Ava's Pov:
Leon kept stealing glances at me the entire ride. Hard to believe a man like him could get shy.
"You keep staring." I whispered as he pulled me out of the car.
"Can you blame me?"
I smiled but couldn't say anything. The blinding lights and politeness from the doormen distracted me. I had never been able to get into events like this, no matter how many times I tried. And trust me, I tried a lot.
"Welcome Mr Presscot. It's so nice to see you again." the doorman greeted. "Is this your date? Or your plus one?"
Leon looked at me, and then back at him. "My plus one."
"Ah, I see." he nodded and ushered us inside.
Low, calming music played in the distance. Everything and everyone screamed of wealth. Even their laughter sounded rich. I was in awe and I couldn't hide it.
"Might want to close your mouth, I have guests I want you to meet."
I didn't even realize my mouth was open. He walked me to the middle of the hall where what seemed like the host was standing.
"Leon my boy." the man said, pulling him into a tight hug.
They talked about their companies. The man, Phillip as Leon called him, complained about his recent disappearance. I just stood staring at them but it didn't take him long to notice me.
His eyes shifted to me. "And who is this beautiful young lady?"
"This is Ava. My plus one. Ava, this is Phillip, my old time friend."
"Nice to meet you." I said.
He took my hand and kissed it. "Leon always gets lucky with the girls."
"Oh please Phillip, not today."
We all laughed.
"Please, enjoy the party. I have more guests to attend to."
Philip walked off alongside the women standing next to him.
Leon took my hand again. We greeted so many people I lost count. I thought the party was an exclusive one but I had smiled at so many people I could've sworn I was at the club.
Everyone was polite and friendly. It didn't feel fake this time. I felt like I belonged. I felt seen.
Part of me thought they were only nice because of Leon but who cares? I was getting the attention and that was all I cared about.
The night was going well. I was drinking expensive wine, vibing to songs I would've never listened to even if I had a gun to my head. That is, until she walked up.
Leon called her Catherine. He didn't look happy to see her and I could tell why immediately she spoke.
"Oh my God Leon. It's been so long, how are you doing?"
"Catherine. It's good to see you, I've been okay."
"You sure? You look so tired though. You haven't been sleeping I suppose?"
"Ha. I have actually, thanks for your concern."
"Oh really? I thought Brielle leaving would ruin that."
"Why are you here, Catherine?"
"Just checking up on an old friend. Lighten up."
"Ahem." I fake coughed. For some reason, I hated that she spoke to him like that.
"And who's this? Moving on so soon?"
"Catherine you can talk to me however you like but don't cross the line."
She rolled her eyes and took a sip of her drink.
"I'm Ava, nice to meet you."
I reached out my hand but she ignored it and looked at me like I was a beggar. I slowly pulled my hands back.
"You know Brielle is here tonight."
"I don't care."
"Really? She does."
I just stared at them go back and forth. I didn't think too much of their bickering until she looked at me again.
"I love your dress. Brielle didn't have to try so hard."
She walked away.
"Ignore it." Leon said. "I'm going to the restroom. I'll be back."
He walked out too before I could get a word out.
Whoever Brielle was, she was not in his good books. His facial expression at the mention of her name said it all.
Still, I told myself I wasn't letting his complicated life get to me that night. I still had people come up to me to shower me with compliments, especially about my dress.
I felt like the center of attention, so I walked to the balcony. I bumped into someone while trying to get my phone out of my bag.
"Are you blind bitch?"
"Excuse me?" My smile faded quickly.
"Watch where you're going."
"You bumped into me."
"Do you have any idea who you're talking to?"
"No, I don't and you don't know who I am either."
"Oh please, it's never hard to spot the wannabes. I can tell you don't belong here."
Her and her little minions laughed.
I tried to walk off but she held me and pulled me close.
"Tip for next time, stay out of places you know you don't belong."
One more fake smile and she walked off.
I looked around and saw people staring, some gave me the look of pity, others looked like they couldn't wait for me to leave so they could laugh.
I adjusted my dress and walked back to the spot Leon left me in. He wasn't there.
I sent him a text.
"I need to go, now."
I started to walk out of the halls to where our car was parked. Thankfully, Marvin didn't leave so getting the car opened wasn't hard. I got in and waited for Leon to text back but he never did. He came straight outside.
He got into the car looking more upset than I was. He didn't ask why I wanted to leave so suddenly and in return I didn't ask why he was so gloomy.
The car was awfully silent. We weren't even on our phones. We both stared at opposite sides of the car.
"Who's Brielle?" I asked without turning away.
"Nobody important."
"Really? It didn't seem like it."
"Not now."
His voice was low and sharp. I turned to him. He looked distressed. So, I left it.
When we got home, I didn't let him or Marvin open the door for me. I walked into the house, greeted nobody and walked straight to my room.
I took off my dress and went into the shower. I could feel my eyes water and I didn't want that so I was going to do everything to distract myself, including doing my job.
I changed my clothes, tied my hair up in a bun and went to Leon's room. I knocked, he didn't answer.
I walked in anyway and found him sitting on the bed. He had changed clothes as well.
"Ready to go to bed?" I asked.
He turned to face me. For a moment I thought he was crying but I didn't want to conclude and push my boundaries. Although, we were already doing that.
I sat on the bedside table as usual. Picked a song and tucked him in.
I was still mad at him but I couldn't help but feel bad. I was his only escape.
I didn't stop midway this time. I finished the song.
When I was through, I stared at him longer than I should've.
"This has to stop." I said aloud after making sure he was asleep.
I couldn't let myself fall for him. Not now, not ever.
From now on, it's going to be strictly work.
My paycheck better be worth it