When we arrived, which thankfully was on time, Rider had Valet Park his car and we headed inside the luxurious, over-the-top mansion.
I rolled my eyes when I saw how decked out the place was in expensive decor, waiters in white prancing about with trays of hor d'oeuvres that didn't look in the slightest bit appetizing.
One of the waiters approached us with a tray of champagne in hand, to which I gladly took a glass in the hopes of getting too drunk to remember this night.
I was in the midst of downing my drink when Rider snatched the glass from my lips. "Slow down, babe. We need to get through this night at least somewhat sober."
As much as I wanted to finish off that champagne and maybe grab myself another, he was right. "Fine," I said with a sigh. "Let's just hurry up and get this over with."
Hooking my arm around his bicep, we made our way through the clusters of people mingling with one another. I made sure to flash a polite smile here and there, while Rider shook a few hands and flashed his own practiced smile.
When we reached his parents, I had the urge to snatch my glass back as I watched Rider hand it over to a waiter passing by.
Although I did feel bad about missing out on brunch with his parents, it's not something I necessarily look forward to. His parents are great, amazing even. But every time we spend time with them, the topic of marriage is brought up.
Rider and I have talked about it, but we both agreed that neither one of us is ready for a big step like that. I mean we are barely adults. And besides, we still have a life we want to live before settling down.
I have dreams of seeing my artwork in a gallery, while Rider has dreams of making it as a big-shot lawyer. So marriage is out of the question at the moment.
I just wish his parents understood that.
"Phelisa!" Mrs. Haywood shouted, pulling me into a tight embrace. Pulling back to take a look at my dress, she nodded in approval. "My oh my, don't you look beautiful this evening."
"Thank you, Mrs. Haywood. You look amazing yourself."
She blushed and smiled at my compliment, before bringing her attention to Rider. She hugged her son, making sure to plant a big kiss on his cheek, resulting in a blush of embarrassment from him.
"I'm so glad the two of you could make it. I was getting a little worried there when you didn't show up for brunch."
"I'm so sorry about that, Mrs. Haywood. I simply lost track of time."
"Oh, it's alright, dear. We can always reschedule."
"Great." I replied, smiling through my teeth.
Luckily for me, Mrs. Haywood was a pretty popular lady, and everyone was always vying for her attention, especially men. So hopefully she becomes too busy to make time or even remember to reschedule.
I mean who wouldn't want to spend a little time with Mrs. Haywood? The woman was kind, smart, and absolutely stunning. No one would have guessed that she'd be nearing the age of fifty with her beautiful blonde hair, fair skin, and body of a thirty-year-old woman.
Rider lifted my chin with his fingers and leaned down to kiss my lips. "I have to go speak with my father, but I'll be back."
"Okay. I'll just be here getting drunk off my ass. "He glared at me as he walked away. "I'm kidding," I said with a laugh, as I watched him disappear within the crowd
Not wanting to converse with any of the people here, I searched around for Josh until I eventually found him chatting up some girl at an open table.
I watched him spit game, while the beautiful darkskin woman batted her lashes and laughed at his jokes.
His jokes aren't even funny. So, either she was laughing through the pain, or she genuinely thought he was funny. The latter was confirmed when she gave him her number and walked away with a huge grin on her face.
Josh had a grin just as wide as hers as he made his way towards me. Rotating his finger, I rolled my eyes and gave him a full three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view of my dress.
"You look good as hell, Rai."
"Thanks to you," I replied, smiling from ear to ear after receiving another compliment on my dress.
"What do you mean?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow. "My broke ass didn't get that for you."
My bottom lip puffed out into a pout. "Seriously?"
He nodded. "You know damn well I can't afford you. Maybe Rider got it for you."
I frowned. "That's what I thought when the mailman dropped it off, but he said he didn't get it for me either."
"So, who did?"
"I don't know, but it was addressed to me, so I assume it was meant for me."
Josh shrugged. "Well maybe you have a secret admirer."
"A secret admirer that knows where I live? Now that just sounds plain creepy." I shuddered at the thought of some stalker knowing my address and what size I wear.
I was really hoping that Rider or Josh had been the one to give me the dress, because now I'm starting to worry.
Leaving Josh to work his charm on another girl showing signs of interest, I wandered off to go find Rider. He was still talking to his father when I found him. I don't know what, but Rider seemed very annoyed.
Grabbing and popping an hor d'oeuvre into my mouth, Rider glanced in my direction and flashed me a smile that made my heart melt.
I was smiling back at him when his own smile faltered, his eyes focused on someone behind me. Wondering who could have the power to change his mood in a matter of seconds, I looked over my shoulder and realized just who.
Alejandro Haywood.