Hey guys. So this is a new story I just thought up. It might overlap with my sequel to WTG, but hey, at least I'm keeping occupied. I only own the plot.
"And in recent news, crown Prince Kendall of California is touring the United States, beginning with New York, to keep peaceful relations with the US."
I sighed and turned off the TV. Nothing was new. In school, they taught us that California was part of the United States. It then broke off of the rest of the country after a bunch of earthquakes in 1852, and declared independence under a monarchy. Since California broke away, it's people have been ruled by the Knight family, and the friends of the family taking major roles in government as dignitaries.
I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Ivy Johnson. My mom was founder and C.E.O. of Williams Tech, and second richest woman in America, until she died 8 years ago in a 6 car pileup. According to her will, my dad, my brother, and I were to receive 4 billion dollars each if she died before my dad. Since I'm 19, the money is legally mine, but I don't do much. I send work to a tutor, but I really have nothing to live for. I don't need a job, because 4 billion is more than enough to live on.
The soft brush of the front door reached my ears, telling me that my dad was home. "Hey Ivy," he said. I grunted. "What's bothering you today?"
"All the attention the media is giving to Prince Kendall. He's not the only person in the world. There are other important things in this world, but just because he's a prince he's being patronized by the American media. I bet he's some spoiled brat that has maids do everything for him," I said.
"Well, about that. The prince has requested to visit our offices, see what we do, and have dinner in one of the executive suites," he said.
"And I'm expected to be there," I said.
"Considering that you're my partner, yes." he answered. I sighed and rolled my eyes.
"I'm going to go take a walk. Be back in 15 minutes," I said. My dad called after me, but I ignored him. What was the use? He would probably tell me that we needed the publicity. And honestly, we did. It's just that I'm not going to spend my time patronizing some prince who apparently deserves more attention than the millions of starving people in the world.
I was walking along, absorbed in my thoughts, when I bumped into someone.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I said, taking a closer look at him. He was tall and blond, with a set jaw and firm chin. I didn't see his eye color, because his eyes were hidden by black sunglasses.
"Oh, don't be. I wasn't watching where I was going, but hey, let me buy you a drink," he said, looking at me with a smile.
"One, I don't party, and I definitely don't drink. Two, I don't even know who you are. Three, you're not the first random person that tried to have a good time with a pretty girl, and you're not the last I've turned down. Got it?" I asked as I turned away. He walked up next to me.
"I feel like we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Frankie, and I didn't mean to offend you, so I apologize. But can I at least buy you something?"
I thought for a moment. I had only been out for two minutes, and I wasn't ready to talk to my dad, or my brother. Not yet. So I agreed. Frankie took me to a small coffee shop, and we spoke a little bit.
"So Frankie, are you from here?" I asked. He shook his head.
"Just visiting. I'm from way out west," he answered. We went on talking for a little bit, and before I knew it, it was time for me to head back.
"Gotta go," I said. "Thanks for the coffee."
"Wait, you never told me your name," he said.
I smiled. "I'm Ivy."
"Ivy," he echoed, before I walked out.
I walked into my house just in time to hear my dad tell my brother about the royal visit. I quietly sat down at the table.
"You see Ivy? Kyle sounds excited" said my dad.
Kyle looked at me, expecting a smart reply. I wouldn't let attentiveness go without reward.
"Well dad, Kyle isn't required to be there. Executive dinners sound nice, but they're really just old people and rich people patronizing each other."
"Nice one Icy," Kyle said, using the nickname my dad gave me when I was little.
"Well I don't think I'm old, but all jokes aside, both of you need to be on your best behavior. We need the publicity," Dad said. We nodded and continued to eat our dinner.
The next evening, I was in my room, trying to decide on what to wear. I finally decided on a blue dress that brought out my eye color. My attitude isn't the only reason my dad calls me Icy. I have light blue eyes, and jet black hair. Just like my mom. If she were here, she would have told me to wear what looked best on me. I heard my dad calling for us to head out, so I quickly grabbed a pair of earrings, my makeup, put on my shoes, and ran out.
In the car, my dad reminded us to be good, and that we needed the publicity. My brother and I agreed, and the rest of the ride went in silence.
We got to the office building just before the "royal" tour finished. As we headed up, my dad looking slightly nervous, I thought about the best thing that could happen, which meant hat the prince didn't turn out to be spoiled, and the dinner went by quickly. Worst case scenario was that he wiuld be some annoyingly spoiled person that would try to hit on me. I was wrong.
The elevator came to a stop, and we headed to one of the executive dining rooms, where our security guards, other executives and the prince were. I took a deep breath and walked to the group. It wasn't that the group didn't like me working there, because I had proven my value many times over, it was just that they were annoying people who wanted to move up. Add that to the fact that I'm not the easiest person to work with. It's Kyle they like anyway. People deal with me, but everyone likes Kyle. He's a very agreeable person. My dad spoke up.
"Good evening, everyone. Please excuse my tardiness. You know how hard it is to get kids out of the house." Everyone chuckled at that. We headed over to Prince Kendall, who looked strangely familiar.
"Prince Kendall, it is very nice to meet you. I'm Richard Johnson, CEO of this company, and hese are my children. My daughter and executive assistant, Ivy, and my son Kyle."
Kyle and I shook hands with him, both saying "Nice to meet you". Kyle shook hands with him first, but then I got a closer look at him.
"Can't be," I whispered to myself. As I shook his hand, I asked him one question.
"Frankie?"
Well then. Frankie and Kendall are the same person. How will Kendall react to Ivy? What will happen next? Find out on the next chapter of California Queen! Remember to review!
