Chapter 50: Chapter Fifty

It’s only natural, right? That you’ll always get comfortable around friends and you seem to forget about…everything. But what happens if your ‘friends’ are not the type of people you should be around all the time? The people your parents told you to stay away from. In other words, a bad influence.

“What’s the matter, Rachel?”

Placing a hand on top of mine, Chad gave me a worried glance. I sheepishly laughed and took my hands off his arm, which I was gripping too hard.

“S-sorry, Chad. I wasn’t aware that I was hurting you.”

He immediately shook my worries off and planted a kiss on my forehead. It made my heart flutter.

“Don’t worry, Rachel. It’s all right to be…” he trailed off, finding the right word. “Uh, nervous?”

“Terrified, but you almost nailed it.”

“Come on, Rachel!” He then gestured to the crowd before us. “Why would you be terrified here? You got me.”

Glancing at the people partying before us, I noticed it was similar to a scene I’d seen in a movie once. The laser lights were darting around, hitting random objects. Electronic music played by the DJ rang throughout the club, bass so loud it hurt my ears. Not only that, the ground was literally shaking. Grinding, drinking and dancing was what they were all doing. Overall, it was a classic scene out of a teenager’s story about how her badass boyfriend takes her to a club she has never been to before.

“Right…” I then made a face, not pleased. “Chad, you know this isn’t what I want. Can we just head back? My parents will soon notice my absence and they’ll worry about me.” And I hate socializing with people I don’t even know. Besides, you look so out of place in your tuxedo!

“Baby, if you think we’re here to socialize with them, you’re wrong.” Placing an arm around my shoulder, he pulled me with him. “And we’re not going to party with these kids. I have friends in a private room upstairs.”

We went towards the elevator beside the bar and rode it up to the third floor. I was getting anxious, hands slightly trembling as I chewed on my bottom lip. It’s all right, Rachel. Maybe things will get boring and Chad will decide we go back to the house. Yeah, his friends might understand…

Ding!

The elevator doors slid open and we stepped out, walking down the hallway until Chad stopped in front of one door. “You okay?” he asked softly.

I couldn’t see my reflection but I believe I had a nervous look on my face. What’s the matter with you? Snap out of it, Maxwell! You wanted to come here in the first place, so don’t back out now!

Beaming, I nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s go see your friends.”

Obviously pleased with my answer, Chad twisted the knob and pushed the door open. I wish he hadn’t. Once the door was open, the smell of smoke embraced my nose and I had to fight the urge to run. Oh god, why?

Unaffected by this, Chad entered. “Good evening, everyone!”

“Hey guys, look! It’s no other than Chad Montgomery!”

Chad took my hand and pulled me in. I was forcing a huge smile on my face as I stared at the five men seated on the black leather couch, half-filled glasses of whiskey on the coffee table. There was also an ashtray filled with cigarette butts.

“Guys, long time no see.” Chad grinned and shook every hand that was held out to him. “Thought I couldn’t make it but here I am!”

“Dude, we’re so glad you’re here!” The only blond other than Chad cheered. “I mean, this is the last party we can enjoy before our boring fathers decide to put us behind a desk! Like, we can’t do this anymore!”

To Chad, they were all his friends, spending time in a club drinking to their heart's content. For me, they were five grown drunk men–men who were all sons born to rich families. Families that I’d been introduced to before. But what shocked me was that in the corner of the nasty room was a lanky man, standing there looking out of place. His thin glasses and slightly crumpled tie gave him away. I didn’t have to guess who it was.

“Woah, Chad!” One of his friends pointed at me. “Isn’t that Rachel Maxwell? Daughter of Damon and Helen Maxwell, right?”

At the mention of my name, I slowly leaned on Chad. All attention was on me and it wasn’t helping at all. Nevertheless, I managed to smile and nodded at the tipsy man. “Yes, I am Rachel Maxwell. Good evening.”

The five men hollered like children, one even splashed his drink around. “Montgomery, I’m impressed! Who knew you’d be dating the daughter of the most influential man of Cleveland–no, probably the world!”

