Holt's Holding part two (The Holt's Series) (14 page)

“Why else would I be going Lillian? If not to be generous
with my wealth.” He grinned down at me.

“I’ll hold you to that.” I took the rest of my drink down
and place the glass firmly on the bar.

Shit…probably shouldn’t have done that.

We turned and began our way from the bar only to be delayed
by Julie.
 
She and I hadn’t spoken in
months, partially because of the coma, more so, because I couldn’t face her.

“Lilly…love.” She rose from her chair, and air kissed me on
the cheek. “Chris said you had recovered. I’m so glad to see you well. Wow
…Blonde. I had no idea.”

“Yes…I’m naturally blonde. I thought to go back after my
stunt in the hospital.” I forced a polite smile.

I watched as she glared to Sebastian.

“Julie” his voice was cold.

“Sebastian…I’m surprised; however I guess taking leftovers
is what you’re into to these days.”

“You assume to much my dear.”

There was definitely no love lost between these two. I
wasn’t sure of the back-story and really didn’t want to know. One thing was
clear, they both seemed to despise the other.

“Oh, Lil…I heard about your loss. Such a shame, but I
suppose life works itself out the way it should.”

That was a low blow to me. Trying to rein in my anger, I
needed to play nice. She knew about Charlie and me, which was clear. Glancing
over to the table all, the pieces seemed to fit nicely together.

“Well it seems if we must engage in such pettiness; don’t
be so quick to criticize someone for your same actions.” I looked over to Chris
then back to her “You make yourself look cheap and desperate.”

“So much for subtleties. I warned you to stay away from
him. So much for Off Limits” she cocked her head and pulled a tight grin.

“Apparently he didn’t get that warning.” I replied, “I see
that Tiffany is somehow supposed to do what? Distract him? Because it looks
like she’s making herself comfortable with Chris.”

The rage was evident in her expression, though she did her
best to bury it.

“Let me take a wild guess; Chris is your ex?” Sebastian
whispered.

Before I could register anything, Charlie was now at the
table and Tiffany quick to throw herself on him.

Julie looked to them and back to me.

“Some men prefer their woman with a pulse,” She looked
between Sebastian and me.

Raising my hand to my neck, I looked to Sebastian then back
to her. “Hmm…I still have pulse. Funny how that works; two attempts on my life
and yet I’m still breathing. You know Julie, it is funny how life works it’s
self out.” I look to Charlie who now had a very quizzical expression watching
Julie and me. “Julie…if you’re gonna do something; do it right from start to
finish. Leaving lose ends will turn around and bite you in ass.”

Charlie picking up the undertones stood up and looked to
Julie “What is she referring to Julie?”

“Nothing that you need to concern yourself with.” She spit
out holding her glaring eyes on me.

“Are you sure about that Julie?” I raised an eyebrow and
slighted my head to the side

I turned from her to Sebastian “I think it’s time to go.”

“I believe your right” he extended his arm and I took it.
Pausing I looked at Chris.

“Take care Chris. I hope you have a happy new year.”

“Lilly?” He stood up; Sebastian let my arm go anticipating
Chris’s intent.

Chris came around and hugged me one last time. “Take
care…Always” he whispered then cupped the side of my face as his fore head hit
mine softly.

Being in the mood to one up Julie, I kissed him softly on
the lips. It was a quick and friendly kiss with a dark point.

His eyes closed; I knew I shouldn’t have, but then again he
was smart. He knew the meaning behind my kiss. This was a good bye. I now finally
realized the deeper meaning beyond trying to get a rise out of her.

Breaking from him, I smiled and he mimicked.

“Good night Chris.” We both understood this was he and I
finally walking away from the past.

He stepped back and reality set back into play.

“Oh Julie…Did you know our parking garage was updated back
in August with hidden video surveillance? It’s amazing how clear the video feed
is…Technology is such an extraordinary thing; ever evolving. Wouldn’t you
agree?” I looked at her briefly just to catch her shocked expression. I wanted
her to know.

I looked back to Sebastian. He was watching and listening
with such intent. I walked toward him grinning and thru the little bit of the
bar that remained. I knew he was caught up in it all. He turned following me
out a few steps behind. In the lobby, Sebastian grabbed my arm and turned me to
him.

“What just happened there?” he demanded.

“Couldn’t you tell? That was me one upping her.”

“No, Lillian there’s more to it…you implied a lot back
there!” he looked to me sternly.

“I knew you were smart. So astute of you. But, I have no
plans of folding that hand…not yet.”

“Revenge is a dangerous game to play Lillian.” he offered
flatly.

“You think that I don’t know that? I know that lesson well.
So well, that I paid the price; a price that will haunt me for a lifetime. I
need not a lecture from you Sebastian.” I shook my head, frustrated.

“That’s not what I’m doing. Lower you guards. I’m not your
enemy. Nor do I want to impose any more pain. I think I’ve done enough and I
only want to atone. If you allow me to?”

“I’m sorry. Your right. However, she and I have unfinished
business and her time is coming. That’s not revenge talking; it’s the simple
facts.” I crossed my arms needing him to let this go.

He said nothing just shook his head and slightly turned to
the bar doors.

“Let’s get to the ball,” he offered.

“I suppose this was the purpose this evening,” I teased.
Sebastian draped his arm over my shoulders, pulling me into his side. Looking
up at him, he simply offered a smile as if he knew to drop this conversation.

We walked down to the gathering halls. The ballroom was
amazing the lights all twinkled above like stars.

I was amazed at the detail. Remembering my house and the
way Sam decorated; I knew this was her doing.

“Lilly! Brady said he brought you. What do think?” she
looked panicked.

