Royal Pain in the Ass, page 24
“So, you’re going to England?”
“That’s the plan.”
“Why?”
“I might have found a link to my mother.”
“Why does that even matter? She's dead. It's that simple.”
“Because, Chase, I want to know. I just do.”
“You shouldn’t go.”
“Chase, you really don’t get to tell me what I should do anymore.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“Not your concern.”
“Come on, Jules.”
“No Chase, you lost your right to give me input when you fucked my friend.”
“Are you still bitching about that?”
“Chase, how stupid are you really?”
“It was just sex. It’s not like I actually like them.”
“Them?”
“I mean Hailey.”
“You lying sack of shit.”
“Jules, really? Name calling?”
“Chase, why are you here, anyway?”
“I can’t believe you’re leaving.”
“I’m not going to be gone forever. Besides, you decided I didn’t matter enough to you when you started cheating.”
“Jules, you know I love you.”
“Chase, it isn’t enough.”
“Jules, what do I have to do to fix this?”
“You can’t fix this, Chase. You broke us. You can’t get back the trust you broke. If you wanted more than I was giving you, you could have done things differently. You didn’t, deal with it. You made your decisions, you deal with the consequences.”
“Jules, what was I supposed to say? I don’t get enough of you, don’t go see your dying mom?”
“You could have asked for a break.”
“Jules, I don’t want to lose you.”
“You already have.”
“I want to get you back.”
“And people in Hell want ice water.”
“Damn it, Jules!” Chase slammed his fist into the wall. “Let me make it up to you.”
“Chase, we’ve discussed this. I can’t trust you.”
“I can fix this! Just fucking let me!”
“Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.”
“Jules, I’m not going to let you go.”
“Chase, I’m done having this conversation. Can I count on you to take me to the airport or do I need to find another ride?”
“I’ll take you.”
“Good, now I need to finish packing, if you aren’t going to annoy the piss out of me, you can stay, otherwise, it’s time for you to leave.”
“It’s good to see you sober.”
“Chase, I’m not having this conversation with you either.”
“I felt so responsible, for everything that happened to you.”
“Chase, you can leave.”
“I’m going to find a way to make it up to you. I’m never going to let this go.”
“Get out, Chase.”
“I’ll come get you in the morning.”
“Kay, bye now.”
“I love you.”
“Get out.”
“That’s about where the headlines picked up.” I finished with Xavier.
Xavier shook his head. “I can’t believe it.”
“Which part?”
“That he really believed he could treat you that way and that you would still be his.”
I shrugged. “Chase and I had an interesting relationship. It worked while we were both being honest. When there is no trust there can’t be anything else, either.”
“That is understandable.”
“During that time that we were together, I got close with Chase’s family. His mother was a sweetheart and his brothers were pretty cool. His father I only saw when he was campaigning. I’m part of what won the election for him. I earned him the rebellious youth vote as his publicist put it.”
“Interesting.”
I shrugged. “If it will make Mrs. Evans happy, I’m willing to let Chase apologize. I really liked Georgia. She was always so nice and accepting to me.”
“So you aren’t just going to appease Chase?”
I shook my head. “If it will get Chase to leave me alone, I’m alright with him apologizing. It will earn his father a few nods of approval, and hopefully I’ll be done with them for good.”
Xavier sighed, defeated. “I don’t suppose I can assuage you in any way?”
I shook my head. “My mind is made up.”
Xavier nodded. “Very well, then I would like to escort you.”
“I’d like that.”
“What is the dress code?”
“It’s like a ball.”
“Very well, I shall have my tux pressed.”
“Kay, I’m picking my own dress this time.”
“Was your last dress not to your liking?”
“No, I loved it, but I get to choose now. It’s that simple.”
“You will never stop fighting, will you?”
I shook my head. “Not til I’m dead. Oh, and you might also get to meet my grandparents.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“I look forward to it.”
“Well, I have a lot of work to do before Saturday.” I closed myself in my bedroom and called the one and only lovely Lillian.
Chapter XXVIII
Saturday came faster than I wanted to. I was more nervous than I wanted to admit. Lillian came through and made me a gorgeous knee length apple green halter dress. Lillian was a good friend of mine I used to party with back in the day but she was well on her way to being a fashion designer.
“Are you ready?”
“Yeah,”
“Why exactly are you driving?”
“Because I want to be able to leave whenever I want.”
“And they would hinder this?”
“I’ve known the Evans for a while, they’re not bad people, but Senator Evans is known for getting his way.”
“I see. You look lovely, by the way.”
“Thank you.”
I got in and drove to Chase’s house. Chase’s house kind of reminded me of my father’s estate, but on a much smaller scale. A valet parked it and Xavier escorted me inside.
“Name?”
“Juliet Benn.”
“And who is your guest?”
“My date.”
“I have you listed at Chase Evan’s date.”
“Your list is wrong.”
“The list is never wrong.”
“Then how about we ask Richard his opinion?”
“Senator Evans?”
“Who else would know for certain?
