by Mel Ryle
“Can you let it go? I know you want to talk. But after that little incident of yours, you made it difficult for me to know what to talk to you,” I paused and regard his expression. “How about we put it off the next time we meet, if I have time for it?” I offered half-heartedly, lying smoothly about seeing him again.
“What’s wrong with now?”
“Now, we are in an event, and I have a job to do. So, can we just…”
“William, is there something wrong here dear?” Suddenly, a sophisticated woman approached us, interrupting our conversation.
William turned towards the woman in surprise but gathered his expression before she could look at him from his lack of response. “Mother. You’re here early,” he greeted the woman warmly and gave her a light kiss in the cheeks.
I stood there, watching them exchange a few pleasantries like a statue. Mother? Did he say mother? I studied the woman for a moment, eying her familiar blonde hair and light blue eyes. The air around her had a familiar confidence that I always see coming from Alexandra.
“I’m sorry for not introducing you. This is Andy, Alexandra’s secretary,” William gestured towards me, snapping me out of trance.
“Is this the Andy she’d been talking about?” she studied me for a second before she turned to ask William.
“Alex told you about her?” he asked back in surprise.
“Well, she told me something about a girl that you can’t seem to get your eyes off. And, I can see why…” she replied, but trailed off as she glanced at me with a tight smile.
Why did I always end up in seriously awkward situations when it comes to a Maxwell?
Forty-Two
“I’m going inside, dear. I’ll see you later,” Mrs. Maxwell said as she lightly patted the back of her son and gave me a stiff nod.
I nodded back in reply. I watched her walk away as a few men in black suits followed behind her. When she was out of sight, I visibly let out a sigh of relief from the tension. I can’t believe I’ve met another Maxwell even though she married into one.
“I should go inside now. I’ll see you later, Mr. Maxwell,” I quietly said and walked in the direction that Mrs. Maxwell left.
Before he could reply, I walked away from him towards the entrance of the venue. In my peripheral vision, I saw him reach out to me but backed away as a handful of people entered the lobby. A few of them greeted William, which halted him from approaching me.
As I entered the double doors, I was stopped by the view in front of me. The last time I was here, we were by a veranda overlooking a golf field. There were series of lights that hung above the tables set in a small portion of the field. It looked we were in a different, enchanted world, creating an ethereal feel to the scenery as the sun hides behind the distant hill.
“Andy, you’re here. And, wow! The dress really suits you,” Maggie interrupted me in my awed stated.
“Oh! Maggie… Thank you,” I mumbled shyly and looked up in her direction.
“Many of the guests are arriving and we should finish with all the last detail…” she leaned and whispered as a few people walked by.
I moved out of the way and nodded in agreement. Maggie led me towards the waiting staff for the evening as she briefed them about tonight. I stood by her, mostly listening and helping out with the instructions. When Alexandra arrived, we called in the event’s host to get ready to start the event.
In tonight’s charity gala, it would contain an auction, performances, and a speech from the head of the charity, which William is representing instead of his sister. I was startled when I saw that on the list. Because from the start to finish, Alexandra had the final word to all the decision for tonight, I assumed she would do it.
When it started, I felt a tingling excitement since I’ve never been to a high-profile event. The earpiece radio I had on made me look like I was a part of security for the president, which Maggie informed me that it was to communicate easily since we’ll be positioning in different side of the room to operate and watch over the flow of the event. I finally felt the weight of things that are under my responsibility tonight.
While I stood by the right corner, watching casually on the performers on stage as the guests ate their dinner, a waitress approached me with a confused look. I looked at her for a second and thought of a counter-measure if it was a problem, but I guessed wrong.
“Excuse me, Miss. Mr. Maxwell is calling you to his table,” she said with little confidence.
“What does he want?” I asked almost angrily from the sound of his name. It had become a reflex reaction.
“He only told me to call you, ma’am,” she replied softly, taken aback my expression.
I studied her for a second and felt guilty for reacting rudely. I gave her a small smile as an apology. I looked for Maggie and made a quick report over the headset, telling her I was going over to William’s table by his request. She gave me a nod in reply.
When I reached William’s table, I internally cringed looking at the people who were seated at his table. If he was going to make a scene here, I don’t know how I’m going to recover from it.
“Andy, good you’re finally here,” Alexandra greeted me and gestured me to come closer to their table.
“Is there something you need from me, Ms. Maxwell?” I asked softly, a little puzzled to know that she used her brother’s name to call for me.
“Yes, can you cover for one of the contestants tonight?” she asked with a sweet smile.
“No. She can’t. You know she has work to do,” William answered before I could open my mouth. I quickly glanced at his direction and then back to her again.
“It’s only for a while, Maggie can handle things,” Alexandra said as she turned towards her brother. “Are you scared that someone might buy her off?” she added after studying her brother’s unwavering expression.
“What are we talking about, Ms. Maxwell?” I asked softly. I’m glad it was low enough that only she could hear.
“One of the contestants for tonight’s date auction can’t attend. I want you to cover for it, if you don’t mind,” she replied, turning towards me with a light expression.
