The Royal Crush

7

Thankfully, everyone was asked to take their seats just then. Whoever drew up the seating plan had a sick sense of humour, because Cedric, his parents and I were at a table with Chace, Carson and my parents. I hadn't even known my parents were in town. I gave Aunt a 'you didn't warn me' glare and she shrugged apologetically.

"Chloe," my mother said. "We haven't had time to talk since we arrived-"

"I'm not surprised," I mumbled. Mother continued, ignoring me.

"Since we're all here, I think it would be better for you to stay with us while we're here."

"Nah, I don't think so," I said. Stay with them? Hell no. I've had enough of that for a lifetime.

"This isn't an option, Chloe. You don't get to choose," mother said sharply.

"Listen to your mother, Chloe," father said quietly. I raised an eyebrow at him. He hardly even talks to me.

"I'd rather not. Please don't make me," I said.

Mother sighed dramatically. "Evelyn, please convince her to stay with us."

Why was she dragging Aunt into this?

"Are you sure that's a good idea, Kendra? Moving her for a couple of weeks-"

"We are her parents, Evelyn. She needs to stay with us too."

I sighed and put my fork down.

"You know what? Fine. Fine, I'll come and live with you. I know you're only doing this for your reputation, but okay. You have been warned," I said.

"Chloe!" Mother said, looking scandalized.

"Yes, mother?" I asked sweetly. She just glared at me and went back to her food, fuming. Well, this was going to be fun.

I looked up and saw Caleb at the table opposite mine. The atmosphere there seemed to be completely different from mine. He was laughing at something his mother had said. And damn, he looked so good when he flashed those pearly whites. Suddenly he looked up and caught me watching him. I turned red and ducked my head, shoveling food into my mouth. When I looked up again, he was smirking at me. Damn it.

I raised an eyebrow at him and his smirk turned to a boyish grin. Oh lord, this boy would be death of me. His little sister tugged at his arm and he turned to her. So he was a family guy. That was so adorable.

I finished my dinner and looked around to see Adrian watching me. His expression suggested he'd seen the whole exchange between Caleb and I. Great. When I looked at him, he gave me a bitter smile and left the table. I watched as he walked to the back door, probably heading to the backyard.

I excused myself and got up. I went to the backyard and saw him sitting on the porch swing.

"Go back, your boyfriend's probably wondering where you are," he said without looking up.

I sighed and sat beside him. "He's not my boyfriend."

"Sure, whatever."

"How did you know it was me?"

"I'm in love with you, Chloe. I can recognize you blindfolded."

"It's my perfume, isn't it?"

"Fine, you win."

I chuckled. "I thought you moved on."

"What in the world made you think that?"

"You... you should move on. It's never gonna happen, Adrian. I've moved on, you should do the same."