Chapter 3: One More Night

Winnie

I slowly make eye contact with Chandler.

Did you read my mind?

That's the question I want to ask.

However, that mischievous sparkle in his eye makes me rethink what happens next.

Honestly, I've never met anyone like you. A few minutes ago, I needed to cry because—now I can't stop thinking about the future. If I'm naughty and leave with you, will I have the time of my life?

I glance around the ballroom. I should ask Rick what to do. But, of course, he's like Daddy. He'll tell me only women looking for bad things to happen to them leave with strange men.

He chuckles. "Well?"

"Chandler, is it?"

"It is."

"Maybe I want to know more about you before I leave," I pause and wink at him, "with you, a total stranger."

"Trust me," Chandler tells me, "I only bite at your request."

I laugh. "Do I pick the area? You know, when I supposedly make this request."

Slowly, Chandler leans forward, acting like a crowd of people around us. Finally, he brushes his lips against my right cheek.

I feel the heat of his breath against my ear. I hold my breath with anticipation of a flirty remark. However, I'm already daydreaming of a kiss.

I briefly close my eyes. Sexual heat radiates between us, causing the ballroom—at least for me—to get hotter.

I open my eyes.

Chandler pulls away.

A tiny gasp mixed with a moan escapes me. Suddenly, all the disappointment I've felt in my life is no match for this moment.

We stare at each other.

Chandler's stare is intense and challenging.

I glace away.

My disappointment turns to anger and sexual frustration as I shift my stance. "No cute comment?"

"Well, are we blowing this joint or what?" His blue eyes twinkled.

This joint is my family's legacy.

I frown.

"How do you know about LaBelle?" I ask.

He frowns and blinks.

It's a little satisfying to think Chandler didn't expect that question.

"Let's say I'm a true fan of the brand." He glances around before speaking again, "Have you seen their cars? D*mn nice."

Okay, Chandler, you're speaking my language. "Yeah, and they are practical too—roomy and—"

He raises his hands in a surrender pose and quickly says with a troubled look, "Don't say 'practical' because it sounds like you're trying to sell a sedan to a man who wants the fast street-legal vehicle."

I press my lips together, trying not to laugh. "It sounds like you're not ready for marriage and kids."

Chandler shoves his hands into his black pants and leans forward. He studies me as if I'm a sculpture in a museum.

Nervously, I take a step back.

"Are you real?"

"According to Mother," I mumble, "I may be a hologram."

He frowns.

I dismissed my comment with a wave. "Of course, I'm a real person."

Chander leans back, still studying me. "What's your lastest role—wait—reality television, right?"

I make a face and squint at him.

Chandler smirks and leans back. Then, slowly, he nods as if he's thinking about something. "You're gorgeous, brilliant, and real—what a triple threat."

It's a split-second decision because I'm not into being logical right now. Besides, I haven't felt alive in a year.

I close the distance between us and unbutton his suit jacket. I study him for a few minutes before I say, "Let's blow this joint."

***

Chandler and I make our way through the crowd after we agree to meet outside. Although he offered to grab my coat for me, I declined because I wanted to catch up with Rick and let him know I'm leaving.

It takes me a few minutes, but I find Rick and Daddy huddled near the exit.

"The way he tore out of here, I need to take a headcount," Rick says, sounding frustrated.

When they see me, Daddy laughs.

Daddy tightly hugs me and comments, "See, nothing to knock heads over, Rick. How's my firecracker?"

Daddy, I've missed you so much, I want to tell him. But instead, I enjoy the hug.

When he lets me go, I kiss Rick on the cheek.

"Thank you, Rick, for making my dream come true. This gala turned out better than we envisioned when we were kids."

Rick softens. As he places his arm around my neck, he says, "that's what big brothers are for, Winnie."

Tears swell in my eyes as my body shakes. Rick's never visited me in Columbus.

Rick tightens his grip around me and kisses my temple. "Ah, little sis, I've missed you so much."

I pull away from him and study him. Gosh, he's so mature now.

As I giggle, I point to his face. "What's that?"

Rick proudly rubs his beard. "Like it?"

I shrug. "You'll have to give me a little time to decide."

I give Rick and Daddy quick hugs before moving away from them.

"Firecracker," Daddy asks, "would you mind staying here with me—a few minutes longer."

The request delights me. However, when I glance at Rick, I frown.

"Dad," Rick sharply says, not looking at Daddy.

Daddy sighs like a child caught doing something terrible. "Winnie, Abbygail will be here in a few. The two of you are in the same room, and we'll settle this nonsense—"

My breath catches in my throat.

It's not battle, Daddy. She's the one who is being a bitch.

She...

Instead of saying what's on my mind, I shake my head.

"Winsome," Daddy says in an authoritative tone, "you're twenty-four years old."

"Daddy, Mother's almost twice my age. What's your point?" I ask him without letting him speak. "Mother doesn't work at LaBelle but prohibits me from working—"

Daddy raises his hands in a surrender pose.

Rick hits his shoulder and comments, "You started it."

With a heavy sigh, I glance around and remember Chandler. Fear grips me. I hope he doesn't leave.

I move away.

Daddy grabs my arm.

"Hear me out," he pleads.

I look towards the exit, then at Daddy. I still need to get to the coatroom.

Is Chandler gone?