Our Sick Inheritance (editing)

Chapter 23 - Want A Ride Anna?

Jake walked next to Anna as he returned Bryce's wave of goodbye with the escapeway was in view. It seemed odd that Bryce stood alone while he watched them leave. Jake thought that Bryce would have another girl on his arm now that Harmony and Stacy weren't giving in to his advances. It was then with the eye of an eagle that Jake caught a look between him and Anna.

At first Jake thought Anna was going to say goodbye to Bryce personally, but she just waved and kept walking to the front door. To Jake's surprise he also noticed that Bryce looked sad for his eyes were darker and glassy as he watched Anna leave. Jake had never seen that look on Bryce's face before. He realized that Bryce had waved to Anna instead of him, but Anna had waved to dismiss him. Stacy completely ignored Bryce and rushed to follow Anna out with Jake almost too close on her heels. Bryce didn't even pay attention to Jake until he passed by him then gave him a wave of goodbye back as if it were his job to do so as host.

In the car Stacy fired a billion questions to Anna who answered them politely, but Jake cringed at her excitement. Anna discovered Stacy didn't possess the same tact that he did. With a knowing glance to each other and a quick smile Anna and Jake drove in silence because Stacy wouldn't stop talking about the events of the night, which felt to her like her whole life was lived in just a few hours. The drive seemed longer than it should have but Jake learned more about Anna in that time than he had before they kissed.

After driving to what felt like a secret destination because of the tall trees that enveloped the mountains, Jake drove down a long driveway where a giant house started to appear. The closer they got the lit massive estate grew as did the eerie mystical qualities of it.

"This is such a beautiful house, it looks like a mansion." Stacy exclaimed.

"Thank you, yes, it is. My father had additions built onto it." Anna explained.

"Do you live with both of your parents here?" Stacy asked wistfully.

"No, just my Dad." Anna said.

"Where is your Mom?" Stacy asked.

Anna looked uncomfortable for a second. Jake turned to her and apologized for Stacy.

"I'm sorry my sister can be rude sometimes without realizing it."

"No, it's OK. My mom died of cancer when I was little. My father owns a bunch of resorts, mostly ski resorts in the US and few other countries, so he is very busy." Anna responded politely.

She must feel like a broken record Jake thought for it seemed she had answered that question a hundred times by the tone in which she answered it. What disturbed him more was that Stacy had already given him this information earlier in the evening, so she already knew these answers. He wondered what she was up to.

"He must make lots of money." Stacy said unperturbed.

Jake glared at his Stacy's rudeness. He could see Anna smiling out of the corner of his eye, but that wasn't going to stop him from warning his sister with a death glare. Stacy ignored it and continued because it was obvious by the look in her eyes that she was still angry about the night and anyone in her path was fair game.

"So, you don't have anyone to take care of you?"

"Well, I take pretty good care of myself. I also have a live-in House Mother. I also have a live-in chef, and a gardener that resides in a little house on the side of the property. There are other staff that come all week to help. I'm not often alone."

"That must be nice. Are they nice people?" Stacy inquired.

"Yes, very nice. They've been with me most of my life so they are family to us. Since he works away from home a lot, my father is cautiously particular who enters his house. He is very protective and private." Anna looked a bit uncomfortable again.

Jake listened as he slowed to find a place best to stop in front of the house. The girls were talking about Anna's website. The gush of enthusiasm from his sister made him want to choke her. His patience was rewarded when he heard the manner of Stacy's voice change. Since Stacy had heard about the island at the party, she discussed with Anna about her plans for it.

They sat in the dark parked in front of the enormous structure that scared him from walking Anna to her door. As if a whisper of a woman's voice brushed his ear to telling him to leave, Jake to focus on the girls' conversation hoping it was coming to an end.

He couldn't help but be impressed with how much Anna had accomplished at such a young age. Now because of her father, to have the opportunity of a lifetime to run a successful island if she advertised it well made him a tad bit envious. He would love to live on an island. Who wouldn't? Jake wondered.

It was then that he heard Stacy offer herself. He bit his cheek and wanted to stick a cloth in her mouth to shut her up. He hadn't forgotten Harmony was someone she cursed daily and here she was sitting behind Harmony's best friend with her soul in her stretch out palms. That had to be uncomfortable for Anna, but Stacy wouldn't let up.

"If you need extra models let me know. I love your clothes and style. You aren't repetitive in your designs or your magazine. Everyone notices that. Everyone I know reads it on their phones. I've even bought some stuff from the store part."

"Well thank you, I'll keep that in mind." Anna said politely.

Jake glanced at Anna and thought he saw a blush with her smile as she looked at her house. Then again Stacy opened her mouth.

"Your house looks absolutely gorgeous, like a magical land especially with your garden all lit up. That is stunning! I wish I was wealthy. I would love to have a rich beautiful man wrap his arms around me, and whisper sweet words into my ear. Someone I could trust and be relaxed with." Stacy sighed wishfully. "Hope my Prince Charming is near in my future."

Jake wasn't sure if Stacy realized they were in the truck with her still. Before his sister could make Anna run out of the vehicle screaming from Stacy's obtrusive personal questions and stupid comment, he turned to Anna.

"It was very nice to meet you and thank you for making my night enjoyable especially at something I was almost forced to go to." Jake laughed at Stacy's gasp. Only Stacy hadn't wanted him to go in the first place. Bet she is glad he did now. Jake smiled.

Anna unzipped her purse and pulled out her a flat small pink and black camera phone.

"Can I take a quick picture of the both of you?" She asked.

"Sure." said Stacy always up for a photo shoot. She put her arm around her brother while Anna turned around and leaned against Jake as if to push Stacy out of the picture as much as possible. She kept trying to get a good angle with her camera just barely capturing Stacy's face stretching next to her and Jake. He could feel the heat coming off her body which made his temperature rise. He was glad he wasn't wearing a jacket over his black thermal shirt. He was stuck in the awkward position, but the photo came out looking natural.

"Thanks." She said and quickly gave Jake a kiss on the lips before she jumped out of his truck and waved walking away with a smile on her face. She made it to her door quickly. Stacy got out of his truck and set herself in the front seat. The kiss happened so fast he thought he might have imagined it, but he knew Stacy wasn't going to let it go.

"Bye." They both called after her and Jake drove along the looped driveway and back onto the road into the direction of their own little humble abode. He didn't want to discuss any kind of kiss with Stacy. He was confused enough as it was. Jake turned the music of the radio up so Stacy didn't get a chance to say anything and be heard over the noise.

There was no need to worry because Stacy sat quietly the whole trip back. If Jake hadn't been analyzing the evening, he would have nudged her about Skyler. He wondered if that drama was playing out in Stacy's head which took precedence over his own situation. Jake kept silent as well not wanting to unleash the destruction a conversation could weave. It seemed the party had an impact on them both.

He was grateful when he finally turned down his street...

Until the hair on the back of his neck raised in warning.