Discern (17 page)

“No, they don’t,” he snickered.

“Yes, they do,” I challenged. “Your mom should be at the front.”

“Maybe one day.” His voice was hopeful.

“Hopefully,” I replied, knowing this would probably never happen as long as money and power influenced society.

“I better get going,” he sighed. “I still have to pick up my tuxedo.”

“Okay, I’ll see you tonight.”

My head softly hit the pillows as I lay back down.
Boulder
societal rules were not the only issues frustrating me—Ryan’s dislike for Andrew was too. Even if I were at liberty to speak about Tuesday night, Ryan definitely would not be the confidant I desired. He would never understand these feelings I felt—they were so powerful.

The time to ponder over things had ended—it was time to start getting ready. My father would be showing up promptly at four and it was now almost one. I had a hair and makeup appointment at one-thirty.

My salon experience was excruciating. Everyone was gabbing about the guest of honor at tonight’s event. Apparently this man was unbelievably gorgeous and an exceptional speaker. I had never heard of him, but I would have the pleasure of meeting him tonight. I was sure my father would force me to speak with him, hoping he could get my mind off Braden. He wasn’t exactly privy to my current crush; at least I hoped Evelyn Cardwell had not mentioned Andrew or his purchase of my dress.

There would be no interest in the speaker as my thoughts were elsewhere. I couldn’t imagine anyone more captivating than Andrew, and the sparks of electricity between us made my whole body tingle.

But attraction aside, there was definitely something eerily mystical about some of his features and his strength. I desperately hoped it was only my imagination—that was easy to deal with. But I feared if it wasn’t, how sinister the truth might be.

Four o’clock on the dot, my father knocked on my bedroom door. Glancing one last time at my reflection in the mirror to ensure my golden locks were still pinned up properly, I took a deep breath and headed to the door.

“Are you ready, beautiful?” My father asked charmingly.

“Yes, I am.”

I reluctantly opened the door to reveal my gown choice, wondering if he would approve. “Oh my, you are more than beautiful. You are a vision of perfection,” he complemented.

“Thanks, Dad, you don’t look so shabby yourself,” I smiled. I wasn’t surprised he looked so dapper. He did allegedly have connections to the owner of the only formal wear shop in town. Eventually, I had to address the issue, but tonight wasn’t the right time.

“You look more and more like your mother every day.” His smile was distressed. His heart still seemed to yearn for her. If, in fact, he was dating Evelyn, I shouldn’t be so tough on him. How could I expect him to spend the rest of his life alone and miserable because of my mother’s decisions—which forever changed our lives?

The long, black stretch limo was waiting in the driveway. Mr. Thomas, the same limo driver my father always hired, nodded and opened the door for us. We slid in and headed to our destination.

I gazed out the window as we drove up the long, winding cobblestone drive. Memories of my childhood came rushing back as I once loved attending these special occasions at the country club. My mother would always fuss over me, including purchasing a beautiful new dress for me to wear.

My final event here was back when I was fifteen, before tragedy struck. Life had been so simple then. If only I could go back in time and really enjoy those last moments I had with her.

The white plantation style mansion appeared as we cleared the many large maple trees that lined the drive. The large white columns that framed the porch were lit with several strands of faint white lights that glistened in the twilight hour of our arrival.

My father smiled. “You ready to mingle with the town’s finest?”

“I’m always ready,” I exhaled deeply.

Facing this crowd was going to be tough. There had already been many whispers about my return to
Boulder
from my peers, but this was a whole other crowd. These were the city’s finest, richest and most pretentious. It would be obvious that my engagement to Braden had been severed with my return, which would only create much speculation and many questions.

The car came to a complete stop. Seconds later, Mr. Thomas graciously opened our door.

“Welcome Mr. Helms and Miss Haley.” Mr. Walsh stood outside the club and greeted us. He was the owner of the country club and one of the wealthiest men in
Boulder
.

We both nodded, and he and my father stepped aside to chat. I decided to steer clear of their conversation and took a seat on one of the white, scroll patterned metal benches that were scattered throughout the property. I searched the parking lot, wondering if by some chance, I would see Andrew tonight, but I only saw a line of stretch limo’s heading up the drive.

My father eventually joined me for a seat on the bench and sighed loudly. “I guess you know about Evelyn and me?”

“Yes. I kind of had a run in with her while picking out my dress, and Ryan informed me earlier in the semester that you were rumored to be dating her,” I admitted, relieved to be finally speaking these words.

“Are you upset?”

“Not at the fact you’re dating—I want you to be happy, Dad. If Mom were here, you wouldn’t be out there looking for love, but she isn’t. You’re alive and deserve happiness.”

“Good,” he sighed.

“But I am upset that you felt you couldn’t tell me—your own daughter,” I said, a little frustrated.

“I know, and it was hard to keep it from you, but necessary.”

“Why?” I asked hurt.

“You were already overwhelmed with your breakup, and I didn’t want to add another factor in that could possibly make you go in to a deeper depression.” He lightly brushed his hand along my back. “I figured when the time was right I would explain. And I guess that time has come.”

“Do you love her?” I asked, watching his face, trying to gauge his reaction.

“No, I’m not there yet. We have a lot of fun together, but I’m not sure that I’m ready to love someone again.” I could hear the sadness in his voice. My mother was his first and only love. I was sure nothing could compare to that.

“I know how you feel, Dad,” I agreed. The words accidentally flowed from my thoughts to my mouth.

I saw his brow line wrinkle, trying to figure out if he had just discovered a secret. “Do you think you have found love again?”

