Chapter 39: Chapter Thirty-nine

We often view the world as a dark and cruel place filled with vicious predators ready to munch on meek prey. We forget that despite the storm looming down on us, there is still the blue ocean sky and the bright sun behind it. Even the most powerful man on earth would trade all he has for just a day without worries.

“What the heck? Why did you do that?”

Chad’s smug little grin on the way up the stairs was slowly getting on my nerves. After the little speech he gave the house staff, I immediately dragged him inside to talk to him in my room. But, the way I saw it, a talk with him wouldn’t suffice…

A shrug was his reply and it would’ve been better if he only did that. “I just feel like it.” Hearing those five words, I felt my blood reach its boiling point and I pinched his arm as hard as I could. Chad’s high-pitched wails literally hurt my ears.

“Hey! Stop!”

He instantly pulled away to rub the reddened spot where the mark of my nails dug into his skin. “Why do you always have to pinch me, woman?”

“You… If you want to stay here, you better not act like this!” I motioned to the people downstairs, probably hearing my scolding. “This is not your house and it is also not some hotel. So, if you want to get a bed to lay your big butt tonight, I suggest you behave! Act like this again and I’ll kick your sorry ass out.”

Stillness occupied the room for a few seconds, only the sound of breathing greeting it until Chad heaved a sigh. Hand scratching his cheek in an ashamed manner, Chad cracked a smile and nodded.

“You sound so scary when you threaten somebody… I was afraid you’d skin me alive!”

“You better be.”

It hasn’t been a day and now I’m getting stressed by this man! The blond man continued to stare at me, trying hard to resemble a puppy kicked out of its own home. Just give him a chance.

“Chad, I hope you understand that I can’t act all free on my own. I’m still a Maxwell even here in New York, and I still have a reputation to uphold.”

His handsome face turned sour, as if he ate a lemon. “Come on, I thought your Dad told you to have fun? Where’s the fun when you’re going to be a prude the whole day long? You can’t go on a trip and do nothing.” Chad then took a step forward, grinning down at me in suggestion. “Want to hang out in a bar with me? Or do you want to have dinner at one of those romantic restaurants?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “A bar? It’s still early for partying and I don’t want to go.” He nodded softly in acknowledgement. “As for the romantic restaurant…we could go later this evening.”

If I were to put Chad’s excitement and delight in a box, it would continue to overflow. His blue eyes were practically shining in joy and his smile reached his ears. “Sure, I’ll go make arrangements now.” He then took his phone out. “I’ll go reserve a table for us, and after that, I’ll go get my things and bring them here. Is that okay?”

A nod of approval was all Chad needed before he walked out of the room, waving goodbye. “I’ll come back afterwards!” he promised and disappeared from sight. Once I made sure he was gone, I shook my head and smiled goofily. He is so cute!

“That man…how can I handle such? He’s so handsome yet a bit of a handful.”

Knocking resounded from the door; it made my heart jump in shock. Wait a minute, he hasn’t left? But when the door swung open only to reveal the bodyguards wheeling my baggage, I mentally slackened my stiff shoulders in relief.

As soon as they left to attend to other matters, I surveyed the room that I’d completely ignored a while ago. The queen-sized bed sat in the corner, facing the glass window that made me view the other houses and the sky. I walked towards the wardrobe and opened it, revealing that it was empty. I’ll put my clothes here later…and probably leave a space for Chad’s.

I sat at the edge of the bed and glanced at the world outside. Why does it seem so peaceful when it’s not? There are millions of problems in this world, some different and some are the same… So why is it so peaceful?

After a few minutes just staring at the view before me, the image of Mom and Dad popped into my mind. I gasped in surprise and took my phone. How could I forget? I promised to call them once I arrived! I hurriedly dialed the telephone number in Dad’s study. Three rings later, Henry picked up and I immediately asked for my parents.

“Miss Maxwell, your Dad left home just an hour ago. However, Mrs. Maxwell is here. Do you want me to get her?”

