by Ines Vieira
“Yes, well, I’m sure under different circumstances that would be the case. Unfortunately, there will be a guest that some members of this family might not enjoy bumping elbows with.”
“Please tell me you didn’t? Please tell me you’re not talking about Olivia?” I beg, all of a sudden imagining how this night just got a million times more complicated to endure.
“Unfortunately, I’m unable to. She’s made some influential friends who are also invited and decor prevented me from keeping her off the guest list. I hate to have her tantrum at not attending tonight’s festivities on my hands.”
“Since when are you interested in Olivia’s happiness?”
“Happiness? Dear child, don’t be absurd. Her happiness is of no consequence. I just want her content. A content Olivia is less troublesome. You know how I detest troublesome people. So be a dear and indulge her when she’s present at the house and if it all possible keep certain people clear of her once she arrives. Other than that, I’m sure you can handle this little nuisance for it not to reach my ear, can’t you?” Gran asks implying the nuisance will be how my mother will react in the presence of such a guest.
“Yes.”
“Good. I can always count on your discretion,” she looks at me thoughtfully and for a millisecond, I think I see sorrow.
“You have been discreet in all areas, haven’t you, child? I’d hate to learn you’ve been more than forthcoming to anyone outside our household.” Clear steel eyes look into mine searching to see some sort of acknowledgment to her insinuation.
“Now Gran, you taught me that even the walls have ears. Is it wise for you to be talking about past events in front of a full room?” I smirk throwing back at her the few words of wisdom she has imparted with me over the years.
“Touché, my beloved grandson. Your quick understanding of how things work has always made you stick out from the fold, making you my favorite grandchild. You know how words hold power, so they should always be spoken with purpose and secrets should always maintain in their true form as they were intended. To be kept secret.”
I just nod, not wanting to prolong this type of questioning. I understand her well enough and don’t need her to spell it out for me. Like a true Kingpin, my grandmother is making it clear that family business is just that. Family business. I should hold my tongue in regards to any secrets my grandmother feels will tarnish my family’s reputation. The thing is if I thought divulging any secret I may have would only harm my grandparents’ business, I wouldn’t care one iota. But some secrets were just a bit more twisted to their very root and good people would be looked at differently should these secrets see the light of day. For years I have put my past behind me, but ever since I moved back to New York, it seems they haunt me.
“Secrets are like people, Quaid. Some are harder to control than others,” she continues on this time fixing her eyes on mom.
“Your mother is a great example. While Olivia is manageable, even if at times inconvenient, she knows how to play the game to survive in our world as opposed to Taylor, who doesn’t care either way. All she needs is you and Craig and that makes her a wild card I didn’t expect. No money or promises of wealth will ever make her do anything I say or bow down to my will and that’s the risk I took when I let my son marry for love.”
I sincerely doubt that my grandmother had input on who my dad decided to marry. My parents were destined to be together and not even my grandmother could have torn them apart. I keep those thoughts to myself. No use in throwing what is painfully obvious in my grandmother’s face if she refuses to acknowledge it.
“I prefer gold diggers and socialites that need security for their lifestyle. Call it what you will, but women like that are easy enough to be dealt with,” she continues on looking over to where Jess and my mom are sitting, conspiringly laughing with each other.
“That one right there will only give me migraines, I’m sure of it. Her kind always does and I rather not house another non submissive family member.”
“I think you’re getting ahead of yourself, grandmother. Jess and I are just dating,” I playoff, not wanting Jess to be caught in my grandmother’s attention for too long.
“Tsk Tsk, Quaid. We’ve never lied to each other, so please don’t start now. The girl sitting next to your mother is her mirror image in all ways, as are you are your father’s. She’d have you tomorrow if you asked even if you were as dirt poor.”
“You can’t know that based on a couple of hours. And anyway, we’re still in college so you shouldn’t concern yourself,” I spat, trying hard to show some sort of callousness. I don’t like the way Gran is eyeing Jess like she’s a pesky mosquito that needs to be squashed before it can do any harm.
