Chapter Twenty
Drake and I hold the fort at the bar and it is strangely quiet. I can tell that he is feeling down and I try to keep his spirits up. "Don't worry Drake, Dylan will be ok." He looks upset.
"I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to him. Things are bad enough at the moment without anything else going wrong. To top it all you're leaving next week and you are the only thing that is good in my life. The thought of going back to school and not seeing you again until Christmas is unbearable."
I wrap my arms around him and hug him tightly. "I know I feel the same. Despite where I have to live when I'm here I've had the best Summer ever and it's all down to you."
We decide not to do any more work and just sit together in one of the booths. Luckily nobody comes in and after a while we decide to close up. We can't concentrate on much anyway.
Drake heads off to help Dylan prepare. He is going to assist him by the ring so I won't get to see much of him before the fight. I have to go with my family which I am not looking forward to.
Whilst Drake closes up I head off to find Mac. He gives me the thumbs up when he sees me and I smile with relief. At least that's one thing off my mind. I just hope that the rest of the plan goes as smoothly.
Drake walks me to my bike and draws me close. He tilts my face towards his and kisses me gently. "Don't worry Scarlett. I know this is gonna be hard for you to watch. It's not going to be much fun watching your brother beat up your boyfriend's brother and I just want to let you know that we won't expect you to show support for us. Your family have to come first it's only right."
Tears run down my face. They are such lovely people and I couldn't imagine my family being so understanding. Wiping my tears away he kisses me gently. "Will I see you after?"
I nod. "Of course, as soon as I can I'll make my escape. I'll meet you back here."
Drake smiles sexily. "No meet me at my grandparent's house. I want to spend the night with you. The thought of that will keep me going through this hellish evening."
We kiss again, but somehow I doubt that we will make it there tonight.
Once I get home I get ready for the fight. I put on some of the clothes that Luna bought me. The black jeans fit me like a second skin and she has chosen a beautiful dark blue chiffon top. I finish it off by choosing a well fitted short black jacket and put a cool silver necklace around my neck. I wear flat ballerina style shoes and hope that it is the sort of stuff that people wear to these things. Leaving my long dark hair loose I just brush it until it gleams. Finishing off my makeup I grab my bag. This sure is going to be a long night.
By the time I get downstairs most of the others are waiting and only Marius isn't here. Luna looks amazing and is dressed in the tightest dress with killer heels. She is wearing the most gorgeous jewellery and her long blonde hair hangs down her back like a sheet of gold.
The twins also look amazing and I suddenly feel just a little bit scruffy.
Luna races over and hugs me. "Scarlett you look amazing. Those clothes fit you so well and you simply must show me how to do my eyes like yours before you leave."
Suddenly her eyes fill with tears and she turns away. "Oh I'm sorry guys. The thought of you all leaving next week is making me super emotional. I am such a wreck at the moment. I may just have to get a dog when you've gone to fill the void." I have to laugh at my father's expression. I notice that he is looking very smart and extremely handsome as he stands by the bar area mixing some drinks. I watch as he hands one to Luna and smiles at her affectionately. I am always fascinated watching their relationship. It is so wrong yet so right at the same time. I have never seen him with anyone like he is with her and I hope it lasts as I like Luna despite her mad ways.
Ash and Caleb are sitting on the couch holding their beers. As I look at us all I realise just what a striking family I have. They are certainly going to turn a few heads tonight. I don't think that we've ever been out all together like this before and it's a strange experience.
Before long Marius joins us and Luna claps her hands together. "Right come on gang. We're booked into the hotel in town for dinner so we mustn't be late. Your father has had to pull a few strings to get us a table so we had better get a move on."
The twins roll their eyes and pull a face and Ash and Caleb look angry as if they would rather do anything else but this. Marius is quiet and brooding and I expect that he is preparing himself mentally for the fight, although I'm not sure why as he does it most nights for fun after all.
They have ordered a cab and I look crossly as my brothers make their way to the garage to pick up their motorbikes. Turning to my father I say angrily, "Why can't I take mine?" He looks at me crossly. "Because for once you are going to play the dutiful daughter and be a lady for one evening. I don't want my daughter arriving on a motorbike when her sisters arrive in style. Just suck it up for a change."
The twins grin at me obviously enjoying the fact that he is picking on me instead of them and Luna just laughs. "Oh Scarlett, what are we going to do with you? You can sit by me and tell me all about your gorgeous boyfriend."
I have to stifle a giggle as I see the flash of anger pass across my father's face. He either wants her all to himself or the thought of me with a boyfriend is not a pleasant one.
It doesn't take us long to get there and as we walk into the hotel I can tell that it is very exclusive. Once again I wonder if I am too scruffy and I watch as the Maitre d fawns all over Luna and my father.
