"Stop fidgeting..."
Easy for you to say, you don't have to look down every 5 mins to see whether you're flashing people. I wanted to point out this very obvious fact to Alex dear but I didn't.
For two very apparent reasons, 1, I literally don't have the guts, 2, he already kept stealing glances at my cleavage, which is making me nervous.
From the corner of my eye, I looked his way to see he wasn't looking, and shifting slightly towards the car door I snatched my dropping neckline back to place.
There, much better. But for how long is it going to stay in place?
I'm currently donned in a green dress, with a slit so high you could practically see what color my underwear is. Which is to say a lot for a girl who hasn't worn shorts in a while.
I'm bound to feel uncomfortable, not to mention the heavily beaded neckline was adamant on displaying people what little modesty I was trying to maintain.
Good thinking on my part that I decided to let my hair down, literally not metaphorically. Pushing my hair on the front I adjusted them that you can't really see anything except for my hair.
Which is great. Now onto the slit! I was thinking of something to cover my leg as much as I can.
"Penny for your thoughts?"
"Huh?" I blinked and looked at his face, half-covered in darkness and half illuminated by the street lamps we were quickly passing by.
"I was just thinking are they going to let us in?"
"Why won't they?" he frowned and OMG how can someone look cute while doing this?
"Because we're quite late" glancing down at my phone I noticed the time. Almost 10:30.
I'm to partly fault for our delay, well I had to shave my whole body and it takes time and more than this I was not sure whether I should even wear the dress he bought but spending 10 mins in my wardrobe I came to the conclusion that I really need to invest in formal wear and I have no option other than wearing what he bought.
But what surprised me more was that he was perfectly fine with me taking my time. He waved off the apologies I kept throwing his way every minute or so.
Turning his lower body completely towards me he folded his arms on his lap.
"You want us to hurry?" he asked all the while looking at me the same way Emily was looking at me a few hours before.
Creepy.
"Yes," pushing my hair behind my ear I too shifted towards him.
Which was a wrong move on my part because now my whole leg was exposed, or maybe it wasn't wrong because Alex's eyes were trained on my currently naked leg.
"Umm Jake you listened to Kara, speed up a little," he kept his eyes trained on my leg all the while instructing his driver, a sweet 50 something teddy bear.
"As you wish," Jake said while tipping his hat at me from the rearview mirror.
Passing him a smile I adjusted my dress once again because as good it was for my ego to have all of Alex's attention on me I needed to make sure he wasn't seeing anything that wasn't on display.
I still am shy, no matter the dress I'm wearing. I think I need to take classes on how to ooze self-confidence while wearing a sexy dress, but it is a debate for another day because right now we're nearing the destination where the party is being held.
The docks?
You got to be kidding me. I shivered involuntarily, it didn't even occur to him to remind me to take my jacket. It's freezing here at this time.
"Shall we?" Alex asked while taking hold of my hand.
Giving him a nervous smile I nodded, because I can't manage to say another word. I'm so going to make a fool out of myself here.
I should be in jeans with a jacket, a beanie, and a scarf properly wrapped around my neck, with thick woolen gloves and socks.
Not this sorry excuse of a dress.
"Ready?" Alex was keeping open my side of the door and I wasn't ready at all to leave the warmth provided by the car.
Reluctantly I put my hand in his outstretched one and summoned all my willpower to step out in the cold.
Oh, my holy ginger cow! Who let the freezer door open?
"Here," but before I could complain to Alex about being a complete jerk, to bring me here without any jacket Jake presented me with a long black coat.
A coat really? I could really kiss Jake right now. A true gentleman he was, offering me his coat!
"Thank you, Jake," I was about to kiss his hands when Alex grabbed the coat and moved behind my back to guide me into it.
"Come," grabbing me by the hand Alex started walking to what I assume to be a yacht.
A yacht guys! The thing I've only ever seen in movies or my friend's Instagram stories.
Turning around I waved to Jake and mouthed thank you to him once more. But he only shook his head and pointed towards Alex.
Aww poor man he is scared of him too, can't even accept a thank you properly.
"Just a heads up, stick to my side throughout the night," letting go of my hand Alex slid his hand around my waist and pulled me closer.
