The Barmaid's Contract

15.

"Come on Alex." Cally banged at my door.

I blinked profusely at it as another shudder ran down me. I was dressed, my hair left out. My make up was done. My shoes were on.

But my stomach, it was knotted. It was technically Avery and my first public and open appearance. We have to role play our affair. I didn't want to. I didn't want any off this, but I offered to stay in the marriage idea for the sake of the pub.

I went to the door and opened it.

Cally stood in front of me wearing a teal gown. It was floor length, like mine and had at least five thin straps on each shoulder, a small cascade of them going down her arms.

"You look hot!" She then wolf whistled at me, making me blush. I don't tend to get these kind of compliments.

"Let's go." I urged her. I want to get this over and done with.

"The boys left already. But that's okay. Fashionably late is more preferred."

"We ain't late." I told Cally. "They are early."

Cally giggled as we made our way to the town car.

"Thank you Ted." I said to my driver.

We slid in and sat at the back together, talking about whimsical nothing's.

"Where are we going?" I eventually asked.

"The only restaurant that needs to be dressed like this." Cally smiled. "I haven't been in years. The last time I went there, it was a family dinner. Avery, Bash, myself, dad and mum. That was just before she passed."

I smiled sadly at her. I remembered that. Mrs Montgomery had died while the three children were still young. I didn't know what from though.

"I know it's hard, losing a mother." I said softly to her.

Cally fanned her face. "I'm sorry. It's still a sore topic."

I understood completely. "You look amazing, Cally." I told her, diverting the topic. "That colour really suits you."

"Thanks, Alex." She smiled at me. "I appreciate that."

"Being told your beautiful?" I smirked, but I knew what she meant.

Cally laughed. "I can't understand what Avery sees in you." She quickly looked at me. "Not like that, I mean, what do you see in him?"

I gave her my fake smile. "A lot of things." I answered cryptically. I see him as a cold person, mean and holding no emotions. Selfish is another word that comes to mind.

"Here we are." Cally broke through my thoughts as I stared in front of me. The car door opened and Cally stepped out first as I slid across to get out.

The restaurant looked fancy and tall and intimate. I followed Cally as we went inside and she told the host the name our table was reserved under.

Dressed in black slacks, a white dress shirt and a red vest, the host showed us our table.

Avery and Sebastian were already sitting and when they saw us, they stood up.

Avery and Bash was just staring at us.

"Did the cat get both ya tongues." I smiled, eyebrows raised, waiting.

"You look amazing, Alex." Sebastian said first and even though I enjoyed his compliment, I turned him down.

"Nonsense. Purple and red, meh." I levelled my hand out, wobbling it side to side. "Calliope, however, looks gorgeous." I smiled brightly at Cally.