The Game Changer

Chapter 14

Hello, everyone! Sorry for the long wait. :( First, thank you so much for all the love from my Take Me Away readers. Over 7,000 reads, guys! You guys are the best! Thank you so much. :* Second, thank you for being patient with me. :)

Dedicating this chapter to @Katherine_TheCute. Thank you so much for all the love and kind words! It's people like you who inspire me to keep writing. :) xoxo

CHAPTER 14

"I found the love birds!" Noah announced when he found Ian and I laughing and swaying by the fountain.

"There you are!" Alessi said. "Granddad's making a toast and he wants you there - that includes you, Rissey."

"We're right behind you," Ian replied. He then takes my hand and looks me in the eye. "You ready?"

For the first time since we came here, and since we met, I say, "Yes."

I give him a small smile and he leads me inside. We found Will on the steps of their grand staircase. Behind him was Sylvia, Philip, Alessi, Robert and Noah. He waves and points to his side, signaling us to stand beside him. I tug on my dress slightly so I wouldn't trip, and Ian keeps his hand on mine to help me ascend the steps.

Upon seeing Will on the steps, the room was filled with silence and all eyes were on us.

"First of all, I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight," he said, smiling. "Second, I would like to announce the engagement of my only granddaughter, Alessandra, to the future doctor Robert Penn. I wish for nothing but endless happiness for my darling granddaughter, of course. You better take care of her, Robbie. Your life depends very much depends on it. You have me, Philip, Ian and Noah to deal with. " Will turns around and smiles at Robbie and Alessi. The crown erupted in laughter and applause.

"Third, I'd like a toast for my grandson's return. It's been a while since we've had you around for the summer. I would also like to introduce his girlfriend, Clarisse Montgomery. Welcome to our home, and thank you for putting a smile on little Ian's face." The crowd laughs and claps again. My cheeks were burning, but I tried to stop myself from making a run for it. Ian was laughing beside me, so I tried to imitate him by laughing it off. He rests his hand on the small of my back and I decided to move closer, so as to portray intimacy, but mainly because I was a klutz and I was scared I'd fall off the stairs.

"Lastly, to my only daughter and my adoring son-in-law, thank you for arranging this year's gala. To new beginnings." Will lifted his champagne glass, so did the guests, and drank a little. "Enjoy the rest of the evening!" There was an applause followed by music and chatter.

"Wow," was all I could say.

"Wow is definitely the word for it," Ian said, equally shocked as I was. Then again, he was probably used to these things. He helped me down the stairs, watching me with careful eyes. He led me to the middle of the room, where a few people started dancing

.

"I see we're dancing again?" I was exhausted and my feet were killing me. Ian chuckled under his breath before resting his hands on my waist.

"15 minutes and I promise we'll make our escape."

"You want me to sway with you for 15 minutes?" I raised my eyebrow and tried to look serious.

"We can talk if you want," he suggested. "You up for another round of truth or truth?"

"Game on, Radke," I said, narrowing my eyes.

"Alright, I'll start. Do you find this awkward? The whole sharing a room thing?"

"Ian, that is such a lame question," I replied.