Chapter 6 The Engagement

           On the beach, Sitting on a lounger, With a drink in my hand!

                     Bout fucking time for this stupid shit to be over,

                                                                      Don't ya think?

LOOK!

Let me start off by saying how pissed I am that you, DOC, insist on making me tell you this fucking story!

Is it a common practice of yours to make grieving mothers relive their child's death in great detail just for you during your sessions?

THEN WHY THE FUCK SHOULD I???

Because, that's what telling this story feels like to me! That night is the single most humiliating time of my life! It opened my eyes, and I'd give anything to forget it!!

Should it really matter, that day was supposed to be one of the happiest of my life?

I SURE AS FUCK DON'T! But, Oh Fucking Well!

Here goes!

Joe

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It's kinda ironic how everything came about to get to the events that happened that night, because it started like every other man's story, that's about to turn a certain age. With a mid-life crisis, plans for the future, and a hard slap to the face! Put all three of them together, and you have the perfect recipe for a disaster!

Within days after my thirty-ninth birthday an urgency to settle down, and make more stable plans for the future overtook me. It might have been because little Abbie was all grown up now, and off to college. Leaving Jenny all alone at home to get on with her life, so I didn't have to worry about either of them so much for now.

I had Sherry, and a private investigator, to thank for keeping me constantly in the loop on everything to do with both of them. Plus the fact that Sherry knew the in's and out of the club better than I did sometimes! Everyone knew not to mess around while at the club, and to stay out of her way. Well, everyone that is, but me, and I could only get away with so much from her.

'So, it's relatively safe to say, I was more than bored at that time during my life.'

Tiffany and I had been together for ten years up until that point. And, like all relationships that reach an extended period of time, things have slowed down tremendously between us over the last couple of years. Between the club, and both of our extremely busy schedules, it became almost impossible for us to spend any time together.

Tiffany took every opportunity to remind me of that fact whenever she could! But, other than that, I didn't think anything else was wrong with our relationship. We just needed to take that next step.

Which is the cause for what happened next..

*~*~*~*FLASHBACK*~*~*~*

After tediously planning everything out for three months, it was finally time to bring in help for the next part of the plan. The first Monday of November I marched my way into the club looking for Sherry. Until I found her tucked away in her office working on some paperwork. I swiftly closed her office door behind me as I entered, and took one of the empty seats in front of her messy desk.

Sherry looked up sharply, and glared. "Well, come on in then. I'm not busy at all!"

I smirked. "That's good to hear, because I was going to ask if you were busy right now." I said with a wink. Slouching back in my chair, and crossing my arms over my chest.

Sherry threw her pen down on top of the papers she was working on, and pushed her chair back a few feet from her desk. "What do you need from me then, Joe?"

The smirk immediately fell from my face, and things turned serious. I uncrossed my arms, sat forward, and placed my elbows on my knees. "I need your help buying something for Tiffany. That's all."

Sherry rolled her eyes, huffed, and crossed her arms over her chest. "Really? You want my help?"

Sherry has never liked Tiffany since the first day they met one another six and a half years ago, and the feeling seems to be mutual. Since then I've gone out of my way to keep the two of them apart. But, I need my best friends help with making a decision this big with my life.

I chuckled. "I know, I know. At least you won't have to see her."

Sherry glared at me before interrupting. "You mean the devil herself."

I sent her a glare of my own then. Silently telling her to cut it out now. "I need my best friends help to buy a very special gift for Tiffany. Do you think you could spare me the time to do that?"

Sherry snorted. "Suck up." She said to me moments before cracking a smile. "You know just what to say to me to get me to do anything you want. Don't you Joe?" She asked rhetorically, and shook her head. "Fine then. What can I help you with?"

"I've been giving this a lot of thought, and I want to propose to Tiffany after the new year. Do you think you can help me pick out an engagement ring for her?"

Sherry gulped, and looked at me without a single emotion showing on her face for several moments. Sweat started beading up across my forehead, and I thought she was going to leave me hanging, but I should have known better.

"Sure." She whispered finally, and I couldn't have been happier.

*~*~*~*END OF FLASHBACK*~*~*~*

Despite the constant talks and lectures from Sherry about the type of person Tiffany really was, she agreed to give it a rest for one day, and finally go shopping with me the week after Thanksgiving. We headed out early that brisk Saturday morning looking at each piece four different prominent jewelry stores, here in New York, had to offer. Before both of us finally found the one we could agree on, and bought it immediately.

The engagement ring was a white gold, square princess cut, one and a half carat. The stone in the center of the ring was a full carat itself. With diamonds all around the outside of the diamond, and along the band.

But, that was just one of the rings that came in a matching set. The matching wedding ring was a simple, single white gold band. Wrapped in glittering diamonds all the way around. Bringing the total weight of the set up to three carats, and a cool one hundred fifty thousand dollars from my pocket!

That really was chump change compared to how much I had to hand out for the next part of my plan though!

