Descent

Chapter 5 ~ Parked Prize.

I glance at my reflection once more in my cramped car and I blow a spare curl out of my face and force my eyes to appear less steely.

I'd attempted to paint on a brave face for the barbecue tonight with eyeliner, faint gold eye shadow and a slight tint to my lips.

I couldn't bring myself to put on a dress but my sun-washed jeans and floral top do the job of appearing so casual that I barely can handle the sight.

I look so basic.

I had managed to throw together a quick velvet cake with cream cheese frosting before the event and I glance at it nervously in its Tupperware container.

I hope it tastes alright, I cook to survive not for pleasure so the chance of it being shit is a fifty-fifty.

The neighbourhood Jim lives in is fancy, far fancier than I expected.
Every house in the street has a front fence and no houses in sight are a single-story house.

Glancing at the various gnomes decorating the driveway and fountain feature I can't help but roll my eyes. This is either all the work of Jim's wife or my partner is a stranger to me.

Sighing a final time I heave myself out of my car, parked three houses down and begin my dreaded journey cake and keys in hand.

The entire road in front of Jim's house is covered in various cars and I'm struck by the sound of jazz music and loud voices emitting from the back of his building.

The closer I get to his home the more my pulse picks up.

I play with the gold bracelet decorating my wrist and a drumming starts in my ears as I get closer and closer.

My breathing becomes erratic and my gaze drops to my heeled shoes as they continue a steady pace to the property. I'm so overcome with anxiety that I don't notice a figure appear behind me until I reach the closed gate.

"Hey are you alright?" The man's concerned tones fill the air and a brief shriek explodes from me as I spin around, hand instantly going to my missing holster.

The man is familiar and I send him a brief smirk of embarrassment as I attempt to calm myself down.

He has buzzed short black hair with fairly long sideburns, he had a beard at some stage because he's sporting a few cuts along his rather chiseled cheekbones.

His brown eyes are slightly crinkled with laugh lines and they shine from the reflection of the sunset.
I'm taken aback by them momentarily while he blinks his long eyelashes in response.

He seems to be analysing me and for once I don't find it creepy as his eyes search my face.
They don't lower down my body and for that I'm grateful.

I can tell that the man can only be a few years older than I am and judging by his semi-formal attire of a turtle neck and jeans I can tell that he's here for the party.

"So I take it you're here for the party as well?" The man assumes and I fight the urge to close my eyes at his soothing voice.
It's warm like honey and all I can manage is a brief nod of agreement.

"Well I'm a touch nervous I'm embarrassed to admit. I hate parties, but it would be far less scary going in with someone.. Would you mind Miss?.."

"Katherine and you are?" I finally manage to use my voice and I'm proud to have it come out confident and clear though I have no doubt that my cheeks are burning.

"Eddie, it's lovely to meet you. So shall we?" He encourages and even holds his arm out which I can't help but laugh softly at and I'm quick to wrap my arm in his.