Chapter 4
Lunch was served at precisely twelve o’clock. Charley exited the living room along with all the other guests as they made their way through the double terrace doors. The backyard of the Rhodes’ home was spacious and well kept.
To one side there was a kidney shaped pool, that Charley remembered enjoying a cool dip in only last summer, with pool chairs to one side, and a round garden table and chairs with an umbrella in the centre. They had a built in face brick barbeque that also had Charley recalling her first visit to the Rhodes household, where Mr Rhodes had grilled his famous lobster with his secret family recipe. Mrs Rhodes had whispered to her that it wasn’t that secret, but just an accidental mixture his grandfather had come across on their family barbeque.
She smiled as she remembered being so nervous wanting to impress her new friend’s parents and older brother. All-in-all it had been a great evening, one that would see Charley becoming one of the family.
The other section of the backyard housed the garden, Mrs Rhodes pride and joy. There were flowers of all variety that scented this heavenly place. Mrs Rhodes took much pride in her flowers and could be found tending her babies – as she called them – all spring and summer long. Charley had been in awe the first time she’d seen the blossoms in full bloom. Even now, with the mid-Spring sun shining upon its tender buds, she could see slowly but surely they would be greeted soon by its floral scent.
Charley’s eyebrows rose slightly when she saw the elaborate setting of the lunch party. Of course she hadn’t expected anything less from Mrs Rhodes, but considering the woman had only pulled off one of the biggest fundraiser’s of the year only days before, she wondered how the woman had found the time to plan this party as well.
A special platform had been placed on the grass, while a marquee of a white material had been setup as a cover. It was a light material still enabling the sun to allow its warmth through. Round tables that seated about eight people were placed about the area, with black linens.
As Charley passed the tables, she could see the centre pieces were a mix of white roses, with gold trimmings. The dinnerware chosen – of course matching the colour scheme – was white with a beautiful gold pattern along the edges, while gold napkins were placed perfectly centre on each plate.
Charley felt as if she’d walked into the Imperial Ballroom at the BostonPlaza all over again. Well, she thought, this is exactly how the rich throw a party. She loved the Rhodes family without a doubt, but she knew if it hadn’t been for her connection with Rachael, she would never have been invited to anything remotely close to this.
Carefully she made her way to her seat. Without a doubt Mrs Rhodes had a place setting for everyone. It surprised her though to see just how close she was seated to the head table. Taking the white card in her hands, she rechecked the name.
Yup, it was her name alright, beautifully printed in gold calligraphy. She was about to take her seat when a female voice called out her name in greeting. Turning, she smiled, but almost choked when she saw who it was.
“Hey Charley,”
“Kayla right, it’s nice to see you again.” she greeted the young Thorp with the flowing dusty golden locks, hoping that her older brother wasn’t close by.
“Yeah, you remembered.” She sounded stunned, confusing Charley. Well, she certainly wasn’t forgettable. Not only did she have beautiful features, but her striking long hair was really an eye catcher.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Charley questioned.
She shrugged. “No reason.” Charley wanted to question her further, but Kayla’s bubbly chat sparked up again. “Oh great, you’re seated here too.”
Charley looked down at the card in Kayla’s hand. Apparently the younger Thorp was seated only one away from her; right next to… she picked up the card next her seat and saw Scott was her partner.
She looked up at Kayla. “It seems we are.”
Charley was about to pull out her seat when a hand covered hers, stopping her. Instantly a warm sensation ran through her arm, freezing her in place. She didn’t need to look up to know who was having this effect on her, but slowly she found her green eyes drifting up to meet his baby blues.
“Allow me,” he offered in that gentlemanly way he usually did. His eyes glittered with amusement as he watched her nod once, quickly averting her eyes.
Tate pulled out her chair, waiting for her to make the move. He knew this was only a simple task, but any points he scored in Charley Donavan’s book was points he knew he desperately needed. He inhaled deeply as that scent of hers, the one that reminded him so much of summer, filled his senses.
For a moment he was lost, lost in her sweetness. His eyes closed ever so slightly as he tried to regain his self-control, but he knew as long as he was around her there as no control to be found.
He pushed in her seat and she thanked him with a smile. For a second that smile dazed him and if not for his sister’s giggles that filled there air, distracting him, he would have been lost forever.