No, my Dad is not influential. He’s just doing his job. The title was just branded on him by Forbes magazine this year. Then, realizing that they thought of us as a couple, I quickly shook my head. Have to hide this from them, I hope this is just alcohol talking.

“N-no, we’re just friends. Business partners, to be exact.” They ignored my explanation and continued to cheer for their lucky friend. Chad, on the other hand, became silent after hearing my words. Oh shit, did I make him sad? He’s probably thinking that I’m trying to hide our relationship because I’m ashamed of him! Didn’t we promise to keep it a secret first?! Why the long face?

“That’s enough, men,” Chad interjected, quieting the group. This caught my attention, making me listen to him. “And Rachel’s right, we’re just friends.” As if to punish me, Chad turned to face me with his eyes slightly narrowed. “Business partners—right, Miss Maxwell?”

What’s with the scary face, Chad?! I thought we were going to keep it a secret, so why are you angry?

“Huh? And here we thought you finally moved on from…” His friend trailed off, thinking deeply. “Who was that girl again, Chad? The one you loved so much? Your ex-fiancée?”

It felt like something was stuck in my throat when they mentioned Diane. Why would they bring that up?

“Ah, you mean Diane.”

Now they’ve done it. However, Chad wasn’t looking sad, nor as if he was reminiscing about the past. Instead, he seemed like he had accepted the fact and moved on.

Wait, he’s long accepted the truth already? That Diane is never coming back to him? Back when he told me about her, he was very calm. Do I just remember it now because back then I wasn’t interested in him?

“Yeah, Diane is her name!” his friend confirmed in a slur. “Well, at least you’re friends with the famous Rachel Maxwell. My father actually wanted me to pursue her, ya know? Said that I should marry her!” They burst out in laughter, Chad too. I merely smiled politely.

There is no way I’d marry you. Even my parents won’t allow it, no matter what’s at stake. They won’t give me away to someone they don’t deem worthy.

Taking the bottle, Chad’s friend held it up and offered Chad a glass. “Drink up, Montgomery! There’s plenty back in the bar, so don’t hold back!”

“That’s more like it, Ramirez.” Chad grabbed the glass and poured the brown liquid. Directing my gaze somewhere else, my eyes landed on the silent man in the corner and I decided to approach him.

“By the way, Ramirez…” Chad mumbled. “Why did you invite the Governor’s son here?”

“Oh, the kid? Nah, don’t worry about him.” Ramirez chuckled, waving his hand in a dismissive manner. “We found him at the party and decided to let him accompany us. We had to convince him to come with us, kept going on and on about how his father won’t be pleased—but you know me! I won’t let a man be hindered from making his dreams a reality.”

“Good evening, Marco.” I grinned at the young man, slightly bowing my head in acknowledgement. Marco Keithson, two years my junior, was the third son of the Governor. Unlike his brothers, Marco wasn’t interested in politics. Based on what he’d told me the first time we met at a party, he was interested in art. The huge difference between him and his brothers was that Marco was terribly shy and didn’t like politics. He also hated dealing with the media.

Not expecting to be seen or talked to, the quiet man stammered and almost lost hold of his glass, which seemed to be filled with Cola. Fixing his glasses, which almost fell, he held out his hand and shot me a shy smile.

“G-good evening, Miss Rachel. I wasn’t expecting to see you here—uh, what I meant to say was—”

“It’s all right, Marco,” I giggled. “To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to see you, either. You did tell me before that you hated parties like this, so seeing you tonight is surprising.”

His brown eyes that matched the color of his hair darted around nervously, coming up with something to say. “Well, Ramirez wanted me to come here with his pals. I didn’t want to be here, I’d rather be at home sleeping.” He then chuckled sheepishly. “But Ramirez insisted. I also wanted to see what was so ‘amazing’ in the club like he described. I guess I was tricked.”

“You obviously were.”

“Oh! It’s your birthday today, isn’t it?” Marco flashed me an adorable smile. “Happy Birthday, Miss Rachel!”

“I didn’t know the Governor of Ohio’s son was into clubs.”

