CHAPTER 14
Brandon’s house was a Mediterranean style two-story mansion, complemented by lush gardens and classic LA palm trees. It was very beautiful and huge but not as big as my family’s retro Spanish design estate.
Anxiety started to slowly creep into me as Brandon opened the door for me. This was a bad idea, what was I thinking? I’m terribly underdressed and my hair probably looks like a haystack.
I nervously raked a hand through it as Brandon and I walked up to the covered front porch. “You look fine.” He said surprising me and I gave him a small smile before he turned the doorknob. We walked into the huge entry hall; the receiving area opens to a formal dining room. A bronze haired woman probably in her mid thirties approached us with a warm smile. From Brandon’s description this was his stepmom.
“Honey, welcome home.” She said to Brandon with a brief kiss to his cheek before she faced me with a welcoming smile when he introduced us.
“Katelyn its such a pleasure to finally meet you, well aren’t you just a lovely girl.” She said and I tried hard not to blush “Thank you, its nice to meet you too Mrs. Carter.” I said and she rolled her hazel eyes.
“Please call me Ellie.” She said kindly and I smiled, just then his stepsister I presumed came rushing down the curved staircase. She had the same hair color as her mother but she had Brandon’s grey eyes, which I guessed they both got from their father.
She ran to Brandon who smiled catching her in his arms, I felt myself smile at the scene; she seemed very found of her big brother. Who isn’t?
“Connie this is Katelyn. Katelyn this is Constance.” He said and she smiled at me
“Hi.” She said waving and I chuckled waving back “Hey sweetie.”
“You have pretty hair.” She said and I smiled, the Carters are big on compliments aren’t they? Which made me relax a bit about my appearance.
“So do you.” I said as Brandon put her down.
“Katelyn will be staying for dinner.” He said to Ellie and her smile widened
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She said then she held out her hand to Connie “Come on sweetie, lets go do your homework.” She said and Connie immediately took it. Ellie gave us a parting smile and went back up the stairs with her.
I met Brandon’s gaze and smiled “She’s very nice.” I said, glad that he was one of the lucky ones who don’t have a stepmom from hell.
He smiled too “Yeah, Ellie’s a jewel.” He said, “I didn’t realize that until you practically forced me to.” He added and I looked at him bemused then I remembered what I said to him before we first kissed.
Not all women are cold-hearted mercenaries Brandon; some of us can love unconditionally.
He took my hand “Tour?” he asked and I smiled “Please.” I said and he did just that, taking me all over his house and showing me some of its rooms. We passed through the great room with a unique fireplace; it opens to the rear-covered veranda with an expansive pool. We went over the hardwood bridge over the pool to the backyard patio. He said he likes to come there and think.
I can see why, the sight of the small garden waterfall flowing into the pool could keep anyone serene.
I presumed that our last stop was his room, which was as stylish as the whole house. It had copper interior with soft illumination over the wall panels. It also had glass doors into the deck overlooking the backyard.
We talked a little before I noticed an acoustic guitar next to his desk; “You play?” I asked pointing to it and he nodded “A little.” He said almost sheepishly.
“Oh my God, you never told me.” I said playfully punching his shoulder before I went over and grabbed it. I sat back on the bench at the foot of his bed, running my hand on the smooth dark wood. “You write?” I asked and he nodded “Only melodies though.” He said and I smiled handing him the instrument “Play something for me.” I pleaded and he reluctantly took it.
He began playing a slow and hauntingly soft melody, all I could do was stare at him bewildered. When he stopped he looked at me in question, I paused
“That was beautiful.” I breathed and he smiled, he played me a couple more melodies then I raided the iPod on its docking station. I hit play on the last played track “I love this song.” I said to him and he smiled after putting down his guitar.
He took me by surprise when he grabbed me and started dancing, we both laughed as he twirled us around his room with careless grace.
I abruptly stopped when I saw Ellie at the door with an amused look on her face, “Sorry, I knocked and no one replied.” She explained and I blushed, why was I blushing?
