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Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN


As the city buildings flicker past like an old movie sequence, my palms sweat and I bite my already over chewed lip. At this point in time, I'm surprised my heart hasn't given out from the stress I've endured from today's hectic events. From Tyson's radical driving experience and now this important charity function. I know I should be lucky – sitting in a body bag is the last place I want to be – but without Kade's help, I might still be heading there regardless.

Screwing up this job means my life will possibly end in ruins. I'm not entirely sure of the evil plans Kade or Alessia have in mind for me . . . but one can imagine. I'd never get a chance to model if I have a power could trashing my reputation. It's hard to imagine Kade doing it, but Alessia, possibly. Jenna seems rather brutal sometimes. I suppose you need to be brutal to survive in this world.

Jenna shifts in her seat uncomfortably and then shoots me a tight smile. Even her own discomfort from the situation has left me even more restless. I'm trying to stay positive but without Kade by my side and having to meet his parents almost alone . . . I don't know what to do!

I seem to be over coming each problem as it comes, but this one? I'm not sure where to start. I don't know enough to strike my own conversation. They're going to see straight through me from the minute I say hi.

As promised, Beth had delivered my dress for tonight along with shoes and makeup. She'd even gone to the length of creating a few makeup designs. I'm not sure who she's kidding, I'm not a professional makeup artists. Thankfully, I'd solved that problem by calling Jenna. She came over and we got ready together.

The car rolls to a stop in front of a large building. There's a fancy red carpet covering the light grey stone steps along with banners with sponsors logos printed on the canvas. I take a deep breath and go to open the door, but Jenna's hand grabs mine.

"Wait," she says. "The driver will open the door for us."

"Right." I smile. "I keep forgetting about that."

The door swings open and a gush of cold wind blows into the car, which sends a shiver down my spine. I wish I brought a jacket or something to cover my shoulders. I expect Jenna to be the first to get out, instead she half-heartedly smiles and points to the door.

"Really?" I pout.

"You'll be fine. Just don't flash your undies." Jenna giggles.

"Does that actually . . . Wait, don't tell me." I grab the clutch from the leather seat as I slide out of the car. My breath gets caught in my throat, but I somehow manage to clear it with an awkward cough. I gather the long sheer white material to the side as I plant my white heels on the ground. Then, I grab the man's hand and stand up. In the process, I drop the material and shake my hair out.

There's a few gasps from onlookers but I ignore the attention. I'm sure there's a cute stray cat running around somewhere. Okay, one foot in front of the other, don't trip, and do not fall on your butt! I stand to the side and wait for Jenna's elegant exit.

Her grey strappy heels crinkle the carpet as she steps out. The wind blows past Jenna at just the right moment too. The photographers capture a picture of her beautiful layered grey dress floating through the wind like feathers rustling from the breeze, and the lights capture the twinkle of her earrings and the sparkles in the dress. I look like a potato next to her.

Jenna links her arm through mine and we walk down the red carpet and pose for pictures against the backdrop. We take a few together before Jenna stands by herself for a solo photoshoot. She spins around and fluffs out her dress. I try to do the same, but, hm.

The dress Beth had chosen for me is a beautiful white and gold creation. The white dress has a stunning gold pattern stitched on along with a sparkly belt attaching the sheer white material used for the long skirt part. However, there's a split up the front which makes the dress practical and shows off the slip underneath.

I grab the skirt and strategically position the material to the side and angle my body. I keep moving and playing with the skirt until I notice Jenna walking away. I tag along with her and enter the building.

"Since Kade's parents are throwing this, we need to hunt them down and say hi," explains Jenna.

"Sure, that seems practical," I agree.

"We'll say hi and then I'll drag you away to greet other people, sound good?"

"Sure, sounds like a good plan," I reply. I conduct a quick scan of the room. The blur of faces around me leaves an unsettled nervous feeling brewing within the pit of my stomach. I wonder how many of these people know Alessia well. It can't be too many if they're Kade's parents.

"Okay." Jenna huffs. "I'm so nervous and my job isn't even the hard part."

"Tell me about it." I nervously giggle.

"Gosh, I love that girl like my sister but she needs to get her life together." I'm not sure what's happening with Alessia, but I nod my head in agreement.

"I'm sure she'll get there eventually."

"Alessia is difficult for not utter reason than her sheer own stupidity. Everyone just expects it, they're not even shocked. Her parents are playing a lot of money for her upcoming movie role. Kade's parent's hope she fails because they don't like her, well, you," says Jenna.

"I feel like you could have kept that from me," I note.

"Well." She shrugs her shoulders. "It's just the truth."

"Why is Kade still with Alessia then?" I question. "She sounds like more work than reward."

Jenna goes quiet and behind those sullen brown eyes, I grow curious. She knows something and she's not going to tell me about it. Maybe if I shovel enough alcohol into her system, she'll loosen that tight grip and provide some answers.