Charley looked up at Scott in relief as he greeted Kayla. He complimented her in that smooth way he did with girls and she saw a shade a pink brighten the girl’s cheeks. Scott was whispering something in her ear when Tate shifted between them, steering Kayla away from the other guy. Charley ducked her head, hiding the smile that formed on her face. It seemed Tate was all too familiar with Scott’s reputation with women.
Scott held his hands up in defence when Tate sent him a dirty look. “I was joking around with your sister. Come on man you know me.”
Tate shook his old friend’s hand. He and Scott had always been close from a young age. They’d gone camping together as boys; they’d played sports together as teenagers growing to men who picked up girls together. Yeah he knew Scott alright and he was keeping his sister as far as possible from him.
“Yeah I know you and your reputation.” Tate countered, “Remember I learnt some of my tricks from you.”
“Yeah,” Scott turned to the girls throwing his arm over Tate’s shoulder, “I am the master and this is my student.”
Charley coughed, almost choking on the water she’d been drinking. Her eyes found Tate’s sending him a questioning glare. Had he used Scott moves on her? And how many girls exactly had he used them on?
She immediately chided herself for her thoughts and quickly turned her gaze away from Tate’s but not before she caught the amused look in his eyes. She grumbled, hating that she’d been caught in the act. She shouldn’t care how many girls he’d been with or will be with for that matter, because she wasn’t interested.
She’d made a pact with herself a long time ago and she was planning to stick to it.
“Are you okay, Charley?” Kayla’s asked looking concerned.
Charley offered the sweet girl a smile. “Yes, thank you.”
Satisfied, Kayla turned her attention back to her brother who seated himself next to her. Charley’s eyes bulged. She couldn’t believe her luck today. First her necklace and now she has to spend the rest of the afternoon looking at Tate across the table from her. Slumping back in her chair she sighed.
“Everything okay?” Scott asked from beside her.
“Yeah, everything’s peachy.”
“What’s peachy?”
Charley turned to see Rachael and Tony take the other two seats next to her. Tony, ever the gracious boyfriend, helped Rachael into her seat beside Charley before taking his own. He placed a gentle kiss to her cheek when she thanked him and Charley found her eyes drifting once again to the guy who sat across from her only to find his laughing eyes already upon her.
“Well this is cosy.” Rachael’s comment had her looking away.
She saw the grin plastered in her friend’s face and sent her a glare. Her head snapped up in surprise when she heard Tate’s booming laughter fill the air.
“What’s so funny?” Kayla asked him.
He sipped from his water, smiled at Charley over the rim. “Oh nothing. Just life has a really good sense of humour.”
“Okay…” Kayla looked at him all confused.
Scott leaned closer to Charley then. “Am I missing something?” he questioned.
Charley caught the look in Rachael’s eyes and sent her a warning glare not to say anything to anyone. She turned to look at Scott, but his attention was otherwise occupied. The glint she saw in his eyes only meant one thing… there was an attractive woman in the room.
Sure enough Charley looked up to see a striking woman in an equally striking dress make her way to their table. She had a warm smile plastered on her face, one that you would find in a toothpaste advertisement. Her red hair shone even with the minimal sunlight exposure.
As she gave this stranger the once over, Charley knew that she was exactly Scott’s type and considering the way his eyes lit up, she knew this woman definitely wasn’t family.
“Hey, Sophie.” Rachael greeted the woman.
“My word Rachael, look at you.” she greeted in awe, kissing Rachael on the cheek. “How are you?”
“I’m good. And by the looks of it so are you.”
“I most definitely am.” came her cheery response as she turned to greet the rest of the table.
Charley didn’t know who Sophie was, but Rachael and Scott definitely seemed to. Rachael introduced her to everyone at the table. It seems she is the daughter of one of the law firm’s partners. She too was studying to be a lawyer like her mother and had finished off her final year at Harvard. Apparently she’d graduated earlier than the other students.
Well, it seems we have a smart Alec on our hands, Charley thought admiring her.
Oh, but this admiration didn’t last long when she noted Sophie flirt unashamedly with Tate. She knew she had no right to be jealous, after all she was the one who’d pushed Tate away, not wanting anything to do with him, and yet as the meal progressed, Charley kept imagining ways she could ruin that pretty little dress Sophie had on or embarrass her in front of the guy who now threw his head back and laughed at something she whispered to him.
