"I am not going back there! Are you kidding me?! Auntie, did you not see how drenched I was last night? What if that man was a killer? I could've been killed!"
"Emery, please! Sandy wants to apologize and she also has a business opportunity for me. Let her apologize. It certainly wasn't her fault that you wandered off," Alice says as she finishes washing the dishes. I am sitting on the island behind her in annoyance.
Sandy has invited Alice and me back to the estate. She had heard about what happened and wanted to apologize by offering us iced tea.
Alice sighes heavily and throws the sponge into the sink. She put her hands on the counter, looking out of the window. I know what she is doing. Alice is going to make me feel bad and it's going to work.
"Emery. I never ask you for anything. You know this. Please. Just come with me to the estate. You don't have to leave my side at all. I promise."
She turns to me slowly as she dries her hands on her apron; her eyes glazing over.
I jump off the counter and sigh in defeat. "Fine!" I crossmy arms and throw my head back. "I'm not kidding! Don't leave my side for anything, okay?!"
She jumps and hugs me tightly. "I won't. I promise! Now go and get ready. We need to be there in an hour."
We arrive at the estate exactly an hour later. Sandy is waiting for us as we drive up to the front of the house.
"I am so happy you both are here!" She yells opening the door for me. Once I exit the truck she hugs me. She then walks around and hugs Alice.
Sandy looks me and up down and sadly sighs. "I remember being that skinny with perfect skin! You're outfit is amazing! I'm so jealous of you right now, Emery."
I smile and look down at myself. I rub my arm awkwardly. Besides my black tank top and jean shorts, I didn't get why she was jealous of me. She always looks ready to walk the runway. If anything, I should envy her.
"Alright, beauties! Lunch is served. Follow me, please," Sandy says as she walks ahead. Alice looks at me and makes her brows jump. She then grabs my arm and we follow Sandy close behind.
We are sitting outside in the back, eating lunch on one of the tables from last night. The maids and butlers are cleaning everything from last nights festivities. I am so grateful for the huge umbrella above our heads. It's extra hot today.
"So, Em. I heard what happened last night. I just wanted to say I'm so sorry. I don't know who it was that scared you. If I thought anyone would wander towards the maze, I would've set someone up over there." Sandy grabs my hand and squeezes it.
"Thank you! I really appreciate that. And I'm sorry for the intrusiveness. I just love your home and when I saw the maze, I couldn't help myself," I say as I smile at her and take a bite of the succulent honeydew. It is my favorite fruit.
"Don't apologize for that! That maze is a marvel. I actually had it made for my son, or my husband did." She scoffs and looks pensive.
Both my aunt and I look at each other confused.
"Hm," Sandy continues as she waves her left arm above her head. "I don't remember. Well anyways, my son is a stickler when it comes to his privacy. He is always in there." She sighs and takes a sip of her iced tea.
I suddenly realize I never met her son. If he looks anything like his parents, I'm sure he is good looking. Not as dreamy as the guy from last night but still.
I only pray he didn't have that jerks mannerism!
Last night I tossed and turned because I couldn't get him out of my head. I have never seen a more gorgeous man in my life.
It would never work out though. He is a bully and has zero manners. How can I bring someone like that home to meet my dad and Alice?
Sandy is talking to Alice when she does a double take towards the house. "Speak of the devil! Here comes my enigma. Alice, Emery, this is my son Leviathan."
I watch as a hand goes by my head and shakes my aunt's hand.
"Levi, this is Alice and Emery," Sandy says proudly.
I turn and grab Levi's hand. I smile until I look up. My mouth goes slack.
It's the bully from last night!
Leviathan has black sunglasses on but I remember that chiseled face anywhere.
I immediately snatch my hand away and look forward. Looking at Sandy and Alice, I'm relieved to see them laughing at something the server has said. They didn't see my reaction to Leviathan. Thank goodness!
Leviathan comes around and pulls out the chair next to Sandy. He purses his lips and sits near his mom, grabbing a napkin and putting it on his lap.
Levi kissed his mom's hand. "Sorry I'm late, Mother. I went into town to grab some things."
"Quite alright, dear! You haven't missed much. Are you hungry?" She puts her hand on his shoulder. He smiles at her and shakes his head no.
Sandy beams. "Excellent! So, honey! I actually have business to discuss here with Alice..."
Levi's brows furrow as looks from his mom to my aunt.
"Would you be a doll and take Emery, here, for a walk around the grounds? Maybe take her through the maze. She was actually frightened last night by someone over there. I don't want her thinking this place is unsafe."
My heart sinks.
It's faint but I see a smile creep on the side of his mouth. "Absolutely. I have no problem with that. If you will, Miss Summer."
Levi removes the napkin and stands up. He has an innocent look on his face as he waits patiently for me.
I know better.