"She's worth it if Kade's creating this much fuss, apparently."

A waiter passes by with a tray filled with champagne flutes. She grabs two and passes one to me. I don't expect it, but Jenna knocks back the whole drink and then drags me along with her. We walk through the stream of people searching for Kade's parents.

Jenna's smile widens and she steps forwards to greet an older woman with medium brown hair walking towards us. Her dark red dress drags along the ground as she makes her way towards us.

"Mrs Taylor, it's a delight," says Jenna. "How is Mr Twinkles? I heard he's getting big! Are you going to buy another cat?" I don't worry about trying to figure out who she is because the name gives it away. This must be Kade's mother. Her haunting features terrify me, but I tug on a smile.

"Jenna, Alessia, my two favourite girls," she cheers. "I feel much better seeing you two. Mr Twinkles is a big boy and certainly needs a friend. Alessia, do tell me where my handsome son is?" asks Mrs Taylor.

"Kade is running late, I'm afraid." I grin.

"One day," she mutters, "I hope he learns the paperwork isn't going to walk away."

I nod my head in agreement. "I tell him that every day."

When someone calls her name, Mrs Taylor quickly departs to great her new guest. I on the other hand, finish my drink and smile at Jenna with wanting eyes.

"Do you want another drink?" I ask.

"If we're going to survive this, yes." Jenna eyes off the waiter but he manages to disappear before she can swipe new drinks from him.

"I'll be a sec," I say.

Taking Jenna's empty glass, I head to the bar for an exchange. On the walk there, I lower my gaze and avoiding making eye contact in case someone strikes a conversation with me – can't have that. As I make it to the bar, I place the glasses on the banister and smile.

"Hi," I great.

"How can I help you?" the young tanned man asks.

"Two more of whatever this was?" I explain.

"And for you, Sir?"

"Uh?" I look over my shoulder and notice Kade standing behind me. Great, just great! Where was he five minutes ago when I needed you?

"Please add a whisky to the order," he says. Kade places his hand on the middle of my back, which makes me jump from the surprise contact.

"Just a moment." The bartender nods.

He quickly shuffles to work by sorting through the assortment of bottles placed on the glass shelf behind him.

"Alessia, you look stunning," whispers Kade. He wraps his arm around my wait and tugs my body to his chest for an intimate hug.

"And you, well." I frown. "I would give you a compliment but you left me alone."

"Don't be –"

"Alone." I glare.

"Where was Jenna?" His eyes storm with anger.

"Thankfully making sure your mother doesn't eat me alive like shark bate," I respond.

"I'm sorry," he apologise. "Work ran late and I couldn't leave."

"I have a feeling this won't be a once off." I drop my gaze and turn to the bar. He places the drinks on the bar top and smiles.

"Enjoy your evening," he says.

"Thank you, you too." I grab our drinks and hand Kade's drink to him. He takes a long sip from his iced whisky before walking onwards.

"We need to find my parents and then I'm taking you away," explains Kade.

"I thought this was an important night for you?" I ask.

"It can wait," responds Kade.

Without another response, Kade hooks his arm around my waist and guides us away. We walk around the ballroom until we end up in the centre. I recognise the long dark red dress before I see Mrs Taylor's long face. She's surrounded by a group of people actively calling for her attention. Beside her stands a tired, ageing man. This must be Kade's father.

I down both mine and Jenna's drink before placing them on a passing tray. I'm sure she can agree I need this more than she does.

Their conversation comes to a halt when Mrs Taylor's eyes land on us. Maybe she hoped I died on the trip to the bar?

"Hi." Kade smiles.

"My son." His mother lights up. "How are you?" She frowns at me.

"I'm good mother, thank you." Kade clears his throat.

"How are you, Alessia?" asks Mr Taylor. He seems to light up from the sight of us. I suppose watching his wife lead the room would be rather tiring.

"Fine –"

"Good I hear," says Mrs Taylor. "I saw the article of Alessia written about her trip in America with those half-naked men. Strippers I believe?" She giggles but that doesn't soften the brutality of the low blow.

Jenna's drink was definitely a good idea.

"Mother," he warns.

"The place looks amazing," I compliment.

Kade's curious eyes scan the room as he nods with agreement. The room is old fashion with detailing of gold. My dress almost matches the theme crafted onto the walls.

"We should let you return to the party," says Kade.

"Okay," says Mrs Taylor. "We must meet for lunch later this week, okay?"

"I'll try," responds Kade.

Kade and I walk away from his parents and towards are more relaxed spacious area of the room to get out of people's way.

"To the dance floor?" I suggest.

"I have somewhere better in mind." Kade's grin turns dangerous, yet it leaves me feeling excited. Anywhere is possibly better than within the clutches of Mrs Taylor.


Alessia's / Lydia's outfit

Jenna's dress

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