Ms. Unlucky & The List

Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine: Sleepover

I was shaking in my heels as we pulled up to the venue. It was packed and there were tons of well dressed people in attendance. I clung to Antony’s arm as we made our grand entrance. He was greeted with smiling faces of all sorts of people and I was lamely stood next to him, hoping no one noticed my existence.

 “Thank you for coming,” he said again. I was starting to wonder whose party this was because it was in full swing when we arrived. I was about to ask Antony when someone drew our full attention.

“There is one of the birthday boys,” said Dom Rocco with his hands in the arm, awaiting a familial embrace. They hugged and I pulled away from Antony to give them space as they did. “I see you brought the lovely Phoenix.” He yanked on my wrist and I fell into his big, bulky arms.

“I’m glad to be here,” I squeaked out as he squished the life out of me. He moved me away to examine me.

“You sure do clean up nicely,” he told me. “Speaking of cleaning up nicely, where is your brother? He is supposed to be here by now.” Antony shrugged and sent me a knowing grin. I really wasn’t looking forward to meeting this brother. I was worried the guy would be antisocial and mean to me or worse the nerdy brother that can’t get his own date. This was why I detested blind dates. They were never good and someone always ended up disappointed. I was absolutely certain it would end up being me.

“Uncle, I have no clue where he is,” Antony piped up as they both stood their looking for this mysterious brother.

“I’m here. I’m here, would everyone stop worrying,” said a voice from behind me. I stiffened because of the recognition that hit me just then. I cringed, not wanting to turn around and face him again. My eyes darted about, looking for an escape; praying that I wouldn’t have to look at the idiot standing behind me.

“Hey, little brother,” Antony greeted, possibly hugging his sibling. I wouldn’t know, I was still searching for a way out of this situation. Sometimes I wish I was a ninja and then I could toss down a smoke bomb and disappear.

“Happy birthday, Antony. Who do we have here,” he asked and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

“Ok, Luc, I want you to meet this gorgeous girl,” Antony said, forcefully turning me around to face the boy behind me.

“Nix, what the hell,” Lucca said, effectively cutting off his brother’s introduction.

“Sup,” I said, lamely.

“Wait, you two know each other,” Antony asked. By this point, Dom Rocco had taken an interest in the conversation and he had pulled me to his side, as if he was afraid Lucca would harm me in his clear rage.

“Yes, this is that stuck up princess that moved in with the family I work for,” Lucca informed Antony.

“Oh right,” Antony said, frowning. He looked between us and then started to laugh. “What are the chances?”

“I have the worst luck in the world,” I stated, playing with the clutch in my hands.

“What is she doing here, Ant,” Lucca asked, through gritted teeth.

“She’s your date,” he said, halting all laughter so Lucca could tell he was being serious.

“Well, then, may I steal my date away for a moment,” he asked. Dom Rocco held me closer for a bit but then sighed and nodded his head. I didn’t want to go with Lucca, especially when that smug grin became planted on his stupid face. He grabbed my arm and hauled me through several areas. He went to a less crowded area, near the garden. The doors were opened to let the cool night air in and not many people were outside enjoying the expansive and seemingly well-tended garden. He stopped us in front of the open doors and just glared at me.