Then it hit me. She was asking me about being a candidate for one of the main event tonight. The date auction. Ten girls volunteered themselves to be auctioned off for one date. I can’t believe something like that was for real. I thought it only happened in movies.
“Wait, you want me to replace one of the girls for the…” I asked, but trailed off as someone interrupted.
“You don’t have to do it,” William said, finally addressing me.
I raised one of my eyebrows after those words left his mouth. “I’ll do it, Ms. Maxwell. It would be my pleasure,” I replied with more volume to make my resolve clear.
“Good. After dinner, you know where to go,” she stated with a nod and gave me an encouraging smile.
“Okay. I need go back to my post if you don’t have any more concerns. Have a good evening,” I said with a brief nod and retreated from the table as I watched William’s eyes grew wide in understanding to what I just said.
I felt relieved that he didn’t stand up from the table and followed me. He had been doing a lot of those embarrassing things lately. It was like he had nothing to lose. While I waited for the much-awaited event that I’m going to be participating, I made a few and quick glances at William’s table. He seemed to have lost his enthusiasm for the event and I have an idea why.
I made a quick turn around the venue and passed by the small bar area on opposite end of the stage to say hi to Jack, who was bartending.
“How’s your night? You look lovely, by the way,” he asked after I give him a stiff greeting.
“It’s going well, I think. And, the dress is borrowed. So, this loveliness is only a one-night thing,” I replied with a chuckle. “Can I get a glass of something alcoholic please?”
“Sure. Do you want your favorite?” he asked as he grabbed the nearest glass from him.
> “Yes, please.”
“Tell me. Why did you agree to do the auction thing?” William suddenly slipped on the stool beside me, making me jump in surprise.
“What the…? How the hell did you get here so fast?” I asked in shock and confusion as I looked back at the table he sat from the last time I’ve checked.
“Don’t sidetrack me and just answer the question,” he replied wearily and gestured to the other bartender for a drink.
“Well, she said she need some help, and I’m free,” I replied nonchalantly like the question was an obvious one.
William snorted at my reply and turned towards me after the bartender gave him a glass of whiskey or ice tea, I wouldn’t know the difference. “Oh please, I know you’re only doing it to annoy the hell out of me.”
“Excuse me.”
“You were about to reject her offer, but when you saw my face, you change your mind. It was written all over your face, Andy.”
“And, you believe whatever you see…”
“You know I’ll bid if you stand there tonight.”
Before I could give him any comment or reply, Jack appeared in front of us with my drink in hand. He gave William a quick once over before handing me my drink. He didn’t linger as another guest approached the bar.
“So… what is it?” he asked after I took a small sip on my glass.
“What is what?” I countered in refined innocent.
“Do you really want me to make another scene tonight? I could get another date from you when I win that bid.”
“Or maybe, someone would outbid you,” I offered in the same tone and quickly got down the high stool chair as I left William by himself.
When it’s time for the date auction, I’m starting to regret agreeing to it. It hadn’t crossed my mind that I would be standing in front a lot of people like an object with people bid on me. At least there was one person who would bid for me. The idea didn’t dwell on my nerves.
“Andy, you’re here. Can I talk to you?” Alexandra suddenly appeared outside the door by the waiting room for the volunteer.
I turned towards her in surprise and made my way towards her. “Ms. Maxwell. Is there something you need?” I asked out of courtesy.
“No, I just want to talk to you for a while,” she replied with a small smile. “We can talk at the veranda on the other wing,” she added as she gestured for me to follow her.
I was about to interrupt and refuse since the auction was about to start but stopped as she continued to walk away. I followed silently behind her as I gave Maggie a quick call, telling her that I’ll be gone for a second.
When we reached the veranda she mentioned, I didn’t realize it was the same veranda we had lunch a few days ago. She didn’t look back at me as she sat down on the farthest chair. As she finally settled down, she looked up and gestured towards me it seat on the chair on her left. I followed and sat down.
There was a short and definite silence before I finally spoke. “What is it do you want to talk about, Ms. Maxwell?”
She looked at me and smiled. “Nothing. I only called you here so that you’ll miss the auction.”
“What? But, didn’t you ask me to…”
“Maggie had that one covered. I only asked you just to get a reaction out of William,” she admitted without embarrassment.
I couldn’t believe she used me again. “Why would you do that?”
She smirked at my question, unaffected by my reaction. “That’s because my brother is stubborn.”
“Ms. Maxwell, I’m so sorry if I’m going to be direct; but, why are you doing all of this? The bet? Now this? I don’t get it.”
“I want to see my brother admit his feelings,” she replied softly, like this answer was opening a different side of her, a softer, vulnerable side. “I think you know what I mean here.”
“Actually, I don’t. William isn’t someone to hide his emotions. I think, from the moment we met, he had been very verbal about it.”
“I see… So, it’s just us who he doesn’t say anything about…” she trailed off in understanding.
