Beautiful Life

by Bruce Thomas

  "You claim to hate him, so you use his stuff," I stated watching him while

  he drove. His movements were precise and practiced in the heavy traffic.

  "I use his stuff because I hate him," he claimed with one side of his lips turning up. "And because I can." He had looked over at me with that boyish grin that made my stomach swirl. It confused me how I could feel that sort of things towards him, though I couldn't stand him. I mean, we were getting along in some type of way but that doesn't mean we're now bffs. Did I even want to be friends with Fred?

  I had to stay away from him, I knew this. He was bad news, Anne had said so. That was written on every face he walked passed, by their avoidance in eye contact and the way they made themselves look smaller compare to his towering frame. But he didn't seem so scary to me.

  Yes, if you would have asked me about a month ago I would tell you he was a spoiled brat who didn't care about anyone but himself, and I would still tell you that, but I saw another side of Fred on top of the roof, a side that I wanted to see more often.

  I watched him almost in shock as he made his way over to me.

  "What are you doing here?" I asked him, looking around to see questioning eyes watching him make his way in front of me.

  He stopped about a foot from me, completely oblivious to the looks we were getting. I could almost read their minds. What's a guy like that talking to a girl like her?

  "Um," he said seeming caught off guard though I wouldn't know why. It was a perfectly normal question to ask a guy who seemed to always be lurking around places he had no right being in. He shoved his hands into his pockets, only to retract one to hook behind his neck, massaging the muscle. If I knew better I would say he was nervous.

  I waited patiently for him to answer. "Um, I was just wondering..."

  "Wondering what?" I pushed. What was his problem? To be honest I would take nervous Fred over rude Fred anyday. Maybe I should let him bask in his nerves longer... "Look Fred, I'm kind of in a rush--"

  "Will you come with me to a dinner party?" His words came out in a rush, slurring together. I froze.

  "W-what?" Out of all the things I thought he would say to me this was not something that crossed my mind. "My dad, he's the CEO of his business branch and he's throwing this damn party at his house on Saturday and I'm being forced into going." He ran his hand down his neck and across his face wiping a few leftover drops of rain that slid down his hood and onto his nose. He watched me while I waited for him to finish. "Seeming that you probably have nothing better to do--"

  "I could have something better to do," I defended by instinct.

  Fred sighed and looked to the side as if he was contemplating something. "You know what, forget it. I don't know why I thought to ask you."

  "Is that what you were doing? Asking me to come as your human shield to your father?" I bit my lip to suppress my amusement. He pushed his hood back with frustration and turned his hard eyes on me. I took a step back, trying my hardest not to show the affect they had on me. I was just trying to mess with him like he does with me but he seemed to be serious and not liking the ball in my court.

  He

  ran a hand over his damp hair making it stick up in every direction. "Forget it." He turned on his heels and started down the sidewalk where he came from.

  Shoot. Way to go Anna, you really know how to get 'em. "Fred," I called making him stop. He watched me over his shoulder as I approached him. I couldn't decipher the look on his face when I made my way to him. It was mix between annoyance and something that made me almost choke on my words: vulnerability.

  "Considering I happen to not have anything going on this Saturday..." I can't believe I was agreeing to this. I sighed annoying all the warning bells going off in my head. "What should I wear?" A dazzling smile appeared on Fred's face. Momentarily I forgot how to breathe. He really was breathtaking when he smiled like that. What made me smile back was that it was directed at me. "I'll pick you up around 7," he said while backing away and readjusting the hood over his hair. I looked up towards the sky in exasperation in time for a raindrop to land on my forehead.

  "Oh and Anna," he called making me stop walking in the opposite direction and cock an eyebrow at him. "Wear a dress."

  My stomach fluttered at the way he said that. His eyes glinted with mischief and his smirk told me he meant to cause it. I didn't bother to shout anything back because I didn't want to give anyone else anymore reason to look our way. Plus my mind couldn't put together a string of coherent words. I watched him jog his way to his black SUV down the street and drive off.