“Is there a problem?” came a smooth voice that I wanted to punch.
“Why am I listed as your date?” I growled.
“Because you are.”
“No, I’m not. Xavier is my date.” I snipped. “If this is a problem then I’ll leave right here, right now.”
“Ah, my mistake, let them in Gunther.” We made our way in about ten paced when Chase grabbed my arm and pulled me aside. “What the fuck was that?”
“Let go of me Chase, you’re hurting me.” I growled back.
“Why are you embarrassing me?” Chase squeezed my arm and a moment later Xavier was between us, shielding me behind him.
“Keep your hands to yourself and do not ever lay hands on a lady again, especially not this one.” Xavier warned. “You are lucky she agreed to this, if she were sensible you would already be back in police custody. I do believe your prison system loves women beaters.” Xavier’s arm went around my shoulders and he led me away. “This is why I didn’t want you to come.” He whispered to me. “I worry about things like that happening.”
I nodded.
“What would you have done had I not intervened?”
I shrugged. “Chase would have stopped before I made a scene, but I don’t really know. I’m not sure who Chase is anymore.” I replied as I rubbed my arm.
“Are you hurt?” Xavier gingerly took my arm and examined it. “If he touches you again, I will make a scene, this will be a police crime scene. Do I make myself clear?”
“Xavier,”
“No, Juliet. I will not move my opinions on this one.”
I nodded knowing he was right. Something about Chase frightened me. He made me weak in ways that no one else could. He was definitely dangerous for me.
“Thank you.” Xavier sighed and pulled me into a hug.
“Juliet,” came a gruff bark. I turned to see Senator Richard Evans. He’d gained weight around the middle since we’d last spoken. His black hair was also showing a great deal more grey, especially around his ears, but it was still cut into a short military cut. Richard was a large man, he was used to being the biggest and the strongest. He towered over me and offered a large meaty hand.
“Senator Evans,” I replied cordially. He shook my hand and offered it to Xavier.
“Xavier Lewis.”
“Ah, never heard of you. Who did you come here with?”
“Juliet.”
Senator Evans gave me a confused sideways look. “Juliet? I thought you were coming with my son.”
I shook my hand. “No, Chase asked me if he could apologize for the sake of your campaign.”
Senator Evans nodded. “Very well, so why is he here?”
“Because for one, I invited him, for another I’m entitled to bring a date.”
“You’re Chase’s date.”
“No, I’m really not. Nor do I have any intention of being so.”
Senator Evan’s beady green eyes narrowed on me. “Oh really?”
“Senator what do you think this is, exactly?”
“We shall see. Good evening, make yourselves at home.” On that note, Senator Evan left us to go mingle with other guests. Xavier and I had a few minutes to ourselves when Chase’s eldest brother, Richie came and found us.
“Juliet?”
“Richie!” Richie pulled me into a hug. He had the same blonde hair as Chase, but with honey brown eyes. “How are you?”
“Better than you’ve been. I can’t apologize enough for what my brother did.”
I shrugged. “It’s not your fault Chase can be a dunderhead.”
Richie started laughing, it was a rich, rolling laugh that was contagious. “Dunderhead? Really? That’s what you call him? Oh I’ve missed you. You remember Elsie, right?” Richie’s wife, Elsie. She was drop dead gorgeous. She had beautiful curly blonde hair that was carefully piled in a neat bun atop her head. She was warm and gentle and everything that complimented Richie. Elsie had always been kind to me.
“Elsie, you look just as gorgeous as ever.” I smiled and she pulled me into a hug too.
“You look good darling. When Chase told us what happened we were all so worried. I’m glad you’re doing better now.”
I nodded. “Yes, things are much better for me now.”
“Good to hear.”
“It looks like things are well for you two as well. I swear Elsie, you look like you’re glowing.” I smiled and then her cheeks flushed and her hand went to her stomach. “Oh my god, are you?”
She bit her lip and smiled.
“Oh my god! Congratulations!” I wide grin broke across Richie’s face.
“Thanks, we’re so excited.”
“How far along are you?”
“Only nine weeks, it’s still early. We haven’t announced it yet.” Elsie whispered. “We don’t want anyone to know yet.”
I nodded. “Got it. You two are going to be great parents.”
“I hope so.”
“Who is your friend?”
“This is Xavier. Xavier, this is Chase’s oldest brother Richie and his lovely wife, Elsie.”
Richie shook Xavier’s hand and gave him a strange look. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Ladies, would you excuse us for a moment?”
Richie led Xavier off for a moment and Elsie and I caught up. I was surprised how much time had passed when they returned. They’d been gone almost a half an hour.
“Well, Juliet, I hope everything keeps going well, but I’ve been neglecting my other guests, I must be off. Take care.”
“What were you two talking about for so long?”
“Just politics.” Xavier replied smoothly, not looking me in the eye. “Should we begin heading to the tables?”
I nodded. “Sure. Let’s go.”
To my displeasure, I had a seat right next to Chase at the Senator’s table. They tried to seat Xavier elsewhere, when I decided I would go to the table Xavier was at anyway, they made room for him. This was going to be a long night. I could feel it now.
