The Improbable (10 page)

           
“It’s
gonna
be one hell of a night!” Chris yelled and
burst into another fit of laughter.

           
I couldn’t help but laugh at my friends, they never failed to make me realize
that it was okay to live a little and not take life so seriously all the time –
I was nothing but thankful for them. The car weaved along the road that crossed
through the trees as we made our way out of the neighborhood.

           
“El casa de Hutchinson,” Timmy announced when he pointed to a large brick,
Tudor-styled home.

           
“Not bad,” I said nodding my head, impressed. I was more impressed by the fact
that we lived right behind each other…

           
The tree-lined drive to the city club had been decorated with festive lights
and the music could be heard from the outside. On the front lawn there was a
large ice sculpture carved into the letters ‘CPCC’ and grand spotlights focused
on the main clubhouse. The parking lot was jam-packed and there were people
everywhere
.

           
“Welcome to one of the wealthiest parties in the Midwest, brother.” Timmy
patted me on the back before he hopped out of the car.

           
“What have I gotten myself into,” I asked myself and shook my head before
getting out as well.

           
“The party is here!” Chris exclaimed when he took a glass of wine from a
server.

           
“How do you wanna do this? Do you want me to introduce you to my guy now or
later?” Timmy asked, stuffing his hands in his pockets and looking at me.

           
“Let’s do it now, I don’t want to be the downer of the whole night.” I responded.

           
“That’s what I like to hear,” He lightly jabbed my in the arm and smiled.
“Chris, let’s go!” He began walking up the stairs into the clubhouse.

           
Chris and I followed close behind Timmy as he weaved through the crowd in the
dining room and up the stairs. I looked behind us to see if anyone was watching
us sneak off and saw that everyone was too wrapped up in their conversations
and drinks to pay us any attention – no wonder it was so easy for the kids to
get away with the drugs. On the second floor was a hallway with individual
hotel rooms. Timmy stopped and knocked lightly.

           
“Who is it?” A voice asked from the inside.

           
“It’s Timmy.” He answered.

           
The door opened slightly, revealing a pale skin twenty-something male with
bleach blonde hair and brown eyes, sporting a classic white and black tuxedo.
Nicholas Brandy. He smiled when he saw Timmy and looked at me questioningly.
“Timothy, so nice to see you! I recognize Chris but who is your friend?” He
nodded at me.

           
I held out my hand. “David Finley.”

           
He shook my hand but regarded me with caution. “Pleased to meet you.” His gaze
returned back to Timmy. “Are you here for business or what?” His voice was
high-pitched and annoying and he spoke in a slow dramatic tone.

           
“I guess you could say that.” Timmy answered.

           
“We want drugs,” Chris blurted and laughed.

           
Nicholas laughed, “Oh of course.” He finally stepped back and opened the door completely.
He gestured for us to come in. “Forgive me for not introducing myself, I’m
Nicholas Brandy.” He turned around and looked at me.

           
“Nice to meet you,” I nodded at him. I was unsure if he was a queer or just
excessively lavish, either way I didn’t want to give off the wrong message so I
kept my distance.

           
Inside the suite was a beautiful nightmare. Gorgeous women in expensive gowns
were on the couch, smoking with their eyes rolling into the backs of their
heads and laughing at one another about to cough up a lung. A prim and proper
young man in the restroom was on the ground, leaning against the bathtub with
his sleeve pulled up and something tied around his arm. He shut the door with
his foot when he caught me looking. On the table in the middle of the room,
three lines of white powder were waiting to be snorted. Three ways to use the
drug and instantly I knew it was Trioxytin. I nervously shoved my hand through
my hair,
really
wondering what the hell I had gotten myself into.

           
“I’ve never seen you around here, are you new?” Nicholas asked me, sitting at
the table and pouring a glass of liquor.

           
“He’s from college,” Chris snickered, setting down a cup of his own, waiting
for Nicholas to fill it.

           
“Not exactly, I grew up around here and went away for college. I’m back for law
school.” I answered, watching him.

           
“I’m in medical school, don’t we all just have bright futures ahead of us.” He
chuckled and snorted the first line, following it with the liquor he had just
poured. “Intensifies the burn.” He smiled. “So what’s going on, Timothy? You
want some of this or some for the road?”

           
“Some for the road, my girlfriend doesn’t like this kind of stuff.” Timmy shook
his head.

           
“She’d cut your balls off,” Chris snorted.

           
“Be quiet you idiot.” Timmy warned Chris. “And lay off of the liquor, you’re in
for one hell of a hangover you know that.” He jabbed a finger at Chris.