“Ah dear boy, there you go again. Lies are all around us as it is, do not pollute the air with your own. I’ll let you have this fling. Hopefully, this infatuation will leave your system sooner rather than later. But should it not, I’ll deal with it when the time comes,” she patronizingly pats me on the shoulder and walks away as if she didn’t just tell me that my days with Jess were already in countdown mode in her mind. My grandmother does hold power, just not over me. I’ve also learned a few things growing up as a Stevens, and even though my grandmother wishes she was the one at the head of the wheel when it came to deciding anything in her family’s lives, my dad showed me another way to deal with it. I only relinquish my individuality and my choice if I show I need their approval. I’ve learned from my dad this is something no one can achieve, therefore it shouldn’t matter if I have it or not. So, let them feel the way they feel without my nontraditional input to sway their attention to me even further. At the end of the day, I’ll do what I want. I know my cousins probably don’t have the same luxury seeing as they don’t have the same role models for dealing with my grandparents as I do. Again, I am blessed in having the parents I do. Mom and dad have shown me that the only person who can have any say in how I go on about my life is me and only me.
But that’s another lie, isn’t it?
I look over to Jess who is now not only accompanied by my mother but has also grabbed my father’s attention. They are laughing away at something dad said, and I can’t help but think that these three people have just the same influence in my life as I do. Yes, I may know where I want to go, but they also lead me. My parents, from the moment I was born, have loved and cared for me. They have made sacrifices upon sacrifices to make sure I’m a well-adjusted individual. Teaching me the difference between what’s right and wrong and embedding in me the will to follow my dream. No matter how high the jump, I knew they would always be on the ground to catch me if I fell. And now, I’ve got Jess, too. The girl who will always challenge me. The girl that will make me dance at a frat party one night and make me flash cards to study the next. While my parents molded me into the person I am today; I’m positive that Jess is going to mold me into the man I want to become.
So, let my grandmother have her illusions that she has any say about my relationship with Jess. She’s in for a rude awakening. There is nothing she can do to stop what destiny has already put in motion. If mom was put on this earth for dad, then I’m positive Jess was put in it for me.
There is only one person who can do serious harm to both relationships and apparently, she’s making an appearance tonight. I just have to make sure to keep Olivia away from both mom and Jess. During my grandmother’s rant, there was just one thing I agreed on with her. Some secrets should be kept secret. Mom is going to have a hard enough time being in the same room as that woman. Jess might also not be too happy with her presence for different and unjustifiable reasons, but it will be enough for her to keep her distance.
At least, I hope.
Chapter 23
Jess
“You look beautiful.”
“You’ve said that already,” I smile teasingly.
“Well, I can’t stop. I’ve never seen you look so grown up, and that dress is killing me,” Quaid hums in my ear as we sway f
rom side to side in the makeshift dance floor.
“So, in other words, I clean up nice, is what’s you’re saying?” I raise an eyebrow trying my darndest to hold a stern look but failing miserably in the presence of such adoration.
“Nice is not the word I would use. Mouth-watering, yes. Nice, no,” he smugly replies.
“Well, it’s too soon to leave, so you better quench your thirst somewhere else.” Quaid chuckles and the vibration makes my whole body come to life. I love how carefree he is around me, even in the midst of all these people. We carry on dancing and my head finds the perfect spot on his chest to lull me into contentment. Taylor had whisked me away this afternoon after the most uncomfortable family meal I ever attended. She wanted to find a dress for tonight’s occasion and ended up buying a white shoulder-less one for me. Since Quaid picked me up from my dorm room, he hasn’t been able to look away or keep his hands off for one minute.