*~*~*~*FLASHBACK*~*~*~*

Valentines Day was fast approaching, and that meant it was time for phase two of the plan. Thanks to a couple of the members from the club, and a few people I knew in high places, I had no problem securing the perfect place for the night. Once Sherry found out she couldn't stop herself from taking care of all the other arrangements.

It didn't matter that ultimately the surprise was for someone she couldn't stand. I needed her help, and she couldn't bring herself to let me down in any way. It was one of the many things I'd come to love about that girl over the years!

A week before Valentine's night I had a dozen roses delivered to Tiffany's office. Along with an invitation for a special surprise, just for her, on the night from a secret admirer. Tiffany didn't bother telling me about the note when she got home that night, or for the rest of the week even, but I had faith she wouldn't miss finding out what the surprise could possibly be.

Which is how I found myself standing on the observation deck of the Empire State Building at nine o'clock on Valentine's night. Patiently waiting for the elevator to open announcing Tiffany's arrival. Surrounded by hundreds of little tea lights, roses, and their petals scattered around me.

I was so nervous I was sweating bullets even in the cold ass wind! I couldn't stop tapping my fingers against the top of the ring box in my pants pocket as I stood there.Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long for the elevator to ding, signalling someone's arrival. I held my breath as the doors opened, and just as quickly lost it. Then began to choke.

Tiffany came walking out wearing a one of a kind dress, gold stiletto sandals, and a fluffy white fur coat over it. The dress she had on underneath was truly exquisite! It fit like it was made for her only. The sheer brown material clung to her like a second skin. Leaving one shoulder completely bare, and barely covering the other. The skirt had a slit directly up the middle. Stopping mere inches above her knees. But the most interesting part of the dress had to be the glitzy pearl's strung along the dress in some sort of elaborate design.

I watch as she steps off the elevator, and looks around. I use the moment to get myself under control. Then take a step toward her. Immediately grabbing her attention. Before reaching down and downing the same to her hands.

"I knew you would come." I say to Tiffany smiling. Then place a chaste kiss to the back of each of her hands. "Happy Valentine's Day."

"Oh, thank you." Tiffany whispers disappointedly. Then slides her hands out of mine, and lays them on her hips. "But, honestly! If that was all you wanted to say to me it could have been somewhere a lot warmer! Or, better yet, back at the house! Why didn't you just say it was you when you sent me the invitation?" She asked me, sounding irritated.

Which really confused me right then. "I did tell you happy Valentines Day this morning before the both of us left your apartment for work, and I didn't tell you, because I wanted this to be special."

"Seriously?!" Tiffany shouts. Then throws her arms out to the side, and spins around. "Some lights, roses, and a few pedals doesn't come close to making me forget about the cold! How in the hell could you make this special Joe?" She is fuming by the time she stops to glare at me.

"Like this." I say nervously. Pulling the box from my pocket, and dropping down to one knee. This wasn't how I had planned on doing this, or so soon, but I didn't want to waste anymore time. Knowing Tiffany if she didn't want to be up here any longer she would just turn around and leave without waiting a single second for me.

My fingers were shaking as I opened the box, and raised it up between us for her to see. The tea lights all around us made the diamonds sparkle immediately. Causing Tiffany to gasp, and cover her mouth with her right hand. I reached up and gently took her left in the palm of my hand, and smiled.

"Tiffany, please just stay long enough to hear me out, and then I will take you someplace warmer, I swear." I paused for just a second incase she wanted to say anything, but she seemed to still be stunned silent, so I went on. "The past few months I've been thinking about a lot of things. Like us, the future, and possibly settling down. I've never been one that imagined themselves having kids, but I have thought a lot about the person I would spend the rest of my life with. I'm ashamed to say it's taken me ten long years to realize that person is you. I want to settle down, build a future with you, and hopefully grow old together. And, since you haven't gotten rid of me in all that time I'm hoping you want the same with me, so with that there's only one thing left for me to ask. Will you marry me, Tiffany Gudall?"

"Yes." Tiffany whispered, and I let out a gush of air.

I had to use all of my concentration not to drop the ring as I pulled it from it's seat inside the box, and slid it onto Tiffany's finger. Before springing up onto the balls of my feet, and wrapping my fingers around the back of her head. Kissing her with her thing I had in me.

*~*~*~*END OF FLASHBACK*~*~*~*

Tiffany and I seem to be on cloud nine after that night. Our once sporadic love life went back to being just as hot as it was when we first started dating! Amazingly enough she even let me take control a few times in the bedroom. Which had been a sore subject between the two of us for years. Ever since I started topping some of the girls at the club, and wanted to try it in our relationship, but Mistress had forbidden it immediately. I guess things were different now.

Tiffany started planning everything the very next day. First by picking the days for the engagement party, and the wedding. "The two most important days during this entire event!" Or, at least that's what she told me, and the reason she gave me for not being able to have any say on when those two days would be.

Oh No! I was just told when they would be. The engagement party would be this year on Labor Day at her family home in the Hamptons. Which would just so happen to be on my fortieth birthday. While the wedding wouldn't be for another year and a half at Christmas.

