The Rogue

one - A distraction

"Come on Ivy! Hurry up and submit it!" My roommate Jess squealed at me. 

"Clicking upload now Jess, calm down" I huffed, shoving my laptop aside. There was no sense of relief, the semester had been full-on and my bed was calling me for a long nap. Jess however had different plans.

"Are you going to wear the red or the blue tonight?" I ask her as she held both dresses up against her body in the mirror on the back of my bedroom door. She was one of those girls that could wear a potato sack and be able to call it fashion. With her fiery red locks and full lips and hips, a good half a foot of height on me.  She could be a model; instead, she is in nursing school with me. 

"Neither, I think ill go with black tonight" she teased pulling the dry cleaning bag that held my dress for my own end-of-semester plan.

"Don't start Jess" I groan grabbing the garment bag back off her. 

"Your Dad's shopper did well this time"

My Dad. It took some time to not flinch at the use of that title. Dad was a foreign concept to me; foreign to me like the city I now reside in. I had sent myself here to Melbourne — a move I did not take lightly. I despised this city. It was from this city and its busy, suffocating urban life that my Mum left with me when I was ten. Leaving my work-a-holic father behind to create his bio-medical empire.

"You can have it when I'm done" I roll my eyes. I’m the opposite of Jess, the opposite of most girls I’ve met here. Maybe the truth is, is that I am not like girls my age, period. Sometimes I wondered if I was missing something fundamental they all had, that somewhere I missed a class on what it meant to be a young woman. In my 5’2 frame, round cheeks, sun lightened blond hair, pale skin I was always mistaken for a teenager. Certainly never taken seriously by my professors. The girls here know the fashions and how to dress, how to do their hair and makeup. I was always happy in my denim shorts and flowing blouses back home. Home. I loved Byron. I loved the sun and year round warmth. I loved the eclectic community that had taken me in. Most of all, I loved my Mum.

 I check my phone, I had missed a call from my Father whilst in the essay zone finalizing and submitting my last for the semester, I already know what it's about but I still hit the voicemail. 

"Don't forget, I will pick you up at 6 pm tonight." Short and to the point as usual. My Father, Nicholas, was surprised by my plan return, although it was for mutual benefits he seemed genuinely pleased that I was coming to city for my studies. He'd wanted to us me to create an image of himself for adventures; I just wanted to graduate debt free. It was a win-win situation really; So long as my mum never found out.

I groan shoving my phone in my clutch bag that's out ready for tonight on my bed. Accompanying Nicholas to another one of his companies networking dinners is the last thing I want to do to 'celebrate' the end of the semester. I knew it would be awkward with Nicholas. We were never exactly close when I was small, a now after a decade he’s more of a stranger than ever. Ive been to a few now, but after the last I dread them more than ever.

"Hey perk up I'd kill to go to one of those fancy black tie events your Dad drags you to," Jess says as she lays the dress back down across my bed for me to get changed into.

"No really Jess you wouldn't, they are boring as and it is all serious rich people trying to one-up one another and kiss each other ass" 

"well duh, rich guys..." She smirks at me. her eyes are devilish.

"Gold-digger" I laugh. Jess tosses her red mane over her shoulder, and then disappears back to her room with her dresses in tow. She’s heading out clubbing like she does most Fridays. Knowing Jess, I don't expect her to be back tonight, she's the outgoing one and I'm well not. Don't get me wrong I can give sass when I want or need it, but I just moved interstate to a city I hate to build a life of my own, I just don't need any distractions from my plan.

Checking my watch it's just past 5 pm. Reluctantly I shut my laptop and climb off my bed and slide my way into the black dress my father had bought for me. I cant deny that its nice, it's a classic style, silky, midi length V neck with thin straps and a half slit in the side. It drops low at the back. I'm going to freeze but at least I will look good. I pair it with my one pair of black heels. I pull my hair out from its ponytail and run a brush through it. One thing I've learned from Jess was how to style my natural messy waves without really any effort. I give myself a look up and down in the mirror on the back of my bedroom door, I don't look too bad. I look almost my age, which is impressive by my standards. I run my fingers through my hair and grab my makeup bag and head to Jess’ room.