Luckily Izzy was in a good enough mood to do my hair and makeup, but that was about as much of the old energetic Izzy that I was able to get Both she and Drew have been sulking in corners, and I’m growing tired of their cagey behavior. I’ll give them spring break to get their asses in check and come clean with whatever’s bothering them. I’ve been patient enough, and a true friend would have already called them out on it. Both are lucky that the boy in front of me has taken so much of my focus.
Speaking of which, why are we no longer swaying?
“Quaid? You okay? You look a bit pale,” I tell him looking up at his ghostly complexion.
“I’m fine, babe. Let’s go and see we can find my folks for a minute.” I nod and follow him off the dance floor. His neck is stiff as a board as he scans the crowd looking for his intended target. Once he sees his dad, he relaxes some, but not fully.
“Dad do you know where mom is?”
“I think she went to get something to drink. If I’m not mistaken your mom is on a mission to leave here tipsy before the night is through,” his dad smirks, holding his own scotch.
“Maybe she’s got the right idea,” Quaid deadpans.
“Maybe,” his dad replies, looking intently behind our shoulder.
“Dad, can you stay with Jess for a minute while I go and grab a drink for us? Hopefully, I’ll run into mom on the way,” he says, If I didn’t know any better, I’d think there was another meaning to this sudden proposed chaperone.
“Of course. I haven’t had the pleasure of having Jess all to myself yet. I’ll be the most envied man here,” Quaid’s dad says appeasing his son.
“Well, don’t get too comfortable with the title. I like the fact I’m holding that crown tonight,” Quaid goads and kisses my forehead.
“Well, aren’t I in the presence of Plymouth’s finest charmers? Go get your drink and come back quickly. I intend on finishing our dance, Quaid Stevens. So, march to it.” He lowers just enough to give me a soft kiss and parts in search of his mom and some liquid courage. Apparently attending fancy soirees like this one means every attendee has carte blanche to drink themselves silly with Dom Perignon, no matter the age.
“I like how you handle him, Jess. I don’t believe I have ever seen my son dance and smile at the same time. You have a way with him,” Quaid’s dad says pulling my attention to him.
“I like to see him smile,” I say, thinking how Quaid shines brighter when he’s relaxed and truly happy. He’s always so serious, so focused in every little detail, that I can’t help but get a warm feeling in my chest when all his somberness evaporates the moment I walk in a room. It’s as if I hold the key to all his troubles and he can just let go of them just so he can enjoy me fully. The feeling alone of having such an effect on a person is overwhelming, but having that effect on Quaid feels like a privilege that I won’t take for granted. Ever. If I’m the star that guides his light, then he is the sun that warms my entire existence. What I do for him, he gives it back to me by tenfold. It’s that little piece of heaven that I can visit where I don’t have to be strong or hard. I can just be a girl in love with a boy. In love with a boy that loves her right back. If there is such a place as heaven, then I’m sure it looks a lot like this.
Of course, we’ve never actually said the words. Those three words that most girls yearn to hear from their better half are still locked away. I’m not sure when it happened for either of us, but I know in my gut that although those words have yet to be uttered, it doesn’t mean love isn’t already on the table with us. If I feel his love, does it make it less real because three little words are yet to be said out loud? Aren’t actions and how we care for each other more valuable than words said within four walls?
“So, do I, my dear girl. So, do I,” Craig answers looking intently at me, and I feel as if he’s reading me like a book with a mischievous grin and a knowing gleam in his eyes.
“Now, since my wife kidnapped you this afternoon and my son doesn’t seem to like being away from you for too long, I’m going to take advantage of our limited time together. I want to know all about you. My son has gone to great lengths in telling me that he’s got a future Nobel Peace Prize winner as his intended, and I for one want to know more about your ventures. I always thought my son would be a candidate for such a prestigious award, but by his account, you’re the person I should bet my chips on. And please do not say Quaid has exaggerated on your achievements. We both know our boy is not the exaggerating type.”
