Baby
starletwritesâ:
âyou seem in good spiritsââ he observes aloud, was partially expecting to walk straight into some kind of deathtrap or at the very least, an earful, after spending the better part of an evening that had been reserved for her, eating wagyu beef with his work chums. he figures maybe theyâre beginning to understand each other a little better after all. âbut iâm glad that all thatâs ironed out because now i can focus on which destination you and i will be jetting off to this weekend to celebrateââ he offers as consolation, grinning wolfishly as he tucks a stray strand behind her ear. âi was thinking somewhere tropical, with lots of room service and very little clothingâÂ
she looks so absolutely enticing tonight, the red stain on her lips having always been his personal preference. briefly, he wonders whether she wore it for him or the onlookers whoâd inevitably gawk as she passes by. either way, she was not a woman unaware of her power. it was quite possibly the only thing that held up against his brazenness and endless cash supply, the only thing that could literally bring him to his knees. itâs why he asked her to marry him, after dinner, and only five months of dating, in their private lagoon in iceland, with much fanfare from the resort staff in the form of white rose petals and rare champagne. itâs not necessarily the thought of being without her that drives him mad, but the thought of her ending up with someone that wasnât him.Â
he holds his jacket out for her to take, knows that the night air has hit since she arrived, and that the manhattan junior league would be pleased to see that all his chivalrous training had not been for naught. he escorts her out, hand positioned at the small of her back and nods to acknowledge the maitre d who stands at attention until heâs out the door. by the time they make it, the aston is already revved up and waiting to take them to the suite theyâre staying in until the contractors finish renovations on the place theyâre supposed to be moving into. a beautiful, stately, 5 bedroom, 6 bath that the governor used to reside in, to be completed by the wedding. speaking ofâ
âhowâs wedding planning coming along?â heâs left the task mostly to her, only checking in when itâs absolutely imperative or she invokes his input for the fifth time in a row. âmy mother wanted to be sure you add a few more people to the guest listâŠâ sheâs been looming over this entire process, allowing lia to think she was in control but ensuring everything was up to coyne standard. declan is, afterall, her dashing boy. and sheâs been bragging to the ladies at hamilton house that it would certainly be the event of whatever season itâs in.
âIâve been able to experience some of the different cocktails offered, Iâve discovered a new favorite,â she teased, but while in truth she had the drinks. Lia also didnât wanna bring their personal drama into the restaurant. Not everyone needed to know what was going on. Under most circumstances she wouldâve popped off at least a little bit on him, but the drinks and good conversation had made her feel a little less confrontational. âIâve been dying to get out of the cold, itâs annoying having to wear a big coat over everything,â huffing a little bit before a small smirk tugged at her lips, âI did place an order for some pretty lingerie and bikinis, I was planning on giving you a fashion show later but surprising you on a trip sounds even more exciting,â
From the minute she discovered the red lipstick as a young child in her sisters makeup, it was what she dreamed of. It made her feel prettier, like she had the attention that Lia thought she deserved. And ever since she started wearing makeup it was her staple, her lucky charm in a sense. The amount of confidence she got from a few swipes of a lipstick was more than she cared to admit. But it was the truth, with her outfits and her makeup it always felt like she could take over the world. And in a sense she had with her clothing line, and experienced it every time she saw someone wear her clothes. But Declan managed to do something similar, having him by her side, *almost*, at her beck and call. It was exhilarating in a sense. Having such a powerful man there for her and ready to run the world together. Itâs why she didnât even hesitate to say yes when he asked her to marry him, not for the private villas or designer closets filled with months worths of non repeating outfits. But because she had genuinely fallen in love with someone who made her feel as good about herself as her fashion had.
âThank you,â fell from her lips as she stood from her chair, wrapping the jacket a little tighter around herself. Smiling softly as the scent of whiskey and his cologne filled her nostrils. Soft clicks of her heels making her way out the door, nodding softly with a smile on her face to say goodbye the different people she passed. Sliding simply into the seat of the car, and gently placing her bag down on the floor beneath her. Ready to get home and slip into something more comfortable and spend her night with Declan.
âItâs coming along, I finally decided on the floral arrangements and a few parts of the decorations,â a soft smile as she thought of her little book at home with all the details. âIâm still working through a color scheme, heâs proving to be more difficult than I thought it would. Thereâs so many beautiful colors out there,â sighing softly and leaning back against the seat behind her, âI havenât even heard of half the people she invited last time you told me that. Why do I want random people at my wedding because your mother wants them there?â Rolling her eyes before shaking her head, âIts my wedding, Iâm not continuously going to please her,â Finallt turning to look at him with a sigh, âAnyway, Nessa, Tori, and I are gonna go dress shopping soon. I canât wait to see all the different options and feel like a Princess,âsending him a soft smile, grabbing his hand in hers, âAny requests or ideas for my dress sir?â
izzyindieâ:
âNervous.â Vanessa repeated, allowing herself to try and gauge where Dallas was at. She paused, taking a moment to be a little more thoughtful in her comments, one of the notable things people differed from Vanessa and her more impulsive classmates. âI canât imagine youâd be nervous, the entire town practically has your back and support, but Iâm sure that kind of pressure can be intenseâŠâ Â
And it was that small chuckle that sent Vanessaâs eyes fluttering. Everything about exuded confidence from his laughter, the base in his voice, the relaxation in his walkâânot that she spent time watching him or anything. Maybe day dreaming about whatâd she say if he bumped into her, asked her the time of day, or something caused their hands to brush against each other. Of course nothing that sheâd say out loud, she had enough friends with eyes on Dallas that she knew sheâd never win, so instead, Vanessa would milk this for all she had or (as she assumes will happen) until he got bored of her.
