Sassy meets Classy

Twenty Seven

Amaryllis Lexington
*****

True to Allison's words, these guys fed us next to nothing. Somehow, the muffins I ate had disappeared in less than an hour, and now I was a starving and annoyed mess. I watched as everyone socialized with one another and it was a reminder of just how much I didn't fit in here.

Carlson stood at the other end of the room, talking to a man who looked probably twice his age, but the way they interacted would make you think they were in the same age circle. The man paid rapt attention to every word that fell from his lips. His lips. I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts that were beginning to swarm around my head like flies. It didn't take too long for the thoughts to simmer down because I was already pissed at him.

One would think the way he looked me tonight, he'd be glued to me all through. Instead, he jumped from one business talk to another. I could swear he had forgotten he came with someone. Somehow, he went solo even though he brought a date. We've barely had a ten minutes conversation in the past hour and I was just a step away from walking out and getting a cab to take me home.

The mocking face of Maya plagued me and I shuddered. I bet she would have a field day if she found I was ditched, sort of. Sitting alone and staring at everyone just doing their thing made me feel pretty stupid. If only there was an abundance of food, at least I would have something to occupy myself with before dearest Hawthorne realizes he brought someone to this stupid gala.

Deciding that sitting pretty wasn't going to ease my bored mind, I left the ball room, walking out so I could grab some fresh air. If I thought Carlson would notice my absence and come looking for me, I was wrong. When I glanced over at him, he was still engrossed in the conversation, but this time he wasn't the one talking. Idiot.

I was just at the door when someone pushed the door open and two guys walked in. One of them was quite more mature and the other looked about my age and he really looked like Jordan. The resemblance was so striking and appalling and if Jordan wasn't away in Halloway, I would have sworn he was the one.

Umm... Just because he's in Halloway doesn't mean he has restricted movement, lady.

When his gaze settled on me, his eyes widened in recognition and a light bulb went on in my head. It really is Jordan! His surprise-glazed eyes swept over me and I saw an emotion that would have made my toes curl some months ago.

"Amari? Wow. Fancy seeing you here. You look, uh- absolutely amazing." A grin bounced to my face.

"Thank you. And I should be the one surprised to see you. What are you doing here? Not like you're not supposed to be here or something, it's just, you know. Forget it, I'm rambling. It's so great to see you." I almost slapped myself for making a fool of myself, but the smile that adorned his face showed that he didn't mind.

"I am a plus one, for my brother. We came in together." My mouth formed an O as I recalled the older man whose face I suddenly couldn't remember anymore.

I changed my mind about going outside and we walked in together. I was surprised when his hand settled on the lower part of my back as he guided me to my seat. I knew he just trying to be a gentleman, but a part of my brain just screamed 'Hey, that right belongs to Carlson only!' It felt weird how I was giving him exclusive boyfriend rights when we weren't even dating. I mean, we just kinda settled into the whole boyfriend and girlfriend atmosphere without either of us mentioning the big leap.