Chapter 59 An invitation to the gala
CHAPTER 59: An invitation to the gala
Vera
“Lily must have been playing a bit of a prank on you.”
“A prank?” Cherry didn't look amused. “Well I don't think it was funny. Why would she play such a prank?”
I winced.
“I’m sorry,” I said, trying to lighten the mood. “Is that why you didn't tell me you were going on a trip, too? When did you get back?”
It was Cherry's turn to be confused… again.
“What trip?” Her forehead scrunched. “Vera, I never traveled. I wish I could avoid a vacation right now, but I’ve been right here, working. It's a new job and I can't afford slacking off.”
The realization hit me like a cold splash of water. Lily had also lied to everyone: Chauncey, Silas, even me, about Cherry being away.
But for what reason? I couldn't understand it.
“Why would you think I went on a trip?” She suddenly asked. “Did Lily tell you that too?”
I chuckled, nervously, shaking my head.
“I don't know. Maybe because I hadn't seen you in so long. I missed you.”
She smiled, and reached out to squeeze my hand across the table.
“I missed you too, Vee.”
The sound of throat clearing had us looking up to see the manager standing beside our table. Beside him was a server carrying a chilled bottle of wine.
“Excuse me, madam.” He gestured to the bottle of wine. “Compliments of the house for Mrs. Rutherford,” he beamed.
I thanked him politely, though I knew I wouldn't touch it.
“Thank you very much.”
He bowed slightly and walked away, looking pleased with himself.
Cherry couldn't contain her amusement.
“Oh dear,” she muttered as he retreated. “He’s trying so hard to impress you. At least he’s better than that sleazy bastard, Justin,” she noted. She paused. “Hang on, how did you even know I was working here, anyway?”
“Chauncey told me,” I said.
The moment I mentioned his name, Cherry’s expression slightly curdled.
“Ugh. Of course he did.”
“Why do you hate him so much?” I asked. “Chauncey…he's actually a good person, Cherry.”
“He's annoying," she insisted. “He's a terrible flirt, a manwhore, and he thinks he can charm anyone.”
I chuckled. “He's not an awful person, Cher.”
She rolled her eyes.
“You know, even his sister, Claudia, is just as bad.” She groaned, dropping her head on the table, her hair covering her face like a curtain. “I completely embarrassed myself thinking she was his girlfriend.”
The eyes widened and my mouth gaped open. “No you didn't.”
She raised her head with a start, her face flushed with embarrassment.
She nodded. “Yes, I did. The way they were acting... then I find out they're twins? Those Rutherford siblings are just too much, Vera.”
I couldn't help bursting into laughter at her mortified expression.
Our laughter was cut short, however, when a shadow fell over the table.
“Vera? I thought that was you.”
I looked up and recognized the face immediately.
“Lucas?”
Cherry
I tried to arrange myself, combing my hair with my fingers as Vera and the newcomer, Lucas, exchanged pleasantries.
Vera introduced us, and I found myself studying him.
He was tall with sharp angular features and a lean muscular build, with a remarkably calm, debonair aura…refined and soft-spoken in a way that felt effortless.
I was impressed.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cherry,” he said. His voice was smooth, and I noticed he took a fraction longer to let go of my hand than was strictly necessary, but his expression remained perfectly polite.
Finally, I pulled my hand away.
“May I?” he asked, indicating the empty chair.
“Sure,” Vera replied.
He settled into the empty chair and noticed the unopened complimentary bottle of wine on the table.
He glanced between us. “A celebration?”
“Oh, no. Complimentary from the restaurant,” Vera explained. “I'm not actually drinking it.”
Lucas nodded, his gaze shifting back to me, making me feel surprisingly conscious.
“I’m surprised I didn't see you at the wedding, Cherry. I’d certainly never have missed such an unforgettable face.”
I smirked. “Maybe because you didn't want to notice,” I replied.
A small, amused smile played on his lips. “Fair enough. But I'm glad I’ve met you now, then.”
“Likewise,” I said, and for once, I was honest, and not being snarky.
“I actually just left a meeting with your husband and Natalie a while ago,” Lucas said, turning back to Vera.
Vera's smile remained intact, but I noticed how she went still.
“We were actually discussing the upcoming Founders Ball. He'd tell you all about it.”
Vera looked curious. “What is it, exactly?”
“It's an annual gala,” Lucas explained. “An event where members of the founding families of the community come together to raise money for charity. It’s a significant event for the community.”
“Sounds wholesome,” I commented, earning a laugh from Lucas.
I had assumed it was just another rich-people party, but the charity aspect was actually impressive.
He leaned forward, about to say something but stopped when Chauncey arrived at our table.
There was a flash of surprise in his eyes when he saw Lucas. He looked between us.
“Lucas,” he said, his voice holding the same note of surprise. “You’re here.”
“I came for lunch,” Lucas replied easily, his tone never losing its refinement. “And I had the pleasure of running into Vera and her beautiful friend here.” He added, looking straight at me, his eyes gentle but focused. I felt my face heat up.
“I see.”
“Cherry, I’d love for you to attend the gala with me. Will you honour my invitation? I'd love to see you again.”
I blinked, caught off guard. I glanced at Vera, who looked just as surprised as I was.
I didn't look at the stonefaced man standing beside our table.
Chauncey had become remarkably quiet, his entire frame going rigid. He neither spoke nor reacted, but the ease he usually carried had vanished completely.
“Well,” I looked at Lucas, then back at Vera. “I’d like that. Yes, I accept.”
Chauncey’s jaw tightened, his jaw setting into a hard line.
“Excuse us. Vera and I would be leaving,” he announced, his voice clipped and tight.