Blood Ties (NaNoWriMo 2015)

Forty-Four

The next two weeks flew by in a whirlwind of activity. Most of the time I was in Damon's office, arranging various things for our trip. He'd originally offered to do it himself, but I'd turned down the offer. I was too much of a control freak for that, besides I'd planned things like this before. Granted it had only been a one-time thing and rather than a meeting some of the most powerful vampires in the country it had been for a three day vacation with my mom to Disneyland.

 It was safe to say these events were very different, but in terms of planning that did not worry me so much. The necessities would remain the same. Transportation to and from destination, as well as cab fare in the event traveling around the area was needed, checking ahead for weather as well as events planned to attend prior to arrival so to make sure appropriate clothing was packed and no one had stop and the gift shop and pay for an overpriced t-shirt and making sure you booked the right hotel. Well, I hadn't been able to book the hotel, Damon said he'd wanted to keep me a surprise to the other guests and done the hotel himself.

I had also been given a credit card and told to go shopping for clothing. "A lot of these people don't believe in sweatpants Ember," he'd told me, eyes twinkling. "They'll usually be dressed in business or formal wear most of the week. You'll need to get yourself some things that fall on that category. Don't get me wrong, you look beautiful in sweatshirts." I'd rolled my eyes then, this day I'd worn the sweatshirt he'd lent me as well as a pair of jeans. I hadn't bothered to do more with my hair than a ponytail and wore no makeup to speak of. Beautiful was certainly a stretch right now ."But it might not make the greatest impression with the other High Court and Twelve."

I'd taken that advice to heart and done more online shopping in the last week than I had in my lifetime. I'd also avoided looking at the prices I'd end up with at the end of the sprees. Damon had assured me at least six times already that it was something he could afford. Much like Richard, Johnathan had made wise investments before his passing and his family had wealth to spare. All the same though, I wasn't sure it would be something I got used to.

Between ironing out details for our flight to Miami, working out a wardrobe and an emergency budget the old Ember would never have made time for distractions. But now? I had a distraction named Damon Lockwood and was all too happy to let myself be distracted. Between our various jobs he'd sneak over and kiss my cheek. When midday rolled around, rather than work through lunch like I would have, I usually put aside whatever I was doing and talked (most of the time) with Damon.

He peppered me with questions, what was my favorite color? Why did I want to be a lawyer? Did I like to read? (Which was instantly followed by "why don't you like to read") and other various questions about myself. I saw no rhyme or reason to them, but answered them anyway and wasn't bored doing so either. Damon's enthusiasm and curiosity kept me interested. Briefly, I recalled Jasper saying that telling a familiar story never got old, that was, so long as the listener was interested. Apparently there was truth in that. And sometimes, my answers were interrupted with him stealing a kiss. Mildly annoying, but also cute so I dealt with it.

The time flew by and before I knew it, I was packing a suitcase with clothes, ready to leave on the plane in the next few hours. "I can't beelvie I'm doing this."

"I know," Ife said. She was laying across my bed, legs lifted up behind here in a very casual way. "You've said that at least ten times in the last half hour."

"Sorry," I said, examining a flowy blouse that had been purchased for me when I arrived at the manor. I liked it a lot and knew already it looked good on me, but wasn't sure if it would fly with the people I was going to meet.

"You should bring that," Ife told me, sitting up and examining the material. "It's supposed to be humid all the time you're there, this will help keep you cool."