The Wallflower and the Prankster

Chapter Twenty-Three | Aces Up | Part 2

Alazne

It was in the middle of dinner that Josh’s parents finally arrived. I can’t say they were anything like I expected—actually they appeared nothing like Josh except for a couple of noticeable features. The angles of their brows, the long lashes that loom over their defined cheeks…

Though in all honesty, I just checked out Joshua Grey in more than one occasion— just a quick glance at him though. I would find myself observing his smile, his casual charm as he spoke to my parents and his posture.  After I looked at him, I didn’t really give anyone else a second glance.

He didn’t slouch. It was perfectly straight. Yeah, I was really impressed by that. Though most of the time I glanced, it was just to look at him. I really don’t know how to explain it. It just comforts me somehow—he was more attractive than usual if that’s even possible. I guess guys in suits appeal to me. Though I never noticed how much they attracted me.

Even my parents took notice, and of course, in an embarrassing fashion, my parents would mention it way too often dinner. I suppose they thought it was one of the greatest compliments they could give them or the most original one, at that. The Grey family was probably used to getting compliments at least ten times a day.

 “Alana,” my mom scowled me as she pressed her hand on my wrist. “Laura asked you a question.” Laura was Mrs. Grey’s name.

 I blinked, pulling myself out of my gawking mode. “Uh….sorry,” I muttered. I glanced towards my mother. What was the question?

Mrs. Grey laughed, it strangely chimed like bells. She, like most of us, wore a dress. An elegant white dress that drifted down to her knees, a silt running down the side. It was the kind of dress that only celebrities get away with wearing. “I was asking if you had any future plans, dear,” she said. “Any career choices?”

From the corner of my eye I saw Joshua stiffen. He cleared his throat as he placed his fork on the plate, and looked up. Mother nudged me slightly with her elbow, and I straightened up.

Oh right, the question. “I don’t really know what I want to be when I grow up,” I told her, forcing a smile. “There is still time to think about it, right?”

That didn’t seem to be the answer Mrs. Grey was expecting and her smile dimmed. “It seems Joshua’s attitude has been rubbing off on you.” This was followed by laughter from Eve and my parents though I doubt it was even close to a joke. Mrs. Grey went back to eating, her mouth slowly chewing away.

My stomach clenched, and I looked back down on my food. A cold feeling brushed through me, making me unable to look towards Josh.

“Any criteria for a job or…”This time it was Mr. Grey who was talking.

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I might go into something politic related or maybe engineering.”

“That’s good.” He nodded his head. His hair was gelled backwards like in James Bond movies. Actually he looked like a spy.  Earlier when they arrived, he’d check his phone and call his secretary to discuss his schedule. It wasn’t until Mrs. Grey reminded him that it was a bad habit that he finally slipped it back in his pocket.

“Good?” Eve exclaimed. “It’s a brilliant area of work to go into, Alana.” She gave me a sweet smile which somewhat made me uncomfortable.  “Maybe your goals might rub onto Josh. Don’t those sound interesting, Josh?”

“Yeah, very entertaining.” Joshua smiled, taking a quick sip of his drink.  His eyes were more focused on the glass. His lips were pressed together but quickly turned into a wry smile, revealing his pearly white teeth.