In 1988 when Dylan Montgomery moves to Beverly Hills after her mother remarries, she must navigate the challenges of fitting into a glamorous but daunting upper-class life. Living across from the charmingly cocky Nicholas and his introspective broth...
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UPPER CLASS | cherriasian
february '89
Christian had called it "just another day at the club." But as Dylan stared up at the sprawling facade of the Bel-Air Country Club, she knew there was nothing casual about this place. It was the epitome of old money: mowed lawns, perfectly spaced palm trees, and the subtle but unmistakable aura of exclusivity.
They'd been here before, of course. She remembered the first time she'd met his parents—during that intense tennis match between Christian and Nicholas. His mother, Anne Lawson, had been polite yet distant, while his father, David, had exchanged a few quick words with her mom and Tom. But this was different. Today, she wasn't here as a spectator but as Christian's guest— someone he was actively going out with, and somehow, that made her feel like every detail was under a magnifying glass.
She straightened her posture, following Christian through the grand entrance, past the dark wood-paneled halls lined with framed photographs of past club events. She caught glimpses of members in perfectly tailored attire, clustered in quiet conversation. As they neared the main dining room, Christian glanced over at her with a smile that was reassuring but held a hint of something else—maybe pride.
"Hey, lighten up," he teased, nudging her gently. "They're just excited to meet you officially since we're y'know..."
"Oh, good," she said dryly, tugging nervously at her sweater. "Can't wait to impress the royalty of Bel-Air."
Christian laughed. "Look, they already like you. I mean, they actually know your stepdad, and you made a great impression during the match."
Dylan offered a small smile, but deep down, she wasn't convinced. The Lawsons might have liked her well enough as Tom's stepdaughter, but what would they think seeing her here with him?
They entered the sunny dining room with its floor-to-ceiling windows, which perfectly framed the sprawling golf course. His parents were already seated near the window, sipping iced tea, their gazes shifting to Dylan and Christian as they approached. Anne wore her usual immaculate white blouse and pearls, her expression unreadable but slightly more curious than before. David gave a polite nod, as though simply waiting to see how this dynamic might unfold.
Christian led her over confidently, and Dylan felt the subtle attention from other tables shift toward them. It was just enough to make her heart skip a beat.
"Mom, Dad," Christian said smoothly, his tone carrying a mix of warmth and a hint of defiance. "You remember Dylan."
Anne's smile was polite but sharp, as though she were mentally taking notes. "Of course. Lovely to see you again, Dylan. You certainly seem more comfortable here than the last time."
Dylan managed a smile, her voice steady even as she felt the pressure of their gazes. "It's beautiful. I can see why Christian speaks so highly of it."
David leaned back, assessing her for a moment. "Yes, Tom has mentioned you've been adjusting well to Beverly Hills. Quite a change, I imagine."