Which I'm thankful for because the guy is like a portable heater and I'll soak up whatever heat I can absorb right now.
Besides, It wasn't like I was going to run away, it was he who need to stick to my side throughout the night.
"And one more thing do not drink anything that hasn't been offered to you by me or Adrian," he sounded like a strict parent who was taking his overly excited child out on a picnic.
"I'm not stupid, believe it or not, but I have been to some parties. I know how things work," does he think I've spent my whole life hidden up inside a tower where I don't have access to the outside world.
I might have but he doesn't need to know.
"And who's Adrian?" I asked without missing a beat.
"He's my personal assistant, he'll be with us here tonight," you mean the third wheel?
"I thought it's some party your friend threw? What is your personal assistant going to do here?"
"It's not so much a party but more like a business thing I need to attend to further my business prospects,"
"So, should I assume that this friend of yours is not really a friend?"
"Yes, you may,"
And here I thought I might get to see his easy-going friendly side today but hell to the no. The man is very private.
Does he even have friends?
"Do you even have friends?" Instead of assuming stuff about him like I always do, this time I actually willed up the courage and asked him.
"Of course I do," the reply came a little bit too quick, which wasn't like him.
"How many?"
"Too many to count," But before I could ponder over his answer he guided me inside what looked to be a whole different world.
Literally a whole different world.
With candles lit everywhere, there weren't many artificial lights used today, it was like I stepped right into a medieval ballroom. Gold decorations and white walls with people scattered everywhere, too many people to count.
Some dancing, some drinking like it's their last day, and some laughing so loud I think the roof might fall.
And everyone dressed in their finer wear.
"Can I have your coat?" The attendant standing at the entrance asked, hands outstretched.
Umm, probably not. I think I feel more comfortable with the coat on than I would feel without it.
"Let me help you," Alex moved forward to remove my coat. He might've had an idea what I was going to do.
Handing my coat to the pretty woman, he pocketed the token she gave him.
"Ready?"
Yeah, it's about time I make my entrance fashionably late. Kill me!
"Just relax and smile. Most of all enjoy," beaming at me like a child on Christmas, Alex and I moved forward.
Okay, I can try or not.
Because the moment we stepped in it was getting impossible for me to take 2 steps without being conscious of flashing passersby. Which slowed my walk and in turn Alex's too.
We were literally taking baby steps right in the middle of a busy dancing floor, getting annoyed and angry expressions from people around us. Or the couple who's twirling we were coming in between.
Smiling the kind of awkward smile I'm mastered at, I apologized my way to the host. Or to the person I think is the host.
Surrounded by a large group of women with no other male in sight, a drink in each hand, and arms around sexy women. Phew! the man sure is living his best life.
Or living the only life he knows.
"Adrian," Alex didn't even shout or anything but the emphasis on the man's name was enough for him to straighten up drop the women and the drinks, and scurry over to where his boss was.
"Hey boss, and hello I'm Adrian," he said the second part to me with a flirty look and a soft smile.
"Hi, I'm Kara" I passed him a smile and he instantly took my hand for a handshake.
So, this was Adrian. Short blond wavy hair, in his late twenties, medium-build, good looking, a warm personality, and a strong handshake. I already like him.
"Can I say how beautiful you look tonight?"
"You may!"
"You look really beautiful," it was the way he said that we both started laughing.
"If you guys are done, can we go and meet Mr. Cutting?"
"Cutting?" and I laughed once more, but it was only me laughing because those two didn't find it funny at all. I mean what were his parents thinking naming him that? Anyone would laugh.
"He's right over there, come,"
"Remember stick to my side," Alex whispered in my ear, what's with him and these instructions tonight?
That I came to know after spending 5 mins in the company of Mr.Cutting, it's not even funny. The man's a bore.
I don't think anyone in our circle was quite listening to him. Adrian was busy flirting with a pretty woman standing beside Mr.Cutting. Some men were discreetly stealing glances towards the dance floor.
And Alex was simply nodding making different patterns on my waist where his hand was. He too was bored.
I've been enduring his story of how he went to India to fight off the dangerous elephants back in his day, he's an old man with a potbelly, largely filled with beer than anything else. This is how I would describe him with no other feature or personality to praise.
