“Have you met my mother?”
I laughed at Henry’s subtle joke about his mother. I heard of Mrs. Robinson’s queen bee character, but I never thought she extended it to her grown-up children.
“Thank you for giving me the perfect excuse to depart this event,” Henry extended his gratitude once more.
“I need to see a friend.” I excused myself as I left his presence. Camille was still scouting the crowd, probably wondering where I was.
I could feel Henry look at me as I walked away. Camille turned around just in time. She pulled me in for a tight hug as if I had saved her from being alone.
“You look good,” Camille said, taking a second look at me.
“You look better,” I replied. “Who is your mysterious date?”
Camille looked like she was about to say the heaviest word on earth. I raised my brows, demanding she tell me about her new date.
“Troy Robinson,” she finally spilled. Then, a few seconds later, Troy Robinson snatched Camille from my presence.
I was not sure what Troy was up to with my best friend, but whatever it is, I hoped he wouldn’t shatter her heart into pieces. Men like Troy and Henry don't marry the people they love. Just like I was matched with Henry by our parents, I was sure that Troy had been matched with someone. Whatever Troy was doing with Camille, I hoped he stopped before it was too late.
I looked around once more. The event I loved so much suddenly looked plain and without substance. I wondered if the event had lost its salt, or if I had outgrown it. I didn't see Henry where I had left him anymore. He had finally convinced his mother to let him leave.
I finally saw my sisters together as they gossiped about what other people were wearing. I turned to the door and walked out into the warm evening summer wind. I stopped by the stairs in the east wing: someone was sitting quietly on the top stair. His brown hair was unmistakable. Henry Robinson hadn’t dared leave the event just yet.
“I thought you left already.” I sat beside Henry on the huge stairs, looking far into the dark sky.
“I didn’t.” Henry’s gaze was also fixed on the sky. “Why are you here? I thought you liked the party.”
“My best friend has a date, and my sisters are better off alone,” I replied. “So, I'm all alone.”
“Do you want to curse the man who took your best friend’s attention?”
I chuckled, “He is your brother.” I laugh more when I see the surprise on his face.
Henry seemed surprised to hear that his brother had brought a date to the event. Troy Robinson was a career-driven man with little to no interest in women.
“I left the hall to get away from you.” Henry’s husky voice sounded deeper. “Yet you found me here, Amelia.”
“Why do you want to get away from me?”
“Because you make me want to do things,”
“What sort of things?”
Henry’s gaze rested on mine. His eyes carried a deep mystery I wanted to unwrap. They drew me to him like a metal to a magnet. He pushed my hair behind my ear as if he wanted to get a clearer view of my face. My heart pounded as his finger moved across my face.
“Do you want to get out of here?” Henry said as he leaned forward. “Let me show you my room – and other things.”
Henry’s breath didn’t smell of alcohol, so he couldn’t be drunk. We were two people drawn together by a lonely evening.
“Spend the evening with me, Amelia,” Henry asked politely. “I’d like to get to know you better.”
Henry's green eyes searched for answers. "I'd like to know you better, too."
Henry's thumb brushed my lips as he stood up. He took my hand and we walked down to his parked car. Henry's driver emerged from the dark, holding the door open for us. I thought I couldn't be impressed by interior decoration until Henry led me into his home. As I stepped inside, my breath caught in my throat. The space was a symphony of luxury, a sanctuary of abundance that left me utterly entranced. The walls were adorned with rich, dark wood paneling that exuded timeless elegance. Soft, golden lighting cast a warm, inviting glow throughout, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and allure. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystals glistening like stars in the night sky, adding to the room's romantic setting.
My gaze was drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows that framed a lightened view of the city skyline.
Made of the finest silk, the curtains blew gently in the breeze as if inviting the outside world to share in our secret. We were impatient to spend more time; so, Henry led me to the bedroom. The huge bed truly stole the show. A massive, plush king-sized bed dominated the room, its satin sheets and velvet throw pillows beckoned like a throne of passion. The headboard, intricately carved with ornate designs, seemed like a work of art in its own right, adding to the sense of extravagance.