Chapter Eighteen
Dinner is traditional roast beef and eggplant parmesan for the vegetarians. I choose the beef, and it’s cooked to perfection. The chef, a portly silver-haired fellow, seems like a nice guy. We catch a quick glance of him when he comes into the dining room and talks to one of the servers. He shoots us a wide smile and urges us to enjoy the meal.
Annabelle and Victoria are sitting by Colton’s side again, and I wonder what gives them the privilege. Why are Cassie and I not sitting next to him? Seats are assigned as they were last time. As it turns out, Cassie and I are seated right next to Annabelle and close enough to engage in conversation with Colton. Again, Colton and I steal glances at each other now and then, but don’t utter a single word to each other.
The conversation is mostly monopolized by Victoria who is quite the chatty type. The main subject tonight is the small town we all find ourselves in. Many of the girls are from the city, and there are just a few locals like me and Colton and Cassie. I can’t picture these women riding an ATV and ice fishing. But then again, they might be looking at me and thinking the same thing. My mother taught me many things, among which was ‘Never judge a book by its cover.’ And I try not to. That’s why I’m giving Colton the benefit of the doubt. My knowledge tells me to stay away from him, but my gut instinct tells me to get closer. Or perhaps that’s just my libido talking.
Some of the ladies are surprised to hear my name is Clara, not Anna, because I had introduced myself as Anna the last time. Now they all wonder if they’re going crazy. Oh, well…
More games follow. This time we’re playing Pictionary, and it’s kind of hilarious. No one can draw worth shit. We’re all sitting on the sectional, some of us on the carpeted ground, including myself.You snooze, you lose, as they say, and I just wasn’t quick enough. Somehow, Cassie has snagged herself a spot on the sectional, right next to Colton, and she’s all over him. And I meanall overhim. This irks me to no end. Yet, it doesn’t surprise me in the least. This is exactly how I imagined the evening progressing.
Renata is here again, and she holds her magic box of treats. Again, she is very diligent in educating us. I’m quick to choose exactly what I had last time. I loved the way it made me feel; languid, relaxed, blissful. I want to experience that again. I close my eyes and savor the sweet taste as I let the candy dissolve on my tongue. When I open my eyes, Colton is watching me intently, sandwiched between Victoria and Cassie who are talking over him. In that brief moment, there are only the two of us in the room. I’m fixated on those full lips of his, and those eyes. I’m hypnotized.
Cassie hollers and taps him on the chest, and breaks the spell.
Damn her.
The sun has set over the lake hours ago, and I’m feeling great. I’m giggling at Annabelle’s bad jokes, and rubbing my foot repeatedly on the shag area rug… it feels so good. Every now and then, when Aramis walks by, I rub my foot along her back. I devise a plan to steal her. I wonder if Colton would miss her… he has two other cats.
I’ve abandoned my red heels, and I don’t even know where they are. Suddenly, I freak a little. What if someone has stolen them? I don't know much about designer clothing, but I know they’re worth a lot. I jerk up and set out on a quest to find them. I’m frantically searching when I crash right into Colton’s chest.
“Hey, you. What’s the emergency?”
“I lost my shoes,” I tell him, frantic. “I can’t go home shoe-less.”
He laughs. “I’m sure they’re somewhere.” He wraps an arm around my shoulder. “I’ll help you look for them.” He surprises me when he lowers his hand to my waist. And we set off on a search.
We walk around the living area. “Are you having a good time?” he asks.
“Yes… very much. Thank you.”
“Have you indulged in Renata’s selection of sweet treats again?”
We move to the entry hall and powder room. “Yes, I like them,” I admit. “But I was good… only five milligrams again. I’ll remember this night tomorrow, I swear.”
We head to the dining room. “I hope you do.”
“What about you?” I ask. “What do you indulge in? I don’t see you drinking much.”
We venture into the study, and still nothing. Now I’m getting a little concerned. “I like the cannabis infused edibles like you,” he tells me. “And red wine.”
“Me too.” Another thing we have in common.
“Where the hell did you leave those shoes?” he says.
I bite my bottom lip. “No clue.”
He leads me into the wine cellar, off of the dining room, and bingo! There they are, scattered on the floor.
“Oh…” I say.
He smiles as he closes the door behind us. “Were you snooping?”
I laugh. “Maybe a little. I was checking out your selection of wines.”
“Oh… you’re a connoisseur, are you?” he teases.
“Not at all,” I admit. “I was just being nosy. And I also took a selfie in here. I can show you…” I say, realizing that I have no clue where my phone is now. “When I find my phone.”