“You did an amazing job. This is wonderful Sam. Thank
You…sincerely from the depths of my heart. I can’t thank you enough” and I
meant it. Looking around the ballroom, it looked like a frozen wonderland,
adorned in silver.

“You did all this? Impressive.” Sebastian added.

“Well, it’s easy to do when you have an unlimited budget.”
She turned back to me. “Brady told me how much this ball means to you. Are you
sure it’s not over the top?”

“This is perfect Sam. This was precisely the vision I had.”
I walked to the center of the room taking it all in as she and Sebastian
watched me.

My eyes skirted over every place setting, every detail on
the tables, and those hanging from the ceiling. I was in awe of what she
accomplished.

Turning, my expression didn’t do my heart justice.
 
I walked over and hugged Sam, keeping a tight
restraint on my building tears.

“Thank you”, I whispered to her hear.

Sam released her hold, adding a kiss to my cheek.
 
Looking to Sebastian, he was quite the escort
holding his arm for me.
 

Leading me around the room, he stood by my side, as I made
the first of many rounds, greeting the guest.
 
I shouldn’t have been surprise with how easily he charmed people.
 
Yes, he could be intimidating but at events,
Sebastian was quite the charmer.

The evening seemed to run smoothly. Dinner served and now
the opening speeches.

The speech I had yet to write.

Moving to the podium, I began with the many thanks to our
sponsors that had helped facilitate this evening. Acknowledgments across the
board were an order. Even one to Sebastian and his generosity as he out did me
this year.

Standing nervously, looking out to those in attendance, I
needed to offer something more personal. Speaking from the heart, I finally
opened myself up. Telling the story of my hidden truth. That the reason my
mother embraced this charity, how in many ways we hid the truth, that I was
autistic. A truth or secret that Brady kept silent about as did I. I saw no
reason to hide this now. Though my autism was minor, it was time I acknowledged
it. It was time to accept everything about who I was.

Met with on lookers of both shock then acceptance; It was
clear, I touched many thru my words. Looking to Brady, I saw in his eye’s the
pride he reserved for me. Even Sebastian looked moved. However, it was Charlie,
who stood in the door, which my eyes found. How long he had been here, I was
unsure. Looking to him hurt, as my heart still felt shattered.

Brady took his spot at the podium, offering his thanks and
opening the silent auction.

With that now done, it was time for our traditional opening
dance.
 
Every year it was tradition for
us to start the dance. This year we chose the Tango.

For some reason those in attendance seemed to love this
part the most. Brady and I had taken dance lessons since we were twelve.
Therefore, to some degree, we were close to as perfect as we could get. We
never finished our dance together, as we always pulled the guests onto the
floor, thus signaling the tone for the evening.

I almost forgot the song he chose…laughing, I shook my
head. “The mating Game” by Bitter: Sweet.

Pulling me in tight…Brady looked down to me, “Sorry, should
have changed the song.” He offered.

I smiled; then offered a laugh as we began our dance.

I almost forgot how well he and I moved together on the
floor; the way he knew how to follow the rhythm; and me.

A minute later, we went our way pulling guests to their
feet and to the floor.

Setting the pace, the music shifted to the next song. I
would spend the next three songs dancing away with the “who’s who” of
Baltimore.

The
Dj
knowing to change the pace
of the evening; moved to music what is more popular. The lights all matched the
tone. This was New Year’s Eve, and all were having the time they expected.

Breaking from the dance floor, Sebastian caught my hand.

“So do you have energy for a dance with me?” he cocked his
head, grinning while pulling me to him. “I promise to behave this time.”

“Don’t promise something you can’t hold to?” I laughed.

“You’re safe. I rarely make a promise, and when I do, I
keep to it.”

Cocking my head, I grinned; allowing him to take the lead.

I almost wanted to die laughing, when the song shifted to
“Tell Me”, by
Diddy
and Christina Aguilera…what an
inappropriate song.

Fortunately, the dance floor was packed. I laughed as I
turned my body backing to him. It was easy for me to lose myself in music.
Therefore, I did just that knowing that this would test his promise.

It was odd how easily we fell into the playfulness of the
song without crossing boundaries. I was actually having fun with him. The song
changed again to “Mercy” by Duffy. It was if we fell into character roles on
the dance floor.

He swung me around the dance floor with an audience now
watching, and giving way. I guess we were now the entertainment. He was a great
dance partner and all my worries seemed to temporarily disappear.

The song ended with applause as we took our bows.

“Drink?”

“Please” I laughed.

Standing at the bar, we playfully teased one another as
friends would. It was nice having this time to spend with him. It was obvious
that he was a good man. I just hadn’t afforded him that consideration in the
past. I judged him too harshly. I now understood Charlie’s words regarding whom
our fathers would have preferred for me. I could see it, but my heart was
Charlie’s. I couldn’t deny that and Sebastian knew it.

Startled by the song; I turned to the dance floor.

Charlie.

“Go” Sebastian whispered.

I felt paralyzed…the song that always led me down into
darkness now played.

Charlie walked to me with his hand extended.

I felt that old familiar feeling…panic.

He pulled me into his hold, moving us to the dance floor. I
breathed in his cologne trying to ground myself.

It was his scent keeping me lucid, as he held me in his
hold; moving us across the dance floor.

I could feel his heartbeat, and his breathing was hitched.
We danced through the song and overcame my anxiety. He kept me from falling
into the darkness that this song would normal bestow.
 
The song was done, changing to fit the mood.
“Far Away” by nickel back was very appropriate. We danced without saying a
word. I couldn’t help but cry. The words of the song squeezed at what little of
my shattered heart remained.