Vanessaâs attention perked, finally matching Dallasâ hues. Her bright hazel eyes looking up to try and force herself not to read too much into such a simple question. âUm, I hadnât planned on it?â He was probably just curious. Most people go to the games anyway; the team was the townâs glory after all. Plus her friends usually ditched her after the games for personal time with players, and nothing looked worse than being alone on a Friday night around Guelph. Dallas probably didnât care if she would one way or another, just making conversation. âProbably not. I heard it was sold out already,â she added, trying to sound indifferent about it.Â
Dallas watched the gears turn in her head, an amused smile lingering on his face. âYes nervous. Everyoneâs watching my every move when Iâm on the ice, expecting great things from me. Even on my off days, it gets draining sometimes,â he finished with a soft sigh, not sure why he was spilling his heart to her. Maybe it was the alcohol in his bloodstream, or simply because she brought something out in him that just made him comfortable. Either way he was grateful for it.
Dallas had noticed her more than once, the way her eyes twinkled when sheâd laugh at something her friends say. Or the little taps of her fingers and far off look in her coffee colored eyes. She wasnât one to be the center of attention, leaving her friends to go with who they may and Vanessa left behind. There was something enthralling about the girl willing to let everyone else shine around her, and he wanted more chances to get to know more about her.
There was a noticeable dimming in Dallasâ eyes as she spoke. A soft nod as she spoke, he had noticed her at few and far in between games. But he always played a little bit better knowing she was watching him, maybe trying to show off a little bit or maybe that comfortability he felt tonight, traveled to the ice. âI think I may know someone who could squeeze you a ticket,â he joked laughing lightly, âfor real, I want you to come, see us kick ass in the semi-finals,â
izzyindieâ:
She could see how off Kai looked, hell she looked the same underneath all he carefully placed makeup, but Vanessa couldnât find it within herself to find empathy. She wasnât there, but she had spent her ow time beating herself up literally and metaphorically trying to deal with it all. âStop it,â Vanessa replied firmly. âIâve been dealing with your bitchinâ and moaninâ for the past two weeks and Iâm sick of it. You know what it means to be a part of this family, heartbreak or not. If youâre not going to act accordingly, donât come.â
Right away Vanessa heard hints of their motherâs Souther draw in her voice, but she immediately shook it off; a face resembling their fatherâs apathy taking its place. âNo one is going to care that Mama died after this. People are going to assume we lost our mother to gang violence, drugs, or that sheâs doing time. So either honor Mama now or spend the rest of your life ruthlessly defending her. Either way youâre making an enemy of yourself in your home. She wouldnât want that.âÂ
Once their eyes met, Vanessa knew she had to hope strength. Though her eyes were blood shot, anyone who knew her not a singular tear was actually shedââjust rosy cheeks and slightly slowed movements were her guide. She followed in line, taking her place as the middle child between her brothers.Â
âYouâre going to regret this,â she whispered.
âPart of this familyâ he repeated back to himself as he spoke, a phrase he began getting used to hearing. Anytime he disagreed with a simple statement now, it was seen as disobeying his father and hed get the same lecture on how if he was a âpart of the familyâ then he would do as his older siblings did. Which in Kais mind, meant following along like a little puppy and hanging onto his every word. âYoure right I forgot mourning and recovery had a time limit, my apologies for burdening the great Vanessa Montgomery who tells people she has one brother,â And even at his age, he was as individual as they came, and to much of a mommas boy to worry about being in his fathers good graces. He knew he was always protected no matter how angry his father got, but now? He was out in the open, ready for the hunting and no one in his family or their friends were there to protect him and have his back, âeasy for you to say,â slipped through his lips before he had the time to process his thoughts.
âAh yes, the police chiefs wife in jail, doing drugs, or involved with a gang. Thatll really seal his legacy huh?â He hissed out before sighing for a moment, rubbing his face roughly. âLook, you keep up whatever picture perfect appearance you think you need to have. Unlike those two, and clearly yourself, I dont care if i show emotion. Everyone has an emotion, and everyone shares it in their way. Unfortunately for myself, I have three stone faced people surrounding me. Im gonna look out of place regardless if I speak or not, Id rather save myself the knowledge of knowing everyone saw me sobbing at my mothers coffin,â
He smiled and shook hands of the people who went by, nodding at some of words given his way. Already feeling to small for the group around them and wanting to slink to the corner with his mom, but unfortunately this would become his new normal. Being in the middle of the attention given to the Montgomery, regardless if they all knew the truth or not.
