“We can stay out her a little longer if you want.” I reassure her, trying to calm her nerves before we exit the vehicle. “We’re not in any rush.”
“I’ll be fine in a minute.” Her lips curl slightly at the edges, “I’m just nervous about seeing my ex with his new fiancé for the first time.”
“He’s the one that should be nervous about seeing you.” I take her hand and place it to my lips, gently kissing the back of her hand. It’s not something I would normally do but hey, she wants romance. “You are an extraordinary woman Mia and if he’s too stupid to see that, then it’s his loss… and my gain.”
Her cheeks flush with pink as she looks away and finishes the dribble of champagne in the bottom of her glass. “When I first met you, I thought you were the devil…but you’re a good friend Ethan Brooks.”
Ouch! I have officially been friend zoned.
“You ready?” I ask as our eyes meet again. She nods.
Getting out of the car, I straighten my suit jacket and hold out my hand to lift her off her seat. Once we’re both on the pavement, she runs her hands over the lightly crinkled fabric of her dress, smoothing it out. I watch every move she makes contently.
As we walk towards the door, I place my arm around her waist, resting my hand on her hip and ushering her inside, through the 1920s inspired hotel reception and towards the grand staircase leading to the function room.
Standing at the top of the staircase, looking out over the elegantly dressed venue with the tables full of prizes for the silent auction to one side and large twelve seat tables scattered around the dance floor already laid for the meal, I glance over at Mia. Her arm is tucked around my back with her nails digging into to me as we slowly start to descend the steps in the direction of a sour faced, white haired woman in a dress made for someone twenty years younger.
“Amelia. I’m so glad you finally made it.” She walks up to Mia and hugs her, completely ignoring my presence. “You look absolutely beautiful.”
“Thanks mum,” Mia stands awkwardly in front of her mum as she stares at her with stony eyes. It’s hard to believe that such a caring, compassionate young woman could be raised by someone so cold-hearted. “This is Ethan.”
I hold my hand out to greet her, but she turns a blind eye to my gesture, continuing to ignore me as she discusses the evenings events with her daughter. I’m not sure what I have done to offend her so much but I’m not sticking around to find out.
“I’m going to the bar, what can I get you?” I turn to Mia, hoping she’ll end the conversation with her mother and come with me, but she asks for a small glass of white wine and agrees to meet me at our table.
Taking a detour around the silent auction tables, I consider placing a bid on the little MINI that has been donated by a local dealership. It’s not something I would ever be caught dead in but it would be a nice little run around for Mia when she wants to take Madison a little further afield. Then I remember that we’re just friends, and friends do not buy each other expensive cars for no reason. I’ll just make a direct donation to the charity instead.
Heading to the bar, I order a whiskey (obviously) and a small white wine as requested and wait for the order to be served. I scan the room. Mia has made her way over to our table and is talking to the woman sitting next to her. She’s another older lady, but come to think of it, most of the guests here tonight are on the opposite side of fifty.
A younger guy appears at the bar beside me and nudges me as I watch her. I turn my head towards the scrawny little fucker with the slicked back hair and a massive ego and then back to Mia. It’s becoming more and more impossible to take my eyes off of her as she talks and laughs with those around her.
“I wouldn’t bother going there mate,” the idiot beside me interrupts, “Believe me, you’re not her type.”
Who the hell does this jackass think he is? “I take it you know her then?”
“Very well. We were together for a good couple of years before I upgraded.” He points to a very pretty dark-haired woman in the corner surrounded by men who are eating out of the palm of her hand. “Take it from someone who knows her, she’s never going to be interested in a guy like you.”
“You don’t say.” My fists are balled so tight that my nails are digging into my palms as I try to refrain from beating the shit of the guy I now realise, is Peter.
“Yeah, plus, she’s still in love with me so even if she was interested in a bit of danger to pass the time, you’d always be playing second fiddle.” He smirks, not knowing how lucky he is that Mia is glancing over, otherwise his face would be buried in my fist.
“Look Peter, I know exactly who you are. I know exactly what you did to her and if you ever come anywhere near her again, I will personally see to it that you will be eating through a straw for the rest of your life.” I spit quietly through gritted teeth, trying to force a smile so it looks like I’m playing nice. “How long do you think your precious little trophy fiancé will stick around when she’s the one that has to take care of you?”
Grabbing the drinks, I saunter over to the table, place the drinks down and whisk Mia onto
