Conrad
I have had my eye on the pretty brunette with the silver dress and mask to match. I noticed the seat she took said the name Taylor Crawford, but I know it isn’t her. I know Taylor, and even with the mask, I can see it isn’t Taylor; she doesn’t have the same smile. I assume she is in rehab again, and her mother doesn’t want anyone to know. The only reason I know is because Meredith has worked in my family business for twenty years; she and my mother are friends. I have spent time with Taylor, and I know her struggles; she never hid them from me. I am curious who is pretending to be her. She is similar in height, build and hair colour, so I get why Meredith chose her. I wonder if it is someone who works for Meredith.
I feel sorry for her because she seems uncomfortable and doesn’t want to be here. I don’t believe she has spoken to anyone, and no one has spoken to her. I wouldn’t be surprised if Meredith forced her because that is the type of woman she is. I am not a fan of her, and I have never understood her and my mother’s relationship because my mother is sweet, caring, and would do anything for anyone. Meredith is none of those things.
I excuse myself from the few people I am talking to, grab two glasses of champagne and head for her direction. She is hiding in the corner, where she has been since after the meal. I wanted to go to her before now, but people kept stopping me. I had to talk since it was my family throwing the event. If I hadn’t removed my mask, most people wouldn’t have known who I was, but I didn’t want to eat with it. Most people took theirs off, but not everyone, though.
I approach her, and she is looking at the floor.
“Hello,” I say softly.
She jumps, and her eyes meet mine.
“Um, hi.” She blushes.
Her beautiful, deep blue eyes catch me off guard. Oh, wow. I have never seen such blue eyes before.
“Are you okay? It seems like you don’t want to be here?” I ask.
“I am fine.”
She smiles, but it isn’t real.
“No, you aren’t. Who are you?” I question.
I watch panic flash in her pretty eyes. She must not have been expected anyone to ask her the question.
“And don’t tell me, Taylor, because I know you aren’t her. Do you work for Meredith?”
“How did you know?” she stammers.
“I know Taylor. Please relax. Your secret is safe with me, but I am still waiting for a name.” I chuckle.
She rubs the back of her neck nervously and breaks eye contact with me, “Mia.”
I had a feeling it wasn’t her real name. I won’t push, though; there must be a reason for her not to want to tell me.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mia.” I smile and offer my hand to her.
She takes it, and I hold it tightly in mine, “I am Conrad.”
“As in Conrad Ackley?” she whispers.
I nod, “The one and only.”
“It is nice to meet you too, Conrad.” She smiles.
I can sense her nervousness.
“Now, we know each other’s name; I brought you a drink.”
I hand it to her, and she takes it, “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. Come on, let’s get you away from all the people for a little while.” I suggest.
“You want me to go somewhere with you? I don’t even know you.” She protests.
“I promise you will be safe with me. We don’t need to go far. We can sit by the pool and have a drink.”
She shouldn’t need to spend her night nervous and on edge because Meredith told her she needed to. She will still be here, just outside.
“Okay.” She whispers.
I take her hand in mine and lead us through the crowd, out of the ballroom and to the swimming pool. A few people are sitting by it, but nowhere as near as busy as inside. I glance around and find a couple of free sun loungers which are away from the people outside.
“Please, take a seat, Mia.” I smile.
She sits on one of the loungers, and I sit on the other. I remove my mask and sit it next to me. Mia watches me closely and seems to be studying my features. She swallows hard and quickly pulls away.
“You can take your mask off; no one is around.”
I would rather see her without it.
“No, I will keep it on in case someone sees me and realises I am not who I am supposed to be.” She insists.
“I am sure it will be fine,”
She shakes her head and takes a sip of her drink. I don’t push anymore.
“I have a question: Why are you out here with some stranger when you can be inside with people you know and your family?” she asks softly.
“Because everything inside is sometimes too much for me, and I need a breather. Also, I sensed you needed a breather, too.”
“I did. I am not used to events like this. I am a homebody. I don’t like social events or having to make conversation with strangers,” she sighs.
“Then why did you agree?”
“Because I didn’t exactly have much of a choice. You know Meredith, so you know what she is like. I would rather not get on the wrong side of her.”
Mia runs her fingers through her long, dark hair and lets out a puff of air.
“Yes, I do, but you can’t let her walk all over you,” I say softly.
“You don’t understand. Can we please drop it?”
“Sorry, yes. Why didn’t you bring someone with you? The invitations all say plus one?”
I would think someone as beautiful as her would have someone.
“Because I didn’t have anyone to bring.”
I can hear a sadness in her voice.
“Not even a friend?”
She must have a friend or something she could bring with her.
“No,” she whispers.
God, she must get lonely. I wonder why she doesn’t have anyone.
“Don’t you get lonely?”
I probably shouldn’t ask her that, but I am curious.
“I am fine on my own,” she snaps, “I should head back inside.”
She stands and heads for inside. I need to learn when to keep my mouth shut. I rush after her and jump in front of her to stop her.
“I am sorry. It is none of my business, but please don’t go back inside. I promise not to ask any more questions.” I promise.
Mia takes a second to think and nods. I smile and thank her. We headed back to where we were sitting. She lies back on it and drinks her champagne. I wish she would remove her mask because I want to see her entire face.
“Why are you here alone? I thought one of the most sought-after bachelors in New York, you would have your pick of dates.”
“How do you know I am sought-after?” I ask with a raised brow.
“I don’t live under a rock. I use the internet and read magazines,” she laughs.
A genuine laugh, and it is beautiful.
I smirk and decide to tease her a little, “So, you have been checking me out?”
“No!” She protests.
“Hmm, I don’t think I believe you. Is that why you came here all stunning because you knew I would be here?”
“Yes. The reason I came to something I would rather not be at was to try and find the handsome stranger I don’t even know,” she replies sarcastically.
“You think I am handsome, uh?”
“Oh My God, are you always this annoying and cocky?” she whines.
“I am neither of those. I am just speaking the truth.” I tease.
Mia rolls her eyes, “Whatever.”
I chuckle at her pathetic attempt to argue with me.
“Your cute when you can’t find your words.”
“Oh, hush before I push you into the pool.” She warns.
“You can try, but I would take you with me, gorgeous.” I wink.
“Don’t call me that,” she exclaims.
“Why not?”
Mia shakes her head and turns her head away from me, “Because I am not.”
“I think you are,” I reply confidently.
“Trust me, you wouldn’t be saying that if I didn’t have all of this on.”
She doesn’t have any confidence either, it would seem.
“You don’t know that.”
“Conrad, please stop, okay? You don’t need to be nice to me because you feel sorry for me. You won’t see me after tonight.” She shrugs.
I sit up and turn around to face her, “And what if want to see you again?”
“I appreciate you being sweet, Conrad, but we won’t be seeing each other again. It is better that way. I need to go.”
She sounds certain in her words.
“Can I at least have the rest of tonight?”
I can be charming and persuasive. If the rest of the night goes well, I can hopefully change her mind, and she will want to see me. I need to see under her mask!