Oh man, was Paul a sweet talker. If I didn't know how to keep my mouth shut, I'd probably be standing in a puddle of drool. Gods, is this what 4 years of no sex causes? I had an excuse though. That bastard Eric would scare away every guy that I got close to. Such a pest.
From the far side of the room, three chimes sounded out. It was a very recognizable sound of metal being tapped on glass.
My eyes navigated between the crowd of people that filled the room. At the source of the sound, I found the attendant from earlier. He must be another one of Eric's hounds. He waited patiently as everyone quieted down.
He cleared his throat and stood tall. "Excuse me everyone. We are going to start moving into the dining hall now. Please make your way through the doors on the far side of the room."
Paul turned back towards the three of us. "Well, shall we? We can head in together since we are at the same table."
His Brooklyn, NY accent was quite charming. Usually, it is vulgar and improper but for some reason, it made him all the more charming.
I nodded. "That would be lovely."
We began walking, glasses in hand. Sadly, we only got to have one drink before the cocktail hour ended. I could only hope that there would be a chance for another.
As we closed in on the doors, I noticed Eric making his way over to us. His dogs were closely following behind him.
Eric walked up to us and smiled. "Let's all head over together."
I inched closer to Paul, trying to avoid being too close to Eric. I had just about had it with his harassment.
Eric, not getting the memo, moved closer to me. "Since we are in the same industry, I thought it best we sit next to each other. I have some investment opportunities that I'd love to discuss. I hope you'll join me."
I shook my head, my eyes darting towards Paul. "We've known each other for a while. I'd much rather widen my network. I'll sit next to Senator DeMinio."
A barely noticeable chill glinted through his eyes as he shot a glare at Paul. His jawline tightened as he gritted his teeth but contained himself. "Very well. I'll be going ahead. I need to ensure that all my guests are satisfied with the arrangements."
I smirked, seeing an opportunity for an easy jab. "Oh, Eric, dear. Before you go, I trust that the attendant we spoke to earlier informed you regarding the seating mix-up. It sounded as if there was a seat missing at our table."
Eric stiffened slightly before turning around. A wave of pleasure washed over me as I watched his face twitch in barely containable rage. However, his face quickly twisted into a smirk. "I can assure you that every invited guest has been seated appropriately."
His meaning was clear as soon as I noticed a side-eyed glance at Jamie. She wasn't directly invited and especially didn't belong at our table according to Eric.
Well, I guess it's time for the kill. "I see. Since that is the case, we'll be going then. It'd be improper to cause a scene at an event that is for a good cause."
Eric's expression froze as the smirk vanished into thin air. Ohhhhh yesssss, that "I just shit my pants" look made my entire year.
He started stammering, struggling to find words. "No, no, how could you just leave like that? This is a great opportunity for me *achem* for all of us. I mean, what would your father say?"
I narrowed my eyes and called his bluff. "I think my father not being here says enough. Let's drop this fucking charade. You have harassed me for years, but I'm done with it. I don't like you. I never have and never will. I only showed up to this event for the cause. It was never for you so you can take your lap dogs," I gestured towards the two dipshits following him everywhere, "and your pathetic attempt at a charity event," I waved my hands around towards the venue, "and fuck off. Good night and goodbye, Eric."
I heard a whistle to the side as I grabbed Jamies hand. Jillian was the one whistling. "Is it just me or did anyone else get turned on by that?"
With Jamie in tow, I quickly started making my way out of the building. The halls flew by as I pulled us outside.
Nearly at the door, I stopped as I heard a shout from behind us. "Wait!"
I turned around to see Jillian and Paul rushing to catch up to us. Jillian stopped just a few feet away from us. "Were you really going to leave me alone in there?"
I sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't think about that. I kinda just assumed that everyone would want to talk to you."
Jillian shook her head. "Yeah. They all want to talk to me, not the other way around. Regardless, I never get to see you. Why wouldn't I follow you out?"
I smiled wryly, not sure how else to react. "You're too good to me." Then, I quickly shifted to confusion. "Paul, why did you come as well? Aren't you missing out on a huge opportunity?"
Paul shrugged. "Well, I was somewhat in agreement with Jillian regarding your outburst."
I nearly tripped over the floor as Jillian and Jamie started laughing hysterically. Did he really just say that? Is he actually a United States Senator?
Paul chuckled. "I kid, I kid. But really, there ain't much to it." His smile became a bright star in the darkness of the night. "Besides, I said we would have drinks. If there's one thing that I can be sure of, it's that I'm a man of my word."