Chapter 20

My family and I arrived at the Bow-Ridge residence early the next evening. We were shocked to see a bunch of vehicles parked in various places around the estate. A valet directed Father to a spot near the gate to the pool.

Mother asked, “Is there a party going on tonight, dear?”

“I don’t know, Mother. Javelin didn’t tell me about a party. He just said to be here for dinner,” I said.

“Let’s go find out,” said Father.

Mother and I were dressed in similar colors, pale blues. It was her idea. I believe she wanted me to resemble her and because we both looked good in blue, she thought that wearing the color would make us look related. It did but also it didn’t. The pale blue I wore brought out the bluish tint in my hair, while the pale blue she wore made her brown hair stand out even more than usual. Father had on his one somber black suit and looked very uncomfortable in it.

Javelin greeted us in the hallway. “Sorry about all the people. My dad arrived today and Grandfather decided to have a dinner party and invited some of the other families. Hope that’s ok.” We all said it was and went to mingle with the guests.

Trent and Paul stood in a corner, wearing suits and looking uncomfortable. Kayla and Eddie sat on a love seat close to them. They looked unhappy too. I went over, while Javelin took Mother and Father and introduced them to some of the guests that he particularly liked.

Kayla cried out with joy, “Vivian! You’re here. Thank God.” She hugged me so tightly my eyes watered. I said, “Kayla, you look beautiful. Have you slimmed up some this summer? I’ve never seen you look so lovely.” Freddy gave me a glance that spoke his gratitude, because of taking off pounds, she had added some. No doubt due to the stress of having Eva’s slim form around.
I hugged Freddy and Paul. Trent looked uncertain until I held out my arms. When we embraced, he held me tightly, breathing in my fragrance. He whispered, “I’ve missed you.”

“So have I,” I whispered back. It wasn’t a lie. I missed my friend. We had been best friends since we were nine-years-old and I missed him.

We stood chatting for a while. It was like old times. Javelin came over when he was done doing his duties. He put a possessive arm around my waist. I prayed there would be no trouble between him and Trent. Kayla looked upset. Freddy looked apprehensive and Paul stood poised for any signs of confrontation. I was pleased to see Javelin extend his hand to Trent. “Truce?” he asked.

Trent took the offered hand. “Truce.”

The elder Bow-Ridge sent for me. I looked at Javelin. He said, “Don’t freak out. Grandfather wants to show off your art work. By the way, he loves those sketches of me you sent to him. It‘s all he‘s talked about today.” I hesitated. “Go on, baby. We’ll behave,” said Javelin.

Trent nodded, “Go on Vivvie. I promise there won’t be any trouble.”

I found Mr. Bow-Ridge talking to several men. I recognized Trent’s father, Mr. Sawyer. His expensive cut suit minimized his protruding belly. Sheriff Florence stood tall in his uniform. The other man was unfamiliar, yet at the same time familiar to me. Studying him, I realized he was Javelin’s father.

Mr. Bow-Ridge said, “Gentlemen, this young lady is the most talented artist ever to live in this town. Vivian Wilde, say hello to my son James Junior.”

Bow-Ridge Junior said, “So you’re the one who’s stolen my son’s heart and captured it on canvas.” He took my hand and kissed it. “Charmed,” he said.

I blushed and curtsied. “Pleased to meet you, sir.”

The other men studied me. Mr. Sawyer didn’t look to pleased to see me. Sheriff Florence nodded at me and then dismissed me with a change of conversation. I made to leave but Mr. Bow-Ridge took my arm. He whispered, “Will you keep an old man company for a while?."

“Of course.” I guided him to a vacant sofa and we sat together, discussing the sketches. His son came over after a while and said, “You two look as thick as thieves. Pardon the cliché.”

“Vivian is my favorite girl. Your son should be honored to have such a brilliant girl interested in him.” Mr. Bow-Ridge’s comment made me blush. I wasn’t comfortable with his son. I didn’t like how he looked beyond the outer image of me and into the barely middle-class girl I was.

“Can I borrow her for a moment, Father? I want to discuss the painting of Little James with her.” Bow-Ridge Junior took my arm and escorted me into the sitting room where Javelin’s painting resided. We stood for a while, staring at it.

He said, “You captured his likeness better than a camera could.”

“Thank you, sir. He’s an easy subject to paint.”

“I think it’s best if I get to the point. If you think you’re going to marry into our money, I mean our family, you’re mistaken. I’ve got big plans of James III. And you aren’t included.”
My face burned red. I said, “I haven’t thought of marriage. I’m just seventeen and plan to go to college, sir. Marriage isn’t on my agenda.”

“I don’t meant to embarrass you. As rich as my family is, I have to weed out any undesirable sprout as it pops up. It’s oblivious my son is smitten with you. I just wanted to make myself clear on a few things. Once summer is over, he’s going back to Miami. You’re staying here and going back to the life you had before he arrived. The Sawyer family will be happy to have you as a daughter-in-law. You will be a trophy that Sawyer will try to throw in my face. He always wants what my family has.”

My mouth opened but no words could escape. He insulted me like I had never experienced. I wanted to run away and hide, cry in the darkness with shame. No one has ever made me feel as minuscule as this man did.

Javelin said from the doorway, “Dad, I think you’ve said enough. Vivian is my girlfriend and I insist you show her some respect.” He strode into the room, taking my arm. “Come along, Vivian. Your mother is looking for you.”

Letting Javelin drag me out of the room, I looked over my shoulder at Bow-Ridge Junior. His expression said more than his friendly warning--that he despised the fact I was Javelin’s love.