I blush at the compliment and start to disclose the list of institutions, charities and activist labors I’m currently dabbling in. I also tell him how Quaid has been instrumental in giving me my little army to back me up. If it wasn’t for them, I could not have accomplished a quarter of it. It’s still astounding for me to see that there are so many kids like me that have the same perseverance and dedication to change the world we live in for the better.
I’m so passionately recalling this list, that I don’t even realize when Craig and I seem to have an audience.
“Yes, you are a true go-getter aren’t you, Jessica?” Grant snarks and I see a tall, grey-haired gentleman at his side inspecting me.
“So, I guess this party wasn’t as exclusive as I thought,” I mumble under my breath seeing the similarities between Grant and the gentleman greeting Craig. With the same tight jaw and air of superiority around him, he can only be his father. I guess he’s not Satan’s spawn after all.
“Jessica this is Sebastian Marshall, and I see you are already acquainted with his son, Grant,” Craig introduces, but it seems that neither man is on his BFF list.
“A pleasure, young lady,” the senior Marshall replies with a slight nod to his head in acknowledgment.
“I must say, I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation and was quite impressed with all your attributes. I was just telling Grant how you were the perfect example of the partner he should strive to find if he’s serious in seeking a political career.” I almost choke on my own saliva at the mere idea of Grant and me together.
“I think I just threw up in my mouth,” I whisper but Grant raises an eyebrow showing he heard my rebuttal.
“Like I said, this one is taken. Craig’s son here basically called dibs right from the get-go.” I want to curse him out just for that little comment alone, but I bite my tongue hoping it’s enough to hold my temper in check. This is a party being held in Quaid’s family home, so I don’t want to shame any of my hosts by bitch slapping Grant for saying a man could dictate a woman’s right to choose whomever she wanted, based on the idiotic notion of a man placing dibs on her.
“Well on you then, Craig. Quaid has always been a clever boy. He no doubt will go a long way if he continues to make such poignant decisions. Grant here, however, has yet to impress me in this regard,” Marshall senior continues, and I see that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Can I fault Grant for being such a dick when his father is twice the arrogant prick he is?
“Yes well, I’m sure my son’s affection towards our lovely Jessica had more to do with heart then lo
gic. You feel what you feel and there isn’t much the brain can do to alter it,” Craig affirms stoically. I look over at Grant to give him a smirk of my own, but he looks uncomfortable in continuing with our topic.
“Affection and feelings are for the naïve, not for businessmen like us, Craig,” Sebastian Marshall sweeps in with his own romantic spin and faces me once more.
“This young lady will testify to that, won’t you? Grant was just telling me how you also work at the DiStefano. Maybe Quaid was led by his anatomy, but this girl before us was not. Again, very impressive. If you are bound to work in the hospitality industry might as well work in the finest hotel New York has to offer, am I right? And with Quaid as your way in, why not take advantage of his influence to cast some of your own. Again, such a shame you don’t have a twin for my boy here. He sure would have benefited from such a shrewd business-minded young woman.”
Every word that is coming out of Grant’s father’s mouth is making me cringe, but his one statement on Quaid being my way in to the DiStefano is irking me like nobody’s business.
“I don’t mean to sound obtuse, but what do you mean about Quaid having any sort of influence at my place of employment?” My tone is dry to the point of me being unable to camouflage well enough how distasteful I find the man before me. Hell, I almost feel sorry for Grant to have grown up with such a shithead. No wonder he’s got such a stick up his ass. His father probably planted it in him from birth.
“Now, now young lady. No need to be coy. We’re all grownups here and know fully well how the world works. Do not be offended by my admiration. I have three girls of my own and have educated them to be just as ambitious. It is after all good business sense to get the feel of Quaid’s portfolio. Check out all the businesses he will surely have to take over in the future, once Debora and James step down. I doubt Donovan’s kids would be up for the challenge, but a powerhouse couple like you and Quaid, I’m positive the decision will tip your way. No doubt in my mind.”