We took our seats and it wasn’t long before everyone was seated. Xavier was to my right, unfortunately, Chase was to my left.
“Glad you could come, babe,” Chase whispered.
“I’m not your babe.” I snipped back.
“You know what I meant.”
“Yes, that’s why I said what I said.”
“Oh Jules,” Chase shook his head smirking. “You’re still the same.”
“No, Chase, I’m really not. I’m different from what you remember.”
“I like it.”
“Well, stop.”
I noticed the tension in Xavier’s jaw, the way he pointedly wasn’t looking at us, but watching from his peripheral vision. I jumped when a hand touched my leg. I glared at Chase and took his hand off of me.
“Don’t touch me.” I growled. I noticed Xavier’s eyes watching Chase like a hawk. While his face looked pleasant, I knew it was a mask. I could see the dangerous look in his eye.
“Or what?” Chase breathed and I shuddered. It was out of disgust, but he took it another way. “I knew you couldn’t resist me.”
“The only thing I’m currently resisting is the urge to vomit. Keep your hands and every other part of you off of and away from me.” I was relieved when the first course came. It gave me an excuse to ignore Chase.
“Are you alright?” Xavier whispered to me.
I shook my head. “Not really. I think this was a bad idea.”
Xavier nodded. “Well, I’ll be right here all night. Don’t worry. You have me for whatever you need.”
I smiled. “Thank you. You have no idea how comforting that thought is right now.”
Xavier’s hand found mine under the table and I couldn’t explain it but I suddenly felt more relaxed. I didn’t question it, I just went with it.
Chase kept trying to make sly little moves under the table which I continued to shoot down. It was tolerable until Senator Evans stood to make a speech.
“Ladies and gentleman, I’m so glad all of you could make it tonight. Tonight, I am pleased to inform all of you, that I will be running for reelection.” He paused for applause. “Now, this is the start for another long journey and I hope to have all of your support once again. I would like to congratulate my son, Richard, for following in my footsteps. He’ll be running for Congress as well.” Richie looked a little sheepish but smiled politely and waved. “Congratulations son, my second son, Harrison will be graduating Harvard Law next semester with honors, unfortunately it’s about time for midterms so he couldn’t join us. My third son, Chase, has seen the error of his ways and has happily agreed to begin his life anew with his fiancé, Juliet.”
“What?” I hissed at Chase.
“It’s alright, sweetie. They can all know, it doesn’t have to be a secret anymore.” Chase purred.
“Excuse me, Senator,”
“Juliet, it is not polite to interrupt.”
“I would hate for you to be misinformed though.” I replied in the most polite voice I could muster. “I am not now, nor have I ever been your son’s fiancé.”
“Juliet, you’re embarrassing me,” Chase hissed.
“You’re embarrassing yourself.” I snapped back.
“Juliet, we will discuss this later. Please sit down.” Senator Evans warned through clenched teeth. “As I was saying,”
“If you’ll excuse me,” I snipped and stood and walked away from the tables. I was so angry right now. Really? Really Chase? Did he seriously think he could just decide something like that? What the fuck was wrong with him?
Someone grabbed my arm. “Juliet, you are embarrassing my family.” Chase snarled at me. “Get your ass back in there and stop making a scene.”
“I warned you not to touch her again.” Came Xavier’s bass rumble. I looked at Xavier and saw the rage on his face. “Remove your hands from her or I will do it for you.”
“Oh yeah? You think you’re a big man?”
“Chase,” I looked up to see Senator Evans. “You better check yourself. Juliet, a word?”
“Anything you have to say, you can say in front of Xavier.”
“Juliet, you don’t want this conversation in public.”
“No sir, you don’t. You want this conversation kept quiet.”
“Juliet, I’m warning you.”
“Senator, I sincerely hope you are not threatening me.”
“Juliet, you have singlehandedly ruined my son’s hopes for a career and his life. I hope you’re happy.”
“How did I ruin his life?”
“You broke that boy. There was once a time where I believed I could look past your tattoos and radical ideas,”
“Radical ideas? Like what?”
“Don’t interrupt, it’s not becoming of a lady, oh never mind, look who I’m talking to.”
“Excuse me?” I started, feeling the rage boiling.
“I am going to ask you to refrain from such comments.” Xavier growled. “We are all civilized adults, let us act like it.”
“Xavier, you and I are civilized, Juliet, on the other hand, is far from that.”
“Juliet, is far more civilized than you or your son.” Xavier growled.
“Senator, your son has ruined his own life. He’s the one who chose to spiral down with drugs. He’s the one who chose to lead a piss poor excuse of a wannabe C list band. He’s the one who tried to beat me to death. Your son made these bad decisions, not me. It’s not my fault he is the way he is.”
“I will not tolerate you slandering my son’s name.”
“I’m not slandering if I’m telling the truth.”
“Juliet, how much have you had to drink tonight?” Chase smirked.
“Not a drop,”
