12. Stuart #3
It’s not like either one of us is looking for a relationship. She’s married to her quest for partnership at her law firm. And I want to enjoy my last bits of freedom. Time for that is running out sooner than I’d like.
My dad was 45 when I was born, which is older than average.
I’m convinced he only married in his forties to ensure an heir to his title.
Given his role as a noble, he and my mum dictate the path for my future.
When he turns 80, my life will change in an instant as mammoth obligations kick in.
Unfortunately, Dad’s eightieth birthday is less than four years away.
On that day, I’m expected to curtail my exploits, as he calls them, and help manage the estate and the family’s investments.
That’s also when he wants me to assume the lead role at the Foundation.
If allowed, he’d turn over his duties in the House of Lords as well and make me the Earl of Sandridge.
Luckily for me, that can’t happen until his death, which I hope is much farther in the future.
I suspect that on my dad’s eightieth birthday, the pressure to marry will also increase.
Mum and Dad are set on me proposing to Lady Whitfield.
They routinely remind me that she’s attractive and has a proper pedigree and upbringing.
That’s all true, but there’s no spark between us.
In fact, looking back on the times we’ve been together, they were rather boring.
I just wish she made me feel the way Brooke does.
A vibrant voice cuts through my thoughts, turning my attention back to the stage.
The emcee is saying, “The Foundation would like to thank everyone for being here today. Your generosity is incredible. The accounting firm just informed me that we have raised over $7 million dollars today between ticket sales and auction items.”
Everyone stands, applauding the success. My dad and the Foundation will be ecstatic at the news. That number far exceeds our hopes.
The emcee concludes the event, saying, “Thank you for your support today. We look forward to seeing you at the premiere tomorrow evening. Have a great afternoon.”
I stand and walk around the table, shaking hands with everyone and thanking them for their participation. Reaching Aunt Jen, I embrace her, saying, “You’re the best. See you tomorrow night.”
She whispers, “Brooke’s a keeper. Don’t mess it up.” Her eyes meet mine with a knowing look. I tense, not happy that she can read me so easily.
“We’re just new friends. Don’t be playing matchmaker,” I reply, smiling as heat creeps up my neck.
“I won’t have to. Save me a front row seat at the wedding.” She winks.
I chuckle, shaking my head. “You know I adore you, but you’re reading too much into this.”
“Whatever you say.” She flashes a sly smile and waves quickly as she steps away to say goodbye to others.
“What was that all about?” Brooke asks, looking at me with curiosity.
“Oh, nothing. She’s just mothering me in the absence of my own mum.” I rub the back of my neck to ease the tightness.
“That’s sweet.” Her head tilts, giving me a lovely view of her beautiful eyes and effervescent smile.
“It is. Are you ready to leave? I have a car waiting. We can share a ride back to your office. With my hotel in the same building, I’m going there anyway.”
“Sure. I’d love a ride. But I need to stop by my law firm’s table on the way out to say hello to my colleagues. Do you mind?”
“Of course not. Lead the way.”
I fall into step beside her. While I give her a little space, our arms still repeatedly brush against each other as we weave our way between the closely placed tables. Each touch sets off an invigorating spark.
As we walk, my eyes flip between looking ahead to avoid obstacles and stealing glances at her profile. She walks with confidence, exuding positive energy and poise as she gracefully navigates the winding path to her destination.
Her firm’s table is halfway back on the upper tier of the ballroom. When we reach it, most of the chairs are already empty. Only three attorneys remain chatting.
Brooke says, “Hey, everyone.”
“Hi, Brooke. We heard you scored a primo assignment this week. It’ll be back to the dungeon for you when it’s over though, won’t it?”
The smug guy asking seems to have overly enjoyed the free-flowing wine. Feeling protective again, I take a half step closer to Brooke, ready to put him in his place if he takes any further jabs at her.
“Justin, let me present Lord Sandridge, the Viscount of Sandridge. His father’s foundation is our client.”
His face goes pale, suggesting he hadn’t paid any attention to the speeches, or he would have recognized me. I reach out my hand to shake his, squeezing a tad harder than necessary. Sure, it’s a power play, but why not. He needs someone to put him in his place.
“Umm. Nice to meet you, Viscount.”
“You can call me Lord Sandridge. It’s nice to meet you as well, Justin. Please introduce your other colleagues. Are you attorneys at Brooke’s law firm?”
The three attorneys nod in unison. Justin says, “This is Ben and Wendy. We’re all attorneys at the firm.”
Ben says, “I’m looking forward to the movie premiere. I had no idea that farming contaminated the water. I always thought farming was a . . . oh, I don’t know . . . umm . . . natural process.”
“Yes, in some senses—that is, before pesticides and fertilizers became the norm. Now, we need smarter farming.”
Wendy follows with, “Brooke, will you be walking the red carpet?”
Before she can answer, I say, “She certainly will. She’s attending the premiere with me. I never go anywhere relating to business without my top attorney by my side.”
Brooke doesn’t say anything. Instead, she gives me a look that’s a cross between “Have you lost your mind?” and “What the fuck? I never agreed to be your date.” Technically, I should have asked her first, but the condescending tone of her colleagues sickened me, and I didn’t want to let it go.
The look on Wendy’s face is one of pure jealousy and maybe a touch of hatred. Brooke needs to watch out for her.
Ignoring Brooke’s concerns for the moment, I ask, “Will all of you be at the premiere tomorrow night?”
Ben remarks, “Yes. We’ll be there.” He looks at Brooke with a sad puppy-dog face mixed with annoyance when he sees my hand move to the small of her back. He clearly has a total crush on her.
A pang of unexpected alarm rolls over me until I see Brooke’s reaction, which is completely neutral. Either she has no idea how he feels, or she’s not at all interested in him. Regardless, the menacing aspect of his gaze makes me think he’s another one she needs to be careful around.
I’m relieved when we’ve finished the niceties, and it’s time to leave her less-than-collegial colleagues behind. As we’re about to walk away, I say, “Excellent. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night. Brooke, we need to attend to business now, don’t you think?”
She nods, and we walk toward the ballroom exit. As we step through the doors, I lean toward her ear, whispering, “Do you seriously enjoy working with those losers?”
She gasps, then softly laughs. “Your words, not mine.”
“Seriously, don’t tell me you disagree.”
“Okay, I won’t.”
I chuckle. “Touché.”
Looking at her, something is different. I’m not sure what.
I’m about to speak when Mr. Broadmoor stops, extending his hand and exclaiming, “Today was quite successful. Congratulations.”
I shake his hand. “I’m the one who should congratulate you and the other board members for doing such a fantastic job for the Foundation. Let’s hope all the events work out so well.”
“Agreed. I’ll see you at our team meeting tomorrow.”
“Absolutely.”
As he walks away, I turn back to Brooke. Staring at her smooth bare neck, it hits me what’s missing.
“Brooke, why did you take your pearl necklace off?”
She gasps, clutching her throat. “No! No! I didn’t. Oh my god. I have to find it.”