Something but Nothing

Chapter Eight

I got out of the limo and stood outside a beautiful mansion. It was so much bigger than William's home. It was a palace compared to his. It had to be over 50,000 square feet. There were Greek statues and a giant fountain. It must be worth millions maybe even a billion dollars.

I've never felt more out of place as I walked up the many, many stairs and entered the beautiful home. I entered the foyer and multiple eyes fell on me. I felt so small under all those eyes. I had to keep in mind that they don't know me. I've been to parties before but nothing like this.

A man who seemed to be a butler came to me and offered his elbow to take me into the ballroom. I smiled and took ahold of it. He was handsome and tall, seemed to be in his fifties. I could tell be the amount of grey hair he had. As we walked, I felt more eyes than before on me. I lowered my head, and I felt the man squeeze my hand a bit before whispering to me.

"You're new to this huh?" His voice was deep and smooth. It was a bit comforting. I relaxed a bit as I spoke to him.

"Is it that obvious?"

"It is but don't let it get to you. I must say you are the most beautiful women I have seen today."

I blushed as we entered the room. We stopped at the entrance, and he bowed his head before leaving. I looked around the room and saw more stares when I came in. I was the only one in such a bold color. There are many pastel colors, blacks, and greys but I didn't see a single red dress. There were women with red shoes and jewels, but nothing like me.

Cameras were flashing everywhere. I wanted to turn around and walk right out of the building and not look back. It would be too much if I were caught in some of these pictures. 

As I was taking in the room, a familiar face appeared walking in my directions. I knew it was William and I've never been so happy to see him. He approached me and took my hand bringing it to his lips. The flashes from the cameras blended with the sparks around us. I felt my cheeks heat with excitement. 

"You look beautiful." He whispered against my hand before taking it into his elbow and escorting me further into the room.

"You look good too." I said with my head low, so I won't be caught on camera with William. It would be the scandal of the year being caught with him.

"Hold your head up, its nothing to worry about. You're going to meet some friends of mine. Who knows you might get some job opportunities." He spoke lifting my chin up. A bright smile tugged his face. 

I did as i was told and walked with pride as we approached a small group of people. Two couples and a man. They didn't look so bad from what I see. Designer suits and dresses just like William and I but they still had a rich and successful aura which I definitely didn't have. I feel so insecure right now, but I need to get through the night.

"Hey William. Who is this beauty?" A tall, muscular blonde spoke as we stood beside them interrupting their conversation. He was the only one who didn't have a woman on his arm.

William introduced me as a close friend and employee. I felt my heart sink a bit at how he introduced me. I know I'm just a friend and should not feel any type of way about it, but I do. I just swallowed down the thought of me being friend-zoned just now and put my mind back into the conversation. Let's just pretend the other night did not happen.

"Hmmm a friend or plaything." His friend said with a smirk and my eyes grew wide in shock. What kind of question is that? So much was going through my head right now. I grabbed a glass of champagne from a tray of passing waiter. I took a sip of the golden liquid before smiling and answering the question before William got chance too.

"Friend, yes. Plaything, never that. Save that disrespect for someone who won't put you in your place." I took another sip with a smirk before turning and walking away. I'm not the type of girl to cause a scene but I will if needed. I'll be damned if I let someone disrespect me in such ways. This made me want to leave and just go home.

William ran up behind me and grabbed ahold of my hand. I turn to him and see a smile tugging the corners of his lips. "Glad I have someone who will put that Derek Washington in his place now." 

I looked at William in shock when he said the name of the person who I had just sassed. Derek Washington. CEO of D.W Enterprises. I felt crazy, embarrassed. That man could have my head if he wanted too. 

William saw the expression on my face and placed his hand on my cheek. "Hey don't overthink. The bastard deserved it. You're too beautiful and classy to be someone's plaything." 

I blushed as he got closer to my face. "I would kiss you, but I don't think you would let me." He took a step back and the blush burned my cheeks. He chuckled and offered me his arm. "Now let's go meet some better friends of mine. 

The night went by in a blur, and I was able to strike a couple of deals for photography sessions and property listings. If it weren't for William, I wouldn't be moving it up the way I am. Finally, my hard work is paying off.

After the party William and I, as well as his group of friends went out to eat to celebrate. Derek did end up apologizing. We went to a private bar and I pretty sure all of us were tipsy as hell.

After an eventful night, William and I entered the quiet, dark house. The kids had left the party early and went to a sleepover at a friend's house, so it was just William and me. We were alone in this big mansion. Just the two of us.