Right my Wrongs

Chapter 5- You want me but you don't want me?

                                                                     Spencer

"Dad! I'm home," I call out loudly as I step out of the elevator.

"It's 6," my dad glances at his wristwatch. "What took you so long?" he inquires.

"I was at the library. I lost track of time," I explain.

"Great. Are you liking  the environment at the university?" he asks.

"It's alright," I reply nonchalantly.

"Good. Go freshen up, and then come downstairs. I have something to discuss with you," my dad instructs, waving off my question.

Curiosity piqued, I take a quick shower and change into comfortable home attire. As I make my way downstairs, I find my dad pouring himself a glass of red wine in the stemware.

"You wanted to talk?" I ask Dad.

"Yes, come sit," he beckons. I take a seat, awaiting the "important" conversation.

"Do you remember Mr Cameron?" He asks.

"Let me guess...he's another business partner of yours?" I respond.

"Well, yes. Coming to the point, he's coming over for dinner tomorrow with his wife and daughter to discuss business. His daughter is around your age, so I was thinking it would be nice if you could show her around and... bond," my dad explains.

"No. That's not happening. I know where you are going.'' I interject with resistance.

"DAD! But-

Let me finish first. His daughter is about your age, and I want you to make her feel welcome and comfortable. This dinner is not just a social occasion but also an important business opportunity for our publishing house. Mr Cameron is a well-known figure in New York, and securing this deal with him could potentially change the dynamics of our business. Please be home by 5 tomorrow," my dad insists, his tone firm yet filled with a touch of urgency.

"But I don't even know this woman." I shrug.

"Spencer please, don't mess this up. Just be on your best behaviour.'' Dad orders.

"Fine!" I say abruptly, unable to hide my annoyance and walk off to my room. This incident sums up my dad's behaviour ever since the divorce. It seems like he's become entirely consumed by his business, prioritising it above everything and everyone else. Does he even care about me?

I lie down on the bed, and as I close my eyes, my mind drifts back to the girl I encountered at the café. Her mesmerising eyes held the hues of a harsh winter. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and it felt like we just clicked. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to ask for her name. 

The loud chime of my phone abruptly wakes me up in the morning.

Shit! It's 9:00 am! I exclaim, realising that I may have snoozed the alarm. I quickly jump out of bed and get dressed hastily without taking a shower.

"Dad, I'm leaving," I announce loudly as I make my way downstairs.

"Come have breakfast first," my dad suggests, flipping a pancake in the kitchen.

"I'm already running late. I don't want to miss my lecture," I respond, feeling the pressure of time.

"All right, but remember, you need to be back by 5 pm. Don't forget," my dad reminds me.

"Yes, of course!"

As I enter the class my eyes catch the sight of the red head sitting on the bench immersed in her book.  She darts her eyes up and looks at me. Fuck. Amazing. Now she'll think I was "staring".

"Like the view?" She says.

"I was just looking for a place to sit.'' I reply.

"Yeah sure you were Mr Spencer.'' She says while looking around and pointing with her highlighter towards the empty seats. 

"Okay fine!'' I exclaim. This girl. She's something. "I never got to know your name'' I add. 

"Ivy... Ivy Brown," she replies.

"Well, Ivy, you have a gorgeous name. In case you forgot, I'm Spencer McKeller," I remark playfully. 

Ivy chuckles softly in response. "How could I forget?" she whispers audibly.

"What did you say?" I pretend not to hear, teasingly.

"Uh, I have a boyfriend," Ivy says, surprising me. Woah. The dynamics of the convo shifted quickly. 

"Um, okay. Cool, I guess," I reply, trying to hide any hint of disappointment in my tone. Well I'm not exactly disappointed. I'm just a tad bit sad. I sound desperate. Don't I?

"So, will you be going to the frat tonight?" she asks, changing the subject. Is she for real?

"I don't think so. I have some things I need to take care of," I reply, confused.  Very confused. 

Well, she's certainly unpredictable. One moment she's distant and then suddenly she's friendly, but then she drops the bombshell about having a boyfriend. And now she's asking me about going to a frat? 

 Who would go to frat? They're sweaty...loud...and just ugh.  I would rather be stuck at the "business dinner" that my dad insisted I attend with his client. He wants me to "bond" with the client's daughter. What an interesting way to kickstart my university experience.