Queen of Diamonds

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

"Hey guys," Ruby greeted us. "I'm glad you could make it to the best side of the lake."

"Hey Ruby!" Kara cheerily ran over to hug her hello. I just settled for a semi friendly smile.

"Come on back, we just started the burn," she said ushering us around the side of the house. Following the curves of the cobblestone path the grounds looked like a land version of an infinity pool. The house backed right up to the side of the cliff that fell off into the lake. I too actually preferred this view and side of the lake already. The backyard was filled with kids scattered around, a pergola with twinkly lights hung over the patio with tons of plush couches and chairs beneath, most of which were occupied. A tall stone waterfall was nestled into the trees dumping into a coy pond amplifying the sounds of the lake while a large fire was starting to burn in the center of the yard with another group crowded around it.

Ruby led us to the center of the yard where the fire was and just above the crackling, splashing water, and friendly chatter I was able to detect a blue tooth speaker that was playing chill music at a comfortable volume. Nothing like the blaring DJ at the Carter's. First impression so far, this place wasn't so bad.

"Hey guys, this is my friend Kara and her friend Ava I was telling you about," Ruby said as she introduced us to the group, smiling fondly at Kara, barely acknowledging my presence. Most of them were wearing bathing suits or bathing suit cover ups really sticking to the casual vibe. They had probably been in the lake all day taking in their attire and sun kissed skin.

We received a communal "hello" from the group as they briefly broke their gazes from the blazing pit. Then a tall tanned dark featured boy with salty curls came up to us with an unbuttoned pineapple shirt and board shorts.

"So, I'm guessing you are the girls Ruby scooped up from the Carter's party?" he said with a big grin on his face.

"If we have suddenly melted down into ice cream, then sure," I muttered barely audible for him to hear but apparently Kara caught at least part of it and elbowed me in the side.

"Yep, that's us!" she replied taking tall, dark, and handsome's puzzled look away from me.

"Well, glad to have you," he genuinely said. "Even though we share the common interest of diamonds with the Carter's we are a much more mellow group," he smirked. "I'm Greyson Black."

"Nice to mee you," Kara sweetly replied. "Thank you for having us."

"This place is really something," I said gesturing around to the property.

"Thanks, in addition to our day job, the Black's have a bit of a green thumb. We're not afraid to get our hands dirty," he smirked.

"So, I've heard," I mused.

"Ava," Kara gently chastised me.

"No, it's alright," Greyson said still maintaining the friendly host attitude. "I'm curious, what exactly you have heard about our little group."

"Not much," I shrugged. "Just that you guys sell cheap diamonds for not so cheap."

This triggered an amused laugh from Greyson, a fiery glare from Kara, and an unreadable expression from Ruby.

"Well, that isn't too far off I have to admit," Greyson agreed to my surprise. "However, our diamond design is more unique than the standard which our clientele appreciates. If the customer is happy what harm is there?" he rhetorically asked with more of a mischievous smile this time, his white teeth really popping next to his tan skin.