Chapter Twenty-Two
Kevin's face lit up with a wide, toothy grin as he stood at the head of the long, wooden table. His eyes sparkled as he gazed down at his loved ones who were gathered around him. He beamed with pride and excitement as he began to speak. “So, Madilyn and I really wanted the wedding party here tonight, so we could discuss kind of a major change in plans. We’ve decided to be a bit untraditional and do the honeymoon first and then get married, after.”
“Yeah,” Madilyn agreed, “We’re just laying in bed discussing how fun it would be to have all of our friends with us while on vacation, and we were like what the hell, lets just do it. So, we’re doing it.” She giggled, smiling up at Kevin.
“But why wouldn’t you want to be alone during your honeymoon?” Drake asked feeling disgruntled by the news. Lydia's fingers traced a path down Drake's thighs, applying a gentle pressure to remind him that she was there. As he took a deep breath, she moved her hand to rest on his knee, letting him know she was along for the ride no matter what.
“We will be spending the rest of our lives together, Dray. I’m sure we will have plenty of alone time,” Kevin replied, “And also since of the magazine deal going on, Mom thought it would be best if we hosted the honeymoon first anyways. She’s afraid everyone will dip after the wedding and the photographers and reporters won’t get enough coverage.”
“Speaking of Mom, I also have an announcement to make,” Diane stated, standing up wine glass in hand, looking as if she was ready to make a toast at the wedding, “Everyone shall stay the night here tonight, and then tomorrow the wedding festivities begin. We’ve commandeered a private cruise ship and it sets sail tomorrow morning.”
“Oh my God, Diane!” Madilyn squealed jumping up from her chair, and running around the table to embrace her future mother-in-law, “That’s amazing!”
“Oh and Madilyn dearest, You don’t care if Jessica still comes along right?” Diane asked innocently, batting her eyes down at the future bride, “I know there was a last minute change of plans and Drake decided to bring along his err…. playmate.” Diane took that second to look over at Lydia and sneer, “But I did promise, Jessica, that I’d take her on vacation with the family. And this really would be the best time to take her.”
"Lydia is Drake’s girlfriend,” Madilyn corrected Diane. Her correction made Lydia beam, and she decided right then and there that Madilyn and her would be the best of friends before the trip was over. Maybe if she befriend Madilyn, Drake would want to keep her… Not that she was doing this to vie for Drake’s attention. No, she believed in women empowering women and with how courages Madilyn had just been, she deserved someone strong in her corner.
“But…” Diane questioned.
“But nothing. Lydia is Drake’s girlfriend and Kevin and I have already you are permission to take Jessica along. Lydia’s appearance doesn’t take away from Jessica’s invite. Jessica and I were best friends back at Manhattan Prep, so of course I would want her to attend my wedding.
“Oh, good. Well I’ll just give her a ring then.” Diane smiled, glancing down at the family ring on her left finger. No one missed her innuendo. Everyone present knew that Diane wanted Jessica to be the next Mrs. Alston. And that she would stop at nothing to get Drake and her together.
As soon as Diane left the room, Drake stood up from the table and excused himself, “I…err… I have some last minute business arrangements I need to take care of. Since plans have changed and all.”
“Of course, Dray. Thanks for coming.” Kevin replied giving his brother a gracious smile, before turning to converse with his other company.
Drake extended his hand towards Lydia, palm open and eyebrows raised in invitation. Without a word, he waited for her to grasp it and lead her down the hall, back towards his room. Except Drake didn’t stop at his door. Instead he continued to walk down the long hallway to the door at the very end. Lydia glanced over at him questioningly, silently trying to figure out what was going on.
“This used to be Amelia’s room,” Drake answered, making Lydia wonder if she’d asked her question out loud, “When she left my parents locked the room up and ordered everyone, including the staff to stay out of it. At the time, I never found anything suspicious about that, but now… Well know I’m questioning everything.
Drake’s hand rested on the door handle but he was hesitant to open the door. He knew his findings might change everything, and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to open that can of worms or not. On the other hand he knew if he didn’t open up that door his mind would never be at peace, he’d always be wondering what happened, if anything at all did.
“Well what are you waiting for, then?” Lydia asked giving him the courage he needed to open the door, “Let’s open it up and see if we can get you some answers.”
Even with the new found courage, Drake’s hand dropped from the door. Lydia, his fake date, was quickly becoming more than an act to him. He felt like he needed to explain to her exactly what opening that door might mean. “Lydia, if… If I open that door, I’ll be opening up old memories. Old memories along with old wounds, that have never really fully healed. Opening up this door might… No there’s no might about it. Opening up this door will change things.”
“Drake, since walking through the manor door, things have already changed for you. Stitches have already started to tear, revealing those unhealed wounds. You need to know. You need to open that door. Not just for Amelia’s memory, but for your sake, for your peace of mind.”
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