           
“Oh I know how that can be,” Nicholas rose and walked over to pick up a brief
case next to the couch. “What about you two?” He eyed me and Chris.

           
“Well he’s already fucked up,” I nodded at Chris. “But I’ll share with Timmy.”

           
Nicholas chuckled. “You
must
be new to this. One rock is enough for one
person.”

           
Feeling belittled, I reached in my pocket and pulled out two hundred-dollar
bills, smacking them on the table. “Two rocks, who am I paying?”

           
His eyes widened. “A man who knows what he wants.” He took a sip of his liquor,
eyeing me. Eventually he opened the briefcase and tossed a small bag filled
with two white rocks across the table.

           
“That’ll be two-fifty.” He said.

           
“Two-fifty!” I exclaimed. “Why? I thought it was a hundred each!”

           
“If you can’t afford it…” He trailed off, sipping his alcohol.

           
I threw more bills on the table, disgusted.

           
 He retrieved the money and stuffed it into the pocket of his suit.

           
“Didn’t mean for things to get so hasty, he has a temper.” Timmy laughed
nervously as he explained to Nicholas.

           
“I know how it gets, hopefully that makes it better.” Nicholas nodded at the
bag.

           
I picked it up and shoved it in my pocket.

           
“Thanks for
lookin
’ out brother.” Timmy said to
Nicholas.

           
“Anytime, Timmy you always know where to find me.” Nicholas smiled. “Is that
all I can do for you boys this evening?”

           
“Yeah that’s it,” Timmy nodded. “Thanks man.”

           
“It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Finley.” Nicholas cocked his head at me.

           
“Likewise,” I nodded. “Get Chris, let’s go.” I hissed at Timmy on my way out.

           
“What was with the temper, my man?” Timmy asked once all three of us were in
the hallway. “I thought you wanted to make some connections!”

           
“You didn’t tell me he was a queer and he scammed me!” I whispered as loud as I
could.

           
“He’s not a queer, Nicholas just swings whichever way feels right at the
moment.” Timmy defended. “But it was funny to see him hit on you.” He laughed.

           
I laughed and shoved him. “Well now I know for sure that he’s who I need to
look more into.”

           
Timmy nodded and held up his hand. “High five, good thinking, brother.” He
looked over at Chris. “Are you okay?”

           
“I feel fucking amazing,” Chris nodded, his eyes low.

           
“Like I said, lay off of the liquor.” Timmy reminded him. “Now let’s go enjoy
this party boys. Besides, I know Eva’s here tonight, that should really loosen
you up.” He nudged me and chuckled.

           
I couldn’t deny that, now that she and I were on good terms I wanted to show
her what a kind gentleman I could be. She sounded like the absolute most
perfect way to enjoy the night.

M
ama
shut and locked the door to the powder room and quickly began smoothing down my
edges and loose pieces of hair. She straightened up my strapless gown and made
sure the black satin gloves that sheathed my hands and forearms were pulled up
as high as they could go. I wanted to sock her in the face and go home.

           
“I don’t mean to be so forceful, baby, I just want you to look your best when
you meet Ray’s folks. Though, I can’t understand why you wore black; we wanna
give off the impression of bride not doom, darlin’.” She reminded me.

           
I assessed my dress in the mirror; it was a black, form-fitting gown that
flared out below the knees and was embellished with a gold jewel pattern across
the bust. The dark color of the dress favored my deep plum-colored lipstick.
“It’s Dubois, no one detests Dubois.” I responded in a flat tone.

           
My mother placed her hands on her hips and exhaled loudly, irritated.

           
I shrugged and eyed her in the mirror. “I don’t want to meet them anyways.”

           
Mama grabbed my shoulders and spun me around, looking me dead in the eyes. “Oh
Eva, don’t make me always remind you why it’s important that you do this.” She
pleaded.

           
I looked her dead in the eye, seething. “I’ll tell you why it’s important to
you
.
It’s because you sold me out.” I snorted. “Some mother you are.”

A
shocked expression took over her face.

Without
another word I grabbed my clutch and exited the powder room. She didn’t deserve
an explanation.

           
“Ladies, there you are.” Ray rose from a bench on the wall. He walked over and
linked his arm with mine. “My parents are waiting.”

           
I wanted badly to twist out of his arm and go in the opposite direction, but
with the New Members’ Ball in full effect, I wouldn’t have made it far in the
crowd.

           
“Smile, you’re
lookin
’ quite uncomfortable darlin’.”
My mother whispered in my ear.

           
I slapped an awkward smile on my face and figured it’d have to do; there was no
masking when I was upset.

           
Ray pulled me closer and leaned down to my ear. “Behave yourself, Eva-Marie.”

