Page 117 of A Beastologist's Field Notes of Fated Affection
My shoulders slumped, surprising me with the relief I felt at her declaration. Having her by my side for the evening would make it much easier to tolerate my parents and brothers, perhaps even slightly enjoyable.
“It’s a fancy party. You don’t have anything to wear, Cerise.”
She smirked. “That’s what you think. Did you forget who I am?”
“Are you saying you have a gown packed in your luggage?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” she replied, using my own line against me. “I always come prepared for the unexpected.”
Cerise satbeside me in the carriage as we headed to my parents’ estate, holding my hand tightly in hers, her thumb brushing the top in soothing circles. I couldn’t keep still, my leg bouncing faster the closer we got.
“When was the last time you saw our parents?” Ellie asked, breaking me out of my anxiety spiral.
“A couple of years…”
She looked at me carefully. “It’ll be fine. Father will be too distracted trying to impress everyone to target you.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” I muttered, running my hand through my hair as Cerise squeezed my other.
The last time I saw my father—the visit that led to my drunken escapade Coen had rescued me from—centered around his demands that it was time to stop fooling around and join the business. I was certain he would corner me and bring it up again tonight.
The carriage pulled to a stop in the circular drive of the estate. The door was opened moments later by one of the footmen. Mysister stepped out first, Cerise and I following. Cerise paused, inhaling a shallow breath as she took in the property.
I couldn’t help but stare at her beauty. Her deep violet gown draped along her curves, a waterfall of delicate tulle embellished with golden beadwork, catching the light as she moved. A matching sheer caplet draped along her shoulders, accentuating the lines of her neck, her hair pinned in a swooping updo.
“How are you always so stunning, sunshine?” I whispered as I clutched her hand like it was a lifeline and led her to the front door.
She fidgeted with her dress. “I knew your family had money…but this?—”
“Is pretentious and unnecessary,” I interrupted as we ascended the stone steps and walked through the open wooden doors.
“Most everyone will be in the back garden,” Ellie said, leading the way.
We passed through the foyer, then the opulent living room full of floral settees and chairs with a roaring marble fireplace on the back wall, and through arched doorways onto the back terrace.
The energy was lively, yet an air of stuffiness hovered around us. The cool breeze of the evening carried music played by a pianist in the corner. Waiters in black tuxedos glided around, trays covered in canapés and coupes of champagne.
Cerise and I both took a glass and I scanned the crowd. Most everyone here knew my father through my family’s business, and nearly all of them were stuck-up pricks.
Ellie touched my arm. “I’m going to go do my duty and mingle. Good luck.”
My sister disappeared and I glanced at Cerise, slipping an arm around her waist. “You’ve been awfully quiet, sunshine. Nervous?”
“Just a little overwhelmed. There are a lot of people that I don’t know.” Shepaused and took a breath. “But I’m okay. I promise.”
I knocked back my champagne, placing my empty glass on a passing server’s tray and swiping another. “Just drink more…that’ll make it somewhat tolerable.”
She gave me a concerned look, but didn’t say anything.
We meandered through the crowd for a little while. I introduced Cerise to a few attendees here and there. Conversations were stilted, formal, and I already couldn’t wait for this night to be over.
“Liam, honey!” my mother’s voice cut through the noise.
Cerise tensed beside me. I leaned in, whispering in her ear, “My mother’s mostly kind. A little obsessed with her rich friends and social status, but she isn’t mean.”
Cerise relaxed at my statement, my mother stopping before us.
“Mother,” I said, opening my arms to give her a hug.