“Yes please, Henry.”

“One moment, Miss Maxwell.”

Mom was enthusiastic over the phone compared to what happened last night. According to Harvey, who went out of bed to get a glass of water, he overheard Mom and Dad still arguing in their bedroom. I’m glad she’s in a good mood today but I can’t say that since I don’t know what’ll happen later. She’ll probably bite Dad’s head off soon if he mentions his thoughts on Rebecca Montgomery again.

“So? What are your plans, dear? Do you plan on visiting a few friends? Have a little party?”

“Mom, I’m not a teenager anymore. I’ll probably head to the bookstore to buy a few books and stuff that may take my interest.”

“I see. Well, do you have any interest in meeting a few guys there?” Knowing where this was heading, I instantly laughed aloud, which Mom found odd. “Was there something funny in what I said? Wait, are you laughing because it’s true? You’re going to meet up with a guy?”

If you only know who’s going to have dinner with me tonight, Mom… You’d flip! And not just you, Dad would probably shave my head off.

“It’s just a business partner, Mom. Nothing special…” It is true, Chad is definitely my business partner… So, I’m not lying. Just not going to reveal who it is. No harm done.

Taking this as good news, Mom started to express her excitement.

“I’ll go and text Dad that I have arrived, all right?”

“Sure, sure, dear. I’m getting pretty thrilled here… Dear, introduce him to me if things go well, okay?”

“Yes, Mom. I will,” I replied softly. Just as I was about to hang up, she began to call for me once again. “Yes? Did you say something, Mom?”

“Rachel, I almost forgot… Mrs. Montgomery called a few minutes after you left home. She wanted to talk to you and have lunch together but I informed her that you were away.” She then questioned, “Do you want to have lunch with her as soon as you get back?”

Finding it a bit strange that Rebecca Montgomery wanted to talk—which would probably be about her son—I merely shrugged. “I don’t know… I might arrive late during Thanksgiving and I don’t want to leave the house after a trip.”

“All right, I’ll tell her that you haven’t decided yet,” she responded. “Go and have fun. I don’t want to hold you up, and text your Dad. I’m sure he’s been waiting for you to confirm your arrival.”

“Yes, see you soon, Mom. Take care!”

After I hung up, I dialed Dad’s phone number and waited for him to accept my call. When it went straight to voicemail, I decided to send him a message. He’s probably in a meeting right now, or something.

To: Dad Hi Dad :) I’m here in New York City and the flight going here was smooth. If you want me to buy something just let me know. Love you and take care!

Once the message was sent, I let out a yawn and lay down on the mattress, caressing the soft surface with my hand. Was it all right that I didn’t mention Chad being here? That he’ll be staying under the same roof as me?

Standing up, I began to pace around the room. Just as I was thinking of numerous ways how to tell my parents, I stopped in my tracks and disagreed with my thoughts. No, I think it’ll be fine if they won’t know. I mean, they’re so busy with other things that they don’t have time for trivial stuff. I’m sure it’ll be fine.

Taking my bag and coat, I raced down the stairs to be greeted by the house staff. If they were surprised by Chad’s words earlier, they didn’t show it at all. Thank you for trying to make things unawkward!

“Hello, Miss Maxwell.”

“I’m going out to the city.” At this, the bodyguard who drove me here instantly nodded and led the way to the car. As I was about to go, I felt a hand tug on the sleeve of my coat. I turned around to see who it was, only to see it was one of the maids.

“Yes, is there something wrong?”

“Um, the man who accompanied you earlier left…”

Is she going to ask me what my relationship is with him? “Yes, he did. If he comes back and looks for me, tell him that I went out shopping. Before I forget, can you please prepare a room for him? He’ll be sleeping here tonight until I go home.” My hope of her not asking about Chad came true as she nodded with a smile.

“Yes, Miss Maxwell.”