  * * * *

  It was already Saturday

  and I had already tried on several dresses. "I like the black one," Janet praised. She was seated in my computer chair painting her nails a fiery red.

  "Since you won't tell me where you are going, I can only assume that the black dress will be appropriate for anything." She looked at me with annoyance.

  I could lie and tell her I had date but then that would lead to more question such as who it was with and why.

  This was definitely not a date. This was just me helping out a friend. Like I have been told many times, Fred doesn't date.

  I didn't even like Fred. Most of the time. I looked at myself in my tall mirror on the back of my bedroom door. The black material was flattering to my curves and draped across my hips giving the illusion that I actually had a waist. The neckline wasn't too plunging but the girls could still be seen.

  I looked over at the red dress laying on my bed and agreed with my roommate. The black one was safe. "So I'm going to take that as you're not going to tell me?" Janet twirled around once in my computer chair, her wet finger nails in the air, and stopped in front of me to give me a pouty lip. I shook my head finding this fun, trying my best to keep the grin off my face.

  She sighed and got up from the chair. "Fine, be that way." She walked behind me and helped zipped me up. "Thank you," I said smoothing down the front of the dress. I was feeling nervous on how tonight would go. No doubt Fred would be even more awful considering we would be around his father but then again that was why I was coming; to help

  with that. Though I don't see how me being there was going to help him out.

  When Fred showed up about a quarter after 7, I walked around his car to the passenger side. I didn't expect him to get out and open the door for me, but I was doing him a favor in coming. The least he could do was be polite.

  When I shut the car door Fred didn't even say a hello. He pulled away from the curb the second my seatbelt was on and we made our way out of the city. I watched him from the corner of my eye while he drove. He wore a white button up shirt that looked a little too small but made him look incredible, hugging his torso and biceps. Every time he slammed on the horn the faAnnac pulled carving out the muscle.

  I didn't try to make conversation because I could sense it wasn't needed. I was just a prop to tag along to dim the attention off him. Couldn't he have asked one of the girls who fling themselves at him to come with him to this. Clearly he would enjoy himself more because I'm sure he would be aware of getting some afterwards, or even during, in one of the closets, I'm sure. He should know that he's getting nothing from me.

  "Fred," I said breaking the silence. We were coming up to a circle driveway that was littered with vehicles, all of which had to have cost more than all four years of my college tuition. A huge Annack house appeared in our view. "I know you're nervous but everything is going to go smoothly tonight. I'll do whatever I can to make this painless for you."

  He looked at me for the first time since getting into the car. His eyes went noticeably wider, talking in my dress, which made my stomach clench. His eyes lingered on me a few moments longer before he licked his lips and focused his attention back on the house in front of us. "Listen, I need to tell you something."

  "Okay," I said unbuckling my seatbelt and turning towards him.

  He took a noticeable deep breath, closing his eyes in the proces
s. "I sorta told my dad that I was Annanging my girlfriend." My heart dropped to my stomach. "You have a girlfriend? Why didn't you Annang her instead of me?" I don't know why the sudden feeling to cry came over me, replaced with the want of hitting something, preferably Fred. I refuse to think it was jealousy.

  "I don't have a girlfriend Anna, I lied."

  "Why did you lie?"

  Fred slammed his palm against the wheel. "Shit, because I needed to! Why do you ask so many fücking questions?" I slumped back into my seat and looked up at the house that had to have been filled with people. If this was how he was going to talk to me all night I wanted to go back to the dorms and do what I was originally planning on doing; watching Netflix and calling my uncle.

  "Don't talk to me like that," I scolded. "So what do you want me to do? Pretend to be this girlfriend you told your father you have? I'm not a good liar."

  Fred's body seem to relax in his seat. "You don't have to lie just let me do all the talking." Okay, I could do this. I could walk around in front of these people and pretend to be Fred's girlfriend. He was tall and extremely good looking which was a bonus on my part. But I wasn't sure if people would believe it.