Invitations had already been sent to all of our friends, business partners, and anyone else influential enough to warrant Tiffany adding their names to the list by the end of April. I kept the one that was supposed to go to my sister back though. I wanted to tell her the good news over the phone first. Maybe even invite her up the week before the party to stay and spend some time with me after all this time.

I hadn't been that excited about something since opening my club! I even blocked off an entire morning of meetings to finally make the call to my sister, but then plans changed. I still remember that shit show, and the one that followed a few days after, like they both happened yesterday.

*~*~*~*FLASHBACK*~*~*~*

It was a beautiful Tuesday, spring morning. I'd just finished my final business call around nine-thirty, and I didn't have anything else for the rest of the day. I moved a few things around on top of my desk until I found the invitation with Jenny's name on it. I picked it up with a smile, and twirled it around my fingers. Before opening the flap, slid the card from inside, and grabbed my phone from my desk calling Sherry.

"What?" She growled at me with a huff of exasperation on the second ring.

"Hold all my calls, and any visitors for now. It's time I call my sister." I tell her.

"Wait. You ha.." Sherry says, but I don't let her finish.

I slam the phone down on the receiver, and pull up my sister's information. I'm just about to enter the last number of her phone number when my office door slams open. I slam the phone down immediately, and jump to my feet.

"What the fuck, Sherry! I thought I told you no visitors?" I scream without actually looking up as I put the phone back down. Only to whisper a stunned "Oh" once I do.

It wasn't Sherry that barged her way into my office. It was a scantily clad Tiffany. Wearing nothing more than a long, sheer white robe. With lace roses curving up along her arms and chest in a stunning design. And, a sheer baby doll negligee underneath.

"My Love! I just had to show you what I just picked out for our wedding night! How do you like it?" Tiffany asks seductively, running her hands along the curves of her body. As she walks across my office, and stops inches from my chair behind the desk.

"Yeaaahhh." Sherry draws out from the doorway, and crosses her arms over her chest. Sending Tiffany and I her best death glare. "As I was saying. Tiffany's here." She says in revolution.

"I can see that." I say to Sherry, but it barely comes out past my dry lips. While keeping my eyes glued to Tiffany's perfect physic. "You know anything you wear makes you look absolutely stunning to me."

"Awe. I knew you would like it!" Tiffany says in excitement before jumping into my lap, and wrapping her arms around my neck.

"Oh God! My eyes!" I hear Sherry spit in disgust moments before the door clicks gently closed.

Half the day is gone by the time Tiffany declares she is through with me, and walks out of my office. I can hear her giving Sherry shit about the things we were doing in here as she leaves. Causing me to smile, but more in anticipation for Sherry's reply more than anything else.

Except my little hellcat just let her go. Instead she walks into my office, and places a memo on my desk. Then crosses her arms over her chest, and glares down at me. Full of burning rage.

"Just thought you would like to know, that while you were in here fucking that two-faced, narcisistic bitch, your niece, Abbie, sent you a message. She said she needs to see you, and would like to know when would be a good time." Sherry tells me. Doing little to hide the anger in her voice.

At the mention of Abbie's name I sit up in my chair, and give her my full undivided attention. When Sherry is done talking I pick up the paper she just sat on my desk, and read it several times. Before looking back up at Sherry with a blinding, yet somewhat confused, smile.

"Did she say what she wants to talk to me about, or maybe some sort of clue?" I ask concerned.

Sherry can tell I'm already working myself up inside my head, so she lets out a breath. Then takes the seat in front of my desk, and reaches across the top to take a hold of my hand. "Calm down, Joe. That's all the message said for now. If there was anything more you know I would tell you, but it's probably nothing."

"You're right." I say, and close my eyes to try and calm myself down. Then opening them back up a minute later. "But, I'm going to call the investigator just in case. Would you mind texting her back with the time of my next opening while I do that?"

"Sure." Sherry said while trying to hide a smirk. Before jumping up from her seat and leaving the room.

I should have known Sherry had something planned behind that smile, but I wasn't thinking clearly at the time. The investigator didn't have anything new for me right then either. But, I didn't have to wait long before finding out what was going on for myself. My meeting with Abbie was scheduled for just a few days later.

The first time I laid eyes on the shaking, nervous young woman, that is my niece, walking into my office that afternoon, my eyes welled up with tears. She looked so much like her mother at that age, which just so happened to be the last time I saw her, that it was uncanny! I had to stop myself from calling her Jenny several times while we spoke.

"So, Abbie. What exactly did you come to see me for?" I asked her after our semi-awkward introductions, and before the air around us could become uncomfortable.

"Well, you see Uncle Joe." Abbie says to me while looking anywhere but at me. "I kinda got into a little trouble, and I desperately need a job."

With that one sentence Abbie has my full undivided attention for the entire time she's in my office. I have to keep reminding myself to stay calm the more I hear about what happened to her at school, and the douchebag prick that caused the problem. I know both of the Davis men unfortunately, but that doesn't even have me seeing red as much as her final question to me does.

