Believing lies

chapter 17

"I heard it's supposed to snow," Monroe says excitedly. For once during one of the Nash family soirée's Monroe was smiling and I couldn't help it's because of the booze radiating throughout her body.

"What's in your cup Mon?" I chuckle glancing at Stanley as he watches his twin amused.

"Water, I bumped into party pooper over there," Monroe sighs and points to River over her shoulder. I chuckle and River shakes his head.

"We don't want a repeat of last time Mon, come on," River says as he causally slides up beside me, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me against him.

"Oh shut the fuck up, I know you've downed a few," Monroe eyes him, and River sighs.

"Mon," Stanley says.

I've come to know that River was the peacemaker most of the time but when it came between Monroe and River, who were very hard and strong-headed, it was Stanley who made peace between the two siblings.

"Excuse me, I have to use the restroom," Monroe sighs.

Stanley follows her sigh, "I'm going to go do some twin damage,"

"Well, can't have one of my mother's soirées without one of us getting mad drunk," River sighs, and I smile softly.

"I think a lot of people are wondering when your father will be making an appearance," I mumble as he pulls me out of the room. River scoffs.

"I doubt he will," He says as I stare up at him, watching his jaw tick, "but he will be present at the stupid city winter ball thing,"

"Oh yes, those are always a joy," I chuckle as he squeezes my hip.

"At least we can suffer together," He sighs and gives me a tight-lipped smile. I return the gesture.

I had been to the winter ball's the city throws for the socialites and those with rich families a few times but Beck hated them because he said so many men would stare at me so we stopped going.

"We always do," I say and he smiles down at me.

"So, you're staying at mine right? tonight?" He questions. I hum in confirmation, "okay great because I have another creative date idea," he smiles, excited.

"Should I be scared? what could you possibly have planned when it's supposed to snow tonight?"

"Oh beauty, just you wait," he says and gives me a small wink.

"Ah!," A voice says causing us to look forward, "there you are Belle. River stop hogging her, some of my book club ladies need opinions on our newest book, and what better opinion than an author," Beth smiles, stressfully might I add.

I chuckle, "well show me the way, you know I love the topic of books," I say, and Beth grabs onto my hand and drags me away. I didn't look back to see if River had followed but I knew he did just from the fact I felt warmth behind me.

"Ahh there's the author," a lady, Cadence smiles as we enter the kitchen.

"and my son," Beth sighs, glancing over our shoulders.

"Oh let him be, he's in love," Cadence replies with a smile. River steps up beside me, wraps an arm around me, and pulls me into him.

"Cadence you know me so well," River muses before twisting me a bit so my front was pressed up against his side and leans down to kiss me. I pull away blushing.

"River leave us be and go mingle please," Beth rolls her eyes with a small smile of course.

I look up at River and he sighs, gently tucking my hair he gives me a quick kiss, "I'll be with Stanley, come find me afterward," River mumbles the last part to me before stepping away, I nod.