I had picked it because it was modest yet pretty, classy but it still had a slight edge to it because of the sheer sleeves and the hemline that ended just above my knees. I kept my makeup simple and classic to match the dress. I applied a touch of mascara and eyeliner, the faintest hint of blush and my favorite nude lipstick to finish off the look. I slipped on my black pumps and let my hair fall loosely around my shoulders before walking out into the living room where I knew Devlin was waiting for me.
He stood up the moment I entered, and I could tell he was nervous. Though I wasn’t sure if he was nervous on my account or because of this dinner party with his parents and all their fancy friends. I didn’t feel overly bad about his nervousness however. He had brought it on himself.
“You look… breathtaking,” Devlin said.
“Thank you,” I replied coldly, as we headed out the door.
I didn’t walk with him. Instead, I walked ahead, and Devlin had walk behind me. I had spent the entirety of the day in my room trying to come to terms with everything I had learned. I had spoken to mom and Seth, and both had given me their advice.
Mom told me that it was my decision entirely and that only I could make it because I was the only one who really knew Devlin. Seth had been less forgiving, however. He was pissed off that Devlin had lied to me and he was ready to help me move out of the apartment immediately. But when I explained to him that I couldn’t give up on Devlin just yet, he had surprisingly backed off.
I had heard Devlin leave the apartment at one point during the day and that was when I had snuck into the kitchen for lunch and a stretch of my legs. But I had wanted to spend the day alone, so the moment I heard Devlin’s key in the door, I had headed back to my room and locked the door. The time alone had helped, and to his credit, Devlin had allowed me that space. I knew he wanted to talk to me, and it was probably killing him to keep silent, but he was doing it because he knew it was what I needed.
Devlin led me to a car parked on the street just outside our building. I looked at him and frowned. “Where did you get the car?” I asked.
“It’s Zack’s,” Devlin told me. “I borrowed it for tonight. I didn’t want you to have to walk around in heels and take the subway all dressed up like that.”
It was a thoughtful gesture and just typical of the kind of man Devlin was. It softened me up a little, but I didn’t want him to know that just yet. He held the door open for me, and I got into the passenger’s seat. It was nice to be driven, and I actually enjoyed the ride to Devlin’s parents’ house. When he finally pulled to a stop, I glanced out the window, and my eyes went wide.
“That is where your parents live?” I asked.
“Yes.”
The house looked more like a mansion to me. It was a massive, two-story house with a remote-controlled gate and a sprawling lawn inside. I was immediately glad I had taken such pains with my appearance tonight. The house alone was intimidating as hell; I could only imagine that Devlin’s parents would only be a stronger reflection of their home.
Devlin rang the doorbell, and a few moments later a maid answered. I knew immediately she was a maid because she had on a uniform… just like in the movies. I couldn’t help glancing over at Devlin who gave me a little smile and pushed me into the house with his hand on the small of my back.
The maid showed us to the ‘drawing room’ as she called it, but there was no one there. There was a drink cart set up to one side with a dozen different options.
“Oh my God,” I said, turning to Devlin as the maid disappeared. “This is crazy.”
“I told you.”
“No, you did not tell me,” I said. “I had no idea your parents were… like this.”
Devlin smiled in embarrassment. “I know it seems impressive, but it was only ever claustrophobic to me growing up.”
“I don’t doubt it,” I said, looking around. “It’s just…”
I trailed off as I realized just how wealthy and influential Devlin’s parents actually were. And despite all that, they had still cut their son off for merely following his dreams. I was overwhelmed for a second, and I slipped my hand into Devlin’s. He looked at me in surprise and gave me a tentative smile, which I returned readily.
He was about to say something when a woman I could only assume was his mother walked into the drawing room and interrupted what he was about to say. She was wearing a smart silver skirt suit with a silver brooch at her breast and pearls at her neck.
“Hello, Devlin,” she said formally, and I noticed that
she didn’t make any attempt to hug him. “This must be your girlfriend, Zoey?”
“Hello, Mrs. Danvers,” I said, coming forward and extending my hand out to her. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
She looked at me with obvious interest, and I could tell she was sizing me up. By the looks of it, I passed muster because she gave me a warm smile and told me to take a seat.
“The two of you are a bit early,” she said. “But that’s good… that gives me a chance to get to know Zoey a little.”
“Where’s dad?” Devlin asked.
“He’ll be here in a moment,” Mrs. Danvers replied.
A second later, I heard a deep voice in the hallway and Devlin’s father appeared. He was a tall man, and I realized that Devlin looked very much like him. He was well built with classically handsome features and the same blue eyes that he had passed on to his son. But there were obvious differences too. He didn’t have any of Devlin’s warmth or obvious charisma. He was poised and controlled; he held himself differently. He was impressive and completely unapproachable.