Unexpected

[19] Heart on Sleeve

Hey everyone! I had a few minutes free, so I figured I would update. Hope you enjoy! :) Thank you so much for following so far. Comments and/or votes are always appreciated!

Clara.

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Sunday morning arrived with a burst of commotion. I couldn’t remember ever seeing any house of my father’s so alive with people and life. People came to and fro all day, decorating, setting up, bringing supplies. I spent most of my time in the kitchen, finishing up the things I hadn’t been able to make last night. My phone buzzed every once in a while, but mostly I ignored it. Ryan had called four more times and left me countless messages, no doubt begging me to call/text him back. But I wasn’t letting myself think about it; I was focused on making the best party food that my father had ever had. When guests started to arrive, I decided it was time to go upstairs and change. I had planned on sitting in my room all night, but my family insisted that I join them for the party.

    For a long moment I started at myself in the full-length mirror in my closet. I’d picked out a simple coral pink one shoulder dress; my legs were encased in black chevron patterned tights and my height was given a small boost by the black lace-up high heel ankle boots. They used to be Mom’s and I couldn’t let them go when I left Michigan. Most of her clothes and things I’d allowed to be given to Good Will, but the shoes had too much history. I’d borrowed them several times and even though it was a little sad, they made me smile now. A knock on my open door had me turning around.

    “You look nice,” I smiled at my brother and walked over to straighten his tie.

    “Thanks. You, too. Ready to go downstairs?”

    Nodding, I allowed him to slip my arm through his and lead the way. The house looked absolutely beautiful. Alight with sparkling lights and crisp white banners, the place looked elegant and for the first time I saw why my father might have wanted to live here. Filled with the right crowd and with the perfect atmosphere, the place was breathtaking. I couldn’t help but smile as Dean led me around the room introducing me to what seemed like hundreds of people. Time passed relatively faster than I thought it was going to and before long I was restocking the tables with finger foods and pastries.

    “You look simply ravishing, my dear.” A vaguely familiar voice sounded behind me and I turned around with a frown. It quickly turned to a smile, however, when I met the familiar form of Alexander Young. He smiled back at me gave a slight bow. Laughing, I rolled my eyes.

    “Hi,” I said.

    “Hello. Your dad throws a mean retirement party.”

    “Always the best from Marcus Palmer.” I grinned. “You seem to have stepped it up yourself.”

    Gesturing to his suit, I raised my eyebrows. He laughed and lifted the glass of champagne he had in his hand.

    “Well, since tonight’s honored guest is my uncle, I thought it would only be right to dress up a little. How are you?”

    “Good. You? How’s the fascinating world of Hollywood?”

    I nibbled on a cookie as Alex shrugged and grinned at me.

   “I just got cast in a new roll, actually. But you can’t tell anyone. It hasn’t been officially released yet.”

    “I don’t know, Alex. I’m not sure I know you well enough to keep such big secrets,” I joked lightly. He grinned back and grabbed another glass of champagne from a passing tray.