“I believe the chicken was killed already.” Scott said from side her.
“Huh?” Charley looked up at Scott in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
He indicated with a nod at her plate. Her gaze travelled there only to see her chicken sliced and poked in more places than she could count. She cringed and smiled sheepishly at Scott.
“Oh,” was all she could respond while putting down her fork and taking other sip of wine, watching Tate and Sophie over the rim.
“You know, green is ordinarily your colour, but right now it’s just making you look like a monster.” He added, taking up another fork full of steamed vegetables.
Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, Charley looked at her plate. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Scott laughed, making everyone look at them. Tate’s eyes landed on Charley, a scowl covering his face as he watched the pair. Charley sent him a questioning look, but he just turned his attention back to Sophie who had him smiling in minutes.
“You know Charley, for someone who likes to play it cool, you’re certainly fiery hot today.” He pointed out, a mischievous glint in his chocolate brown eyes. “I’m actually surprised Tate and Sophie aren’t burnt to a crisp yet, what with the heated looks you’ve been sending them.”
Charley sighed, “Who told you?” But even as she asked this she knew there could only be one person.
“Told me what?” he played innocent.
She sent him a dry look that said, don’t play dumb with me.
“Okay,” he relented. “Nobody needed to tell me anything. With all the tension between you and Tate, it kind of speaks for itself.” He whispered. “But if you must know, my sister told me.”
“Is nothing ever a secret around here?” she asked in a whisper.
“No, not when it comes you and Tate… you know.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, making Charley swot him on the arm as he laughed.
“You know as far as guys go, Tate’s not a pretty bad route to take.” He snuck in.
She arched her brow. “Rach tell you to say that?”
“No, I’m saying it.”
“I guess she told you everything then.”
“Yup,” Scott glanced at her when he noticed Tate whisper something into Sophie’s ear, making her laugh. It was clear to him that she had it bad for Tate. What he couldn’t figure out was why she wouldn’t admit it. “I wouldn’t worry too much about that.”
Her gaze snapped back up to his. “About what?”
“Them,” he whispered close to her ear, “Tate’s only making conversation with her to be polite and cause they both are headed off to Law school next fall. Plus he’s using her to make you jealous.”
She looked at him as if he were crazy. “You’re kidding right?”
He chewed slowly on the chicken, savouring the taste was Charley drummed her fingers on the table impatiently waiting for his reply.
He shook his head on a swallow. “Nope. Whenever you’re not looking he looks up to see if you are. And trust me the look he’s sending you is not the same as the one he’s sending Sophie.”
Charley frowned, unsure how she should process what Scott was relaying to her. On one hand she knew that a relationship with Tate was out of the question. For one she didn’t have the time and for another there was her ‘night’ job that she was certain Tate wouldn’t approve of.
On the other hand she’d never stopped thinking about the night she spent with him. And it wasn’t about the sex or how alive he’d made her feel that night. It was the way they talked, the way he listened attentively to every word she said. There was no sign of boredom, or a made up excuse that he could use to escape. No, Tate listened and he was interested, even in what little she offered about herself.
Charley had enjoyed that part very much.
She glanced up in Tate’s direction and sure enough his eyes were glued to her. For a moment her breath caught as their gazes collided. Charley felt her heart quicken as a slight smile was sent her way and for an unknown reason she found herself returning that same smile.
It was only Kayla drawing her brother’s attention away that had Charley turning to look back at Scott who was smirking at her from ear to ear.
“What are you grinning about?”
“Nothing,” he defended, the smirk never leaving his face, “Just for a guy you’re not interested in you sure do offer him the nicest smiles.”
She just shook her head at him when she noticed the wink he sent over his shoulder. She turned her head to see the same look covered over her best friends face. Feeling her cheeks heating up, Charley frowned. It had been a long time since she’d blushed. She’d long since gotten over her shyness. In fact if she recalled correctly she’d been about Kayla’s age when she last remembered blushing.
Her eyes wondered to the younger Thorp and found her grinning mischievously at her too. Feeling her cheeks blaze even more, Charley focused on her food, deciding it was the safest place to look right now.
***
The rest of the meal was great. It turns out Sophie was really hard not to like. She’d finally torn herself from Tate and engaged in conversation with her and Rachael. Charley was silently thankful to her friend for the distraction, but immediately pushed that thought away reminding herself that she wanted nothing to do with Tate and his sexy smile or ocean blue eyes.