As if caught red-handed, my body froze on the spot. Marco glanced up and quivered in fear at the person behind me.

“In fact… I didn’t know you two were so close.”

Chad James Montgomery, what the hell are you doing?!

I turned to face him, frowning at how rude he was. “G-good evening, Sir.” Marco bowed at Chad’s towering frame. The blond man just smirked, knowing that Marco was intimidated by him and using this to his advantage. This man…

“Chad, I’m sure you know Marco Keithson, the Governor’s son.” I gave a huge emphasis, signaling him to behave. He shouldn’t act rashly in front of this man!

Chad nodded and frowned slightly, offended to be taken as an idiot. “Of course, I do know this young man. We met once at a party and he’s often hiding behind his brother’s shadows.” A mischievous grin painted his lips when he saw how terrified Marco looked.

Seriously, Chad?

“Forgive him, Marco. Chad is just feeling a bit s—”

“Would you like a drink, Rach?” Chad gestured back to his friends. “Ramirez was asking if you liked whiskey but I told him otherwise. Would you like a martini?”

I glared at him in suspicion. Chad, you’re way too obvious. Why are you so jealous? Taking the safe route, I wrapped my arm around his and placed a little distance between me and Marco. The Governor’s son didn’t say or do anything, trusting my actions, which he was grateful for. Giving an apologetic smile, I nodded at Marco. “I’ll go get my drink then.”

“Yes, Miss Rachel… I think you should.”

As we walked towards Chad’s friends, I patted myself on the back for preventing a fight. Oh god, I don’t want to imagine what the papers would say if they found out Chad and Marco fought in a club. What’s worse, I might get mentioned and my family will go crazy!

“Martini, huh?” Ramirez then laughed. “That’s a bit too weak. Hey, Chad! Are you sure you want the little lady to drink that shit?”

“Ramirez, what the fuck are you pl—”

A glass of whiskey was shoved in my face but before it could reach my hand, Chad took it and drowned the liquid down. This earned him a couple of boos and groans of disappointment from his rowdy gang. What’s with his friends anyway? They look like they’re high on drugs when they’re only drunk… The humanity.

“Chad! Buddy, my boy! Why did you do that?” Ramirez demanded, lifting his own glass. “All I wanted was to give her a…” His sentence trailed off, his face blank for a minute before a grin spread on his lips. “You know what? I got just the perfect thing for the little lady, and trust me, it won’t be as strong as whiskey.”

“Ramirez, I said stop this—”

“Hey, lady!” he shouted at the top of his lungs, gesturing to the waitress outside. “Get me one Manhattan!”

Chad frowned at him, still not pleased. “It’s the same thing, Ramirez. In fact, it’s something she won’t—”

“Just a bottle of vodka, please.”

Ramirez and the rest of the guys cheered at my answer while Chad stared at me in surprise. I shrugged at him, “What? I won’t be drinking the whole bottle, if that’s what you’re thinking.” No, I’m just going to buy a bottle and consume one shot. That’s it. This is just for keeping up appearances and so that Ramirez will stop exasperating us.

“Rachel, do you realize what you’re getting yourself into?” Chad whispered fervently, eyeing his friends. “I’ll drink the whole bottle so you won’t have to.”

“Hey, Chad!” he friend called, gesturing for him to come closer. “Don’t be a party pooper and drink with us!”

“I’ll be fine, Chad.” I reassured him with a smile. “And besides, if something goes wrong, I have you.”

***

“One more round!”

I winced at the loud man beside me, head slightly pounding. The women, who Ramirez had invited into our room a few minutes ago, cheered. One even toasted a drink with me.

Oh god… I feel like my insides are churning.

All I remember was that I only took four shots of vodka. I shouldn’t have underestimated the drink! What about Chad? Where is he…? Looking around for the blond man, I found him standing in the corner all alone. Why is he there? When did he transfer? Last time I checked, he was right beside me.

“Rachie, drink up!” Ramirez slurred, reeking of alcohol. “You haven’t finished the bottle of vodka yet. You know what they say, bad luck comes to those who don’t finish the drink they bought in the first place.”

