Chapter 7 A striking resemblance
It was almost seven when Lucas and Emily stood at the entrance to the huge hall for check-in. They had called their father ahead to alert him of their presence.
After checking in, they walked into the grand hall. It was filled with excitement. The guests, dressed to the nines, and Lucas and Emily were not left out. They were as charming as always in their Caribbean wear. One of the reasons their father always kept them with him on occasions like that.
Anyways, the guests mingled and chatted over champagne and canapés. The sound system pulsed with upbeat music. Some guests were already on the dance floor swaying to the beats. Waiters were busy touching every corner with trays of small chops, and fine wines. The people's faces were filled with smiles, especially the Mayor and his family as the guests threw in happy birthdays from every corner.
Lucas and his sister were sipping champagne already when they saw their father and waved. Emily whispered to his brother, “Big bro, brace yourself for introductions to fine girls.”
“Yeah, sis, that's one reason why I hate parties, especially with Dad. Sometimes it felt like a nightmare.” Lucas responded, his irritation palpable.
In seconds their father was with them. “Oh mine, you guys are the cutest here. Come on, let me introduce you to some people.”
“Oh, come on, Dad, you don't have to do that every time. Just forget this introduction today, please.” Lucas protested.
“Let's just enjoy the party and go home, please Dad,” Emily added in support of her brother.
“Come on, guys, I can't stop doing this.” Their Dad overruled their objection. “It's when you meet people that you can gain more connections. Besides, you guys are too beautiful to ignore. Your brother is so cute, look at those abs yet he has no girlfriend. I need him to like at least two girls. Then he will get married and give me at least a grandson, so come on.” Their father said with a smirk as they followed him without choice.
“Come on, Dad, I'm just twenty-five, and I'm not in a hurry,” Lucas protested once more.
“Exactly my point, Lucas, you are slow. When I was twenty-five, I had three girlfriends, and your Mom was not among them. Those days, I was hot cake with girls and I was not even as cute as you, if you know what I mean.” He winked at Lucas who forced a smile.
“Dad, stop being naughty, it's embarrassing, please, and I will get married when the time comes.” Lucas surrendered as their father dragged them along to almost every big-shot daughter in that hall.
At one stage Lucas whispered to his sister, “Em, my cheek is already painful from excess fake smiles.”
Emily chuckled, “Me too, I'm tired of walking around too.”
Luckily, that instant, the hype man announced for people to stand for the cutting of the birthday cake.
The Mayor beamed with joy as he cut into the majestic cake. The action ignited a resounding applause and cheers. Guests sang "Happy Birthday" to him, their voices filling the hall. A photo shoot attracted a crowd, with poses adding to the merriment.
Instantly, the DJ played lively tracks that got everyone on their feet. Emily kept checking the time for their escape.
The dance floor erupted in a sea of movement. The laughter and music blended in perfectly. Lucas claimed to be famished and went over to the buffet. He remained there picking some small chops.
As he scanned around, he noticed that a girl introduced as Derby was staring at him. As he stared back, she smiled and waved at him. He turned away and muttered to himself, “Save it girl, not interested.
Once his father's attention was on another big shot, he escaped through the passage in a hurry. The moment he gazed back to be sure he was not seen, he accidentally bumped into Alex and lost his balance. He nearly tripped but Alex's hands swiftly held him up.
For a brief moment, they gazed into each other's eyes. Then a loud sound from the hype man's microphone got them out of their reverie.
Alex started, “A…are you alright?” He tried to strike up a conversation, but Lucas cut in quickly, ”Oh, I'm so sorry.” As quickly as his words dropped, he dashed forward.
Alex turned swiftly, “Hey, wait a bit,” he started to say something, but Lucas was gone. He stood thinking, "Why does he have a striking resemblance to someone?”
He was still thinking when his phone buzzed. It was Jason. “Hello, Jason,” he responded.
“Hey big bro, are you on your way already? Jason asked.
Alex could hear the blasting sound of the music in the background. He expected that anyway, so he responded, “No Jason.”
“Come on, big bro, you promised to come, and besides, I called Mom, she said she will leave the party in time so you could make it here,” Jason complained.
“Relax, Jason, it's just 8:30. We have said our goodnights to the Mayor, so once I drop Mom at home, I will be there. As a matter of fact, she is the one I'm waiting for.” He paused and continued, “Oh, here she comes. So relax and expect me around 9pm." Alex said as he took their mother's arm, leading her out of the hall, unaware that he was being watched.
The instant Lucas escaped their father, he met Emily who was already waiting outside for him. Immediately, they took off to Jessica's birthday party in Lucas's car.
Meanwhile, the minute they came out and entered their ride, a call came into Mr. Weston's phone. “Yes, Gabe, are my children out already?”
“Yes Boss, they are about to drive off,” Gabe responded.
“Okay Gabe, you remember the plan? Tell the girl to do her job well this time.” Mr. Weston instructed.
“Yes, Boss,” Gabe responded as Mr. Weston cut the call, smiled, and entered the dance floor swaying happily to the beat.
At the same time, Derby, who was watching Alex, had followed him out. On realizing that he was with his mother, she pulled out her phone and placed a call. As the receiver picked up, she said, “Hunter, I believe your prey is leaving with his mother. Should I trail or head straight to the party venue?”
“Head on to the party venue, I overheard his brother on the phone with him. So I believe he will still come down to the party,” the receiver responded.
“Alright, on my way to the party then,” Derby said as she tipped the valet parker who had just retrieved her car from the parking lot. As the valet with a smile bowed in appreciation to her, she entered the car and drove off.
In less than fifteen minutes, Lucas and Emily were already inside the Club Unite. Later came Derby and then Alex.
The club was fully packed and bubbling with energy. The lights flashed across the dance floor as music thumped through the speakers. Guests jammed their cups of cocktails in a toast as they laughed and danced.
Above, in the exclusive VIP section were smaller crowds that lounged on plush seating. They chatted and watched as the scene unfolded below, sipping premium champagne. The waiters moved between tables as they delivered bottles lit with sparklers. Jessica was surrounded by close friends, flashing smiles, and clinking glasses.
Without wasting time, Emily joined the youngsters on the dance floor as they moved their bodies to the beat.
The party remained a living wave of celebration. From the balcony, Derby sat sipping a cocktail with her eyes on Alex. He was seated on the opposite side of the balcony chatting with Jason and other friends.
At a stage, Derby pulled out her phone and placed a call. As the receiver picked up, she said, “Hunter, Alex is mingling well, I think it's time to put the next action in motion”