The Heartbreaker in a Suit

•chapter 3•

I looked at myself in the mirror again, trying to pass time before Brad arrived.

I kept thinking about everything that could go wrong tonight and it was making me more nervous then I already was.

I was clueless to the reason of why I would feel this way.

I grew up with this family, and a fancy dinner was normal back when we were all still growing up. The fact that I haven't seen them in over four years gave me the jitters.

I switched on the light in the entry hallway of my apartment and walked back and forth in front of the door anxiously.

The doorbell rang and I opened the door to a handsome boy and a bouquet of flowers.

My cheeks grew red. "Awh, Brad! There was no need."

He itched the back of his neck and handed them to me.

"It's really nothing," he said with a small smile.

I set them down on the counter and turned in his direction.

"So what's on the agenda tonight?" I asked.

Brad didn't seem to hear my question though, being too focused on my apartment. His eyes wandered around the small living space. Brad walked out from under the doorway and came next to me.

"How long have you been living here, Kennedy?"

My brows furrowed from the question and I searched my mind for an answer. 

"Well, awhile now. Why do you ask?"

He shrugged and looked at the clock on the far wall.

"Shall we go?" Brad said.

I nodded, and he extended a stiff, hooked arm towards me. I linked his with mine, and we went on our way.

The car ride was filled with an unknown tension between us. The amount of distance that had formed was saddening. The realization dawned on me that it simply wasn't the same anymore.

When we arrived, we strolled up the stairs and through the double doors.

The home was now, much less crowded then it was the night before. There was quiet chat and laughter coming from the far room, but otherwise the large home was silent.

Brad lead me into the main living room where the groups of people stood and talked. But before I could look around, I was pulled into a warm embrace. I inhaled a whiff of the fragrance, and recognized the smell.

I smiled, and pulled away to see Ms. Vanderbilt. She tucked the hair behind my ear and squeezed my shoulders. My smile grew and I gave her another hug.

"Kennedy, how lovely to see you after all this time. How have you been?" She asked.

"I am well, thank you. And thank you for having me Ms. Vanderbilt," I replied.

She rolled her eyes.

"Darling, this is your home away from home. It is unnecessary to thank me. Tell me all about-", Ms Vanderbilt started to say but failed to finish before having her attention drawn elsewhere.