Our university-housing apartment is minuscule; we have two bedrooms opposite one another, one tiny ensuite size bathroom, and a mini kitchenette, the main kitchen being a communal one down the hall. It's not much but it's enough for us. It also beats the alternative of me living with my Father.

I give a quick knock then come in. She sprawled on her bed swiping her social media’s. She gives me a look and I toss my makeup bag to her. She knows the drill. Her room is much the same as mine, a small square box-like room with off-white walls and a king single bed, the difference being she adorned her walls with pictures of various friends and family, and a few artworks. Mines as bare as the day I moved in. 

I sit down in my usual spot at the end of her bed, shut my eyes, and let her get to work. She always makes me look like I almost belong among the elite who attend my Fathers events.  

"Do you think Evan will be there tonight?" Jess muses as she dabs concealer under my eyes to hide the study bags. Evan is the son of one of my father's associates, we pretty much grew up together, keeping each other entertained at the many dinner parties our parents had had over the years at least until my parents separated and my father lost all interest in me until I graduated college. Nicholas re-introduced me to Evan at the first event we attended, which was a much smaller intimate party at Evans's parent's house. He's grown up the golden child and as my father has reminded me every car ride home since that night "that Evan, is going to be the future of my industry" his praise always laced with a tone of disappointment for his ex-estranged daughter who training to be merely a nurse.

"hmmm probably." Evan is the last person I want to see, at least not after the last time I saw him. 

"So I won't expect you home tonight?" she taunts and I give her a gentle smack. 

"No! that was a mistake, never again. Besides he is seeing someone, well was, I don't know" My stomach churns as I think of the last party, my father was talking it up late, and I had overindulged somewhat on the free champagne. Evan offered to escort me home much to my Fathers delight. Only I didn't go home, at least not right away. He was a distraction I don't need and I never meant to lead him on, or make him a cheater. 

"Why not? You deserve to play as hard as you work" Jess almost whines at me. No matter how many times I've tried to explain to her I'm not like her, I need to focus, I can't think of anything else, she still tries. I know she does it out of concern but I'm okay surviving, really. 

"I know, I just don't want to play with guys they're a distra-"

"Distraction! I know." 

We sit in silence until Jess finishes her magic. It's 5 to 6 so I need to run, but Jess stops me before I dart out the door. 

"Look Ivy, I don't know what happened with Evan, He seems great actually, don't shut yourself off from living life while striving to make a different one for yourself." A lump formed in my throat so I just nodded and raced to meet my father. 

Nicholas was waiting for me in his slick black tesla. He had told me, the first time I went with him to an event that when I finished my first year of university he would by me my own. I don’t know how I could explain that to my mum.

The back passenger door opened and I slipped inside, Carlos my Fathers driver took off as I was putting my seatbelt on. Nicholas is in his usual black suit, Black shirt, and black tie number. He's in his early 60s but he looks far younger, only the slightest hints of grey are starting to appear in his chocolate brown hair. Whenever I see him, I am always surprised that he had been married to my mother, they couldn’t be more opposite. My mother the free spirit, married to the clean-cut suit and tie businessman it still confuses me.

"Ivy, Its good to see you, you look lovely" he appraises as I clip myself in next to him.

"Thank-you. It's good to see you, too, Dad." I wasn't allowed to call him Nicholas in front of anyone as part of our agreement.

His eyes stay fixed ahead but I catch a slight smile.

"What's it for this time?" I press, Im never given details, just an outfit, date and time.  

"Finding for more lab equipment" he shrugs. I have no idea what exactly it is that he researches, something in the bio-medical field - The future of medicine as he tells me. He's important in his role, he's good at what he does and he's wealthy. That's about the extent of my knowledge of him at all.

