Ana
"Well, we meet again," she smirks. Can this night get any worse?
Addison looks between us confused. "How do you all know each other?"
"Well, bestie, these two are bums who are all buddy buddy with my screw-up of a brother, Ethan." The bitch sneers.
I roll my eyes and Christian tenses. Stupid Bitch.
How dare she talk about Ethan like that? He didn't even do anything to her. All he did was take responsibility for his child. He chooses Mia and their baby because he loves her. Why the hell does his family have to hate him for his choice? At least he took his responsibility as an adult instead of abandoning them.
"Kate, what a horrible thing to say. They are not bums," Addison gasps.
"Oh, please Addison. Yes, they are. Do you know what they are?" Kate rolls her eyes.
"What are you talking about, Kate," she frowns.
"There homeless just like my deadbeat of a brother," she smirks.
Addison gasps again and looks around the room, for what I don't know.
"What the hell is your problem? How dare you speak to us like that? You don't even know us. Why don't you keep your opinions to yourself? We don't need your petty bullshit," Christian hisses.
Kate huffs and turns around and walks off while flipping her hair in the process. I roll my eyes and scoff. Christian closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He opens his eyes and turns towards me. I give him a weak smile, and he reciprocates. He places his hand on my stomach, rubbing gently.
I look over at Addison, and she is staring down at her feet. She looks embarrassed. I would be too if I had a friend like that.
She looks up and gives us a sympathetic smile, "I'm sorry about that. I don't know why she said those things. She can be a little over the top sometimes."
"Sometimes?" I say sarcastically.
She bites her lip, "Well, most of the time. I'm really sorry. I keep telling her that what Ethan did was the right choice and that she shouldn't hate her own brother, but she doesn't listen. I think her parents are telling her lies about their son. I mean, I never met him before so I can't judge someone based on what others have said. I don't fully understand why her parents don't want to support their grandchildren."
I nod and give her a small smile. She shrugs and takes a sip of her drink.
"Well, do you guys need anything?" she says awkwardly.
I frown, and Christian looks at her confused.
"No, I have a drink. Thanks," Christian says.
"No, I mean, like money wise, or help. I just feel bad that you guys are living in a shelter. So, if there is anything you need, we can help," she explains.
Christian stands up straighter, and he gives her a tight smile. I am about to say how kind her gesture is but he beats me to it. "No, that's alright. We are fine, but thanks for offering."
She blushes and nods her head. We all stand there in an awkward silence before Elliot joins us.
"What's up?" Elliot wraps an arm around his girlfriends shoulder.
"Nothing babe. We were just getting to know each other better. You have really kind friends, babe," she smiles up at him.
He leans down and gives her a chaste kiss. "Thanks, babe. This ugly mug, though, is a pain in my ass," he points to Christian and winks.
Christian scoffs, "Pot calling the kettle black," he smirks back.
Elliot throws his head back and laughs loudly causing all of us to join him.
"Mind telling us what is so funny?" Jack walks over to us with his brother in tow causing everyone to stop laughing.
"No, we were just bullshitting," Elliot chuckles and took a drink that he has held in his other hand.
Jack gives us a look of disapproval and Grayson smirks. "So, what is it that you do, Christian?" Grayson says formally.
Before Christian can answer, Jack jumps in, "He doesn't have any employment right now little brother. I did, however, tell him we were both hiring at our companies."
I grit my teeth in annoyance. What the hell is this douche bags problem? Ugh.
Grayson raises his eyebrow at Jack before he turns to us. "Well, in that case, let me know if you are looking into changing that. Here is my card and my number. Let me know, were always looking for hardworking individuals," he gives Christian his card which he takes reluctantly.
"Thank you, Mr. Grey. I will bare that in mind," Christian says politely.
He nods. "Excellent."
Jack rolls his eyes and takes another drink. I inwardly roll my eyes at his arrogance.
"So, where is your girl, tonight, Grayson? Didn't get a chance to see her yet," Jack gestures to the crowd of people.
"She couldn't make it tonight. She had a work function she couldn't miss, but she sends her love to everyone," Grayson says smoothly.
"Ah yes, work is important." Jack nods. He turns his attention to us. "My brother's girlfriend is a very successful business woman," he says smugly.
Christian mumbles whoopie under his breath, causing me to look down and bite my lip, so I don't laugh out loud. When I compose myself, I look up and see Grayson staring at me, a ghost of a smirk on his lips. He takes a drink and looks over at Jack.
"Yes, she is a remarkable woman. Where is your lovely lady this evening?" he quirks an eyebrow. I don't miss the sarcastic way he said lovely.
"Leila couldn't make it as well. She is out with her friends tonight for a birthday party," Jack says smugly. Wow, you have a girlfriend. Lucky you. Not. Who on earth would put up with him anyway?
"I see," Grayson nods.
"Thank God Leila couldn't make it tonight. You know I cannot stand her, Jack," Addison huffs.
Jack gives her a look of disapproval. "I am aware of your feelings towards her, Addison. We don't need your childish opinion on the matter," he hisses.
She rolls her eyes. "It's not a childish opinion. She is a royal bitch. Especially to our mother. I don't know how you put up with her superior attitude."
"She does not have a superior attitude," Jack scoffs.
"Yes, she does," Addison smirks.
Before Jack can say anything, Grace and Carrick appear. Grace's face is bright red in anger. "Addison, Jack, that is enough," Grace snaps. I look at them feeling suddenly uncomfortable.
Jack turns around and takes a big gulp of his drink, and Addison looks contrite. "Sorry, mom."
