Don't Break The Rules

Chapter Four

"Maybe I really should actually tutor you, Nate." I said, looking down at the test paper that was in my hand. It was impressive really, the way he monumentally screwed up practically every problem on the math test. "Otherwise your dad is gonna be really suspicious. A thirty percent, really?"

Nate quickly snatched his test paper from my hands and scowled at me from where he still lay naked on the bed, not even a sheet giving him some sense of modesty. "Don't bother, and don't look through my things, Walker." He snapped at me.

It was Saturday afternoon, and frankly, there hadn't been anything else to do today. Pun not intended. Plus, it was a great way to relax. Especially since my dad said there was some big dinner tonight with one of his clients and their family that he wanted me to attend. It was quiet in Nathaniel's room as I stood from where I had been sitting leaned up against his bed. I really needed to get going. "You're leaving already?" Nate asked.

I glanced back at him as I pulled my jeans on. I'm not gonna lie to you, I would have much prefered getting back in his bed. Nate didn't work out for nothing, just saying. "Yep, gotta get ready for that stupid dinner."

"Come back after." He said flatly, turning over and giving me his back. We both knew I would only listen to his almost command if I really felt like it so rather than give him an answer, I just pulled on my shirt and grabbed my bag before leaving the room.

***  

You know that moment when it dawns on you that your father is trying to set you up? No? Well, I certainly do now. Let me tell you, it is awkward. Not just the normal family thanksgiving with judging aunts and uncles awkward, but a whole new level of uncomfortable conversation. The worst part? Neither myself or the unexplainably less uncomfortable young man were doing any of the actual talking.

"Yes, I see that Bradley is indeed a well mannered young man, and you said he's a pre-med student now in his second year?" My dad said, looking over the young man who sat opposite myself with an approving gleam in his eyes.

I took a moment away from my intense study of the nicely polished cutlery the restaurant provided us with to glance over Bradley's face. I would probably call him classically handsome with a clean cut jaw and a long straight nose. He caught my gaze with his own baby blues and gave me a small almost apologetic looking smile. Either he was better at hiding his own discomfort or he just felt bad that I harbored some on my side of the table.

"And, what is it you plan to study in college, Iris?" Mr. Lems asked for the other side of the table causing me to start slightly. I hadn't been paying all that much attention up till now since the two fathers at the table had deemed themselves fit enough to speak for their children.

"Oh, I think I may study law like my father. But, I'm also quite interested in chemistry, sir." I said in the polite gentle tone that only comes from years of etiquette classes. I felt Bradley's gaze on my face, but I ignored it. God only knew what he wanted to try and communicate to me, and I think that could stay between the two of them.

"Well, that's quite ambitious for a young lady like yourself." Mr. Lems said with a wide smile. I kept my face in a polite mask, regardless of the demeaning undertone to his voice. He seemed the type to think a woman should stay barefoot and pregnant at home.

Rather than comment back to the sexist man I turned to my father, "Dad, if I may I think I need some air. I'm feeling rather warm."

"Of course, my dear." My father said with a smile and a pat of my hand. I smiled gratefully at him as I stood, but stopped in my tracks at his next words, "Bradley would you be so kind as to take a walk with my daughter, I'm sure you'd both like to get to know one another better."

"Of course, Mr. Walker, I would be delighted to." The young man stood from his chair, offering his arm out to me. It took every ounce of my being not to roll my eyes at him as I slid my hand into the crook of his elbow, allowing Bradley to lead me outside.

We were both quiet as we walked out the back door of my home into the garden. My mother had loved to garden, and once she had passed dad couldn't bare to let the garden go to shambles. So, he hired some help, and that help had continued teaching me about the plants like my mother did. I could probably tend the garden myself, but school kpt me too busy. So, the gardener still came from time to time. It was lovely, but not overly lavish. Just the way mom had liked it.

Once the door shut behind us, I took my hand back from Bradley's grasp. "You look very lovely tonight." Bradley said from behind me as I walked through the garden. I stopped in front of my favorite rose bush and turned to look at him.

"Cut the shit." I snapped, brushing my hair back from my face, "Look, I don't know how you feel about your dad setting you up, but this is way out of my comfort zone so please, just stop with the pleasantries."

I watched as a small smirk pulled up the left side of his lips, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he took me in, "Honestly, this isn't the first time my father has tried this. But I have a feeling it could be the first time it might work."

Heat rushed to my cheeks at the look he was giving me and I spun away, continuing to walk through the garden. "What in the world makes you say that?"

"Just a feeling. That and you're the first one that's spoken to me like you're not some porcelain doll." He caught up to me, hand slipping around my elbow in a gentle grasp in order to stop my movements. "So, friends at least?"

I looked him over once more, my gut tightening in a way that made me feel slightly excited. I wasn't sure why but I found myself giving a slight nod, smile pulling at my lips, "Sure, if you get your damn hand off me." He grinned.