Page 6 of Fate In Fiction

“Emmett.” The mayor grabs my attention. “Let’s all have a seat, shall we?”

Dinner begins with light conversation as more people filter around the table. We manage to get through the appetizer with harmless small talk, but these other elite guys my age have been a drag. I sit at the far end and smile along politely.

Leaning back in my chair, I catch two redheads at the very end. They must be related to the mayor. The young girl keeps fidgeting and the older one lifts her arm onto the back of her seat to rub her shoulder. We’ve barely had the main course and I’m just as restless as the child, trying to figure out the purpose of this gathering. The older daughter keeps her gaze low as her eyes track the backs of each chair down the line. Her soft features are that of the girl next-store, mixed with the prim and proper lifestyle of the elite world.

My shoes must have caught her attention as I watch her eyes slowly trail up my body. Pausing at my waist, then traveling up my muscular arms. Her bottom lip tucks between her teeth, but I can’t read what’s going through her mind. Our eyes catch, but only for a nanosecond when she realizes I’ve caught her checking me out. Jerking her head back, she reaches for her water. I noticeably lean forward; I can’t help but notice how her blush matches her hair.

“Emmett, I’d love your thoughts on a community fundraiser.” I bring my focus back to the mayor, who’s seated at the center of the table across from me.

Fundraiser? Well, this night might check off another box for me.

“Given how Aspen is full of privileged people, I think a fundraiser for an outside community would be worthwhile. Maybe help a lower-income area and build a new community library or something.”

A fork clanks on a plate at the end of the table, drawing all eyes.

“You don’t say.” The mayor shoots an unreadable look my way before swaying his eyes to who I assume are his children. “My older daughter had a similar idea.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment to being on the right track, then.” I glance down the table, attempting to get a better look at her face, but she keeps herself hidden behind her sister. “Do any of you guys have objections?” Nothing but head shakes ensue, and I refrain from checking the time.

“We can work out the details of it later this week. My assistant will be in contact with yours.” Mayor Callahan sips his scotch.

“Call my direct office line.” Given the number of assistants I’ve had to fire for trying to sleep with me, I can’t promise I’ll have one when the call comes through.

“You’re enjoying Aspen?” I guess it’s my turn to be hit with the same questions the other guys answered during dinner.

“It’s beautiful.” I glance down the table to his wife and his two daughters, who all look less than unenthralled. “I have to admit, the weather has more whiplash than a political debate. I swear it gets off by keeping the people on their toes.” A small snort fills the room as everyone looks for the improper sound.

My eyes land on the little darlin’, who clears her throat and brings a napkin up to her lips. Huh, at least someone else can take a joke. Her profile sets off a familiar bell, but I can’t place where I’ve seen it.

“Thank you for laughing at my joke,” I call down to her end. “The embarrassment would have fallen on me if no one oinked.” She stays hidden at the very end, but the youngest giggles as her mother shoots her the same glare I received multiple times growing up. I shouldn’t be so invested in this redhead. They aren’t even my type. Especially women in the elite world.

Her mortified father grabs everyone’s attention, then proceeds to spend the next twenty minutes talking about himself and his family’s political history. Just when I think I’m about to nod off, I notice the two daughters stand, pushing out their chairs.

“Oh, yes,” the mayor announces as he sees the table distracted by the movement. “My youngest has a dance thing she cannot miss. Staying fit at a young age shows her commitment to her future husband, and to uphold a nice image while in the public eye.” It’s rude to call this guy an asshole, right?

“My eight-year-old niece is on a swim team, but I think at their age, they enjoy it for socializing with friends and having fun.” I wink at the little girl as a faint, nervous smile appears. “Physical health is important, but you need your mind healthy too, sweetie. You don’t want to end up hollow inside.” I might be overstepping, but I hear my mother’s voice in my head.

“You’ve got quite the comebacks tonight.” The mayor laughs boastfully, but I sense his unease with how I speak my mind.

“We didn’t become successful billionaires on looks alone.” I wink and shoot him my charming smile. “We’d burn out pretty quick if we didn’t feel fulfilled in all aspects.” The older sister faces part of the table, but purposely won’t look my way.

“It was lovely to attend dinner with you all tonight,” the older sister begins, speaking in what sounds like her soft, meant-to-be-formal voice. “My sister and I have other commitments to attend, so we shall be on our way.” Who fucking talks like that at that age? Elite posh woman do, that’s who. For a moment, I thought she was cool, maybe even someone I could be interested in. With a sweet, and seemingly fake smile, she links arms with her sister and leads past the large double doors of the dining room.

Her actions trigger my mind to put together why she looks so familiar as she walks away. She was at the bistro the other day with the friend I rejected. She knows damn well who I am, so why is she not looking at me? Is she holding a grudge against me because I turned her friend down? If she asked me out, I don’t think my response would have been the same. Now that I know who she is, though… Whatever, she can keep the posh friends and life. I’m done with those types of women.

The mayor continues on with the fundraiser planning, and his wife cuts in, giving a design speech about why she chose so much yellow for their house. As the night goes on, I find that the two empty seats at the end leave me bored. Once that sinks in, I only stay for a few more minutes, thanking them for dinner and bolting out the door to find Hanson and my car.

* * *

It’s Friday afternoon, and the elevator dings on the lobby floor as I step out after a long day. The dark wooden floors of this ritzy cabin-themed hotel hold my gaze, and lead me to the lounge bar for a quick drink. I need to let out some frustrations that the gym wasn’t able to burn off. My parents checked in once this week, still reminding me that what I am doing is great, but still not good enough. Maybe if I was parented the same way my older siblings were, I wouldn’t have been such a disappointment. A quick rant with my favorite bartender and only friend in the area, if it’s not too busy, should do the trick.

Clyde, even though he is a few years younger, has become my therapist of sorts over the past few months. He listens, and somehow has decent advice for someone who spends his days hitting the slopes between bartending.

The lounge is thankfully empty besides a few couples having dinner, as well as the redhead who has spent the past couple of days in the chair facing the fire, avoiding all people. Her pale legs catch my eye, and for some damn reason, the universe keeps throwing redheads in my face. Her book lowers as she turns the page, and my heart does a strange flip. The mayor’s daughter? Questions filter through my mind, but especially about her attire. A chunky sweater wraps around her body and my male brain kicks in, thinking about how long the sweater is since she’s not wearing pants.

What the hell is wrong with me? She’s not my type. Little Miss Perfect with a clean image in high society. Acting all smart and cute and drowning in a book.

Pass.