blue eyes and then he gently exhales.
“I have something that I need to say!” My heart sinks as I hear his words. I look at him again.
“What is wrong?” Michael shakes his head.
“Nothing is wrong, I just need to tell you something.” My throat dries as we continue to move with the music. Michael straightens his face and I wait for his revelation.
“Alanna you know how I feel about you, right?” Michael says in smooth voice. I do not reply with words I simple nod in agreement.
“Good I am glad that you understand, but that is what I have to talk to you about.”
“Okay, I am listening,” I say in quiet tone.
“From the very first moment that I saw you I have been addicted to your beauty. I love everything about you and in my eyes there will never be another girl quite like you.”
“Michael…” I say but he prevents me from speaking my mind as he gently pushes my lip with his finger.
“You need to let me finish,” he says firmly. I again nod to him and he continues.
“You mean the world to me Alanna and you will always have a special place in my heart. However, I know that you do not love me in same way as I do you. I know that you love Adrian and I can see that he makes you happy. My heart cannot stand another beating from my pain as I say these words. I feel that it is time for me to let you go. You have been through so much and I know that my feelings for you cause you heartache. Now is when I have to set you free. I have a chance for happiness with Emma and I am going to take a risk on her. I am sorry Alanna but I cannot do this anymore.” I gasp at his words and I cannot breathe. I do not want to hear these words and I cannot think of losing him. I gaze at him and I cannot hold back my protests.
“Michael you can’t break up with me,” I instantly feel stupid at my words. I am not with Michael therefore he cannot break up with me. Michael looks at me in amazement.
“Alanna that’s crazy,”
“I know it sounds crazy but that’s how I feel. I feel as if you are breaking up with me. I feel like your girlfriend and I feel that you are breaking my heart. I cannot lose you Michael. I care about you so much and I… need you. Please don’t leave me!” M
ichael smiles at me as he gently touches my cheek with his finger.
“Alanna you won’t lose me.” I shake my head violently at his words.
“No, you wouldn’t be saying this if you weren’t about to leave my life!” I snap. Michael clutches my face in both of his hands and I try to hold back my tears.
“Listen to me, you won’t lose me. I am just giving you the space that you need to be with the man that you love. You deserve happiness and as hard as it for me to say this, Adrian is the right bloke for you.” I close my eyes so that I don’t have to look into his eyes as he breaks my heart.
“Alanna open your eyes,” Michael says in smooth voice. I reluctantly open my eyes and I focus them on his.
“Michael I feel as if… I love you,” I choke out as Michael smirks at me.
“Alanna I know that you love me. However, the love you have is purely platonic; Adrian is your one true love. You need to be with him and please do not worry about me. Emma is a wonderful girl and I feel strongly for her. I will still be in your life Alanna; you cannot get rid of me that easily.” I gently laugh at his smug words and then I shift my hand onto his face. We are standing very close as we clasp each other’s faces in our hands. Michael’s sweet breath is tickling my forehead and our noses are lightly touching as he bends to me level. I hold him tightly and I almost want to kiss him. I have to hold back my urge as I reply to his words.
“Promise me that you will remain my friend!” Michael smiles at me.
“Taking that bullet for you was the best decision of my life. I will always be your friend Alanna,” I stare at him as a gentle tear drips from my eye.
“Kiss me,” I whisper. I close my eyes as I await his lips and there they are. His full, soft lips are on mine and they feel amazing. His hand is on my hair and I tightly grip onto his back. I squeeze him, as our lips remain connected. Michael pulls back from me and I gently open my eyes.
“That was the perfect way to say goodbye!” He says as he strokes my hair, I smile at him and then I hear shouting.
“Alanna!” I hear a husky voice say, as I break free from Michael. My heart drops as I see Adrian heading over in our direction. My heart races as I realise how that must have looked. Adrian is striding over with plenty pace and his eyes are raging. He is dressed in a black Armani suit and a mask to match. I cannot breathe as he stands before me. I realise that I need to explain and fast.
Three Thousand Miles - Jealousy (book #2 of Three Thousand Miles Series) Page 36