"So, I was wondering if you could give me a job. I'll do anything you ask of me right now. I don't have that much money in my savings right now, and my first tuition payment is due as soon as I start school." Abbie asks hopefully.

"Absolutely Not!" I scream, and immediately figure out that was the wrong thing to say.

It was desivue all over again! I felt like I was a teenager again back home arguing with my sister. Abbie wouldn't take no, or any other form of help, for an answer. Until I finally agreed to give her a job that is.

Before our meeting was finished I found out Jenny was gone for the next two weeks on vacation with her boyfriend, so I wouldn't be able to give her my news, or ask her to come visit until then. I don't know why, but I couldn't bring myself to tell Abbie anything about Tiffany during our talk either. I felt like I needed to build a better foundation for our relationship before laying it all out there for her.

Once we were done I sent Abbie down to find Sherry. As soon as Abbie was out of my line of sight I rushed back to my desk and sent a quick email to Sherry. Telling her to set Abbie up with a janitors job, and to find out who to contact about setting up tuition payments at her school. I hit send, then cut off all the lights around my desk, closed my office door, and went home for the evening.

Well actually, I didn't go home. Instead I found myself in front of Tiffany's apartment door about forty-five minutes later. I used my key to let myself in the door, and quietly made my way around the first floor of the apartment looking for Tiffany. Finally finding her at the kitchen counter pouring over different bridal magazines laid out across the marble countertop.

Silently I came to a stop right behind her, and wrapped my arms around her waist. Then bent down and started nibbling my way up the delicate, soft skin of her neck. Stopping just long enough between each kiss to say a single word.

"Good..Afternoon..My..Sweet..How's..Your..Day..Been?"

"Hmm." Tiffany purrs, and relaxes her body into my hold. "Exhausting, but as long as you keep doing that. Things might just start to appear a little better."

I chuckle. "Well then. I'm glad I can help." I say. Before spinning her around on top of the barstool to face me, and planting my lips firmly over hers. Not letting either of us break apart until we are both gasping for air minutes later.

Both of us are silent as we calm down. Only the silence seems to stretch out even longer after that. Neither of us know what else to say yet, but Tiffany can't stop looking me over in curiosity.

"What's on your mind, Love?" Tiffany asks me several moments later.

"Nothing." I say a little too quickly trying to avoid where this conversation is evidently going to go.

"Just tell me." Tiffany demands with little or no patience to wait for me to be ready.

"It's nothing really. I met my niece Abbie for the first time in nineteen years today. It was a lot for me to take it, but overall it was nice." I tell her, smiling.

"I bet it was, but what made her seek you out after all these years? Did you tell her about the wedding?" Tiffany asks skeptically.

"No, unfortunately. Abbie came to me because she ran into a little trouble at school about her scholarship. I told her I would help her with whatever she needs from me right now, but I didn't want to add on even more by telling her about the wedding, so I was just going to let her mom do it for me. Except I also found out Jenny is gone for the next two weeks on vacation, so I have to wait. I just wish they knew already! Then I would have someone else other than Sherry, and Rodney on the rare occasion he calls, that are actually happy and excited for me. You know?"

"Oh please!" Tiffany says dismissively. Before twisting back around on her seat to dig through the papers on top of the counter. Until she finds the one she's looking for, and turns back around to face me. Holding up the piece of paper for me to read.

"Why should that matter to you? When the guest list is already full with some of the most influential, richest, socialites this city has to offer! This party will be the talk of the town for months afterwards. Just think about how much business this will bring to the both of us." Tiffany says truly meaning every word, but something about it just rubs me the wrong way.

I let both of my arms drop to my sides, and take a few steps back away from her. Putting some much needed distance between us at the moment. "How can you think like that Tiffany? None of those people are my family! That list could have four names down on my side, but I would be the happiest man in the world if each of them attended, and no one else!" I spit angrily at her.

Tiffany just sighs. "Really Joe!" She says with an added shake of her head. As she turns back around to sit the paper back down, and then turn back to face me. Talking the whole time she moves. "I didn't want to be the one to tell you this. I thought you might have come to the realization on your own, but now I see that won't happen. So, let me try and put this delicately for you. Do you not think your sister and niece might not be socially acceptable members for a party such as this?"

Her words were like a punch to the gut. I even staggered back a step of two. But, once Tiffany was done I was too. I was pissed the fuck off at her for even thinking something like that about my family when she'd never even met either of them! I was officially seeing red, and let her know just as much.

"Go fuck yourself Tiffany. Let me make this crystal clear for you now. You will never say, or even think something like that about my sister, or her daughter again. You have no idea what type of woman either of them are, and I refuse to let you put them down. Because, if you can't accept my family, then you can't accept me, and I be damn if I accept someone that thinks like you!"

I growl each word out at Tiffany, and make sure she sees the seriousness in my eyes the entire time. Before spinning around and marching my way back out of her apartment. Silently telling myself not to turn around, and strangle the woman I supposedly love to death as I go!

*~*~*~*END OF FLASHBACK*~*~*~*

I'm ashamed to admit I don't remember much about the rest of that night after that. I just remember when Sherry found me past out inside my office the next morning. Empty liquor bottles scattered all around my body. Thankfully Sherry didn't ask me any questions after finding me like she did, and instead just helped clean me up.