As much as she was enjoying her afternoon with the Rhodes family, Charley was thankfully when lunch was over and the toasts were made. Rachael gave a heart-warming speech that even brought a tear to her eyes, while Mr Thorp, who was Mr Rhodes’ long time friend and business partner, gave a speech that really painted the man in a gratifying light.
Charley smiled now as she watched the many couples waltz along the dance floor. After the spectacular meal and delectable desserts, a few of the tables had been cleared away to open the floor for dancing.
Though there was no live band – considering this was Mrs Rhodes we were talking about Charley was surprised by this reality – soft jazz and classical music saw many of the older and younger couples enjoying a twirl on the floor.
Charley sipped of her champagne as she engaged Kayla in conversation, both girls smiling broadly as they admired the couples that swept across the floor. She saw Mr and Mrs Rhodes locked in each others arms as if they were young lovers only just embarking on the wonder that love and commitment held.
She couldn’t help but let out a slight sigh when she noticed Tony and Rachael with the same love struck look in their eyes as her best friend’s parents. Oh, if only Mrs Rhodes could see the joy and love that mirrored her own when Rachael looked at Tony.
“They’re perfect for each other aren’t they?” Kayla stated admiring the couple with a dreamy sigh.
“Yes they are.” Charley agreed as she watched Tony spin Rachael out and back into his arms, a burst of laughter escaping her. There was no denying that her friend had fallen hard and so had Tony.
“So,” she turned to Kayla, “where is your boyfriend today? Shouldn’t he be taking you for a spin?”
Kayla let out a burst of laughter; all the while Charley could see the slight blush that coloured her cheeks. “Boyfriend? I don’t think so.”
“Oh come on, you’re going to tell me there’s no one your interested in or who’s maybe interested in you?” Charley fished with a devilish smile.
A grin spread across Kayla’s face. “Well…”
“I knew it. So who is?”
“He’s a guy at my school. We’re in the same grade. We’ve hung out together – a lot, but he hasn’t made a move yet.” Her smile diminished. “I’m beginning to think that he’s not into me, that it’s all me.”
Charley bit her lower lip considering what Kayla said. “Okay here’s the thing.” Kayla looked at her intently. “From what I’m hearing I think he does like you.”
“Really?” she perked up, those baby blues, the ones identical to Tate’s, came alive. She found it strange that she hadn’t noticed this before. It was the one thing about Tate that she knew she’d never forget.
“Yes really. You have to remember that guys have the same fears and insecurities as girls.” Charley explained. “I’m sure he wants to make his move, he’s just a bit intimidated.”
A stunned look crossed her face. “Intimidated by what?”
“By you of course.”
Kayla blushed again, this time her face was scarlet. It was clear to Charley that Kayla was definitely still very much an innocent. “I-I think you must have it wrong. He wouldn’t be intimated by me.”
“Are you kidding me? You’re gorgeous. Any guy would be lucky to have you.”
“Thank you.” Kayla smiled and shifted her attention to the crowd.
Charley did the same, her eyes landing on Rachael and Tony. “Oh and one thing.” Kayla turned to look at her. “If he doesn’t make a more then you do it.”
“Me?” she said incredulously.
“Yes. This is the twenty-first century; girls are entitled to make the first move when guys take too long.” She added making the younger girl chuckle.
“Thank you for the advice, Charley. It’s not always easy to talk to my mom about these things. And if I ask my brother, he’d probably kill the guy.”
“You’re welcome and well… that’s what older brothers are for.”
Charley laughed, her eyes of their own accord roamed the floor for Tate. But her mirth soon faded when her eyes landed on Sophie locked in his arms. She watched as Sophie threw her head back and laughed, Tate joining her.
She looked away, taking another long sip of her drink. She tried to ignore the pang in her chest, that green-eyed monster that so wanted to rise to the surface. With one deep breath she forced it back into a deep dark hole. She couldn’t, no she wouldn’t allow Tate to win.
He’s using her to make you jealous. Scott’s earlier words echoed in her mind. Charley frown in anger.
He thinks he can trick me into feeling something. He can’t get me to like him, he’ll settle for jealousy instead. Well Tate Thorp you definitely aren’t getting under my skin, not today or any day.
