3
RAVEN
It’sa beautiful estate on a large piece of land farther away from the shore. The manicured landscape is outstanding and the enchanting lights make it glow against the backdrop of the starry night.
The weather is breezy tonight, and the air is less warm than during the day, but my short trip from my ride to the entrance, where dozens of people wait in line to walk inside, makes it impossible to feel the cold.
I’m nervous as I observe the sea of tuxedos and evening gowns.
This is more than a casual Monday night gathering.
One of Robert Walker’s best friends has organized the event, and we’re here to celebrate his daughter’s birthday and her upcoming nuptials.
The party wasn’t on my schedule, and I wouldn’t have attended it had I been on a plane and returned home this morning.
So in a way, it’s my fault that I’m here. I’m saying it lightly, with a smile on my lips.
I love that I’m here, despite being jittery and not knowing what to expect.
My jaw is locked when I stroll in.
An abundance of light cascades from the crystal chandeliers in the lobby. The house's open layout is filled with sparkling dresses, bright smiles, and twinkling eyes.
The tables are lavishly adorned with flowers and candles.
I’d say this was a wedding if I didn't know any better.
I grab a glass of wine from a server, sip, and look around.
I spot my group, Kai’s father, Ted Sloane, Marietta, who wears a lovely green-blue dress, and an unfamiliar woman at Robert’s side.
I feel for Shauna and question her decision to continue her affair with this man.
I move my eyes away. The three men I’m searching for are not here, so I find a seat at a table and begin eating.
The host wants to make a toast, and the people get quiet. We all listen when a few cars pull up in front of the house.
I shift my eyes that way and take in the new guests.
Alejandro’s shoulders grab my attention first.
He has his back turned to me and talks to Francisco whose face is out of my line of sight, and Kai is nowhere to be seen.
The two men wear tuxedos, their dark hair swept back. As if sensing my stare, Alejandro glances over his shoulder.
Oh, my… His eyes find mine, a small smile flickering in them, and my heart flutters a little. Francisco tilts his head to the side to peer at me from behind his friend’s athletic silhouette.
The effect he has on me is immediate. His eyes sparkle like the purest gemstones when he tilts his chin and acknowledges me with a grin.
I give them both a small wave.
They resume their conversation, no longer looking at me, while my gaze slides back to the entrance. A white car pulls in.
It’s Kai’s Cadillac.
I know for a fact, although anyone could be in that car.
My heart races and skips beats, giving me a weird sensation of butterflies in my chest and my throat.