This calls for a little more than chocolate and tissues

Chapter 1

It was all wrong. There were hundreds of small candles floating in the swimming pool, and a bunch of fairly content looking people mingling all across the large expanse of the backyard. Old Dallas families. They sure do know how to throw parties.  

But this was supposed to be a guy's eighteenth birthday party. Instead, I felt like we were welcoming someone in a white dress into "proper" society. Melanie is the only reason I came. For some reason, she felt it was her duty to make sure I attend. Some crap about carrying on the family legacy. Whatevs. Melanie is my godmother. She's been taking care of me since my parents...well, since I was ten.  

For now, I had found a hiding place behind a huge stone pot for plants. The stupid thing was so big that it could have held me plus three, if there wasn't a sculpted bush occupying the space. Smoothing the lone wrinkle in my dress, I sighed and leaned against the cool stone, hoping desperately that no one would find me. I have a hard time socializing with anyone and everyone. Let's just say, I am not a people person.  

Just then, my luck of course, I heard quiet footsteps approaching. Dammit. No time to even run. However, the face that turned the corner was not one that I expected. It was Will Perry himself, birthday boy extraordinaire. Dammit. How am I escaping this one?  

He looked as shocked as I felt. He then looked around, and, seeing no one else close by, came and sat down next to me. I studied his face. He looked as tired and miserable as I did while he stared at the candles on the pool.  

"Not the party type?"  

I jumped a little. I thought I was going to be safe from conversation. Crap.  

"Not really." I hoped that if I kept my answers short, he would get the message and leave me alone. No such luck. Again.  

"Then why are you here?" Way to be blunt, mister.  

"I received an invite, and figured it would be rude not to come." Then, just for good measure, I added, "Because I didn't have another excuse."  

At that, he actually smiled. Nice smile. Pretty white teeth. Kind of distracting....FOCUS! Don't start drooling, moron. You know you would regret liking him. Right?  

Will's POV  

I felt sick to my stomach. I couldn't believe what my parents were asking me to do. What's worse is that I actually agreed to it without argument. My parents hardly talk to me as it is, so I didn't know what else to say.  

I had to pick one of them, one of the girls who were here tonight. Just to uphold some stupid family tradition. For god's sake, it's the 21st century! Arranged marriages should be illegal. How was I supposed to get to know someone and choose them as my future spouse in a couple hours?  

Sad enough, I actually had a plan:  

1. They couldn't be a talkaholic. Or else I might have to invest in heavy duty duck tape. It would be the only coping method possible.  

2. They had to be hot. That was a given.  

3. They needed to have good taste in music. By my definition.  

Simple enough. Rule 1 got rid of two thirds of the girls already. After I thought I had talked to every girl at the party, my head was swimming, and I needed quiet. It wasn't too long until I realized my normal hiding space was occupied. Hhhhmmm. Looks like I missed one.  

I tried to be as silent as possible, but she still jumped ever so slightly, and then resumed her tired glance at the water. I could suddenly feel her face on mine, but only in a curious way. Like she was studying it instead of checking it out. Light brown curls shaped her very feminine looking face. She wasn't hot, she was pretty. And I liked it?! Then again, who wouldn't like a brunette with eyes so blue they practically scream "stare at me because you know you want to!!!"  

She seemed a little surprised when I turned to face her, to try and force polite small talk. Just then, Violet Hill came on. Definitely a good song. But did she think so?  

I sighed, and muttered, "I can't stand this song." And then waited.  

"That's too bad. Coldplay is pretty much my favorite band." Oh. My. God.  

Now, just to get her to sign the paperwork...