“Ms. Maxwell, I think you should talk to William about it. If you want him to tell you something, you can just tell him to spit it out. It worked out well for me,” I suggested with a grin, remembering a few of our quarrels.
“Thank you for that advice,” she nodded and gave me a small smile.
“No problem,” I gave her a curt nod and stood up from my seat. “I think I should go back since Maggie is taking my place, who would be taking over hers,” I made a quick retreat and gave her a short wave before heading back to the venue.
Before turning away from her, I saw her gave me an encouraging smile. I didn’t spare her another glance since I had to get back to work. If my calculations were right, it was already Maggie’s turn on the stage. But as I make my way back, I was halted in the lobby when I saw William standing by the reception desk, breathless for some reason. He was asking something to the receptionist. When the man didn’t know the answer to his question, he slammed a fist on the table between them. The receptionist flinched at the sound.
“Hey! Don’t throw a tantrum at other people just because they don’t know a damn thing you just ask from…” I exclaimed in annoyance as I marched towards him. William turned towards me in surprise and quickly pulled me towards him in a bear hug, stopping me mid-rant.
“Thank goodness you backed down from that bloody auction,” he stated in relief, his warm breath caressing my cheek as he kept me in his embrace.
“You can let go of me now,” I suggested when he continued to hold me a second longer.
“Just give me my moment, please,” He squeezed me tighter.
“William, I can’t breathe,” I choked in protest as I tried to wiggle out of him.
“It’s not that tight, Andy,” William stated in thick sarcasm as he let go of me. “Now, can you breathe?” he asked as he held me at arm’s length.
“No. You’re still in my personal space.”
He chuckled at my lame joke but didn’t make any signs of letting his hand go. “So, what changed your mind?”
“I didn’t. Your sister told me that it wasn’t really real,” I admitted with a snort.
“Right. That I can see,” he agreed with a grin. “Do you want to go back to the party?” he asked after a short pause.
“I think so. I still have a job to do,” I replied abruptly and stepped away from him, eying the entrance to the venue of the party.
“Okay. Then, let me escort you inside,” He looped my arm around his as he regained my attention to him while I eyed him curiously.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea…” I pointed as he started to drag me back.
“Don’t be so shy, Andy. Almost everyone in that room notice William eying you for most of the night.” Alexandra suddenly came up right behind us, making both of us turn.
“Alex, what are you doing here?” William asked in surprise.
“I just took a little stroll away from the lime light,” she replied with a grin as she walked pass us back to the party.
We both trailed our eyes on her as she made her way back. And as her distance between us grew, I couldn’t help but smile as I remember our little chat. I hope she’ll take my advice and finally leave me alone with her scheming plans to make William talk to her.
“Why are you smiling like that?” William suddenly asked, breaking the short silence between us.
“Oh, nothing. I just know something you don’t,” I pointed out and grinned as I recall my conversation with Alexandra a few minutes ago.
Forty-Three
After William and I rejoined the event, I walked up to Maggie who recently finished her turn in the auction. I gave her a small encouraging smile when I saw the man who won the bid. The guy doesn’t look bad, which was a plus.
“You’re doing great. I promise. Do you know who bid for you?” I asked out of curiosity as I eyed the man from the sides.
“I know hi
m. He’s one of William’s associates. Mr. Kinsley, he is an executive at a marketing company. He’s around forty something, which I guess is not really true from the gray on his hair, but I can say that the man is good. I think I could live a day knowing that I’m not having a date with a perverted old man,” she mumbled in reply, a nervous tone rising up from her controlled façade.
“You’ll be alright, Maggie. If you want, I can introduce you to someone who’s on the adventurous and dark side.” I offered as I wiggled my eyebrows in enthusiasm.
“And who is this man you’re referring to?” she asked with pure curiosity.
“Come with me,” I grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the direction of the bar.
When we reached the bar counter, I asked for the other bartender to call Jack, who had amazingly disappeared when I needed him. As we waited, William took the opportunity to join us. He looked bored with the company he had at his table.
“Here for another drink?” he asked as he raised his other hand with an almost empty glass, signaling the young bartender to get him for another glass.
“No, what are you drinking?” I replied and asked out of curiosity.
“Whiskey,” he answered as the bartender gave him a new glass.
I didn’t comment on that when Jack finally arrived. “Hey, Andy. Do you need me with something?” he asked as he approached us while holding a rag and a glass in hand, cleaning it.
“Are you busy?” I asked out of courtesy as I eyed his slow handiwork.
“No, I’m just finishing cleaning this last one,” he replied and placed the glass on the bar counter.
“Good,” I nodded once to myself. “I would like you to meet, Maggie. Maggie, this is Jack, he owns a famous bar named Black Jack,” I said as sweetly as I can, tugging Maggie elbow lightly when I felt her take a step back.
William eyed the two beside me as he watched the interaction happened. I glared at his direction when he was about to interrupt. But he didn’t. Instead, he closed his mouth and took another sip of his drink. I took note on that and allowed the two to properly introduce themselves. When I felt the need to leave them, I grabbed William’s elbow and pulled him away from the bar counter.