"So, you see I was alone in a jungle, no water, no human nearby. I heard a roar and suddenly my mind went to the lion I injured a few days back, he still might be after me. But right now my main focus was on the elephant who was so dangerous that no one dared tame him but I being who I am I went..."
I wasn't even paying attention anymore, my stomach was rumbling loudly. But what do I care, at this point I want everyone to hear me so I at least have an excuse to leave his company.
"And I swung one leg over his trunk and I looked the elephant straight into his eyes and told him, look here buddy you aren't aware of who I'm, you might be dangerous but I'm more dangerous. I can end you if I want, and just like this he allowed me to sit on his back and I came all the way over here on the elephant's back."
I was contemplating what excuse I should use to excuse myself when I heard everyone laughing and clapping.
"Oh how great," I clapped too.
"You liked it? You should hear the time I went to Antarctica there was this..."
"Oh I would love to but you see I really need to use the washroom, please excuse me," I really can't endure another one of his stories.
"I'll come with you," judging by the expression on Alex's face I guess he had his dose of Mr. Cutting as well.
"Where are you going? You're not one of her girlfriends she'll find her way to the washroom," laughing Mr. Cutting clapped his meaty hands on Alex's shoulder and took hold of his arm.
"Besides we need to discuss your new prototype,"
Waving Alex and Mr.Cutting off I quickly made my way out, afraid he might stop me for another one of his boring stories.
I do feel sorry for leaving Alex behind but well what can I do, he should man up a little and face this on his own.
I was looking everywhere but I don't seem to find any food, no table loaded with delicious-looking platers. No waiter passing by serving hors devours. No nothing.
I didn't mean severing off food when I said that'll diet. Annoyed and completely starved I notice funny-looking drink waiters were serving. Resigned I signaled a waiter over.
"Hey what is this?" I asked the young waiter.
"Mojitos,"
"Great thanks," picking up two glasses I went out on the deck. It was getting too crowded inside.
I never actually tried mojitos before, but I think they're some kind of fruit juice but with a fancy name. Exoctic mojitos! Matt usually ordered them whenever we go out and given the fact that he doesn't get drunk it would mean that it's not an alcoholic beverage.
"Hmmm," taking a huge gulp of the minty drink, I appreciated it. Not bad, I get it now why Matt prefers them. They're like a fizzy mint lime drink with a touch of sweetness.
My new favorite. I came to this conclusion after having 5 glasses of it. Yup, I just have no control, such a greedy little girl. No not little because well I'm 5'9". A tall girl, yes definitely yes.
Giggling to myself I ordered another one if I get no food. I'll have these and then have a potbelly like Mr.Cutting, what no-no-no. I wouldn't want another belly on top of the one I already have.
"Good one," laughing to myself I appreciated my humor. Top class indeed sire!
"Would a hot girl like you want a drink?" I heard a squeak-like voice from my right.
"NO! and for information, it's quite cold outside, it's hot inside though you might find one hot lady there. Or maybe more than just one," the mouse eyed me strangely.
I eyed him back, I'm not a chicken I'll show him.
"Chicken," thinking about chicken really made my stomach rumble loudly, and this time around Mr. my voice is so squeaky I can give a mouse run for his money, heard it, and not only heard he laughed too.
What an asshole, he should be offering me food, but no I shouldn't really accept anything from him because he's not Alex or Adrian. But food wouldn't be like a drink and Alex didn't say anything about taking food from someone.
Did he? No.
"Hey, you should definitely eat something,"
"Thank you, if you hadn't told me I would be standing here all night wondering why my stomach is making those noises,"
"I like women with a little sarcasm,"
"I like women too and not just with sarcasm. I think they are great with or without it, don't you agree?"
"Defiantly," he smirked or tried to because he looked like he's got constipation.
"KARA," I turned around abruptly only to see Adrian roaming everywhere screaming my name. Oh poor boy, got an eyesight issue. He couldn't spot a tall heavy green sack by the railing.
"Adrian," turning my back towards the railing I waved Adrain over to me. Relief instantly washed over his face.
"Been looking all over for you,"
"Not all over otherwise you might've found me already," giggling I took Adrian by the arm and dragged him to the mouse.
