The Seaside Retreat

Chapter 18

This chapter is dedicated to M- who wants to know what the "oppertunity" is...

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Violet's POV

I walked to the kitchen, waiting for my parents. I leaned up against the counter, and crossed my arms across my chest. My thoughts started to wander. I was excited about tonight, but nervous at the same time. I kept pulling out my small compact mirror from my purse and checking my appearance. My palms started sweating, but I quickly wiped them off on my dress. I found myself continuing to feel the silkiness. I wasn't used to wearing formal clothing, and the smooth feeling was still unnatural.

I wondered what Seth was doing right now. Was he getting ready? He was going to look so handsome. Like so many times before, I found myself wondering how such an average-looing girl like me could be with someone so amazing. He had everything going for him. He had incredible looks. Those chocolate eyes still left me breathless. He had money, so he could pursue anything he desired. And he was smart. Me, on the other hand. I was ordinary and average in looks, my parents weren't poor, but by no means were we rich. And I did make good grades, but college was going to be expensive and I would have to rely on scholarship. Yeah, like that would happen. 

I rolled my eyes and laughed at myself for even thinking I could get a scholarship. I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to own my own hotel like my parents. But, unlike my parents, I wanted to own a chain of hotels, and not just a solitary bed and breakfast. I knew that it would take a lot of work and determination but I was willing to do the work. This was my dream. I hoped someday I would be able to accomplish it.

I heard a noise and snapped out of my daydreams. My mom and dad walked into the kitchen. They looked really nice in their formal attire. My mom was wearing a modest purple sleeved dress and my dad was wearing a black suit. I did notice, though, that they looked slightly uncomfortable wearing such formal, nice clothes. My dad kept pulling at his bow tie and my mom was constantly fingering her pearl necklace. I smiled and ran up to them, giving them hugs. 

"Wow, mom , you look really pretty!" I gushed. She pulled me back and evaluated me. "You look beautiful too, Violet." She replied, smiling warmly at me. I knew she was just saying this because she was my mom. "Yeah, sure. Thanks." I shrugged my shoulders. My mom put her finger under my chin, forcing me to look her in the eyes. "You are beautiful, Violet," she said firmly, "Inside and out. And don't let anyone tell you differently." She really thought that? I felt touched and a grin spread across my face. "Thanks so much, mom." I said hugging her quickly again. I then went to my dad and pulled him into a hug. "And you look handsome, dad." I told him. He gave me such a comical look I couldn't contain my giggles. 

"We should probably get going," my mom informed us, checking her watch. "We need to be at the restaurant by seven." My dad and I nodded our heads and headed towards the door. When we were in the entryway, I remembered that I had left my purse in the kitchen. "I'll meet you guys at the car. I forgot my purse." I told my parents. My mom checked her watch with a slightly anxious look. My mom always liked to be on time. "Okay, honey, but hurry." she said. Dad and she headed out towards the car.

I made my way back to the kitchen as fast as I could. I had on four inch heels, my first pair of high heels! For not wearing high heels very much, I walked pretty well in them.  Once in the kitchen, I saw my purse on the counter where I had left it. Right as I was going to grab it, a hand shot out of nowhere and stopped my hand. 

I looked up and saw the face of the person I least wanted to see. Mason. "What do you want now, Mason?" I asked. I was almost seething. "Oh, I just came into the kitchen to get some snacks." he replied, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantely. Our bed and breakfast provided pastry items 24/7. They sat out on the table and guests could come in all day and get them whenever they wanted to. "Well," I urged him, "then go get one." I nodded my head towards the pastry basket, trying to free my hand from his grasp. No such luck.