Chasing Starlight

Chapter 19 - Countdown Begins

Rory was in a malevolently sour mood. He had planned to be there when she was given her gift from him, mostly to see that exquisite rage on her face. However, his father had summoned him to entertain the gutless pasty faced suits that took up the titles of power in their company. The meeting with his father was supposed to commence early afternoon, and then the group would retire to his families always decadent New Years party.

He was expected to sit and keep the men entertained with booze and girls, plying for any secrets they wouldn't dare slip to his father. It was his father's favorite tradition. New Years day he usually sacked half of his upper management and gave a generous raise to the rest. No one ever really knew when they themselves would come under the microscope of his father's gaze, and he found put long ago that the same people who are tight lipped around him, get loose when his son charmed them.

He usually doesn't have to start this charade until much later, but his father, damn him, found out that he was going to ditch the New Years gala and rather than stop him, simply imposed his duties on him much earlier. So instead of little Samias face, he was staring at the face of a ruddy cheeked Market Analyst in an ill-fitting Armani suit. The bitterness in his mouth turned to honey when he spoke, and in record time, had found out that one of the Sales managers had been trying to coerce juniors into embezzlement through fake accounts. He knew it would be enough for his father, who swore there is always a rat to be found.

Taking his leave of the carousing men, he stepped into a quiet drawing room and called his father. He would have gone to his office but his father favored efficiency, and would doubtless harass him about the loss of time spent going up there. The conversation brief, he went to hang up when his father stopped him.

"Rory."

"Yes, Father?"

"That thing, whatever it is that's distracting you. I want you to get rid of it."

Rory paused, wetting the anger that rose up in his throat, and answered in a cool, even tone,

"Yes, Father."

The phone line clicked off, and he slid his phone back into his pocket. For a brief moment, he looked almost lonely, but he quickly composed his features and strode from the room.

Samia stood in front of her small mirror, turning herself left and right as she examined her image. The box had contained a surprisingly simple and cozy outfit. Inside was a soft white sweater that hung a few inches above her knees and a pair of cute matching stockings that ended below her knee with white fur trim. Long boots just underneath those were made of a soft light tan suede, and the piece that really had her drooling was a light pink and purple gingham coat with a thick rich lining of silk and fur, it made her look like a doll when she put it on. Earmuffs made to match were tucked in the pocket.

She had expected to find a skimpy atrocity that she would never let go on her body, but the outfit wasn't just cute, but very warm and comfortable too. It made her wonder where she was supposed to be going with him. She caught that thought ruefully and shook her head, I only put it on to hopefully make the date go faster. A twinge of fear went through her as she hoped dearly it didn't mean she would be out where anyone could see them.

She tied her hair up in high pony that let her curls cascade around her shoulders and walked out with the coat in her arms.

"Sweetie, you look absolutely beautiful," her father gushed, eyes shining with pride and love.

Samia sighed but thanked him anyways, just wanting the night to be over already. A knot of anxiety filled her stomach, and her heart felt funny too, and she assumed it was her body's fight or flight sensing the predator about to come find her.

A knock came at the door, and Samia gave her father one last hug and went to open it. He hovered in the hallway, hoping to catch a glimpse of the face of her suitor, but the door was in the way. He heard a few words from Samia drift back,

"...festival...?...Oh, is that a bit far..? Okay.. let's go."

"Don't wait up Dad, I'll be heading into the city tonight!" She called behind her as she shut the door.

Samia once again was looking at the goon who dropped off her outfit. He still held no expression and turned to lead her out to the car that was waiting. Up on the balcony, her father watched the large blonde man open her door and then move to the drivers side. Such a big guy, I didn't know Samia was into that type. Ahhh, well, what does a father know about what types of guys his daughter dates anyways. It's good to see her getting out again..