"Why do you smell funny? What were you drinking?"
"Smell? I?" raising my other arm I lifted it to my nose to sniff my underarms. I do tend to get sweaty quickly but I don't think I smell already?
Nope, I don't smell at all, what is he on about? He might be drunk. Yes, he got to be why would he say otherwise.
Ughh, people and their obsession with alcohol. Just have an apple juice instead. They look the same. The taste I cannot guarantee, you see because I don't drink. Period!
"Hey, Adrian meet him," I gestured between the two of them but instead of a handshake they stood there eyeing each other funny.
"Come on guys handshake," picking up Adrian and Mr.squeaky's hand I joined them. Maybe, they want to do that bro shake they do, where they touch their shoulders do some cool shit with their hands.
I always wanted to do a bro shake.
"Hey Adrian, do a bro shake with me,"
But he wasn't paying attention to me but rather to the glasses I've neatly stalked against the railing. Looking up at me, he pointed his hands to the glasses.
"They were mojitos, very good you should try one too, hey Mr.Waiter, two glasses of those over here, thank you,"
But then I looked over at Mr.Squeaky and I realized these are bad manners I should get him a glass too, it doesn't matter that I don't like him. He's my guest right now.
"Make them 3 please," shouting back at the waiter I passed Adrian and Mr.Squeaky a smile. A full-blown smile, how long has it been that I haven't smiled like this?
This is nice I should do it much often, and I think both the men standing with me needs to smile more not both because Mr.Squeaky was smiling, it was Adrian who needs to smile.
"Smile Adrian, it's a nice day," wrapping my arms around him I gave him a bear hug. Oh, he smells nice too. He awkwardly patted my back.
Looking over at Mr.Squeaky I realized my manners and went in to give him a hug too, because hey I don't want anyone to feel left out. I know the feeling and I'm not a big fan of it.
"Come I'll give you a hug too," and I went in for a hug without further ado. But unlike Adrain his hug wasn't comfortable nor does he smell nice. He smells like cigarettes and I hate cigarettes.
Moreover, his arms were in a very inappropriate place. They were at my ass and his hand was inching closer to my exposed thigh which wasn't nice at all.
"Okay enough of the hug, let me go," pushing him away, I instantly ran back to Adrain.
"Kara, please don't tell Alex you're drunk. Don't say a word around him he'll have my neck,"
"Pssht, come on Adrain I'm not drunk, I don't drink and why would he have your neck? He has one already," stupid man, he defiantly is drunk and he's calling me one.
"Hello in other to be drunk I need to feel high," how high exactly? Can I touch the sky, high? I looked up to judge if I was high.
"We should go and dance?" and once again I heard Mr.Squeaky and I tell you no matter how nice I'm, I still can't stand his voice. Maybe, Adrian should tell him to be quiet, that would be a blessing now.
But looking at his hand that was outstretched, I couldn't control the good samaritan inside me, I was debating whether I should go and dance with him when I felt saliva build up inside my mouth and involuntary stomach reflexes, and the next thing I know I vomited right over his hand.
"EWWW, what the hell," Mr.squeaky retreated his hand back and instantly went away. What! he didn't even offer me a napkin or a tissue.
"Here," a napkin was directed under my nose and I straightened a little to thank Adrian only to come face to face with Alex.
Why was I even expecting a napkin from Mr.Squeaky he wasn't my man. The man who is mine already presented me with one.
I felt giddy and before I could thank him properly I once again vomited what little mojitos I drank.
Water, I need water.
"Here drink this," Alex once again offered me something I desired. Can he read my thoughts?
"You're nice," yes very nice indeed. I was waiting for his reply when a flash blinded me.
Flash?
Looking around I found myself not alone but almost everyone was out on the deck with their cameras out pointing at me.
See, this is what I mean. People never know how to be good. This is like high school all over again.
Alex might've seen this too because the next second, "Never seen someone vomit before?" either it was the anger in his voice or the authority with which it was said that everyone scattered.
Woah, I need to learn this too. There are a lot of people I would like to use this on.
But this has to wait because the next thing I know Alex is draping his jacket over me and we're making our way out.
"We got to talk," Oh boy am I in trouble?