The Last Victim #JustWriteIt

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Jay fixed his shirt and pulled over his black tuxedo jacket over his dress shirt and pants. He stood before a full length mirror. He fixed his hair and smiled at his reflection. With brown hair combed neatly to a side, it gave him a cool look. He pulled his cuff buttons close and fastened them. Taking one last look at himself, he walked to the dresser where a single red rose lay, twig wrapped around with a silver glistening paper. He tucked it in his breast pocket. It was for Dawn. He had already ordered a monster size bouquet for his parents and another one for his friends, it would be arriving shortly. Then knowing if he didn't go down with all those guests, waiting, his mother would come and murder him, he walked out of his door into the corridor and down in the main hall.

The hall had been decorated for the party. There were golden and silver streamers hanging on the doorway and lots of flowers in variety of vases all around the house. Jay rolled his eyes. His mother was a diehard flower fan. Smiling to himself, he walked into the hall. Loads of people stood around in groups, chattering away endlessly. Jay looked around. His father was busy talking to some of his business partners, whilst his mother stood at a corner and talked to a few ladies she knew back from Chicago. A dozen or so waiters were moving around, platters in hand serving drinks and refreshments. Wondering whether or not Dawn was here yet, he craned his neck to locate her and her family in the crowd. That's when he felt a sharp punch on his shoulder.

'Ouch!' He turned around raising an eyebrow. Mark and Will flagged his either sides, identical grins on their faces. Apparently, it had been Will who had punched him. Jay glared at him. Mark chuckled.

'Couldn't stop waiting for her can you?'

Will laughed, and Jay too, smiled.

'Yeah. I wanted her to meet you people as soon as she came and...'

Will gave him another friendly punch.

'Come on! Don't make stupid excuses. We know how exactly desperate you are to see her.'

Jay rolled his eyes, shrugging while Mark and Will hooted with laughter. A second later, another voice called out from behind them. Stunned, they turned.

'Of course, Jay can't wait. Ever since we have been here, he hasn't got the chance to meet her.'

Mia stood behind them looking absolutely wonderful. She wore a long, gray and silver evening gown, which trailed after her. The sleeves were made of net like material, entwining around her slender arms beautifully. Her short hair was neatly made to a side and silver ringed earrings dangled from her ears. A single diamond pendant was tied at the base of her throat, which Jay recognized as his gift to her last Christmas. Jay took a deep glance at her. Will and Mark stood stunned at his sides, mouths hanging open. Jay smiled.

'You look.... Wow!'

Mia raised an eyebrow as she playfully said.

'Stop lying!'

Jay immediately disagreed.

'I am not, I promise. You really look very nice.'

Mark shook his head.

'How come we never saw you like that before?'

Mia stole a look at Jay and batted her eyelashes before answering.

'Well, I thought if we are meeting Jay's girl and since she's really pretty and I have a competition, I should be more.....appropriate.'

Jay smiled and shook his head while Will, coming out of his daze, screwed up his face in disgust.

'Ewe, Mia! You don't look that nice. This dress and all. You look cooler in jeans and all. No jewellery, please!' He acted as if gagging. Jay and Mark couldn't help laughing as Mia turned an ugly shade of purple.

'You, idiot! You know it's an event. What else am I supposed to wear?'

Will chortled.

'Kidding Mia. Relax.' Then as the band on the far corner of the room struck up a tune, he bent down and formally took Mia's hand. Mia giggled as he asked.

'May I ask you for a dance, my lady?'

Mia nodded, turning pink and Will led her away to the dance floor. Knowing that both of them had a thing for each other since long, Jay and Mark watched them go, amused. Jay said.

'Maybe they'll get along after this. I always wanted them to.'

Mark smiled.

Well hope so. Mia's a bit intense at times.'

Jay looked a Mia and Will slowly waltzing around the room, cutting through people, attracting attention as people turned to watch them. They both looked so perfectly well together. Jay had a feeling. He said.

'She'll manage. They really fit together.'

Mark shrugged, taking a drink from a passing waiter.

'Well hope so. I will meet everyone else. See you in a while.' Then giving Jay a meaningful glance he added. 'With your gorgeous date.'

Jay gave him a short push, biting back a smile.

'She is not my date. Just someone.......'

Mark cut across him, completing his sentence a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

'...Jay Arive fell for.'

Jay raised an eyebrow and turned away. His friends were never going to let this rest.