I surprised myself by not blurting out the things Tiffany said about my family to Sherry, but I didn't say a single word then, or later. Even though she constantly nagged me with questions I would manage to come up with some type of excuse she ultimately believed each time. But, Sherry wasn't a fool. She could see I wasn't the same man I was after that day.

I started spending all of my time at the club. I didn't care to see Tiffany, or even return any of her godforsaken phone calls! Truthfully, I stopped taking everyone's calls, emails, or messages at that point. I left all of the decisions dealing with the club up to Sherry.

While I locked myself away, inside my office. Sleeping the days away on the small loveseat, and showering sometimes in the en-suite. Drinking myself into a stupor until I became oblivious to the rest of the world. But, that day, like every other day before it, had to come to an end at some point.

'Oh! How fun that was!'

*~*~*~*FLASHBACK*~*~*~*

Sherry came barging into my office early Friday morning. Screaming at the top of her lungs about something I couldn't be bothered in my unover state to comprehend! So, I groaned, and rolled over. Curling my large body into the fetal position along the crease of the small loveseat, and tossed my pillow over my head. Essentially cutting off the unwanted noise, and falling right back to sleep.

"Oh No You Don't!" I hear Sherry growl as she snatches the pillow off of my head. "It's time to get the fuck up, Joe!" She says before pulling the covers from my body, and causing my body to ball up even more.

"Go away Sher." I mumble as I cover my exposed head with my arm.

"Not this time my friend." She tells me with a sigh. "I've let you hide away in here for over two months now. I've given you time and plenty of space to snap out of whatever funk this is, and come to me, so we could finally talk about whatever this is that's bothering you so damn much. But, it would seem you have run out of time."

That little nugget seemed to pique my interest, so I peeked out of the crook of my arm at Sherry curiously. "What does that mean?" I ask my voice sounding gruff from both severe alcohol abuse and disuse.

Sherry put her hands on her hips, and glared down at me. "Tomorrow is your Engagement Party, Remember? You have to leave out for the Hamptons early in the morning. I figured you'd need at least a day to sober up, and pack. Maybe even take a shower for the first time in over a week." She says with a wink.

Instinctively, my nose moves down a fraction of an inch to discreetly take a whiff of my underarm, and as soon as the overwhelming smell of onions hits my nostrils my head jerks back. I sit up immediately. Glaring at Sherry the entire time.

"I don't smell." I growl/pout.

"Right! If you say so." Sarcasm thick from each word. "At least it got you up!" Sherry smirks before turning away from me.

She busied herself by moving around my office picking up garbage and empty bottles, and throwing them away. While I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. Then stood up and stretched. That's when a brightly colored gift wrapped package on top of my desk caught my attention.

"What's that?" I asked Sherry, pointing to the box.

Sherry stopped moving for a moment, and turned her head towards the direction I was pointing. Before shaking her head, and me, off as nothing. Then went back to work. "Oh, that's just your birthday present from me. I wanted to give it to you before you left. Since I won't see you tomorrow."

"What?" I ask her, shocked. "Why? Aren't you coming to the party?"

Sherry froze, but didn't turn around to face me. As she shook her head no.

"But." I try not to stutter completely dumbstruck. "You have to come! You're my best friend. You have to be there. I need you there." I say whispering the last part only loud enough for me to hear.

Neither of us say anything for a while after that. An uncomfortable silence fills the small office, and I don't like it one bit! Mainly because this is Sherry! And our relationship isn't like this! Or, it never has before.

"I'm sorry Joe." Sherry whispers several minutes later, getting my attention. Before spinning around to face me. "But, I can't go."

"But, Sher.." I try to persuade her, and take a few steps towards her, but she immediately stops me by raising the palm of her hand out between us.

"NO!" Sherry demands quickly. "I just can't. Please understand, and I hope one day you can forgive me." She pleads before spinning around, and fleeing the office. Slamming the door closed behind her.

'What the fuck just happened here?' I remember thinking to myself. Before rushing out of the office door after Sherry, but once I made it into the hallway she was already gone.

I searched everywhere inside the club for Sherry to no avail. The little minx knew every little hiding spot and exit around this place, so I knew if she didn't want to be found, she wouldn't be. I was so mad after coming up empty the second time through I just left the club! I didn't even bother going back up to my office.

Instead I went to Tiffany's apartment. As soon as I walked through the front door I found a note from Tiffany, my suitcase, and tux for the party waiting for me. I read through the note. Snorting when I read Tiffany had written this almost a week ago. The day before she left for The Hamptons. Leaving me to arrive at the party on my own, so she could oversee the rest of the arrangements from there.

'Well isn't that just convenient!' I snorted. Then fold the letter back up, and place it back down on the counter.

Since everything has already been taken care of for me. I trudge down the hallway towards our bedroom. Straight for the bed. Where I fall on top of the covers, fully clothed, and proceed for fall back asleep without a second thought.

