The Austin Arrangement novel Chapter 27

"Yeah..She was great!"I replied,plainly. Hoping to give off the impression that I wasn't in the mood to talk. I walked towards the bar with the others,not bothering to say another thing about it.

I know my Father..I know he's trying to make a thing out of this. Me and her. Especially after he caught us kissing in my old room at home.

He stood beside my at the bar,picking up a glass of free champagne."You're surprised,I could tell by the look on your face when you were watching her.

You had no idea that she could dance that good."

"Well we don't talk so why would I."

I picked up my free glass of champagne and drank. I instantly regretted my actions and placed it back on the bar when I tasted how cheap it was.

I'm not much of a Champagne drinker, Only on occasion when it's been offered and I have no choice but to take a glass in politeness. Despite that I still know a good Champagne from a bad one. I like to stick to my Scotch,Beer sometimes when the mood strikes.

"Conversation is a must when you have another 8 months of Marriage to go."My Father leaned in and whispered,so that my Mother didn't overhear as she approached us.

"Champagne,Darling."He handed my Mother a glass,while placing his arm around her.

I turned in the other direction,wiping the taste of the Champagne off my lips with my thumb and forefinger.

The chit chat amongst people as they entered the lobby from the Osher Theatre,was giving me a headache. A headache that was only going to get worse with an after party to go to.

I was in need of something strong. A Scotch..Perhaps a double!

"Mr and Mrs Austin,It's so lovely to see you both again."

I turned around and saw Vanessa's Auburn haired friend sashaying towards us in a gold dress that in no way complimented her pale skin tone.

Her breasts were on show for the world to see,but from what I know of her personality that was exactly her intention.

Then I fixed my eyes on the Guy walking alongside her,the overly handsy friend of Vanessa's that works at the Gym. Of course he's here!!

Doesn't that women know that the friend thing is just a randy man's way of getting close.

"Natasha,It's lovely to see you."My Mother,being the over friendly women she is went in for a hug. Getting up close and personal to Natasha's displayed chest.

"She was marvelous up there wasn't she,Darling?"My Father said,as he pulled back from giving her a light peck on the check.

"Amazing,Mr Austin. She was in her element doing what she was born to do."She looked in my direction,smiling a closed mouth smile."You must be so proud seeing your wife up there tonight,Jeremy."

"Of course..Very Proud."I turned towards the bar,seeing that the bartender was standing by and waiting to serve."Scotch on the Rocks, Macallan preferably."

"Certainly,Sir."The bartender was short in height,with the peppered facial stubble picked up a perfectly clean scotch glass and shuffled some ice in."We have the double cask gold or The Macallan estate,Sir?"

"Estate,Please."I sighed,as I threw some bills down on the counter.I stood silent,unable to block out the conversation that was going on between my parents and the other people in Vanessa's life.

"The famous Alex,It's lovely to finally put a face to the name. Vanessa has talked about you,you play a big role in her life,Dear."My Mother shook his hand.

I was turned slightly with my drink in hand,watching him as he played nice with my family. Of course a woman and a man couldn't be friends,it doesn't work like that.

"She's important to me,Mrs Austin."He grinned,but then glanced at me."We didn't get introduced the last time I saw you Jeremy..But it is lovely to see you again all the same."

Vanessa caught my eye as she crossed the room. Not in the dress that she wore on stage,but wearing something different now. An off the shoulder lilac dress that sparkled,it had 3/4 sleeves and a ruched skirt with a slit up one leg.

"Well there's plenty more Ballets for you to prepare for,with your talent this won't be your last. You're going places."Tom gave me a peck on the cheek."We're so proud of you,Darling."

"Very Proud,Ness."Natasha smiled.

It was nice having their support. The Austin's treat me like there own, like we have known each other all our lives and not just a couple of months. I understand it some what from Ava, since she doesn't know anything about the Arrangement. But Tom knows everything,yet he still treats me like a daughter.

I noticed Jeremy's eyes in a different direction,not even bothering to look at me or communicate for the sake of the Arrangement. I wonder if he even bothered to watch me on stage,or did he long in thought for his precious Scotch.

My eyes wandered the room in search of My Brother. I noticed cool as a cucumber Julian lapping up the love from the Guests."Where's Finley?"

"The Bathroom.I think he drank too much free champagne during the show."Alex chuckled."Here I was thinking that your precious little Bro was a good boy."

Obviously my Brother spending time with Jeremy seemed to have taken an effect on him. We still have an after party to go to,How is he going to last the night if he's already legless?

"Hmm,That's what I thought too. I guess Finley must be having too much fun at college."I picked up a glass of champagne from the bar,taking a little sip so I could taste the bubbles.

Jeremy took the champagne glass from my hand and placed it back down on the bar."We're leaving. My parents can bring your brother to the after Party."He took my hand in his, ready to leave the bar without so much as an Okay.

"Leaving..Um Okay!"I didn't want to argue with the man,since he didn't look happy. Agitated actually. I looked at the others."See you in awhile."

"Young Love."Ava smiled,giving us a little wave as we walked away and through the crowd.

Out of the War Memorial Opera House and out into the open,I was feeling the December Chill without a coat on to cover me up and keep me warm. Jeremy was still holding my hand and pulling me away from the building.

"Jeremy,STOP! I'm wearing heels."I moaned,hoping that he would just let go of my hand so I could walk at my own pace. Being the dominant man he is,of course he didn't listen.