Page 32 of The Heir

Green's the Color of Envy

"Chris,come on!"I whine, placing my hands on my hips as I tap my toe on the carpet of our bedroom.

Christopher is in the middle of brushing his short waves, taking extra care with his grooming tonight. I've thrown every fucking tie he owns on the bed and don't see a single one that'll match my dress. I'm in the middle of scowling, trying to pick through one or two choices that might look complimentary to me when I feel my mood soured even more by his next words.

"It'sChristopher, Isobel. You know I like you to call me by myfull name."

I purse my lips and roll my eyes in response, choosing to not let it hurt me that he doesn't let me have any nicknames for him, or even just shorten his first name.

"I told you that you needed to pick a dark green tie up for this event. What happened?" I continue to complain. Looking through the pile again, I suck my teeth in annoyance, not seeing any color that works with my dress.

"I'm going to wear the red tie."

I gasp."Red?Christopher, we'll look like a Christmas tree if you show up with a red tie on!" I sit on the bed and put my head in my hands, heaving a disappointed sigh.

If my mother is correct, and this is the night that he's going to propose, then that's the engagement pictures I'm going to get. Us looking like a damn Christmas tree.

Well, maybe he won't propose tonight,I think to myself, the prospect making me feel a bit better. Yes, he can propose another night.

Inwardly I debate the way I don't feel terribly disappointed, and as I muse upon that, King's face suddenly appears in the forefront of my mind. How he was holding me this morning, the way his fingers brushed over my hand as we talked and he asked me what my answer to Christopher would be.

I told him the truth, I really do not know. What bothers me is that it should be a resounding yes, but it'snot.

And why can't I stop thinking about King?

Christopher doesn't seem to mind that I've been alone in my thoughts. He pulls on his suit jacket and leans forward, snagging the red tie out of the stack and beginning to thread it.

"Here," I say softly. "Let me." I place my hand on his chest and smile at the little grin he gives me. He leans forward and kisses my cheek softly.

"It's okay. See, already done." Christopher steps back, smooths his tie down his chest and turns picking up his phone that's vibrating. I see him check the message before he puts it back on the night stand face down. "Are you ready to go?" he asks in a matter of fact, almost bored tone, eyeing me up and down as I'm sliding on my high heels.

"Yeah I'm ready," I say, thinking he's going to compliment me on my dress. However, he turns, silently headed out the bedroom door."Hey,"I call back playfully, determined to keep us happy and connected. "You didn't even say what you think." I hold my arms out slightly and do a little spin, causing my cape to spin out behind me. It's such a chic dress, and I've been waiting so long to wear it that it would have been nice to hear him compliment me.

Say I'm pretty.

Something.

His eyes roam down my body. "You look good," he says flatly. My eyes are on his back as he exits the room without another word.

"Oh, okay…." I trail off, blinking in confusion. As I reach over to get my clutch I see my phone light up with a text.

Did you say yes?-King

Rolling my eyes I bite back a smile. King is apparentlysonosy, and what an interesting character defect for a man such as him. I wonder if this is his Achilles heel, or if his nosiness is only applicable to me and my life.

At the thought of him possibly enquiring into another woman's life I feel a twinge of jealousy.

A feeling I have no right to have.

What's it to ya?-Isobel

Let's just call it curiosity.-King

Do you know that curiosity killed the cat?-Isobel

No one's taking me down baby. Answer the question please.-King

Just so you know, I'm totally rolling my eyes. No, he hasn't asked yet. We're still at home, we're about to leave now, nosy.-Isobel

---