He lets go of my chin, nudging my face toward my window as if he can't stand to look at me anymore, and drops his hand back into his lap, ignoring all of us to focus on his phone once more.
My insides start to quake again, and I can feel a slight tremor starting in my hands. I grab the leather seat on either side of my legs, gripping tight to keep the shakes under control. I want to ask why they even bothered petitioning for me to be his wife. If I was this big of a screw-up, which by these lovely conversations, I must be? Why not give this man to Rebekah? She is his equal in every way, as far as I can tell.
I’m not sure why I torture myself. I don't need to ask. My heart knows the reason. This contract will bring them closer to the top of command, a higher seat within the family organization, and increased social standing, adding to my wealth. I'm the prize cow they need to sell to get to the top.
After my father's comment, there is a deafening silence in the car. Before, the atmosphere was gloomy, but now the tensionis thick like smoke and makes it much more difficult for me to breathe. The car begins to slow, coming to a stop before an immense black iron gate with a massive gold filigree "R" in the middle that screams wealth. The driver leans over and presses the intercom, announcing our arrival. I can actually feel the blood leaving my face.
I’m not ready for this. I’m really not.
I talked myself into thinking this was a simple dinner, and Anna had me convinced it was no big deal. Why do I believe her? She is so out there, she doesn’t care what anyone thinks about her.
The gate begins to open and as we pass through, I let out a big huff of air and try to concentrate on the grounds as we drive closer to what I assume will be my impending death.
I take in the huge cedar trees lining both sides of the interlocking brick driveway, hiding the rest of the grounds from my view. We round a corner, and I catch my breath as the cedar trees give way, turning into a landscape of lush flower gardens and gravel pathways with benches to rest on or sit and read. All the stress and anxiety are suddenly forgotten; I am just sitting here awestruck. I’m glad the windows are blacked out because I literally have my face plastered to them trying to take everything in.
There is a small man-made lake far off in the back of the property with a little dock jutting out into the calm water. Cattails grow along the edge, making it the perfect place to hide out from the world and paint.
The circle driveway leading up to the massive Tuscan mansion has a huge three-tiered Fleur de Lis fountain in the centre. Water trickles over its edges, cascading into a massive pond. Water lilies are scattered on the surface, and I just want to jump out of the car right now to look and see if they have coy fish swimming among the reeds. I almost want to clap my hands at how excited I am. It’s like little snippets of my home in my head are here forme to touch in reality.
I feel like a painting that came to life before my eyes, and my fingers itch to touch everything, to sketch this wonder. I’m desperate to transfer its beauty onto canvas.
The car comes to a stop at a large flight of stairs leading to a pair of glass front doors. The driver gets out and opens the door on my father's side. As my father steps out, he adjusts his suit jacket. Reaching back, he holds out his large hand for my mother as he looks around as if he could care less if she takes it or not.
My mother gracefully places her tiny hand in his and steps out. My father closes the door, leaving Rebekah and me behind in the car.
Well,all righty then!
A very tall figure appears at the top of the grand staircase and begins to skip down the steps two at a time while I watch from my window. It appears to be his typical stride based on his height and the length of his legs. I can't help but notice how big this guy is as soon as he stops at our door to open it. I can only see the top of his thighs; the rest of his body disappears over the car door. A huge hand reaches down and grabs the door handle, popping it open and standing aside while waiting for my sister and me to depart.
He's got to be over 6'5. I'm tall, but he makes me feel tiny, and that's unusual for me, as I look up, up, up till I can see his face. He looks to be in his thirties. He has dark brown hair, slicked back; a massive chest; and arms so thick, I’m betting he has to get his clothes made just for him. You could never get a shirt to fit this guy in any regular store. Dark sunglasses cover his eyes, and he tilts his head slightly down, catching me looking up at him.
He gives us a nod and goes back to looking straight above our heads like a statue. I get a few little flutters in my tummy, but not from nerves. He’s what Anna calls "hot." I’m thinking I’ll pass on the gardener. I’ll take the big guy who makes me feel small, as Ihave always wanted to feel.
Holy emotional whiplash, Izzy! Get your head on straight.
I went from scared to, I’m OK, back to scared, then to happy, and jumped right horny for the big guy. Mentally shaking my head, I grip my purse tighter. I don’t think my pills are working. I never feel about men like this, but then again, I’ve never met a man this big before.
Rebekah is already taking the lead with my mother, coming to stand slightly behind my father, who is standing at the base of the stairs.
I stood there frozen, looking up at the majestic Tuscan mansion before me. I can't move. It is so breathtaking. The house, if you can call it a house, is elegant.
Each set of double French doors that runs along the top level is designed with sleek lines of tan stucco and carved stone arches above them. Each one opens up to a small balcony with a small table and chair set. Lush pots of geraniums in bright red are set off to each side of the balcony, adding a pop of colour. It just makes me want to sit there and drink coffee in the morning.
It's like something out of a book. I'm used to the grandeur and used to living in a mansion that set the stage for opulence. But this! This home is beautiful and elegant. It's like a little piece of Italy landed right in the middle of Chicago and I'm awestruck.
"Isabella! Would you please stop gawking at everything and get over here?" My mother hisses at me.
I skim my hands over the front of my dress to make sure that I don't have any wrinkles. I pass one hand over my butt, feeling to see if it's still dry. I was pretty sweaty sitting on those leather seats. The cool air feels nice on my body. I hear a faint, deep chuckle from behind me.
The big guy is watching me pat my ass. Oh God! Get it together, Izzy!
Tucking my little red clutch under my arm, I flip my hair back over my shoulders, making sure that the thick mass of black hair is slick down and straight. I smooth my hand over the top of my head, making sure I don't have any flyway strands standing straight up. I square my shoulders, take my clutch in hand, and step up to my father's side.
This is it! This is where I meet my fate.Bullets or cats.
My father takes the lead by going up the steps first, and we all follow behind like the demure, refined women we are. Well, my mother and Rebekah are, I just want to run back to the pod and check for fish, or maybe sneak off to that dock and start that sketch before the light changes.
The front door opens as we get closer, and a gorgeous couple emerges onto the vast granite porch above us, stopping between the enormous stone lions flanking both sides of the top step and waiting for us hand-in-hand, smiles plastered on their faces.