We stare out our respective windows as his driver weaves through the city traffic. This will be the fifth party he's dragged me to since I moved here, and although it's still awkward we are falling into a routine. 

“If you’re wondering Evan will be attending” I had been hoping he wouldn’t bring that up.

"He's been promoted” Nicholas continued when I didn't respond, "so he will be at all these events now."

“Ill be sure to congratulate him” He cant hide the smile.

We come to a stop in front of the Grand Hotel, it's one of the finest in the city, and it has a huge functional hall. I had attended a dinner here with Nicholas just after I first moved to the city. It's a multistory building just a couple of blocks from the waterfront. Nicholas takes my arm and walks with me. It's taken some time to get used to him touching me, the first time we walked together, felt so unnatural, now it's just a part of the show. 

The function room was much the same as my previous visit. The wooden floor, the light beige walls, the high ceiling with crown moulding, the red velvet curtains around the stage — The only changes was the projector screen showing information on my fathers company centre stage. The tables were spread out throughout the room, forming a maze for the mass of people filling the room.

So many faces I don’t know welcome us but my father does as he greets them all by name. I smile and say hello on my cues. I feel like I'm merely a fish in a fish tank, bobbing along, looking out at the strange world beyond I can't be a part of while they look at me and admire what they really don't understand. 

"Evan!" my father beams and rouses me from my thoughts as the tall blond man comes forward. I put on my rehearsed smile.

"Professor Hale" he smiles shaking my father's hand.

"Ivy, good to see you" he smiles his hazel eyes looking me up and down. I nod in acknowledgment fighting the blush creeping up on my cheeks. 

"Evan, do you mind keeping Ivy entertained while I go find your father?"

"Not at all Professor" he smiles as my father unlinks his arm from mine and disappears into the crowd. I stand awkwardly looking around for some kind of exit. Evan stands watching me un-phased. His blonde hair has grown out a little, and I see he's brushed out his curls, trying to slick them back neatly. He's in a black suit, black shirt, and black blazer. He has forgone a tie. I bite my cheek as I remember what he looked like beneath that black shirt the last time I saw him. 

"You look beautiful." Evan says as he takes a step closer towards me, I take a step back. He stops and frowns for a moment. I was dreading this moment. Next to Jess Evan is the only friend I have here in the city, as much as I don’t want to form attachments, the two of them have made the move more bearable.

"How's Cassie?" I blurt struggling for conversation. Cassie was the girl Evan was seeing; though I'm unsure if they are still an item now, thanks to me.

"She's well Ivy" he smiles. I relax a little. Evan is four years older than me, but at 24 he still holds an element of boyishness in his clean-shaven face as a result when he smiles, its hard not to smile too.

"Here, ill show you to your seat, you're next to me" he says, taking my arm, leading me through the crowd. We are seated at a table right in front of the stage but also off to the side for ease of our parents to enter and exit for their speeches. Evan pulls out my seat for me and I sit. He's always so polite; I dont think Ive ever heard him curse. He grabs us both a glass of champagne off a passing waiter before taking his seat next to me. I take a sip, its bubbles tingle my nose, but it's not bad. 

Evan is smiling at me like a little boy and guilt washes through me. I shuffle my seat closer so just Evan can hear me. We are the only ones at our table for the moment, but I'd rather not have anyone overhear. 

"Evan about last time, I really am sorry"

"If this is about Cassie? That is a non-issue. She and I aren't exclusive"

"No Evan, it's not about Cassie it's just me" I shake my head.

Evan smiles and rolls his eyes at me

"Ivy, do you really think I don't know what you are like by now, you really think I will distract you?" He takes my hand in his giving me a gentle reassuring squeeze.

“Congratulations on the promotion”

"Thank you. See we'd be great together, you and I striving for our goals.”