“Dinner is ready.” She added and Brandon nodded “We’ll be right down.” He said and she closed the door behind her.
When we got downstairs we found Ellie setting up the table laughing with a man who sat at the head of the table, I knew first hand he was Brandon’s father. The resemblance was confirmation. He stood up when he saw us and smiled,
“You must be Katelyn.” He said extending out his hand “Its good to meet you, I’ve heard a great deal.” He added and I shook it smiling back.
Geez, what has Brandon been telling them about me? “Likewise Mr. Carter.” I said, “Please sit.” He said settling back on his chair. I sat on his left and Brandon next to me, Ellie and Connie sat on his right.
Brandon’s family were very welcoming, they never for a second made me feel like the visitor during the course of the dinner. I was a little bummed when I had to go. I said goodbye and Brandon and I walked out towards his car.
“They like you, you know?” he said and I eyed him “My Dad especially.” He added with a wary chuckle “He’s probably thrilled that I’m seeing the daughter of the billionaire mogul. He’d probably have me marry you by 18.” He said and my eyebrows furrowed.
“Because of my Dad?” I said “Ouch, and here I thought I was special.” I muttered and he smiled softly, taking my hand.
“You are special, to me,” he said kissing my hand, “Smooth.” I said with mock disapproval and he grinned opening the door for me. It’s hard not to believe he’s sincere when his grey eyes sparkle like that. At the rate at which I’m falling for this boy, I really hope he is sincere.
“No way.” Tess said and I smiled eyeing her “No lie.” I said as I parked on the side of the road. “I thought I was in trouble for picking a fight with Rhiannon.” I added as we got out.
“And they just didn’t mention it?” Tess probed, disbelieving, my eyes wandered around Rodeo drive before settling on her. “Just like that. I know for a fact they know it happened,” I said. Tess’ brows furrowed as we walked down the famous street, passing a few designer shops. “Your parents are awesome but they can be weird sometimes.” Tess said and I chuckled “I know right? They can be unpredictable at times, which is a very bad trait for parents to have.” I said and Tess laughed too “Anyway, enough about your parents, lets shop.” She said with excitement clear in her voice. I smiled at her as we made our way to our favorite store. The A&A Designs store was a home away from home; we loved to come here even if we weren’t buying anything. Mainly just to visit my cool aunts.
“Katie, Tess, what a pleasant surprise.” Mandy said hugging us both tightly
“Hey aunt Mandy.” I said, admiring her new haircut, she ditched her long straight golden locks for a sophisticated bob. She looked amazing, as usual.
“Ally just went to go fetch lunch, she’ll be back soon though.” She said, “What can I do for you girls?” she asked, sensing that we were not just stopping by.
“We’re looking for killer dresses for our dance tomorrow night.” Tess said and she smiled “You came to the right place, we have everything from designer dresses to our own collection, go wild.” She said glancing at her Rolex “I wish I could stay and help but I have to meet up with a supplier, don’t worry Gina over there—” she pointed to a woman in black dress pants and the store’s shirt, who waved kindly “—will help you with anything you need, on us.” She said.
> I was about to protest but she silenced me with her finger “But nothing, honestly, I thought you’d be better than your mother, have we taught you nothing?” she said, playfully admonishing me causing me to smile.
“Alright.” I said and she gave us a parting smile before she swiftly disappeared out the back. Tess and I looked at each other for a second before we squealed in excitement and began our raid.
Tess ended up picking a brown silk knee length dress from the store’s collection, along with nude heels. I chose a grey chiffon printed long dress by Vera Wang, in homage to Brandon’s eye color. I paired it with black Louboutins that were 2 inches out of my comfort zone, but hey, I’m feeling ambitious lately.
I twirled in front of Tess and she jumped out of her chair clasping her hands together in appreciation.
“You’re going to be a knockout Katie, you look amazing.” She said and I smiled at her, and gazed at myself in the mirror.
“I agree; it’s a good choice.” Gina said with a smile and I nodded “We’ll take them.” I said and she nodded too before walking away.
CHAPTER 15