Unprofessional (Under editing)

Chapter 28: 5 Tongued Lizard Witch

December 9th

Some time had passed since Jeanette told me about Miles's Ex's. At first, I was jittery, always watching my back, and always with someone, but after taking a deep breath, I calmed.

Miles wouldn't hurt me in public; if he tried, I'd kick him in the balls and run. I thought with a nervous chuckle as Jannette and I sat in our favorite café, waiting for Valerie.

"That girl is so late," Jeanette said, aggravated.

"She'll be here," I replied, trying to soothe her irritation. Just then, the door to the café swung open, and a familiar redhead walked in.

"Hey, guys! Sorry I'm late," Valerie said in a sing-song voice.

"Why were you late?" Jeanette asked, one hand on her hip and a glare that could crush boulders.

"Sorry, I was getting to know David's kids," Valerie replied, looking guilty.

"Fine, whatever. Just don't do it again," Jeanette huffed, letting her earlier annoyance dissipat.

"Rowan, your brother makes me so happy," Valerie said as she sat down and took off her coat.

"Valerie, you've dated him for a couple of weeks," I said, trying to keep her grounded.

"Rowan, it was love at first sight," Valerie replied, completely brushing off my comment, almost like she wasn't even listening.

"Okay, well, if you're going to marry my brother, at least make sure the wedding has good gift bags."

"Of course!" Valerie said excitedly.

"You guys make me sick," Jeanette said with a grimace. Valerie and I exchanged a look, raising our eyebrows at Jeanette.

"Aw, you're lonely," Valerie teased.

"Shut it," Jeanette snapped, crossing her arms, leaning back in her seat.

"Val, lay off," I said jokingly, giving Valerie a little nudge with my elbow. Valerie and I laughed.

"Jeanette, you're just jealous that Rowan and I are in relationships," Valerie said, smirking.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. We're not—" I started.

"Rowan, don't even try. That man lets you live with him, buys you cars, babysits your kid, and is clearly super into you."

"He's not into me," I mumbled under my breath. Glancing up to see them both roll their eyes.

"Anyway, In high school, I was voted 'Most Likely to Become a CIA Agent,' so I don't need a man," Jeanette said, rolling her eyes.

"Oh, sweetie, you may not need a man, but you definitely want one—badly," Valerie quipped, emphasizing the last word with a smirk.

"Let's just drop this before someone gets thrown across the room," I said awkwardly.

___

December 10th

"You're taking so damn long. What are you doing in there, hiding a body?" Isaac called from outside my temporary bedroom.

"If I were hiding a body, I'd put it in your room and call the police," I shot back, adjusting my hair in the mirror.

"Yeah, because you're that bold," Isaac said, his tone skeptical.

"I will be if you keep calling me every five seconds."

"Whatever. I'll be downstairs. We're leaving in 5."

"Okay," I replied with a small smile, glancing up at my reflection. I seemed... happy, a stark contrast to the girl I was a year ago, stressed and overworked. After was done, I grabbed my coat and bag, headed out the door and downstairs.

"Finally, what took you so long," Isaac deadpanned.

"I just want to look my best." I said, looking down at my strapless dress brushing off invisible lint before slipping on my coat.

"Ok, so are you ready?"

"I'm here, aren't I?" I gestured to myself.

____

Isaac and I were headed to his family's Christmas party, a grand event hosted annually by his mother, Colleen, Shahid, Collins. Apparently, it was a major affair, drawing family, friends, investors, and socialites. When I first heard Colleen's name, I thought she was a luxury brand like Louis Vuitton or Coco Chanel. Turns out, she's a famous businesswoman in advertising, known to be both brilliant and terrifying. Naturally, I was nervous about meeting her.

After an hour and a half drive, we pulled up to Hamilton country, driving up to a massive red-brick, four-story home.

"Jesus." I said under my breath.

The Christmas decorations gave it a festive vibe, with snow-dusted oak trees, fairy lights, and an inviting glow from inside. The car door slamming shut jolted me out of my thoughts. I stepped out, taking in the picturesque scene before following Isaac toward the house. Classical music and the hum of chatter grew louder as we approached.

"Isaac, I'm scared," I admitted.

"Why?"

"I read about your mom, and—"

"Rowan, I told you not to look her up," Isaac interrupted, exasperated.

"I couldn't help it. And now I'm even more scared because I know what she's like."

Isaac sighed. "It's fine. I'll distract her if she starts grilling you."

"That doesn't make me feel any better," I said brows furrowed. He smiled, and I didn't know if it was meant to be reassuring or teasing.

When we reached the door, a girl about my age answered. She had a heart-shaped face, caramel-brown eyes, pouty lips, and sleek black hair the ombre to brown. Her beauty was striking.

"Oh, hey, Isaac," she said, her tone indifferent.

"Hey," Isaac replied. I glanced between them, sensing familiarity.

"Wait, are you two siblings?" I asked. They both turned to me.

"Yeah, this is my sister Talia," Isaac explained.

Wow. Is everyone in your family this good-looking?"I thought before Talia stepped aside to let us in.

The house was packed with aristocracy, business men/women, socialites. The elites of the New York scene that I have definitely read articles about and based papers on in high school.

Isaac and Talia navigated the crowd with ease, leading me through the sea of people. Finally, they spotted their mother.

"Mom, your favourites here," Talia said plainly, before walking off.

From how the tabloids described the women, I expected her to be some kind of 5-tongued lizard witch, but they were wrong...

Colleen,Shahid, Collins was nothing like I'd imagined. With long raven waves, a glint in her honey brown eyes when she smiled. Porcelain light brown skin a bumped up turned nose that displayed her Middle Eastern heritage and a figure more curvaceous than I expected, she exuded elegance. Her warm, motherly smile softened her intimidating reputation.

"Isaac, you're here!" Colleen said, her voice as lovely as a Disney princess's. She hugged her son, who hugged her back. I watched with a smile, relieved to see their close bond.

As they embraced, Colleen then turned her sharp gaze to me. "Who is she?" she asked, slipping out of the hug and fixing me with a pointed stare.

"Oh, um, Mom, this is my friend, Rowan Zolomen."

"Hi," I said, extending a hand awkwardly. Colleen ignored it, lifting an eyebrow instead.

She stepped closer, stopping just inches from my face. "Do I know you?" The gorgeous older woman asked