Red

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Rhiannon

Sunday travelled faster than I anticipated. I'd been dreading this dinner since I'd put the phone down the other night, and I wasn't prepared to be flirted with by whatshisname. See? I can't even remember his name, more proof that this dinner is already a sham before it's even started.

I heaved, looking as gloomy as ever. Please, God! Just let me be somewhere else. Anywhere else? I ridiculously averted my gaze towards the sky, in search for a God. Disappointingly, nothing showed and no progress was made. I was still pacing the entrance of the country club waiting to be seated.

"Oh my, Rhiannon Rose Red!" Mother called, sounding just as disappointed as I felt. "At least crack a smile. You look like a porcelain doll with no emotion." She shook her head, waiting for the smile to appear.

Well, at least I didn't look entirely pissed off. I just looked depressed?

I forced an aggressive smile. So fake, my eyes were practically shut and my cheeks were aching.

The door behind us pushed open and in came a trio of stuck up business men, dad being one of them.

"Ahh! My sweet, sweet Rhiannon! This is Mr Castaway, and his son Thomas."

I averted my gaze to Mr Castaway, noticing the extreme amount of wrinkles and bushy blonde eyebrows, before giving my attention to Thomas. Thomas was sweet, good looking - I suppose - and blonde like his father. I gave a small smile then attempted to escape to the ladies.

"Shall we sit for lunch, then?" Dad exclaimed, just as I turned my back.

I heard Mr Castaway's, "of course!" And then the door opened again. In fluttered a petite lady, the same age as my mother, dressed in an emerald green maxi dress. She was beautiful and glamorous. "Sorry I'm late!" She called, then linked arms with her husband as they entered the private room we were having dinner in.

I inwardly growled at my failed escape. I just wanted at least one minute to myself.

"Come on, Rhiannon." Mom called as I stood sulking in the corner like a two year old about to have a melt down. I really wish I could have a tantrum and get my own way right now.

The business talk had started well before we got to the table and continued the whole way through dinner. I was about to scream for them to shut up when Thomas turned his attention to me.

"So, Rhiannon?"

I nodded.

"Your dad tells me you're helping out with the family business right now?"

Of course he did.

"Yes. Just for a little while." I smiled sweetly, hoping he'd turn back around but he didn't. Instead, he leaned closer.

"A smart woman that's interested in business...." he said it with a smirk. I wanted to rip it off his face so bad, so I did.

"Actually, no. I'm not interested in business, at all actually. I think I'd like to work with children."

The word 'children' definitely made his face turn sour and a repulsive look crossed his face before he straightened and turned back to father. I stifled a giggle. Idiot.

We finished our dessert, which was a selection of mini cakes, when father announced he and Mr Castaway were going for a chat. It didn't occur to me at first, but when Mrs Castaway and my mother got up to walk in the opposite direction I realised I was purposely left alone with Thomas.

"Shall we go for a walk?" He held his arm out for me and I took it, even if I did want to break it instead.

My feet touched the edge of the carpet when a familiar scent wafted across my nose. I turned automatically and saw Jacob gazing across the room at us, his face was the epitome of hurt. Why on Earth was he here?