           
I shot him a burning glare but had no time for a feisty comeback. Smiling
politely, I reached my hand out to introduce myself to his parents. “Hello Mr.
and Mrs. Jackson, it’s so nice to meet you both.”

           
“God, she’s beautiful Ray. Turn around, let me see you girl!” Mrs. Jackson
hugged me and then held me out at arm’s length.

           
Flattered, I twirled around for her to see my dress.

           
“You know how to pick them, son.” Mr. Jackson patted his son’s back, speaking
as if Ray had just bought an item from the super market.

           
“Jackson family, good to see you here!” My father’s voice joined in. He stepped
forward, giving my mother a kiss and shaking the hands of the Jackson family.

           
“Percy, lovely daughter you have here.” Mr. Jackson said approvingly.

           
“Thank you,” I spoke up at the same time as my father. We looked at each other
and I smiled tightly. He pulled me in and kissed my forehead.

           
“She is a phenomenal young lady.” Daddy added, squeezing my shoulder.

           
“That she is,” Mrs. Jackson chimed in. “Ray I’d love to see a wedding with this
one, and
soon
.”

           
“I sure am working on it Mama.” Ray said taking a sip of his liquor and looking
at me.

           
Mrs. Jackson leaned closer to me. “He’s not getting any younger, dearie.”

           
I giggled nervously. “Would you please excuse me?” It was one thing to have all
of them in my face as if I was an animal at the zoo, but the wedding talk
would’ve surely sent me into a nervous breakdown. I grabbed a glass of wine and
finished it quickly.

           
“She’s a little hard to tame.” I heard Ray mumble as I walked away.

           
I shook my head, wanting to get as far away from him as possible.

           
“Look. At. You!” My southern belle of a best friend squealed when I approached
my circle of friends.

           
“No look at you all, everyone looks amazing!” I exclaimed, greeting them with
hugs and kisses.

           
“That dress is absolutely to
die
for!” Yvonne said as she felt on my
gown.

           
“Let’s see the shoes!” Sarah insisted eagerly.

           
I lifted my dress just enough for them to catch sight of my gold pumps,
grinning because I knew they’d all loved them when we saw them in the store a
few weeks back.

           
“Good Lord woman! I’d die to trade looks right now, mine was so last minute.”
Rita pouted.

           
I placed my hand on her shoulder. “Oh please Rita, you look gorgeous.”

           
“Plus she needs hers to impress Mr. Right.” Yvonne said, raising her eyebrows
suggestively.

           
“What’re you talking about?” I furrowed my eyebrows.

           
“We all know about Mr. Finley, Eva! You guys were so close the night of the
field party.” Sarah laughed. “But he hasn’t been spotted around tonight.”

           
“He’s here?” I asked, excited. If he looked heavenly in everyday clothes, I
couldn’t have imagined what he looked like all dressed up!

           
“Yes honey,” Yvonne purred.

           
“But what I
did
spot was you with Ray over there.” Kate eyed me with her
hands on her hips. “Remember who you came to impress.”

           
“Oh Kate, I didn’t come to impress anyone, I didn’t even know he’d be here.” I
laughed lightly and rolled my eyes. I reached for another drink before
explaining to the girls why I was with Ray and meeting his parents.

           
“
Marriage
?” Yvonne questioned in a disgusted tone.

           
“Why so soon?” Sarah looked concerned.

           
“Especially if you don’t even like him.” Rita shook her head.

           
I snorted, throwing back the rest of my drink. “It’s an extremely complicated
situation.” I reached for another glass. “Most of me is waiting for him to get
the hint that I’m not the least bit interested. But another part of me knows–”
I stopped when I realized they had traded listening for gawking at something
behind me. I furrowed my eyebrows and whirled around to see who or what they
were staring at.
Oh
.

           
It was as if he attracted my eyes immediately like magnets attracted metals –
my eyes had no choice but to land on him! There, closing in on his last steps
towards our group, was the
gorgeous
David Finley. My heartbeat quickened
and nervous heat prickled at my underarms. It felt as if my mouth had gone dry
and I surely had lost all train of thought. I mean, good
Lord
he looked
devilishly handsome! He donned a perfectly tailored, all black suit completed
with a black satin bow tie and his hair was slicked back with his facial hair
more tame than any other time I’d seen him. My mouth had dropped open slightly
yet I couldn’t find it in myself to close it.

           
Once he reached me, he lightly placed his hand on the small of my back and
leaned to my ear. “I’d slow down on the drinks, remember what happened at the
boat party?” He squeezed my hip and chuckled in my ear.