"I'm sorry about my children. They usually do not act this way. Especially when we have company," She glares at Jack and Addison.
"It's alright. Brother and sister banter is healthy. I wish I had siblings," I say wistfully.
Grace gives me a warm smile, and Jack turns around and quirks an eyebrow, "You don't have any siblings?"
"No, I just said I don't," I point out.
"Mhmm, well growing up with siblings was an enjoyable experience. Pity you didn't get to experience such a thing," he smirks and takes a drink.
I inwardly roll my eyes but give a tight smile in return.
"I'm sorry you don't have any siblings. How long have you and Christian known each other?" Carrick asks with a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"Our whole life," Christian says dismissively.
"Really? So you two grew up together?" Carrick's eyes widen in surprise causing me to frown.
"Um, yes. Our mothers were best friends," I say.
Christian's arm tightens around my waist. I place my hand on his arm and rub it soothingly. He is always uncomfortable when talking about our mother's or the time when we were little, especially to strangers.
"I see," Carrick murmurs and runs a hand through his hair causing me to frown deeply. He looks pained. "Darling, I need to go into my study for a moment. I will right back," he says to Grace. She looks at him in disapproval. He gives her a kiss on the cheek before he turns to everyone else. "Excuse me, everyone," he says and walks off into the crowd.
That was weird.
"Is he alright mother?" Grayson says with a slight frown.
"I don't know darling. He has been acting rather strange this evening, but it is probably work," Grace give him a smile.
"Well, It's getting late, and I have an important meeting tomorrow morning. It was great to meet you, Ana and Christian. Please, call me when you make a decision on what we were talking about earlier," Grayson nods at Christian.
"Thank you, I will think about it," Christian murmurs.
Grayson nods and kisses Grace and Addison's cheek and shakes Jack's hand before saying goodbye to us once more then he leaves.
"I am going to go back to the party. You all enjoy, and please, make yourself at home," Grace walks over to me and kisses my cheek before walking off into the crowd of people.
I blush and smile. Addison and Elliot walk off as well leaving us alone with Jack once more.
"Yes, make yourself at home. I am sure this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be at a place like this. Enjoy it while you can," Jack says arrogantly.
I now roll my eyes at him which causes his eyes to darken and his jaw to tense. Christian scoffs and turns us around, and we walk off without saying anything.
"That guy is an asshole. Fucker," Christian hisses.
I nod, "I know, smug prick," I scoff causing Christian to chuckle lightly.
We find a seat on a nearby sofa and sit down. Christian asks if I want a drink and tell him a water is fine. He gets up and walks over to the bar. I sigh and sit back farther on the comfortable couch and run my hand through my hair and close my eyes.
"Tired little one?" I hear Elliot's voice causing me to open my eyes.
He is sitting across from me with his ankle resting on his knee and his arms across the back of the couch.
"Yes," I smile.
He nods. "I told Christian I would drive you guys back. I know the shelter is closed now, so you two can stay at my place," he explains.
"Thanks, Elliot," I smile at him gratefully.
He shrugs it off and says, "Just let me know when you want to leave, and I will tell, Addison."
I nod, and we sit there and talk for a minute about his job. Christian comes back with my water, and we chat for a while before the bitch Kate comes over and sits down next to Elliot.
"Hello, Elliot," She purrs.
"Katherine," Elliot nods and crosses his arms.
"Are you having fun?" she says while completely ignoring us. I roll my eyes and take a sip of my water.
"I am. Thanks for asking," he says with a bored expression.
I tighten my lips to stop me from laughing as he completely ignores her when she goes on and on about herself. She apparently wants into his pants. The bitch is good friends with his girlfriend, and she has the nerve to try to flirt with him when her friend isn't here. The nerve of this girl.
"My father has an opening at one of his companies. Maybe he can set you up with a better job," she flips her hair and smiles at him. He looks over at her twisting his lips.
"No thanks. I like my job right now, but thanks for the offer," he grumbles.
"Just let me know, and I will put in a good word for you," she runs her finger over his arm seductively.
He looks at her with distaste before moving over to the other side of the sofa. "Hey, are you guys ready to head out?" he suddenly blurts out. Probably wanting to get away from the bitch. I don't blame him. She is openly flirting with her best friend's boyfriend, and you can tell it's making him uncomfortable.
"Yes, that would be good," Christian says gratefully.
Kate rolls her eyes, huffs and stomps off towards her parents who are talking to Grace and Carrick. It looks like Carrick has rejoined the party.
"Man, I cannot stand that girl," Elliot shakes his head.
"That makes two of us," Christian grumbles causing Elliot to chuckle.
"Make that three," I say. They both laugh, and Elliot goes off to tell Addison he is leaving to take us home.
He comes back a few moments later with Grace, Carrick, and Addison. We all say our goodbyes, and as I am walking towards the front door, something causes me to look back, and I immediately see Jack staring at us with a blank expression. A hint of something in his eyes that makes me want to run and hide. Hope I never see that creep again, I think to myself as I continue to walk out of the door with Christian's loving arms wrapped around my waist.
AN: There was some confusion on the last chapter. Yes, Grayson, Jack (Hyde), and Addison were all adopted by the Grey's, since Elliot, Christian and Mia were all thrown into the system.
They are all similar characters of Elliot, Christian and Mia. I wanted Grayson to play Christian's character but originally I wanted Jack to have his role instead of Grayson. The difference is that Grayson has more of Christian's personality and the same work ethic, and Jack is only a Millionaire and not a Billionaire (I at least did not want him to have that status).
Hopefully that makes sense.
Thank you for reviewing and following. Until next time.