Yet even at she thought this Charley gulped down the last of her champagne, and knew that he already had.
“My brother is such an idiot.” Kayla stated out of the blue.
Well we can agree on that. “Why would you say that?”
“Because he’s dancing with Sophie when he should be dancing with you.”
Charley’s eyes bulged. “Wh–what?” she shook her head. “You’re brother and I… we’re just…” just what? “He likes Sophie; they have a lot in common. I’m – I’m not right for him.”
“I’d disagree with that.” Kayla stated boldly.
It seemed the Thorp siblings had something else in common, their persistence. When they believed in something they didn’t let it go and Kayla wasn’t letting this go.
“Yeah sure they have ‘law’ in common.” She said it with a roll of her eyes. “But come on, Charley, everyone at our table could see that he couldn’t keep his eyes off of you. Well everyone expect Sophie.” She hooked her thumb in the direction of the blonde.
Charley looked at Tate again only see him smile at Sophie before his eyes connected with hers and he headed in their direction. Her breath caught and she gulped as she watched Tate’s determinedly stride towards her, that lazy half smile of his spread across his sexy mouth, his gaze never leaving her.
Oh damn, he’s headed this way. He was only a few feet from her and Kayla when she jumped up from her seat. “I’m – err – going to use the restroom.” She announced.
“Now? But –”
“I’ll be back soon.” She interrupted, snatching up her bag and dashed off just as Tate arrived at their table.
Charley didn’t look back and was so focused on getting away from Tate she hadn’t realised Scott was headed towards her until she almost walked into him.
“Hey, where are you off to in such a hurry?” he asked capturing her shoulders. “I was hoping you’ll grace me with a dance.”
“I’m just off to use the restroom.” She smiled, though it was forced. “I’ll take that dance when I get back.” She said and sidestepped him.
Scott looked over at the table to see Tate take the seat she’d only moments occupied and grinned. “Are you sure you’re going to use the restroom or are you just using that as an excuse to run away?”
She turned and glared at him when she noticed the direction of his gaze. He winked at her, making her roll her eye. But she said nothing and just kept walking away or, as she realised with the sharp truth, running away.
***
“Where’s she off too?” Tate asked as he took the seat beside his sister, he’s eyes following Charley’s every move.
“To the restroom. She’ll be back soon.”
“Hmm…” he mused. “Did you say something so her?”
“Me?” Kayla enquired, her brows arched. “No, why do you ask?”
“Cause she dashed out of here like she’s being chased.” He answered.
“Well I didn’t do or say anything. If anything I think it’s you who scared her off.” He frowned at the glare his sister was sending him.
“What did I do? I just came to have a drink with you guys. And get away from Sophie.” He said a bit annoyed. “She’s nice and all, but she wouldn’t shut up.”
Kayla laughed heartedly. “Serves you right. You were using her to make Charley jealous, weren’t you.”
It wasn’t a question but a statement of fact. Tate sighed, taking a drink if his champagne the waiter had offered him only moments ago. “If I was it’s only cause I’m desperate. Charley doesn’t want anything to do with me.” he said dismally.
“And since when has that stopped you before.”
“I don’t chase girls who don’t want to be chased.” He pointed out.
“Yeah, but she’s dying for you to catch her.” Tate frowned at her in confusion making her roll her eyes. “Guys, we have to explain everything to you.” she muttered to herself. “Look, Charley likes you.” she spelled out slowly, mocking him, “She says she’s not interested but she is, trust me.”
“And how would you know?” he asked dryly.
She replied as if it was the most obvious answer. “I’m a girl, I know the look. I don’t know why she won’t admit it to herself, but I believe she likes you. Now I know you don’t chase girls who don’t want to be cashed, but…”
“But what?”
She leaned closer to her brother, her voice dropping. “I think she’s a girl worth chasing, no matter how long you may need to run.”
Tate smiled. “I think I know that already.”
“Good,”
“That’s it? Good.”
“Yes,” she nodded, “That’s it. The rest is now up to you.”
Tate leaned back in his seat, but didn’t get a chance to enjoy it.
“What are you doing? Go after her.”
“Jeez, okay bossy.” he stood and headed for the house.
“You’ll thank me later.” He heard his sister call and he knew she was probably right.
***
Just want to thank you guys for the support of this story and for being patient with me. I’ll try and upload more soon :)