Becoming a Scott

Chapter 23

"There's only looking forward, Christina. The horizon is much prettier when you face it." Ander offered with an exaggerated grin. Christina rolled her eyes but less in annoyance and more in shyness. "I'm convinced, beyond all shadow of a doubt that Thomas might just be the man of your dreams."

"Hold your horses, Ander. You said there would be more men to choose from tonight."

"There are but if you ignore Thomas for too long he might grow unsure. So try to keep a balance between all the men that'll be hounding you for attention tonight."

Christina scoffed, men did not have a tendency of circling her like sharks and she was happy with that.

In the city, through the crowded streets and bright lights, Ander lined up at the hired valet in front of the brick townhouse. Christina climbed out and stared up at the five story house decorated with warm yellow lights. All of the windows were lit and exposing the flutter of people inside.

"Just like the first time," Ander said as he intertwined her arm with his. "What were you doing in my study anyway? I doubt you were that desperate to read my grandfather's old books. I only keep them for decoration."

They crossed the sidewalk and climbed the staircase up to the front door. It was held open by servers who nodded at them as they passed. "I was trying to calm down," She explained. "If I didn't have a second to myself I was going to say something out of line."

"Well, I don't think my study helped in the slightest. You're words were poised at me like daggers before I even manged to convince you I was a charming, handsome man."

"You still haven't managed to do that after these last couple of days." She added with a smile before turning her attention to the inside of the house. It was crowded with people, all walking about and eagerly talking to each other. Art work crowded every square inch of the walls and people stood about, drinking, and inspecting the paintings.

"Oh," she let out before letting Ander go and walking away. Christina looked up at an older painting in thought, it was beautiful, but it was familiar. She was struggling to recognize the eyes of the woman portrayed.

"Recognize it, Christina, I would expect you too!" A familiar voice called from beside her. She turned to find William standing at full height and looking handsome as ever.

"William, I didn't know you'd be here!" Ander greeted before giving him a hug.

"What do you mean? It's an art auction, my grandfather would kill me if I didn't get him a new painting for his birthday." William turned his green eyes to Christina and she lowered her chin, taken aback by the sheer delight on his face. "So, did you figure it out?"

"No," she frowned, "How do you know I recognize it?"

"The original painting is sitting in the museum of art down on the islands." He explained, "I'd be surprised if someone with art history major hadn't gone out of their way to check out the local museum."

Christina gasped and looked back at the painting, "I can't believe that you got recognized it quicker than I did."

"More years of practice," he shrugged and turned his focused back to Ander. "So the two of you came together?"

She stiffed, not really sure what he meant with that question but Ander didn't change the expression of enjoyment on his face. "I'm just accompanying her, Christina loves art and my mom wants to be her mentor of sorts so... it just worked out that way."

"Yeah..." Christina added though no one had asked for her confirmation.

"Oh," William smiled, "Then you wouldn't mind if I took Christina to grab a drink?"

Christina opened her mouth, eager to say yes and be carried away from William. "Actually," Ander spoke up, "Thomas has been intent on spending time with Christina since they've met. So, I'm hoping to leave Christina in his company."

William turned to Christina and gave her a knowing grin, "Thomas, huh? Are you that intent to spend time with him or is Ander just trying to relinquish his responsibility to another?"

Ander frowned but Christina just laughed genuinely before preparing herself to say the words she needed to say. "I like Thomas, a lot."

"In that case, I just saw him over by the staircase." William spoke, pointing over his shoulder. "I hope you don't mind, Christina, but I have something to discuss with Ander so..."

She nodded once, "Thank you again." Christina made her way through the crowd, excusing herself as kindly as she could managed as she walked towards that grand staircase at the end of the house.

Standing on one of the steps, Thomas lowered his head to one of the men he was speaking to. He was wearing a dark blue suit and his naturally curly hair was jelled back.

Christina rolled her shoulder back, forcing her collarbones to be more visible than usual and cleared her throat. "Thomas," she greeted with a higher tone of voice, "I was told you'd be here."

Thomas turned his head, his blue eyes widened as he took in her appearance. A bright smile broke over his feature "Christina! What a pleasant surprise." He stepped down and neared her, "Did you just arrive?"

"Yeah, I haven't had a chance to look over the art yet."

Thomas offered her his arm, "Allow me the honors." He said sweetly and Christina felt a sudden relief by the gesture. All in all, Thomas was a nice man. "You look much more yourself today than you did yesterday."

Christina blinked before letting out a breath of laughter, "I wouldn't say so, the dress I'm wearing right now is an old one Riley used to use. Not really my style." She gestured down to the green colored gown with fluffs spiraling down the skirt.

He tilted his head and scrunched his nose, "Why are you wearing your cousins rejected dresses?" When Christina didn't offer a response he spoke again, "Maybe some time I could offer you some company and the two of us can go to the city to by you some dresses of your own. One's that are you're style."

"I would really appreciate that, Thomas." She stepped closer to him as they maneuvered their way through the house. "This might sound very forward but..." her voice lingered as she glanced over at him. Thomas turned his head to her, waiting patiently for her to continue. "But you really are one of the most generous people I've met since I arrived."

Thomas brushed off the comment, "Your family is particularly generous and so is Ander, you have a long line of people who care for you and your well-being."

Christina shook her head, "They're nice but they all keep me at a distance, as if I'm someone they can't trust. You've been very helpful and kind both on the golf course and tonight."

Thomas frowned, "Ander seems to trust you very much. It's not often that he invites people to play with us. He may seem like a socialite but he's very particular about certain things."

Christina gathered up her energy and tried to give him the most wistful look she could manage as she used the excuse Ander had presented to William earlier. "Ander is just watching over me because his mother has become my mentor."

"Well, I for one am happy that he's too foolish to see what's in front of him."