  Why did I have to be so helpful? Could I not go through one day without feeling like I owed someone a favor? I sure as hell didn't owe Fred anything. If anything he should be helping me after his little inquisition back in August.

  "Fine," I said opening the car door. "But don't try any moves." I shut the door and started walking up the driveway. He got out too and met me halfway to the door. "I wouldn't dare."

  I rolled my eyes and followed Fred into the house.

  Please vote/read/comment thanks! xo

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  12

  College has started back up for me again so I will try my hardest to update on time! Thanks for reading:)

  Saying Fred's father's house was big was an understatement. I don't think I have ever stepped foot in a place, that was considered a house, this large in my whole nineteen years of living. We stepped into the entryway to be greeted by an extremely curly hair boy dressed in a suit and tie. "Fred, you're here!" The kid rushed over and hugged Fred's leg.

  A blush tinted Fred's cheeks and he looked at me sheepishly mouthing 'little brother'.

  My mind raced trying to remember his brother's name. I cursed myself for not asking a few details in the car.

  It was cute seeing the way Fred reacted to the child running into his arms. Katy always said that one of the biggest turn ons were guys with children. I now see what she meant.

  I couldn't exactly imagine Fred, with his scowly face and sharp tongue, talking softly and happily in tune to entertain a kid. In fact, I couldn't imagine a child running up to Fred at all.

  Kids seem to have a sense, like horses, in knowing if someone was a threat or not. This curly haired boy was oblivious to his older brother if that was the case.

  Yet again, you're here, my subconscious taunted.

  "Who is this?" Matty asked looking up at me, still gripping onto his brother's leg. "Is she your girlfriend?" He said the word 'girlfriend' as if he was really saying tarantula or chlamydia.

  Fred cleared his throat refusing to look at me. "Where's your dad?" "He's

  your dad too." The little boy looked up at me and I smiled, causing him to turn shyly into his brother's leg. Fred nudged him off while gripping his shoulders.

  "Whatever, where is he?" He asked avoiding his little brother's question. "He needs to see I'm here before he sends out armed men looking for me."

  I would have laughed it off if anyone else had said this but for some odd reason I had a feeling Fred wasn't too far off with his assumption.

  I looked around the room to see women in cocktail dresses and men in suits. I didn't actually think people had parties like this in real life, only in movies. Waiters holding silver platters of orderves wove in between chatting guest catering to their every need. A boy with short blonde hair, wearing a black bow tie and a black apron around his lower half, looked up over the platter of champagne in his hand and gave me a charming smile.

  I looked away quickly before the blush reached my cheeks. Why was I liked this? I mentally rolled my eyes at myself and focused my attention on the other end of the room. I was admiring a large painted portrait setting on the mantel of a grand fireplace when I felt Fred shift beside me. Matty pulled Fred by the cufflinks of his shirt down to his little mouth. He covered where his mouth connected to Fred's ear with his hand for privacy. I narrowed my eyes trying to catch what his lips were whispering to his older brother.

  Fred glanced up at me with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Is that so..." His eyes raked my body from my heels up making it obvious what he

  was doing. I crossed my arms over my chest with my eyebrows raised trying to keep the heat off my face. My heart sped up and I would be lying if I said I didn't like it.

  Fred barked out a laugh before straightening back up to his full height. "Guess you're right, squirt." He ran his hand through Matty's wild hair.

  The kid scowled and pressed his hair to his head trying to fix the mess.

  "Anna and I are going to find Dad, okay," Fred said grabbing my elbow. He started leading me into the dining room without waiting for Matty's answer.

  I wanted to tell him to take his little brother with us so he wasn't in a room alone with a bunch of adults, but Fred didn't seem too worried. "What did he say?" I asked letting Fred drag me by the forearm.

  "What did who say?"

  "Your brother. Back there, what did he whisper to you?" Why was he acting so oblivious?

