Everything in Between

Chapter 3

Hello everyone! Before you start reading my new chapter I want to give a huge shoutout to the amazing gabriellelark for being so kind to take time off to help me with writing mistakes! It's amazing to have support when you want to try out something new <3 I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! Happy reading!

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We're making our way through the lobby to find a long corridor that will lead us to the party. Once we arrive at the event I have to restrain myself from letting my mouth hang open. The room's full of elegantly dressed guests, the music is catchy, and the decoration is picture-perfect. At least I don't feel underdressed. The women at the party are wearing short dresses like my mother and me.

Dad guides us through the room to find the hosts, I presume. My mom tugs my father's arm and points to a couple a few feet away. As we get closer I see the man has short black graying hair, long enough for me to spy curls.

When we're at arm's length from the loving couple, my father put his hand on the man's shoulder. "Happy birthday Daniel Callahan," Dad says to the man as he turns around. They both grin when they see each other and share a friendly hug, and I realize the man is Grace's husband when she turns around as well.

They break apart from their embrace after a few moments, "Nicholas, so good to see you!" Mr. Callahan says to my father. Then he spots my mother behind my dad and reaches to hug her as well. "Victoria, it's been awhile since we last met," he says to my mom, and they share a quick hug.

My mom smiles in return. "Happy birthday Daniel, thank you for inviting us," she says as they break apart.

My dad moves to greet Daniel's wife. "Grace, how are you, it's good to see you too." He gives her a peck on the cheek and they share a quick embrace.

Mrs. Callahan smiles up at him since she's a few inches shorter, "I'm great Nicholas, thank you for asking. It's good to see you all." She moves to greet my mother as well. "Victoria, it's great to finally see you again. I've missed you," she says to my mother.

Mom returns her hug and I see her smile from ear to ear. "I've missed you too, looking beautiful as always." They break apart from their embrace but still hold each other at arm's length.

They share a few more compliments while Alex and I stand back and watch them converse. I realize how much they mean to each other. I remember my dad telling me he met Mr. Callahan in London when they were in college. They're both entrepreneurs, and my dad founded and owns a very successful worldwide advertising company. Mr. Callahan owns a famous clothing franchise chain in Europe; he travels a lot and spends a few months in NYC once in a while with his wife. I haven't met him until today but my parents are very fond of him and his wife.

Mrs. Callahan looks behind my mother's shoulder and meets my eyes, "Annabelle sweetie, how are you?" She moves to get closer and embraces me.

I return the hug and can't help but smile. "Mrs. Callahan I'm very well thank you, it's great to see you again." We break apart and I see the kindness in her hazel orbs. The few wrinkles around her eyes show her happiness throughout the years. Her black hair compliments her pale skin and she looks incredible for her age. I recall my mother saying she's fifty-eight. Looking at her right now, she seems fifteen years younger. Clearly there's no work done on her, she's a natural ageless beauty just like my mother.

Behind her shoulder I see Mr. Callahan greeting my brother and having a small chat with him before he turns to look at us. Mrs. Callahan gently grabs my arm and turns to the side. "Darling, this is Annabelle, you've heard about her throughout the years as you might remember." I can feel my face heating up; I'm a shy person and find it a bit uncomfortable to meet new people.