I scrambled into the car, eliminating the possibilities of getting questions about Chad. It’s not that they’re nosy and that they irritated me… It’s just that I can’t even answer properly what’s going on between me and that blond man.

“Where to, Miss Maxwell?”

Yes, just concentrate on getting a nice dress for tonight’s event.

***

“Wait, how much did it cost you?”

I eyed the red, sinful dress in distaste, wondering what I ate to make me buy this. It was short, stopping above my knees and it also revealed my back. Not to mention, it made my cleavage known to the outside world.

“Two thousand dollars.”

Francine gasped over the phone before softly muttering how much food she would be able to buy for such a huge amount of money. I couldn’t help but agree.

“What possessed you to buy such an expensive, sexy dress? The picture you sent me made my nose bleed and realizing how much it cost will give me a hemorrhage.”

I shrugged, hanging the dress inside the closet, and sighed. “I don’t know… I was about to buy that pastel dress when this caught my eye.” The woman behind the cash desk was smiling widely, telling me that this dress was worn by a famous actress in a movie and that other women were dying to buy it. If it was a news article on the internet, it would be clickbait.

“Francine, I don’t know what to do with it. I’ll probably give it to you once I get back home.”

“Are you serious? Where do you think I’ll be able to wear that? I’ll just use it as sleepwear!”

“You and your wardrobe are full of jeans. Patton would thank me if I made you wear it,” I muttered. “Well, I’ll probably just sell it afterwards. I can buy a refrigerator full of ice cream with two thousand dollars. Better yet, a lifetime supply.”

“Patton would prefer it laying on the floor.” We both laughed at how true it was. “Rachel, you never told me the reason why you purchased such a thing. Are you meeting someone later?”

Not prepared for this question, I took a deep breath and began to conquer an idea what to say. “Um, yeah! I’ll be meeting a business partner this evening at some restaurant. It’s nothing personal, just business…”

“It’s Chad, isn’t it?” Hearing her blunt tone made me profusely sweat, wiping my hands against the cloth of my coat.

Francine, can you read minds?

“Nah, it’s not Chad. He’s back there in Cleveland and I’m here in New York.” The sound of a car engine made me look down to see a sleek, dark blue BMW car entering the gates. I didn’t have to guess who it was. “Look Fran, I have to go. I’ll call you back once it’s over, okay?”

“Hmm, yeah, sure. Just don’t have too much fun… I don’t want you to come back carrying a baby already. I must test the soon to-be-husband of yours first.”

I barked out a laugh, disguising my nervousness. “Yeah, wouldn’t dream of it. Call you later, bye!” Phone tossed to the bed, I rushed out of my room and went down to greet Chad. Two suitcases were being wheeled by the bodyguard and were directed by the maid to the room where Chad would be sleeping.

“Sorry if I’m late.” He grinned. “It took a bit of time for me to get my clothes but I went back to my parents’ house to get my car.”

“Chad, I called my mother and she mentioned that your mother wants to talk to me.” I raised an eyebrow at him in question. “Do you know what she wants to talk about?”

Chad seemed a bit surprised by my words. “She wants to? I didn’t know that.” So, he doesn’t know either, huh?

I waved both my hands at him in a dismissing motion. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

His hand placed itself on my shoulder and pulled me close as we went up the stairs. “Are you ready for tonight?”

I nodded in reply, resting my head against his shoulder. We soon reached my room and I flopped down on my bed, a yawn escaping my lips.

“You tired already, plum? It’s still noon.”

“I ate lunch already, Chad,” I drawled softly. “I asked the house staff to prepare lunch for you. It’s ready for your stomach downstairs.”

Happy that there was food waiting for him, he ran out of the room. Destination: the dining room.

All through the afternoon, Chad and I spent time just watching television and eating snacks, exchanging words occasionally in the middle of a movie until the clock ticked to five. It was time to get ready for dinner.