  I followed Fred's actions when we got into the main room where people stood chatting and grabbed a champagne flute from one of the many caterers.

  "He just said you were pretty. Nothing to go to your head." He lifted the bubbling drink to his lips, observing me. "You did something different to your hair."

  I messed with my hair to cover up my now flushed body. I was trying my best to play it cool after Fred called me pretty.

  "It's called straightening it. I didn't think the 'sex hair' would be appropriate." I air quoted his stupid phrase for my natural hair, causing him to spit his champagne back into the tall glass. "Jesus Anna, were in public," he mocked. That breathtaking smile lit up his face for

  the second time this past week.

  He leaned lazily onto the kitchen island, downing the rest of his drink before reaching under the cabinet and grabbing a bottle of scotch. He took a glass from the cupboard and filled it halfway with the amber liquid.

  I eyed him while he took a hearty swig. I didn't want trouble tonight. By the way Fred describes his dad, he wasn't going to be too ecstatic about a drunk son trolling his dinner party causing trouble. Fred needed to be on his best behavior.

  I reached over and snatched the hard liquor from his grasp before the glass reached his lips for a second drink. "Hey!" He snapped.

  I walked over to the sink and poured the remaining scotch down the drain.

  "That's expensive stuff," he growled, his eyes ice cold.

  I was surprised, once again, that he didn't intimidate me. Maybe I was now prone to this side of him.

  "I don't think your father would appreciate you getting wasted here. You'll thank me later." I set the glass down and put the bottle of scotch back where Fred got it.

  "You're here to be seen, not heard," he spat causing me to flinch.

  I was about to tell him where he can shove his attitude when a man wearing a navy suit and smelling strongly of cologne approached us. "Son," he bellowed clasping Fred on the back. "Glad to see you made it. And with a lovely girl too." He praised me with his eyes, letting go of his sons back and reaching for my hand which he clasped lightly in both of his.

  He and Fred looked a lot a like. They both had the same sharp bone structure: prominent cheekbones, strong jawline. Even their gaze, though different colors, had the same shivering glare. "Lawrence Montgomery. You must be Fred's girlfriend
."

  "Annaanna," I said ignoring the status. I looked over at Fred for assurance on what to say but he was still scowling over God knows what.

  I let go of his father's hand and shifted uncomfortably on my feet. I was never good at introductions especially if they were based on lies.

  "What a pretty name," Mr. Montgomery said clasping his son on the shoulder. I'm sure he meant it as a loving gesture but Fred's face made it look like he was going to be sick from the contact. "I didn't think Fred would get someone like you. I had a girl with purple hair and tattoos in mind." His laughter filled the big room but was gone unnoticed by the talking guest.

  "Thank you," I said politely. Fred glared over at me from under his father's hold. I ignored him and smiled angelically at his father. I figured since Fred was not going to make an effort, I would. "I hope you don't let him boss you around," he said tightening his hand on the back of Fred's neck. "Oh, I can assure you I don't." I was tempted to look over at Fred and give him a sarcastic smirk but settled on continuing to charm his father. My uncle raised me to be polite in the presence of adults. Mr. Montgomery chuckled again, shaking his head in a clever way. He patted his eldest son's shoulder once more. "Enjoy yourselves and make sure to socialize with people, Fred." He gave his son a warning look before attending his guests, giving me a semi-forced smile before disappearing.

  "Thank you," Fred mocked in a high pitched voice once his father was out of hearing.

  I gaped at him "What else was I supposed to say? That's what people with manners say when someone compliments them. I'm here because of you, you best remember that." I picked up the flute full of rose colored liquid and took another sip. The stuff was quite delicious.

  With a huff, Fred stalked away leaving me alone to fend for myself. I took a deep breath to control my sudden burst of anger. I didn't bother to watch Fred push his way through the crowd of his father's guests. We haven't even been here for fifteen minutes and he has already abandoned me. I really didn't expect much less, to be honest. I expected it the second I walked through the door. Consider me lucky.