“My goals are far from yours”

“Hasn't it been fun at these previous events? Don't even get me started on how much our parents would love it" he muses, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

The gesture sends my heart racing but it's panic, not feeling. 

"I'll be back" I jump up, but as I do I collide with a waiter carrying a tray of champagne, causing him to drop the tray shattering the glasses against the hardwood. 

“I am so sorry" some people in the immediate area are staring at me and having a laugh. My cheeks are blazing red. The waiter reassures me that all is fine as another two join him with towels and a broom to clean the mess. Evan grabs my arm but I shake him off pushing my way through the crowd and out of the function room into the main lobby. I look around for somewhere to go, and spot a small outdoor deck. Perfect. I race out; letting the cool early evening air, chill the redness of my cheeks. I knew this night would suck but I didn't realise how much. 

"f**k!" I snap, needing the release. 

"Oh come on it wasn't that bad." I jump. 

"Sorry, I thought I was alone."

A young waiter is leaning against the sandstone brick of the building. He smiles and waves a hand motioning that my expletive is fine. I can't help but stare at him. He has dark, almost black hair, slicked back from his eyes tied into a small knot at the back of his head. His green eyes reflect the lights of city and I can just see the faintest markings of tattoos on his arms under his white shirt. His olive skin makes him look sun-kissed. 

"You know, if you die from the embarrassment that lot in there could bring you back," he says so casually. 

"I'm sure they could" I smile. Taking a lean against the wall next to him.

"They don't seem like that's your crowd"

"it's not."

"Why are you here then?" he raises an eyebrow.

"Only child obligation." I shrugged. He looks at me as if he's studying me. I try not to meet his gaze. 

"What are you here for?" I ask, breaking the silence between us. 

"Catering" he gestures down his attire. I nod and take a deep breath. 

"I should get back" I mumbled I stay where I am. Something about this guy makes me want to stay. 

“Just because you should do something, doesn’t mean you have too”

“Its never that simple though is it?”

“Touché”

"What's your name?" his voice is low and warm. 

"Ivy Hale"

"Ill see you around Ivy Hale" He gives me a smile as he kicks off from the wall, back inside as a blond figure exits.  

"Here you are" Evan whispers into my ear as he wraps his arms around my waist pulling me to his chest. I can smell the champagne on his breath.   

“Are you okay?”

“Im fine, just embarrassed.”

“There's no need to be embarrassed” he leans in to kiss me but I turn away.

"Im sorry Evan but Im not interested in anything more" I mumble trying to nudge him free. 

"Liar" he laughs. 

He brushes his fingers through my hair and pushes me against the cool brick wall its rough against the exposed skin of my back.

"I know you want more" he mumbles in my ear, before pressing his lips on mine. His tongue pushes wanting entry but I hold back. I can't do this, I cannot be with Evan, distractions aside, I cannot be tied here to my father. Once the university is done, the plan is to never see him again. I break our kiss,

"not tonight Evan" squirming away from his lips hungrily trying to kiss my neck. He mumbles something incoherent as he slides his hand up under my dress and between my thighs.

"You enjoyed it last time" he says low, serious. His calm preppy demeanor has faded away, just like that last time. I shudder and try to push him away but he pushes me back against the wall with his body.

"Remember how you moaned my name?” He taunts as he begins to rub me over my knickers. I can't do this. 

"No Evan" I snap slapping him. 

"b***h!" he spits at me as he lets go of me, rubbing his cheek. 

We both jump at the sound of a cough. The waiter I was speaking to before has reappeared appeared. 

"The speeches are about to start" he advises, his gaze intent on us. 

"Yeah, we were just leaving" Evan huffs, glaring at me before heading back into the party. I wait to see he's not waiting for me and release the breath I hadn't realized I was holding. 

"You all right?" the catering attendant asks looking me up and down. 

"I'm fine" I mumble avoiding his eyes as I rush past him still, I could feel his green eyes on me as I made my way back into the party.