Before Together After Forever

Chapter 2 - Rexford Trent, Jr.

Fifteen years ago – Christmas Gala

"I can't believe you talked me into inviting Claire to this event. What if something terrible happens? You know how my parents can be!" I muttered, striding into the hall where guests were beginning to assemble.

Will trailed close behind. "R.J., relax. Just smile, introduce her around, crack a few jokes, maybe even sneak out for a bit," he suggested, wiggling his eyebrows mischievously.

Ignoring his antics, I headed to the front parlor. Claire was due any moment, and I needed to prep her. Moments later, there she stood – the girl who claimed to be my girlfriend.

"Are you going to keep staring?" she chuckled.

She wasn't just pretty or gorgeous; she exuded an undeniable allure that sent a surge of desire through me. This was my girlfriend. "Um, hey, welcome to my home," I stammered, motioning for her to step inside as an attendant took her coat.

"So, who are we meeting first?" she asked.

"The ones who made me, of course," I replied with a smile.

"Of course," she retorted dryly.

As we neared my parents, I noticed the smile on my mother's face faltering swiftly. "Good evening, my son. And who might this... um... elegantly dressed young lady be?" My mother glanced Claire up and down.

My mother was brutally frank. Claire wasn't elegantly dressed; she looked like a waitress from a Los Angeles or Atlanta strip club. I knew my mother wouldn't hold back.

"Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Claire Rosemount. Claire, meet my parents: Mr. Rexford Trent, Sr., and Mrs. Victoria Trent," I introduced, hoping my mom would play nice.

My mother assessed Claire, seemingly filtering her words. "Nice to meet you, Claire. Rex hasn't mentioned a word about you, and now I understand why."

'Thanks, Mom, for throwing more shade than an oak tree,' I thought to myself.

"The pleasure is all ours, Claire. I hope our son is treating you well?" My father inquired, arm securely around my mother's waist.

Claire brightened like our ten-foot Christmas tree. "Oh! He's been wonderful, Mr. Trent. Just the other day, he took me shopping, and this has been the best Christmas so far. He's like my own little Santa Claus." Claire kissed my cheek, and I felt myself blush, while Will elbowed me playfully, grinning as broadly as she was.

My father didn't pay much heed to Claire's comment, but my mother did. "Santa Claus, you say? Rex, I've taught you to be kind, but kindness does have its limits, especially for opportunists." With that, she walked away, my father following close behind.

Will erupted into laughter, pointing at Claire. "She's not impressed with you at all!"

Rolling her eyes, Claire quipped, "She's just mad that her baby boy has another woman in his life. I've seen it happen before."

Will whispered to me, thinking I couldn't hear, "How often, I wonder?"

Sighing, I headed to the dining hall, hoping dinner would improve matters.

As usual, the food was exquisite, but the conversations remained stuffy. Will was flirting with his latest conquest, my mom eyed Claire and me with disdain, my father discussed business. And me? I was trying to avoid a certain kind of discomfort. Claire found it amusing to tease me. How did her hand get so close? Her actions at the Gala were just the beginning of what she had in store.