I had to lie. I wasn’t in love with Andrew. But I was definitely infatuated, which was pretty dangerous territory, all things considered. “Oh, no, but one day I will, and I hope I’ll be ready.”

The weight seemed to lift from his face. “You will be, you’re young and resilient,” he smiled.

The smell of fresh roses and floral scented candles filled the room as we strolled inside. I closed my eyes to inhale the familiar scent. The foyer was beautifully decorated with pale-colored floral arrangements, mainly roses and lilies. The large crystal chandelier sparkled ever so slightly in the dim lit room.

A small symphony orchestra strummed their instruments, playing soft, harmonious music in a small room off to the left. Everyone was adorned in their finest attire. Muffled laughter could be heard as they waved their champagne glasses around. My feet reluctantly moved.

Faint whispering began as I walked past. My presence was obvious, and Andrew had been wrong about all people. These were the ones that would smear every tragedy of mine right in my face, without batting an eye.

My father clenched my hand, and I smiled. “Keep your head held high. These people aren’t important,” he reminded. We entered the main hall and were ushered to our table.

The main hall was eloquently decorated with the same floral arrangements as in the foyer, placed in the center of every ivory cloth-draped table.
Crystals
hung from the glass vases with small, votive candles dimly lighting the tiny crystals.

It appeared more like a wedding reception than a speaking event for a book author. The stage was faintly lit, with yet another small orchestra strumming their cellos and violins.

I searched the room to see if Ryan had arrived, secretly hoping I would find Andrew. A hand waved from the table where I expected him to be seated. I excused myself from the table. Heading in Ryan’s direction, I continued to hear the whispers from the many tables I passed. My eyes dropped, gazing only at the beige and gold carpet beneath my feet.

As I approached his table, I cautiously lifted my eyes from the floor. Ryan was grinning from ear to ear. “Oh my goodness!” he exclaimed.

“What?” I quickly asked, wondering if something was wrong.

“You look ravishing,” he gawked.

I was relieved. “Thanks, I don’t feel like it right now.”

“Why, what’s wrong?”

“My father just admitted to dating Evelyn Cardwell, as you had warned me about. My dress is itchy and, well, I hear the whispers from everyone as I walk by,” I sighed.

“First, sorry about your dad, but don’t worry, he’ll always love you. Second, you could always take off the dress,” he winked. “Third, who the hell cares what these people think?”

“I realize my dad loves me, but his lying upset me. And I’m not taking off my dress.” I shot a quick disapproving look.

“If you did, that would definitely give them something to whisper about,” he chuckled lightly.

“You’re outrageous,” I grinned.

 
I searched the room as we spoke. “Who are you looking for?” he asked curiously.

“No one, just seeing who’s attending,” I lied. My hopes were dwindling as the start of the event was nearing.

“So, what are you doing afterward?”

“No plans, as I’m sure my father will be visiting Evelyn after this.” I rolled my eyes.

“So, let’s hang out.”

“Okay, but no more suggestions about removing my dress,” I laughed.

“I promise.”

The tables were beginning to fill. It was time to return to mine at the front. “I better get going,” I frowned.

“Just another two hours or so.”

“See you later,” I smiled.

To hear the sounds of whispering again would only irritate me further, so I intentionally hummed as I walked back to my table.

 
My father smiled as I approached. “Ryan’s a nice kid. I’d approve,” he winked.

“Dad, it isn’t like that. We’re just friends,” I hissed.

“For now.”

I shook my head and ignored my father’s teasing. My thoughts went back to my disappointment with Andrew’s absence. The lights dimmed even further as I turned toward the stage, preparing to be bored.

A warm rush of air brushed the back of my neck. I quickly turned around. “Andrew!” I gasped.

“Can I speak with you for a second?” he asked politely.

“Yes, of course.” My heart began to race as I stood up. On one hand, I was relieved to see him once more, but on the other, I wasn’t sure what he might want to speak to me about. If it was to tell me goodbye, I wasn’t sure I would be able to handle the news.

A hand grabbed mine. “Who is that?” my father asked, glaring up at Andrew with concern.

I leaned down and whispered, “He’s my history teacher. I had e-mailed him about an assignment,” I quickly lied.

“Oh, okay, hurry back,” he said, continuing to eye Andrew.

We headed out one of the side doors. He held the door open, and we turned the corner of the building outside.

My arms wrapped around his neck without thinking twice. The sparks I yearned for had returned. “I’m glad you’re okay,” I whispered. “You are, right?” I asked, pulling away from his face.

“Yes, I am—everything is okay, like I said it would be. I couldn’t exactly call you, as I never got your number,” he said softly.

“Where have you been? I’ve been so worried!” I exclaimed with relief.

“I knew you were concerned, but I had to deal with a few things,” he smiled uneasily.

“Am I at liberty to ask?”

“I’m positive you do not want to hear any details.”

“Are they dead?”

“I told you, you don’t want to hear any of the details,” he reiterated.

“Oh.”

 
“I hope you can forgive me for behaving so inappropriately…” he hesitated. “But I had to protect you.”

“Forgive you?” I asked in confusion.

“Yes, I should’ve controlled my rage and just pushed them out of the way. I went too far.” He sounded ashamed.

“You did what you had to do, and I owe you my life,” I said, staring in to his crystal green eyes that sparkled more brilliantly than any of the country club chandeliers.

“You did keep your promise and not tell anyone?”

“Yes, of course. I was worried, but I’d never mention it,” I assured. “I mean I looked in the newspapers and drove by, and it was like nothing happened,” I explained.

“I wish nothing had.”

“So I’m not hallucinating, am I?” I asked nervously.