Page 29 of Until

In the center of the circular driveway is a fancy frame pattern that reminds me of my grandmother’s scrapbooks.

Odessa stops the car directly in front of the house’s arched entryway and puts it in park.

“No, not park, drive.” I try to move the shifter to drive, but she smacks my hand away. “I shouldn’t be here. We have to go. This is a really bad idea.”

“What are you talking about? He’s expecting you. You said you’d do this. Tonight’s the ball. You have to get ready.”

By the garage, I notice a dark blue minivan with Jerry, Nakia, and Tom deep in conversation as they carry boxes into the house.

My stomach sinks.

“I can’t believe they’re here already,” I say, pointing at them. “They dressed me last time and did my hair and makeup.” I sigh as I wrap my arms around myself. “I know I didn’t tell you, but I changed my mind. I’m only here to tell Alex I can’t do this. I can’t hurt someone like he wants me to. One of the reasons I asked you to drive is so I wouldn’t be stuck out here.”

Odessa’s face is covered with confusion. I can see her trying to work out what’s going on in her mind, but something isn’t connecting for her. She shakes her head. “What about Lydia?”

“I know, but I’m thinking maybe there’s something else I can do for him instead. I think it’ll be better if I tell him in person. Maybe we can work out something. Like maybe he needs an assistant or…” I look around at the ornamental trees, the grass, and the tree-lined driveway. “a landscaper.” I grin at Odessa, then stop and shake my head. It’s just like me to make stupid comments when I’m nervous. “Sorry about that."

“Now isn’t the time for jokes,” she says. “Why haven’t you said anything about this sooner? Does Lydia know?”

“No, she doesn’t know. I can’t tell her anything that might stress her.” I shift in my seat to face Odessa better. “Here’s the thing, I was uncomfortable the first time with the dress and everything. And… well, I did things I’m not very proud of. That guy, the man in the mask, I can’t even explain it, but I lost my head around him. I can’t feel that way and do what Alex wants me to do. It’ll hurt too much. Plus, I don’t know what Alex is thinking; that man in the mask isn’t going to fall for someone like me.”

“But your grandmother. You made this deal.”

“I know. Trust me, I know. Alex has done so much for her that I can never repay him. But we talk every so often now. He calls to see how she’s doing and makes sure everything is going well. He’s not as bad as he seemed before. I think I can reason with him.”

“There’s no reasoning with someone like him,” she says. “Listen, I know you don’t have a lot of real-world experience, but you have to know that there are a lot of bad people in the world. And from where I come from, if you don’t pay your debts, they’ll find another way to get what they’re owed.”

“Alex isn’t like that.”

“You sure? How do you even know?”

I don’t. I know nothing about Alex. I shift in my seat and look at his home. His mansion. I don’t belong in a place like this.

I think back to the ball and all those people dressed up and enjoying themselves as if they go to parties like that every day. Those are the kind of people who pull up to a monstrosity like this and call it home. Not me.

I’m in over my head.

“Can we just go?” I ask, turning to Odessa again. “I’m sorry to drag you all the way out here, but I can’t even be here.”

“Umm, I think it’s a little too late for that,” she says before flicking her eyes behind me. “You never told me what he looks like.”

“Huh?” I turn around and see Alex standing in the doorway, his blue eyes staring directly at me, into me. His face is stoic, showing no emotion. He’s dressed in a suit as usual, and his feet are planted firmly on the step as he slides his hands into his pockets. “Crap, yeah, that’s him.”

“He’s cute,” she says.

Reggie comes out from behind him and rushes over to the car.

“I’m so sorry, miss,” he says as he opens my door. “I didn’t realize you had arrived.”

I can’t tear my eyes from Alex’s. It’s as if he’s staring into my soul, and I feel suddenly naked. I wonder what’s going on in his head. Why is he like this? Why do I feel like this?

Reggie reaches his hand out to me, and I take it as I climb out of the car.

“Yeah, don’t mind me,” Odessa says as she gets out of the car.

Reggie glances over to her. “My apologies, Miss Odessa.”

Her brow shoots up but then relaxes as she reaches me, giggling.

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