It's still relatively early when I wake up the next morning. The first thing I do is check my phone before getting up from the bed. There are two messages waiting for my attention, so I open the first one that's from Tiffany.

The message is just a reminder of what time I have to be at the house, and what I have to wear, but nothing else. 'Figures!' The second message is from Sherry, and simply says, Happy Birthday. I smirk, and toss the phone to the bed beside me. Then get up and make my way into the ensuite.

On paper this day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life. Not only is today my fortieth birthday, but it's also the day I announce to all my family and friends I've found the one woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. This day should be filled with nothing but joy and happiness, but deep down all I feel is doom.

I shake the feeling away before stepping into the shower. Finally emerging about thirty minutes later freshly put together, and feeling marginally better about what's to come. I grab my suit and bag before leaving out the front door, and carry them down to put them in the trunk of my car. Then slowly start making my way through the early morning city traffic towards the coast.

It's a little after lunch when I finally arrive in The Hamptons. I don't go straight to Tiffany's family home either. Instead I decide to pull over at one of the nicer hotels along the coast line, and check in for the time being. I spend a few hours downstairs in the bar drinking the last minute nerves away. Before the clock hits five o'clock, and I have to go back upstairs to put my tux on.

I made it back down to the lobby of the hotel in less than an hour. Thankfully the invitations said the party wouldn't start until seven o'clock, so I had plenty of time to get to the house. The ride over was relatively short, but that didn't mean the driveway to the house wasn't already lined with all sorts of expensive supercars and limos of the people already inside.

The sprawling mansion was beyond intimidating as I rolled down the driveway, and finally came to a stop under the massive archway. Where several valet were waiting to park my car for me. I took a deep breath, and closed my eyes before counting to five. Then opening them with a pop, and smoothly getting out of the car.

I discreetly looked all around my surroundings as I made my way up the grand front stairs. Then had to wait in a small line of people trying to get in the front door. Thankfully I slipped my invitation into my jacket pocket before leaving the hotel, otherwise I don't think I would have gotten in. Tiffany made sure to hire two of the biggest guys I'd ever seen to be security at the front doors.

Neither of the goons asked for my name once they saw the invite, and waved me on inside. Once I made it to the fourier I didn't know where to go next, so I stood off to the side. Just looking around at the opulence, and over dressed people crowding the entire house. Ironically enough, I didn't know a single person so far!

Well, that's not entirely true. I knew most of them from the society pages, or from other New York City Elite's, but I'd never been introduced to any of them. Now it seems they are all here to wish me well. 'Really!' I stayed there for another ten minutes, or so, before walking any further into the house.

As soon as I stepped into the massive great room I bumped into a server, and grabbed a flute of champagne from the tray she was carrying. Then gave her a small smile before taking a sip, and casually making my way through the crowded room. Several different couples stopped me to say their congratulations, but I managed to keep each encounter to the bare minimum. Before making my grand exit to finish exploring.

I'd been at the party for over an hour already by the time I finished walking through the entire house. All three floors, home gym, indoor pool, home theater room, wine cellar, and the massive amount of bedroom and bathrooms I lost count of. But, even after all that I still couldn't find Tiffany anywhere. I didn't think it would be that hard to find the guest of honour, but I guess I was wrong!

I made my way back downstairs to the Ballroom at the end of the grand hallway. Where most of the people seemed to be vying to get inside. A few of the old bitties gave me their best death glares as I snuck past them. Dodging any and everything in my way. Until I came to a stop in the middle of the standing room only, marble dance floor.

When I was finally free I let my eyes roam around the room. While also doing everything I can to stop my mouth from dropping open at the sight! The ballroom is easily twice as big as any other room in the entire house. Three of the walls and the ceiling are made of stained glass, but not enough to stop the stars from shining brightly overhead. There is a small instrumental band playing a soft, slow melody on stage for the group of dancing couples twirling themselves around the room. The entire place screamed money, but this room symbolized so much more than that. It was downright intimidating!

I shake those feelings away, and turn back to searching the crowd for Tiffany. Within seconds I start to smile in disbelief though, because it's like I'm watching a movie! The crowd just begins to part on their own, and standing there at the end of the line is none other than the bell of the ball herself.

Tiffany is standing there talking with a group of people, but her eyes are closed, and her head is thrown back in laughter making her look absolutely breathtaking. Her ebony hair is so sleek and shiny as it hangs down her back in giant curls. The pale pink, sheer dress barely covers her cleavage, or the two risque slits going all the way up past her waist, and completely exposing her mile long legs. The dress's skirt flows several feet behind her as she moves, and gives the smallest teasing hint of her strappy gold stilettos covering her feet.

I have to wipe the drool from the corners of my mouth once I finish my inspection of my fiance, and silently make my way towards her. When I'm a few feet away from Tiffany I put my finger against my lips. Telling the rest of her group to be quiet, and not let her know what's about to happen. Thankfully the other three people around her don't do anything. Giving me the perfect opportunity to walk up behind her, wrap my hands around her arms, and cover her eyes with my hands.