           
Oh good heavens, the feeling of his breath tickling my ear was enough to make
me lose it right then and there! However, I kept my composure. “Mr. Finley,
it’s a pleasure seeing you here.”

           
“Please, call me David.” He smiled. “And I must say there is absolutely no
greater pleasure than seeing you in this lovely gown this evening.” He bent
down to plant a gentle kiss on the back of my free hand.

           
My breath caught; I felt as if I was going to faint. I smiled in attempt to
cover up how badly he was getting to me. Was it possible for a
virgin
to
be
so
turned on?

           
“There you are lover-boy, I found him Chris!” Timmy’s voice broke into my budding
fantasy. He broke through my circle of friends to get to Kate. “I missed you so
much, baby.” He kissed her multiple times.

           
I watched with envy as they went back and forth on who missed who more than the
other.

           
“Good evening ladies, you already know our friend David.” Chris said when he
entered the circle.

           
“We sure do, Eva
definitely
wasn’t exaggerating when she told us how
handsome you are, David.” Yvonne gushed. I hadn’t said that but I knew what she
was doing.

           
“Is that what she said?” David raised his eyebrows and eyed me. “So you think
I’m handsome?” He asked in my ear.

           
I nervously fixed an imaginary flaw in my hair and avoided his intense eye
contact. “Very,” I mumbled, embarrassed.

           
He chuckled. “Ah you already know how I feel about your beauty, such a sight
for sore eyes.”

           
The compliment coming from anyone else would have gone in one ear and out the
other; however, coming from
David
made me feel like the most beautiful
and sensual being on the planet! David grabbed hold of a champagne flute filled
with water from a suited server and swiftly replaced the drink in my hand with
the water. Before I could protest, he drank the remains of my drink and handed
the empty glass to the server and looked anywhere but at me with a goofy grin
on his face, covering his mouth and pretending to listen to what my friends
were saying.

           
“You’re insane!” I hissed but I couldn’t help but smile.

           
“So David, tell us about yourself, we didn’t get to talk to you much the last
time.” Rita chirped up.

           
“I’m twenty-four and I attend law school.” He said simply.

           
“Oh tell us about how you met Eva!” Yvonne suggested eagerly. “I didn’t make it
to the field party to hear it! She wouldn’t give me anything.”

           
“Can we please not relive that horrendous story?” I pleaded, covering my face
with my hand.

           
“You already know he saved her,” Kate said. “Mr. Knight in Shining Armor!” She
nudged David’s shoulder.

           
“That’s my man!” Timmy hollered with pride.

           
“I just love to hear the story, it’s like a fairytale.” Sarah said with stars
in her eyes.

           
“Can we please not?” I whined.

           
“Oh come on Eva, it’s nothing to be ashamed of!” Yvonne tried to comfort me.

           
David laughed lightly. “So this is how the story goes…” He began.

           
I kept my hand over my face, embarrassed by the story of my stupidity.

           
“At an amazing party, thrown by my best friend’s girlfriend, there was this
girl. This girl was so out-of-this-world-beautiful that one look in her eyes
made me feel like I would do anything humanly possible that she asked of me, I
mean her eyes were simply hypnotic.” He paused for dramatic effect. “She
decided to go for a midnight swim and even though she didn’t ask me to join,
I’m the one who was crazy enough to do so…the end.” He finished.

           
I uncovered my eyes to see David gazing at me with a warm smile.

           
“Oh we want the real version!” Yvonne complained.

           
“Thanks for sparing me the embarrassment,” I mumbled to David.

           
“He is a gentleman that does not kiss and tell, ladies!” Chris defended his
best friend.

           
All of a sudden I felt a strong hand grab hold of my elbow and spin me around.
Ray, of course. “There you are, dammit Eva-Marie you can’t just keep
disappearing!”

           
I swallowed my hateful words and avoided eye contact with him. As much as I
hated him, I didn’t want to make him too upset. “I’m sorry.”

           
He assessed my group of friends and let his gaze linger on David. “Oh, you
again.” He put his hands on his hips. “What is it you want from her? I mean I
know you saved her life but come on!”

           
David chuckled and shook his head.

           
“By the way I’m sure Percy would
love
to know
you’re
here.” Ray
challenged.

           
My eyes widened. “No! No he wouldn’t.” Remembering the fury in my father’s eyes
when he had discovered David with me the day after the party gave me chills. I
didn’t want to be responsible for putting David through that again.

           
Ray was persistent. “Oh don’t be silly Eva-Marie.” He began leading me toward
my family. “Come on David, I mean this must be what you want, correct? An
apology from Percy for the misunderstanding, am I wrong?”