Maya
Most of the night has been good. The food was incredible, and the auction raised millions. Now, though all the important things are over, everyone is socialising with one another. Conrad is very popular here tonight. It would seem everyone wants to talk to him. His dad has not even acknowledged me the entire night. He is acting like I am not even here. He has been lectured from Conrad, Chelsea and his wife, but it hasn’t made a difference. I am not trying to let it get to me. I am used to being invisible, it is no different with him.
Conrad has been keeping me close the best he can, but it was all getting too much for me. I am back at the table, sitting alone. Conrad tried to convince me to stay with him, but I needed a breather. I am okay sitting here alone. I am feeling out of place anyway. A part of me wants to go home, but I will stay for Conrad’s sake. Most of the people he has introduced me to have been nice enough. The rest, not so much. I could see the judgment in their eyes when they looked at me. They would agree with his father and Bridget that I am not good enough for Conrad.
I sigh and help myself to another drink. I glance around; everyone seems so comfortable here. My eyes fall on Conrad, who is with a group of three women. They are beautiful and clearly happy to have his attention, flirting with him. He isn’t flirting back, but I can’t help but feel jealous as I watch.
“Doubting your choices. Has tonight made you realise I was right and you don’t belong in this world?”
The sound of a familiar voice turns my jealousy into annoyance. I turn around to see Bridget standing there. It is the first time I have seen her tonight.
“Bridget, go away. I am not in the mood for you.” I snap.
“Maybe now would be a good time for you to disappear. Conrad will end up with someone like those women or me because we are suited to him. You are nothing compared to us.” She hisses.
“Bridget, leave her alone.” I hear Chelsea say.
Bridget turns around to face her, smiling, “Chelsea, is it good to see you. It has been too long.” She says sweetly, trying to hug her.
Chelsea takes a step back, “Don’t even try to hug me and act sweet.”
She seems taken aback by Chelsea’s reaction to her, “Why are you being like this?”
“Like what? You know I have never liked you. It is time for you to leave and back the hell off.” Chelsea counters.
“You are taking her side? You know those two will never work in our world.” Bridget protests.
Chelsea steps closer to her, “Yes. I will always take her side over yours. I like her. I don’t like you. And yes, they will work out because they are meant to be together. He loves her way more than he ever loved you. They are end game, and you need to leave Maya the hell alone. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of me, sweetie.” She states firmly.
“Your father would disagree.” Bridget hisses.
“I don’t care that he disagrees. It is the truth. Now, leave.” She snaps.
Bridget glares at me before storming off. Chelsea comes to sit next to me.
“Are you okay? Don’t listen to her, she is a jealous bitch.”
I sigh and nod, “I am fine. I am used to it. Thank you for having my back.” I smile.
Chelsea returns the smile, “Always.”
“I assume Conrad has always been popular with the ladies?” I ask, nodding over to where he is.
“Yes, he always has been. You aren’t worried about that, are you?”
“I am not worried because I trust him. A little jealous, maybe.” I admit.
“You have no reason to be. He only has eyes for you. He isn’t interested in them. We should probably go and save him, though, or they will keep him for the rest of the night.” She laughs.
“Yes, let’s do that before they try to kidnap him.” I snicker.
Chelsea and I head over to him.
“Sorry, ladies, I need to steal my brother from you.” She says politely.
They don’t look too amused but smile and nod.
“Thank you. I thought I was never getting away from them.” Conrad chuckles as we walk away.
He slips his arm around my waist, “Sorry I wasn’t by your side.”
“It is okay, my love. I have had enough of socialising. I needed a minute to myself.” I smile.
“Bridget showed up at the table,” Chelsea says, rolling her eyes.
“What? When? What did she say?” he snarls.
“A few minutes ago. Just the usual crap, but Chelsea came to my rescue and scared her off.” I laugh.
“Angel, I am sorry. I didn’t even notice. If I saw her, I would have come over.” He sighs.
“Honestly, it is all good. She is gone now.”
I rest my head against him as the three of us return to the table. I notice Bridget with a group of people, including Meredith. They were talking, and some of them were staring over at us. I guess I am the topic of conversation amongst them.
“I don’t know about you two, but I think I am ready to leave now. It has been a good night, but it has been a while since I have been to one and forgot how long they could be.” Chelsea says.
Conrad looks at me, “Do you want to leave?”
“Only if you can and want to,” I answer honestly.
I am mentally drained. There has been a lot of news tonight, and it has all gotten on top of me.
“Yes, let’s head home. I will call the driver and we can go say goodbye to parents.” He replies.
Thank God! If he wanted to stay longer, I would have. We go to their parents.
“Mom, Dad, we are leaving,” Chelsea says.
Mrs Ackley hugs us all, saying goodbye, “Okay, I will see you tonight when we get home. We won’t be too late. Conrad, Maya, let’s have lunch soon.”
“I would like that.” I smile.
Chelsea says goodbye to her father. Conrad just gives him a nod, and we leave. Meredith and Bridget shake their heads at me as we walk by.
“Get over yourselves. Maya is a better woman and person than you two put together. Grow up.” Chelsea snaps.
They did not look amused, but it made us laugh. Conrad called for the car, and we waited outside for it to arrive. It didn’t take long to arrive. The vehicle was dropping us off first, followed by Chelsea.
I rest my head on Conrad’s shoulder, struggling to keep myself awake.
Conrad kisses the top of my head, “You will be in bed soon, angel. You did so well tonight. I am proud of you.”
“Thank you.” I smile.
I don’t think I can do it often, but I will attend some for Conrad’s sake. I know there are multiple events every year, but all of them would be too much for me. I will support him the best I can, but he will understand sometimes I won’t want to go. He knows how tiring socialising can be for me. The first time is always the hardest. The ones that come after should hopefully be a little easier.