"I've been looking everywhere for you." I whisper harsly into Tiffany's ear, and immediately feel her body start to relax. "I'm sorry it's taking me so long to get here. You look absolutely lethal, Love." My tone is a lot more cheerful as I speak loud enough for the others to hear me this time. Before bending down to place a sloppy kiss to the crease of Tiffany's neck. Knowing it would really piss her off.

"Only the best for my future husband. I'm glad you approve." Tiffany says with a megawatt smile. As she reaches up taking my hands from her eyes, and spinning around to face me. Finally letting her rage and anger at me shine brightly behind her eyes, but her voice stays just as sweet. "I thought you would be here hours ago."

I can't stop the sarcastic snort from leaving my lips. "I've been here for an hour and a half now trying to find you. I didn't know we knew so many people that are invested in our big news. Did you?"

Tiffany's glare gets hotter, and she squeezes my hands in warning, but I just smirk. "Always the comedian, Joe. That's one of the many things I love about you though." Her words are full of sarcasm, but I doubt the rest of the group understands that. Then she releases one of my hands, and taps the side of my face in a sort of loving gesture. "Now that you're here though, there are a few people I'd like you to formally meet."

"By all means." I say, and bow for her to lead the way.

Tiffany moves to my side, and slides her hand to the crease of my arm. As she turns to face the rest of the group. An older, yet regal, couple, and a well dressed rugged brute of a man. Who couldn't be older than forty-five at the most. Despite the mountain of facial hair hiding half of his face.

"Joe, I'd like you to meet my parents. This is my father, Dr. Hoytt Gudall the third, and my mother, Kitty Gudall." Tiffany tells me, and points to each one proudly.

Dr. Hoyt Gudall is a tall, muscular, chocolate skinned man that looks to be in his mid-fifties. He has a bald head, piercing dark brown eyes, a long, straight nose with just the smallest of turns at the end, and a full beard covering the lower half of his stoic face. His black designer tux, and white button down shirt are pressed to perfection, and fit the man like a second skin. While his shoes shine so bright I can see myself reflected in them!

I can tell immediately Tiffany got the stick stuck up her ass from her father's side of the family. While her looks on the other hand were all thanks to the goddess clutching onto the other man's arm. Mrs Kitty Gudall could easily be described as one of the wonders of the known world!

Unlike her daughter, Kitty wore her dark caramel color hair short, and most of her fringe covering the left side of her face. Her make-up and jewels were both simple, yet made her skin appear to be glowing. The dress she wore was the same color as her daughters, and had the same flowing style to the skirt, but the straps at the top covered a lot more than Tiffany's. The perfectly toned, mile long legs peeking from between the slit in her skirt were even better than her daughters. Instantly making my mouth water for just a taste!

"Excuse me. Joe, is it." Dr Hoyt says rather snidely as he tightens his hold on his wife, pulling her closer into his side, and breaking me from my gawking stare.

I send the man a sheepish smile, and pull Tiffany closer to my side before addressing him. "Yes, sir. Joe Black actually. It's a pleasure to finally meet you both." I say to him, and hold my free hand out between us for him to shake.

But, he just glares at the offending gesture. "I'm sure." He growls instead.

Thankfully Kitty doesn't leave me hanging. She turns to her husband and swats his arm good naturally. Before turning to face me with a megawatt smile just like Tiffany's. "Please forgive him, Joe. Hoyt just doesn't like being around so many people. I'm glad we could finally meet you! Tiffany has told us so much about you this week. It kinda feels like we already know you!" Kitty lets out a tinkling laugh as she takes my hand, and gives it a quick shake. Before letting go, and stepping back into her husband's embrace.

"Now Kitty." Dr Hoytt chastised his wife, while glaring straight at me. "I wouldn't go that far now. I mean, we don't really know a damn thing about the man, except for what our daughter has told us. We don't really know where he's from, what sort of family he's from, or if he can even manage to take care of our daughter!"

Dr Hoytt's tone of voice is making it pretty clear he doesn't like me very much right now, and he isn't even trying to hide it! I can't let his self righteous attitude towards me affect me, so I just smile, and silently count to five inside my head. Then turn on what little bit of charm I have when dealing with some of my more self-important clients at the club, and try to ease some of my future father-in-laws nerves.

"Dr Hoytt, Sir, let me be the first to apologize for us not meeting before now. My mother, First Lady Bonnie Black, would be appalled at my lack of manners. She raised me to be the perfect southern gentleman. And, my father, The Reverend George Black, or heaven forbid my baby sister Jenny Black, would give me a stern talking to for not coming to you first, to ask your permission to marry your daughter. For that I truly am sorry, and if we could keep my laps of judgement from the rest of the good folks of Deep Valley, Virginia that would be great." I finish good naturally. Making the rest of the woman laugh, but only causing the other two individuals to turn even more stone faced.