He shows us to a prime table and almost falls over himself in his eagerness to please us.
I look around me with interest at the five star luxury. This place is certainly up to date and modern. Calming music is playing and the other diners look very rich and smart in their evening attire.
We are soon joined by my three brothers and I stifle a laugh as I see their discomfort. They look even more out of place here than me, although I do notice the waitresses checking them out. It must be quite a sight as they are all incredibly good looking. Much like my father they have dark unruly hair and almost black eyes. Their bodies are well toned and they are all well over 6ft tall.
They look around them with dark brooding expressions and I laugh at the sight of the women in the room who can't appear to take their eyes off them. Their male partners are equally mesmerised by the females in our group and I see my father glowering at anyone who openly stares at us.
Luna chatters away for all of us throughout the meal and as you might expect from such a grand hotel the food is amazing.
Luna looks around at us all and beams. "This is so nice. We should have done this weeks ago. If I could I would get the waiter to take a photograph."
Cringing I sink down lower in my chair; how embarrassing. To my complete surprise my father smiles at her. "What a great idea Luna. Let's use my phone and then we can get it framed."
Luna grins at us and waves the waiter over. "Honey could you take a family photo please."
The waiter looks surprised. He probably doesn't get asked that much as it is so upmarket in here. My sisters look mortified but not half as much as my brothers. My father appears to be enjoying some kind of private joke and we all look at the camera with frozen expressions.
"Come on guys smile." Luna says happily and we all try to look as if we are smiling but fail miserably. Savannah leans over to Ashley and I hear her whisper. "Now I know I'm in Hell." Ashley giggles and my father looks at them with a frown.
By the time we have had desert the time is getting on and I notice my father look at his watch. He turns to Marius. "You had all better go. We will meet you there. You know what you need to do."
My brothers look at him with blank expressions and push back their seats. Without a word they leave and I wish that I could follow them. All I want is to be with Drake and Dylan. This charade is getting in the way of time that I could be spending with them.
My father orders coffees and I almost pass out with frustration. This evening is i
nterminable and I can't wait to get out of here. Luna chatters on which disguises the fact that none of us have two words to say to each other. My father has his arm running along the back of her chair and I notice that he keeps stroking her neck. I am not sure how long they have been together now but his girlfriends only seem to last a couple of years at the most. The last few were awful. They were also vapid blondes who were more interested in spending his money than playing happy families with us.
Luna is different to them. She is absolutely stunning but has a big personality and a kind heart. I hope that he stays with her and doesn't ruin her in the process.
Finally we get up to leave. There is a cab waiting to take us to the venue. It's at the local sports centre and they are expecting a huge turnout tonight.
The cab soon drops us off outside and I look around me with interest.
Once again we command a lot of attention from the milling crowd and I notice the way that the people look at my father. There is a curiosity mixed with fear and reverence in their expressions.
He ignores nearly everybody whilst Luna waves and blows kisses to the people she knows. The twins look disdainfully around them. They are certainly beautiful and are the focus of rather a lot of attention.
As usual I try to blend into the shadows and not draw attention to myself. I am desperate to get away from them and take my opportunity when my father is stopped by a couple who obviously know him. Slipping away I look for the changing area. I want to wish Dylan luck not to mention the fact that I want to be with Drake.
I see a sign indicating the way and head off to find them. It doesn't take me long and I hesitate before knocking on the door. After a few moments the door opens and I see Drake standing there. He smiles nervously and pulls me into the room.
I can see Dylan warming up and feel the anxiety that fills the room. Dylan smiles. "Good to see you Scarlett, you look nice." I smile at him brightly. "You're such a sweet talker Dylan."
He laughs and Drake pulls me against him. "You leave my girl alone bro and concentrate on decking her brother." We all laugh but it is without any humour.
Looking softly at Drake I pull him towards me and whisper, "Look I have to sit with my family but I'll be routing for Dylan. It may be difficult for me to get away but as soon as I can I'll see you back at the house."
His eyes soften and he kisses me gently whispering, "I love you Scarlett. Despite what your brother may do it won't change my feelings towards you."
Tears spring into my eyes and I kiss him softly. Turning to Dylan I say cheerily. "Listen Dylan remember what I told you. Back to Layla, ok?"
Dylan raises his eyes. "Yes I remember, although I haven't got a clue why you think that's important."
I smile sweetly. "So that Marius will be looking into the eyes of his girlfriend as he hits her beloved Dylan. I already know that she has pleaded with him to go easy on you and if I'm right he may be caught a little off guard if he sees her watching."
Drake and Dylan laugh. "You're devious Scarlett; your brothers are no match for you."
I smile but inside I worry about just how devious I really am. They are right about one thing; my brothers are no match for me.