Preston

Wednesday January 22

5:10 PM

I spent a lot of time alone in my room doing homework I could get away with forgetting. It was just easier than dealing with my mothers hidden alcoholism and my father's rampant affairs. Oh- and the French ambassadors daughter, who had made it very clear what she thought about me.

Speaking of the French ambassadors daughter, it was time for dinner. Where I would be seated next to her and her nauseating floral perfume and her nails would itch up his thigh and he would still have to smile pretty for the paparazzi and pray to God that Macey never saw those photos because she would know where the ambassador's daughter's hands were.

I tightened my tie and practiced my smile before making my way to dinner.

Dinner was long and boring. I faked smiles and dodged the French girls claws while making it look like I wanted to be here.

After the last dishes of crème brulee where cleaned away, the lights dimmed and the orchestra took their places. Couples gradually floated out on to the dance floor. I could feel the French girl staring at me.

"Preston," my mother said, "Wouldn't you like to dance with Mademoiselle Chloe?" her tone brooked no argument.

I faked a charming smile, "Of course," I turned to Chloe, "Please, honor me with a dance."

She smiled back, lips curving with practiced allure. "The honor is all mine," she said, her accented voice husky.

I lead her onto the dance floor as a waltz began. Chloe was a beautiful creature, all blond and petite and she danced with grace and perfection, sliding closer to me with ever step. Her glittering eyes let me know that she knew the reason why I kept the proper distance between us at all times.

"Preston," she whispered as the waltz came to an end. I tried to pull back, but she clung to me, and pulled me into the shadows. Her arms wrapped around my neck and wove through my hair, her scent filled my nostrils, the same one Macey wore. If I closed my eyes I could almost pretend she was my girlfriend.

Chloe pressed her lips to mine and shattered the illusion. She tasted nothing like Macey. I pulled back and ripped her arms from around me.

"You're making a mistake," Chloe warned me, her eyes glittering. "Your mother-"

"Perhaps," I replied, already knowing my mothers motives. "But I still wont fuck you for her."

Chloe lurched back like she had been slapped and I felt a moments regret for my vocabulary. But than I remembered her intentions and felt only resolved.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I need to make a call."

I left her standing there, my mothers eyes burning holes in the back of my neck. I pulled out my phone when I reached the balcony and nodded at the security guards until they gave me privacy.

Macey didn't answer so I left her a message. "Hey Mace, my mother is stepping up her game. Watch you back; Call me when you get this. I love you."

I hung up and returned to the floor.

This time I asked Chloe to dance. I wouldn't take her to bed, but it wouldn't do to publically scorn her.