50 Shades of Drake 3 and 4

Torn: Chapter Sixty-Nine

    The creek was beautiful at night. The water was dark, with small ripples reflecting bright moonlight. The light from the moon hanging overhead gave the impression that the water was sparkling. Destiny felt like she could reach over the side of the boat, dip her hand into the water, and pull out a handful of diamonds.

    From her spot in the small, wooden boat, the manor was visible. It was large and formidable with bright lights shining out of the windows. Dancing couples crossed in front of the open patio doors. The music being played by the live band was loud enough that it was audible, even from this distance.

    Brian's arm was around her and a volunteer working at the charity event sat across from them, quietly rowing the boat along the creek.

    This would be so perfectly romantic, if Aubrey weren't in the boat behind us, Destiny thought miserably. She cast a glance over her shoulder.

    The boat Aubrey and Bernice were in bobbed along right behind them. Aubrey's eyes were fixed on them. Bernice was talking to him, but Destiny couldn't tell if he was paying attention to her or not.

    With a frustrated sigh, Destiny turned to face the front.

    "Not quite the night I had planned for us," Brian told her.

    "This would have been a beautiful date, without all of the pettiness," Destiny said. "It would have been the perfect date, actually. Crazy to think that a date this amazing could stem from a charitable act."

    "The Geneva Centre puts a lot of thought and planning into the events they host," he explained. "I have a lot of respect for their organization."

    "I'm growing to have a lot of respect for them, too," she said softly. "Once I start writing articles again, I'd like to feature the Geneva Centre."

    He smiled at her and affectionately kissed her shoulder. "That's a great idea."

    "You think so?"

    "Of course. Any publicity they receive would only help to further their cause." He paused and tilted his head back, looking up at the sky. "There are so many different causes out there, so many different people trying to do well and shed light on certain diseases, or conditions. So much good could be done, if only everyone knew about the cause and knew what it would take for them to help support it."

    "That's true," she agreed. "Even if someone doesn't have money to donate to a cause, they can still post about it on their social media accounts. Help bring attention to it. They might not have the means to offer financial support, but someone in their circle of friends might. You never know."

    "Exactly," Brian said, still staring up at the sky.

    She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

    "What was that for?"

    "Being amazing," she told him, leaning against him.

    He dipped his head down and kissed the top of her head.

    "What was that for?" she asked him.

    "Being you," he replied, pulling her closer.

~~~~~~

    After the boat ride, Brian escorted Destiny back to the ballroom, where the gala was still in full swing. Only a few of the dancing couples remained on the dance floor; most of them moved to the tables that were set up. Waiters circled the room, asking guest their dinner preferences.

    Brian walked Destiny towards a half-full table that sat eight people. He pulled out a chair for her, using one hand, then helped to push it in. Then he claimed the seat beside her.

    Destiny glanced around the ballroom, and locked eyes with Aubrey the moment he stepped in from the patio. She stared at him openly, then shifted her gaze to Bernice. He's essentially using her, and she's letting him do it, Destiny thought with a furrowed brow. Doesn't she get tired of asking "How high?" when he tells her to jump? Why does she continue to let him drag her into situations like this?

    Aubrey turned his head and spoke to Bernice.

    Bernice shrugged her shoulders in response to whatever he said.

    Aubrey cast another look at Destiny before linking arms with Bernice and leading her around the ballroom.

    "I don't think they're enjoying themselves as much as we are," Brian told her.

    Destiny leaned forward and grabbed the glass of water designated for her. She wasn't actually thirsty; she was just anxious and wanted to give her hands something to do. "You don't think so?"

    "They both look miserable," Brian muttered, his gaze following Aubrey and Bernice as they drew nearer. "And even though he's standing next to her, he's been doing nothing but staring at you all night."

    "She knew what she was signing up for," Destiny said, not sounding the least bit sympathetic.

    Aubrey and Bernice approached the table. "Are these seats taken?" Aubrey asked, gesturing towards the two empty chairs across from Brian and Destiny.

    Destiny narrowed her eyes at him.

    "Not at all," Brian said, sounding chipper.

    "Are you sure?" Aubrey queried, his eyes on Destiny.

    "Are you sure you want to sit at this table?" Destiny asked him. "You don't think it would be more appropriate to sit at another table?"

    Aubrey shrugged, an action that he made look graceful. "We're all adults, right? I'm sure we can enjoy a meal together." He moved to pull out a chair for Bernice.

    Destiny turned her head and looked at Brian. "I'm...going to visit the Ladies' room," she said, rising from her seat.

    "Can I go with you, actually?" Bernice asked before sitting down.

    No. No, you can't come with me. "Of course," is what Destiny said out loud.

    Bernice rounded the table and stood beside Destiny.

    Destiny turned and headed towards the staircase leading to the ballroom entrance.

    "You are really working that dress," Bernice complimented.

    "Thank you," Destiny said as they reached the bottom of the staircase.

    "And your hair...I love your hair like that."

    Destiny turned to look at her. "You don't have to do this."

    Bernice frowned. "Do what?"

    "Compliment me. Try to make me feel better."

    "Those weren't pity compliments," Bernice insisted.

    Destiny arched an eyebrow at her. "Regardless of what they were, you don't have to do that. Aubrey brought you here. He knew it would hurt me. And it did. It hurt me. I don't know why he thought it would help him. I don't know what he expected to happen when I saw you two here together. I also don't know what you expected to happen, especially after the last time he brought you around me. Why you keep letting him use you? I'll never know. I'll never understand. But you and I aren't friends. We aren't buddies. We're just two women getting yanked around by the same man." Ignoring Bernice's shocked expression, she turned and started to make her way up the stairs.