Is there even a saying like that?

Tired, bored and almost reaching the limit, I stood up from the couch and set the shot glass down. This is it. I’ve had enough and I’m going home… Checking the time, I groaned in frustration. My parents are going to kill me if they find out I was missing the whole time. Probably chain me to the bedpost and lock me in my room. Coming here was a bad idea. Another one of those bad choices you wish to clean up.

“Little lady, where are you going?!” Ramirez shouted, grabbing my arm. “Are you going home? But it’s too early! Stay and have more fun!”

Yeah right!

“I’m sorry, Ramirez.” I tried wriggling my hand out of his hold, which was in vain. For a drunk man, he sure still had his conscience intact. “But I must go… My family is waiting for me. I don’t want to get in trouble.”

“What?” He laughed at my face. “Are you five years old, or something? Stay and drink up!”

Why can’t you understand? With gritted teeth, I beamed at him forcibly. “I’d love to but I can’t. I must go!” At my protest, I felt his hand tightening its grasp and I was already flinching at the action. What is his problem?!

“Ramirez.”

Hearing the authoritative voice of Chad, I turned around and begged for help through my eyes, praying he’d get the message. Help me out here, Chad! He’s your friend after all!

“What is it, Chad?” Ramirez cocked his head to the side, giving him a questioning look. “Is there something wrong with just finishing a bottle?”

Chad didn’t answer, he merely glared at Ramirez. Feeling the weight of that stare alone, his grip slipped away and my hand was free. Ramirez then gave us a carefree shrug, a smirk on his face. “Well, doesn’t matter anymore. You can now escort the little lady back home.”

I didn’t have to guess what was on his mind right now. A prude. A goody-two-shoes. Killjoy. Yeah, that’s probably the words in his mind right now. However, I was happy to hear that I could finally go home. Waving goodbye at the shy Marco, who was currently talking to one of the women, I followed Chad out. The neon lights were all mixed up in my vision, hand wrapped around Chad’s for support.

“Rachel? Are you all right?”

“Yeah…” I mumbled, feeling my head spin a little as we rode the elevator down. “Just tipsy.”

“Tipsy? You’re drunk, Rachel.” Chad sighed and pulled me by the hand. “Come on, you can’t go home in that state.”

“Chad, where are you taking me?” I slurred, feet almost tripping. The cold air greeted us with open arms once we exited the building. The next thing I knew, we were in his car and driving down the road. Other cars’ honking reached my ears until they grew faint. I squinted hard to see what part of the city we were in.

“Chad, where are we going? Aren’t you going to take me home?”

“No, I’m taking you to my penthouse. You haven’t been there...”

W-what? “Penthouse? Chad, I don’t have time for such things.” I felt the bile rising up my throat and immediately covered my mouth and shut my eyes. “C-Chad, just take me home. My parents are waiting for me…”

“Like I said, you can’t go back like this.” He placed a hand on my thigh, squeezing gently. “Just sleep at my place tonight and immediately go to work tomorrow morning. I promise you, your parents won’t notice. I bet they’re still partying back at the mansion.”

“Chad, my parents will find out sooner or later,” I explained gently, still fighting off the nausea. “I must go—”

My words were cut off when I gagged, feeling everything I ate tonight rise in my throat. I was about to throw up when Chad handed me a paper bag. His car was saved from the nasty vomit. Handing me a bottle of water, I grabbed it from Chad and drank to wash away the bitter taste of bile.

“You should sleep here, Rachel,” he spoke after the car went to a halt in front of a fancy lobby. He took the keys and handed them to the valet. Opening the passenger door, he took my hand and assisted my drunk self. “Don’t worry about a thing, baby. Everything’s going to be—”

The both of us were momentarily blinded by a camera’s flash. I blinked my eyes to get my focus back, and I was sober for a minute when I realized a man had taken a picture of us.

“Holy shit! This is my lucky day!” he cheered, staring at the screen of his camera. “I have proof that Rachel and Chad are going out! This is the next big thing!”