Chad went to his room, which was just down the hall, to get dressed. I merely stared at the dress—I hid it well—for a few seconds. Should I wear it or not? Would it be a crime if I wear a shirt and jeans to that restaurant? Irritated, I took the dress off the hanger and headed towards the bathroom with purpose in my steps.

You’ll get through this, Rachel. It’s just for one night! Don’t regret anything…

As soon as I slipped into the dress, I quickly went out and hid myself with my coat. It was perfect. It hid the dress nicely. I took the heels that I packed and slipped them onto my feet. Afterwards, I applied makeup and perfume. I did my best to make myself look presentable and was in the middle of combing my hair when a knock resounded from the door.

Knowing that it was Chad, I grabbed my bag and opened the door. “You ready?” He smiled at me, clad in a black suit, looking very sharp and handsome. It made my heart beat loudly against my chest. Keep it together, Rachel! Don’t fall when you haven’t even looked behind at who’s going to catch you! Just give a compliment!

Swallowing, I nodded. “Yes, Chad… I like your suit.” Is that the best you can do? However, Chad seemed pleased by this and patted his tie down.

“Thank you, Rachel.” His eyes landed on my outfit, confusion brimming in them, but he didn’t say a word. Instead, he offered an arm for me to hold. “Let’s go.”

We walked out of the house, his car waiting outside. The rest of the house staff went home earlier and all that was left at the house was the bodyguards.

“Are you sure you don’t want us to escort you, Miss Maxwell?” I sensed their hesitation when I told them that I wouldn’t be needing their services tonight, but they were pacified when I reassured them.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll call if something happens.”

I stopped in my tracks as Chad opened the car door, urging me to climb in. When I didn’t, he pulled a face at me.

“What? What’s wrong?”

I pointed to the car, then at him, all the while giving him the evil eye. It made him gulp in fear, eyes trained at me in anticipation.

If you drive recklessly I’ll trash your car and feed your head to the dogs!

Disposing my first thought, I gave him a weary look. His expression became relaxed. “Please drive safely this time.” Chad gave me two thumbs up and went behind the wheel as I sat beside him. The drive to the restaurant was silent, save for the music playing in the background.

It was a normal evening but it ended soon—to me, at least—as we arrived in front of an Italian restaurant. It didn’t have to do with the cozy atmosphere and candlelight that made the couples who ate there very alluring to each other. No, it didn’t have to do with any of that. It was a very nice restaurant and Chad didn’t have to let me know that it was famous. I’d read countless articles about the place.

The issue was when the usher took the coats of the couple in front of us as we were about to get in. I clutched fast to my coat, not wanting to get rid of it. I’m already feeling naked under this! I’m still not ready to take this coat off!

“Are you all right?”

I glanced up at Chad, who sported a worried look. I probably resemble a caveman right now… I wasn’t able to answer once the usher saw us and grinned.

“Good evening, Sir and Madame!”

Chad took a step forward, “A reservation under Montgomery.”

The usher scanned his list before nodding. “Yes, table for two. Before I lead the way, may I have your coat, Ma’am?” Both men stared at me as I instantly froze.

Is it too late now to just cancel the dinner here and have it in a fast-food place instead? Maybe McDonalds, or Burger King?

All thoughts of abandoning the dinner instantly went in the bin when I looked up at Chad. He stared down at me in concern. Not only that, I could feel the people lining behind us staring at me in impatience.

This is your fault, Rachel, for wearing this dress tonight. Accept the consequences!

Lips in a straight line, I slipped out of my coat and handed it to the grinning usher. I mentally cursed when the freezing air hit my bare back. It’s so cold!

“You look beautiful, Madam! This way, please!”

I grabbed onto Chad’s stiff arm and followed the joyful man to our table.

A slight brushing of a hand against my back made chills run up and down my spine. With my mouth forming an ‘o’ shape, I turned to the man beside me with eyes wide. Chad was smirking mischievously down at me, fingers making asymmetrical patterns behind me.

“You look ravishing tonight, Rachel.”