"And, as for the matter of being able to take care of your daughter. I can assure you I will have no problem with that at all. Not only do I run a very successful private club in the city, but I've done very well for myself with some sound investment advice from your daughter." I tell him, and turn to Tiffany to give her a wink. To which she gives me a pleased smile in return. "But, if you ask me Sir, if it was my daughter getting married to some man I didn't know, those questions wouldn't be the most important thing I would worry about. If it was me, I would be worried about if the man loved her anywhere close to as much as I did, or if he made her happy? Well, I can tell you without a doubt that the answer to both of those questions is a resounding yes. I love your daughter more now, than the first time I met her at that party ten long years ago. I feel a little stupid it took me this to figure it out."

"Awe!" Both women coo at the same time with matching doe-eyed stares directed at me.

Dr Hoytt doesn't have a snappy comeback then, and silence surrounds our group. I glance around at the rest of them slowly noticing none of them could tell what to say next just from the looks on their faces. Until I got to the last person in the group.

The younger man was looking down at me with the biggest sneer on his somewhat handsome face. "Black, you say. I don't think I know any prominent families with that particular last name. Tell me, were your ancestors either too lazy, or scared of what the rest of the world would think when they caught them sleeping with their sister, to make it past the backwoods of Virginia, did you say?"

I had to bite down on my tongue until I tasted blood in my mouth to stop myself from snapping back at this man. Instead I felt myself puff up at his words. Trying to silently intimidate him by my mere show of manliness. I'm trying to think of a smart, diplomatic response to give him, but before I can even think of something Tiffany drops my arm, walks across the group to the man's side, and takes his arm. Wrapping it around hers as she snuggles even closer into his side.

"Why Graham, you're so funny!" Tiffany giggles at him. While batting her eyes in awe up at the man. "But, I'm sure that's not true. I think I remember you telling me about some kid named Black you didn't particularly like when you were at that boarding school in California."

"Oh, that's right!" Graham says with a snap of his fingers. Smiling down at Tiffany with a close tenderness I've never seen her share with another. "I remember now. I always did hate that kid, and I never have problems with people. But, he was from England, so I doubt he would have been any relations to Moe, over there, anyways."

Graham slid that last dig in towards me. While also gliding his finger delicately down Tiffany's cheek lovingly. Causing me to see red. I dropped both of my hands down to my sides, and balled my fists tightly. But, neither of them paid me any attention, and instead continued to reminisce about their younger days together right in front of me!

Tiffany pawed all over the man while looking up at him like he was the second coming of Christ or something. But, the thing that caused me to feel the most jealousy was how every so often she would throw her head back, and let out this sound of complete and utter joy. That I had never heard her make any time during our ten years together.

Of course, Graham seemed to be eating all of the attention Tiffany bestowed upon him up in heaps. 'What red-blooded male wouldn't?' If the man's large hands weren't wrapped around my finances waist. Then they were either caressing some part of her exposed, tender flesh, or playing in her long, ebony colored hair.

Graham wanted me to know that he'd had my woman before, and could just as easily have her again. With nothing more than just a snap of his fingers judging by the sexual tension coming from their bodies in waves. And, all I could do was remain standing there. Silently fuming over this entire fucked up situation!

Hell even Tiffany's parents seem to be having a much better time now. From the twinkle in Mrs Gudall's eyes, and smiling face. To the stoic doctor himself losing his composure, and laughing along hysterically at whatever the amazing Graham had just finished telling the group.

I found a clock hanging on the wall behind the rest of the group's head, and kept glancing up at it through the rest of their tales. The duo had been going strong for more than an hour by the time I'd had enough, but before I could excuse myself someone else came up, and tapped the good doctor on the shoulder.

Dr Gudall turned around, and gave the man a boisterous greeting. Before gliding his wife around to do the same. Moments later he called Tiffany's name, and motioned for her to come to his side. I figured I would be next, so I went to take a step towards her, but the old man's next words stopped me.

"And, you remember Graham, right Keith?" Her father called out while smirking triumphantly in the man's direction.

I felt his disapproving blow straight to the gut. Robbing me of all the oxygen from my lungs, and causing black spots to dot along the edge of my vision. Once the group's backs were turned towards me I made my grand escape.

I snatched a few glasses of wine from one of the servers as I passed through the crowded rooms of the mansion. Drowning one after the other, then sitting the empty glasses back down on another tray, and then replacing them with one that was full. I even scored a full bottle as I passed through the kitchen on my way out the back door of the place.

I stumbled out of the door onto a gravel path. That led around the back of the house to a small garden. I didn't stop moving until I found a bench in the very back of the garden that was hidden away by several overgrown bushes, and sat down.

I didn't move from my spot for the rest of the night. Instead, I sat there drinking the night away under the stars. Trying to forget everything that just happened, and the expectations I always had about this day when I was a kid.

'Happy Birthday to you, Joe Black. Maybe one day you'll realize your life has never been destined for anything good.'

*~*~*~*END OF FLASHBACK*~*~*~*

******Author's Note******

Okay My Loves,

What do y'all think? I'm dying to hear, so leave me a comment with your thoughts! I know this chapter doesn't go into Tiffany and Joe's fight that well, but just wait for the start of the next one my friends!

Until then my loves!

Callie