Happy birthday, Jeff (3)
Happy birthday, Jeff (3)
Occasionally, between two songs they are interrupted by their kids who are confirming successful completion of their mission for the afternoon.
"They are doing much better than I thought they would, considering that it's their first time they need to get information from strangers.", Sarah voiced her thoughts while looking after one batch of kids who happily left the venue.
Most of the kids were eager to go and explore the resort. Staying in the hall after food and watching people dance is not very interesting.
Aiden agreed with Sarah but…"There are few who are struggling…" He was referring to Ade, Jamari, Masika and Imani. The four of them missed their chance right after lunch when people started chatting, and now it's increasingly difficult to cut in when the target is already engaged in a discussion with someone.
Sarah noticed them as well. "I specifically told them to pay attention to six who acted as couples during the weekend, but they ignored that advice. I'm sure they learned their lesson and will do better next time…"
Ah, parenting is hard…
…
Sophia is moving and bending under Felix's guidance. Oh, how she loves to dance with her husband. The way he grips her waist and occasionally their bodies touch 'accidentally' makes her all heated.
"Two more days…", Sophia whispered close to Felix's ear.
Felix let out a low growl from the back of his throat and pulled her close to him.
Sophia inhaled sharply when she felt that he is turned on.
Oh, God! This will be long two days!
The doctor said to wait six weeks, so they need to wait. Two more days. Both of them took Monday off from work. They have a lot of catching up to do.
…
Jasper and Ellie are dancing to their own beat, holding each other tightly.
"This is the same place where you told me not to pursue you, because it will not end well.", Jasper reminded Ellie.
She remembered that she said that about six months ago (give or take a day). They were in this same event hall for Jeff's and JoAnna's wedding rehearsal dinner.
Ellie narrowed her eyes at Jasper. "This is the same place you flirted with two nurses while asking me if it's OK to pursue me for a one night stand."
Jasper cleared his throat awkwardly. She got him there, but he will try to salvage it. "Yes. One night... One by one, it adds up to a lifetime."
Ellie smiled at her cheeky smoking-hot fiancé. "If someone told me then that we will return here in six months while planning our wedding, I would call that person a liar."
"Me too.", Jasper admitted and tightened his hold on Ellie. "Me too…", he repeated.
He has to admit (to himself only) that at the time of rehearsal dinner he saw Ellie as a potential one night stand, and he was annoyed by her rejection. By the wedding day he realized that she is different. And now he is confident that Ellie is the only one with whom he wants to spend his life with… and he will never let go of her.
…
Russel and Christopher noticed that Vincent is… missing. They assumed that he went to the restroom, but when he didn't return for some time, his friends started looking around and they found him on the dancefloor.
"Who is that woman?", Russel asked. "Why is she smiling like that? Vincent is NOT a funny guy!"
"That is Ashley Mitchell.", Christopher responded to Russel's first question.
Russel paused before asking: "Mitchell? Like Henry Mitchell's daughter? The CEO of Mitchell laboratories?"
Christopher nodded while silently confirming that those gazes Vincent and Ashley are exchanging mean only one thing: the Cupid struck again.
Christopher sighed. "It's down to two of us…"
"No way!", Russel could NOT accept that.
"You will see. He will bring her to the yacht.", Christopher nodded knowingly.
…
About half an hour ago…
Vincent was sipping his drink and looking around. His sight fell on a young lady who was seated at one of the tables where Jeff's business partners are with their families.
Her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, disappearing behind the backrest of the chair, and she flipped it, revealing her delicate neck. Vincent could swear that it's the most beautiful neck he ever saw.
She was talking with someone at the table and smiled, and he was sure that he heard birds chirping in the background.
Vincent is not aware how he reached that table, but he saw an older man frowning at him. He assumed (correctly) that it's the young woman's father.
"Excuse me…", Vincent spoke to the young lady. "My name is Vincent Price, and I was wondering if I can interest you in a dance…"
She looked up at him and her enchanting blue eyes sparkled for a moment before she lowered her gaze. But Vincent saw that she is smiling, and she definitely blushed.
"Price? From New York?", the older man asked.
The man did his research and knows who Jeff's friends are. It is not a secret that Jeffrey White does not have many friends, but he is maintaining good relationship with his five close friends from college. The man obviously recognized the name and wants to confirm that Vincent is from the Price family who has a strong presence in politics.
"Yes."
Vincent's response made old man's expression soften. He gave a small nod of approval to Vincent and gestured to the young lady that it's up to her.
She smiled shyly and her eyes darted between Vincent and her father few times before she stood up and placed her hand in Vincent's, which he extended toward her as soon as she pushed her chair backward slightly so that she can stand up.
Vincent looked at her, and then straight in front, observing that he can see just above her head. Perfect height difference, he thought.
"Your name, Miss…?", Vincent asked while guiding the young woman to the dance floor.
"Ashley.", her voice rang in Vincent's ears and he was sure that is the sound of angels singing.
"Why is a woman as beautiful as you without a date?"
His question made her giggle, but she responded confidently. "Maybe I didn't find the man worthy of being my date… yet."
Vincent held his breath. "Yet? How about now?" His intense gaze seemed powerful enough to look into her soul.
She smiled and didn't look away. "I'm not sure but… it looks promising."
Her smile was bewitching, and Vincent was hit by the Cupid without any warning.
…
Jeff and JoAnna finished making their rounds and greeting guests.
"You call this a small party?", Jeff asked JoAnna while pulling her toward the dancefloor. "I thought it will be the two of us and few selected friends."
"Yeah…", JoAnna admitted and looked at her husband guiltily while explaining: "I selected few, your mom did, you did… When everyone selected few, this is what it turned out to be."
Jeff laughed and kissed JoAnna's cheek. He was in a good mood.
JoAnna leaned onto her husband and enjoyed the comfort of his embrace. It helped to calm down her anxiety before she gives her 'present' to Jeff. He asked her the previous day what she got for him and she responded that it's something special and it will be worth waiting… and based on his expression, JoAnna could see that he is assuming it's something naughty. Ah, he will be surprised!
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