âHave you even thought to ask me what I want to do to honor Momma, or are you to busy pleasing dear old dad to care?â He whispered, before smiling at the gentleman in front of him.
izzyindieâ:
âWhatever my favorite is?â Vanessa called out, pushing the hoop ear ring through her ear. Her heels clacked on the tile as she moved through her room to the open area. It was their new normal. Long away from the days of silent family dinners with their father at the hem going on about Kaiâs obnoxious pink hair and Vanessa even obnoxious-er boyfriends. But now they two sitcom watching siblings, who smiled while passing and acknowledging their existences. âYou know I work tonight?â she shook her head, looking through the food bags.
âI feel like when we were younger it was different but either way I know what you like, and what Iâd get fought for getting you,â He chuckled, nudging her out of the way lightly and separating the items into the counter. âthe calendar on the fridge helps me keep track, I figured you could eat before work or bring it with you. Or even have something to look forward to when you get out,â he shrugged, âI was craving Chinese so I thought why not get Nessie some,â
starletwritesâ:
to some extent, though heâd never completely admit it, angel loves hearing himself talk. so the fact that she humors him, acts even the least bit interested in his tales of an inner-city hippie make him like her, just that much more. she didnât yet fully embody the pompous air that surrounds them, it doesnât emanate from her and stink up the room like that old lady white diamond perfume that doesnât come out of this shirt post-shift no matter how many times he runs it through the wash. unlike her man, who in his opinion was too far gone, there was something about her that was still real. Â
âcourse notâ he chuckles, suspects that sheâs been cute all her life. one of those girls that somehow evades the awkward pre-pubescent phase. but heâd be lying if he said he wouldnât get a kick out of a picture with braces, or dorky glasses, or her rocking a pair of brightly colored skinny jeans with converse all the way up to the knees. but maybe theyâd save the embarrassing photo exchange for the next time her boyfriend fiancĂ© stands her up at his own restaurant.Â
his grin grows twice the size as her story continues, and he tries to paint the picture for himself, poofy princess dress and all. has only ever seen that kind of thing on tv, where girls get dressed up and basically compete to be the prettiest. âoooh, not the carebearsâ he doesnât try to the stifle the laugh that bursts as her story concludes, even claps a little, surprised at the commitment. âwell at least you kept it going. my ass wouldâve been off the stage asap. but i think itâs cool you used to tumble. iâve always wanted to know howâcould probably use it in some of my dances and shit. âŠthink you couldâ?â before he can get the words out the air changes, dishes clank faster, conversations lull, eyes point in a certain direction. he looks up to see him approaching, cutting their fun short, bringing him back to realityâjust a little.Â
âsweetheartââ the boss man greets his lady divine, placing a chaste kiss against her cheek. âmy meeting with the gentlemen that own the space on king street ran late, but weâre in talks to break ground for a separate location by juneâ his breath smells like whiskey, they went out for drinks after in celebration but he neglects that minor tidbit. itâs just then that he just barely acknowledges angelâs presence, sends a dismissive glare in his direction, and as quickly as he appeared, angel waves a small goodbye to miss amelia.Â
A small part of Amelia had missed this, just a light hearted conversation and laughs. No mention of business or wealth, instead swapping childhood stories. It was refreshing, a change of pace from what she had become accustomed to. And watching Angel talk so animated, not caring how he looked or sounded, she missed it even more. For a while she was used to that, just being open and honest. Never worrying about what people thought or how they reacted to what she had to say. Lia was always the girl who spoke first, and thought second, it was her norm. But after a few years in the big leagues, she had lost her touch and became more self aware of her words.
âIt wouldâve been ridiculous, I learned the ways of curling irons and straighteners at a young age. Also learned straighteners didnât work on sexuality at a quick age as well,â she joked, and a small laugh bubbled from her. But the fashion choices she made didnât get all to grand until middle school, and even then they werenât exactly the fashion trends of the time but at least she was matching the colors finally.
A grimace appeared on her face as she laughed, the image clear as day in her head. Lia was pretty positive her mom had a video somewhere of the tragic event, but she also couldnât remember the last time she spoke to her mom. âIt was,â a pause as the thought of the right adjective. âEmbarrassing, but also taught me at a young age that I was able to just push through I guess,â Nodding along with the his statement, âI would-â began to leave her lips before she felt the atmosphere thicken around her. The dinging of dishes being cleared faster, a slight squeaking from the cleaning rags on the glasses at the bar, and a sigh from her lips as her conversation was ended and the explanation sheâs heard over and over ready to hit her ears.
A soft smile on her lips as he pecked her cheek, turning her attention from the man in front of her and turning towards the man on her side. âIâm glad you guys have finally figured that plan out, it seemed like it was never ending. Hopefully the blueprints and planning will go smoothly,â ignoring the notes of whiskey hitting her senses, and trying to relax into his presence. The wannabe heiress in Lia coming out to play once more, and only a flicker in her stature as Angel walked away from the couple.