Sorry this chapter took so long. Writer's block is a bitch.
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I look like such a tool the next evening when I pick up Kayla. This is not the first time I have worn a suit for her. I am so whipped. My anger toward her has dissipated somewhat but not completely. We arrive at the Pavilion a little after seven. After checking our coats, we begin the rounds. She introduces me to friends of her parents and professors from her college. The guest list is pretty high class. I so don't fit in but learned long ago how to adapt. To Kayla's annoyance I am networking, handing out business cards every chance I get. It irks me she seems embarrassed about my profession.
"I bet over half these people have ink under their clothes."
"It just doesn't seem appropriate."
"I have already picked up three different cards. Why shouldn't I be handing mine out?"
"Those were attorneys and a financial advisor."
"And?"
"Forget it." She sighs. It doesn't take long for me to run for the bar. Let her be pissed.
We wander through the pieces up for auction. Most of it is overrated bullshit. One sculpture catches my eye. It reminds me of something I just can't say what. The plaque says it was originally made in 1656 in Ireland. Part of me feels like I have seen it before. I figure it must have been a book on period art. Compelled I write down my bid. Kayla appears impressed. She knows how much I appreciate art, guess she didn't think I would be willing to spend that much on it. I tried to convince her to let me put my art on her body. She claims religious belief. She hides behind that reasoning quite a bit.
"It's covered." The bartenders says to me as he hands me a refill on my whiskey. I give him a quizzical expression.
"I'm a little surprised to see you here." I turn to see Darius holding out his hand.
"I am an artist." Taking his hand. "It's my canvas that differs." His grin is still menacing looking. "Do women cringe or melt to that grin?" I joke.
"Depends which one I show." Quickly flashing his fangs. This time I can see the humor in him.
He follows my eyes over to where Kayla is in conversation with, only word that comes to mind is pretty boy. From across the room I can tell how hard he is trying to look the part. Perfect hair, perfect clothes. Must be Riley. I probably look like shit standing here next to Darius. Tall, dark, handsome. Can only imagine how much his suit costs.
"You are the only original one here." Darius says.
"Excuse me?"
"Everyone here is playing a part. Myself included. You are the only one who is not pretending to be what you are not." I don't know what to say to that.
"Thanks, I guess."
"You are curious to know what they are saying?" Inclining his head toward Kayla and the other guy.
"Not so much what they are saying as...forget it."
"What she is thinking?" I just look at Darius and them back to Kayla giggling at... "Riley. Your guess was right on."
"Are you always in my head?"
"It's the quickest way we communicate with each other."
"I can assume We means the...."
"Yes." He cuts me off. "You must watch what is said in public." Looking down at me.
"Right sorry."
"So?" Looking back to Kayla.
"Tell me."
"You might not like it."
"I think I can handle it."
"She is in love with him. Riley that is. She is wondering if he has all the sleeping around out of his system." He turns to look at me. "She would leave you for him. If only he wanted her back."
"But he doesn't want her back."
"No. All he is thinking about is how to climb the ladder, marry into a wealthier family."
Nothing else is said between us. Both just sipping our drinks. The fucking year I have wasted on that tart. My anger starts to build until I remember the fact I have been cheating on her. A smile spreads across my face realizing I am not heartbroken by the news. Darius just confirmed all the suspicions I have had. I actually laugh out loud at how much I don't care. Especially about the people who are now staring at me. That is when Kayla and Riley notice me. They both looked surprised. Then I remember Darius.
"Are you some kind of big shot here?" I ask him.
"You could say that. I am part owner of Nocturn Inc."
"Vivian is the other? And this is your charity event?" He nods. I can not hold in the laughter. Here I am the least important person at this thing and am standing here bullshitting with the fucking owner.
"You underestimate your worth." Darius says. Kayla and Riley make their way over to us. She comes to stand beside me.
"Connor. This is Riley Williams." She says. He holds his hand out to me.