FOR.BIDDEN LOVERS

Chapter 6: Who is She?

Richard

I can't stop thinking about Claire. Not because she turned me on by challenging me, but also because her eyes reached deep into my soul.

It frightens me to know that she can see into a person's heart. It was as if those hypnotic blue eyes of hers said, "I see your pain." If she can see my pain, she can hurt me.

I plan on getting to know her so I can stay one step ahead of her, but I'll have to be on my guard. I'll make sure to wear sunglasses the next time I see her. I can't look into those beautiful eyes of her without being bewitched.

"Richard, are you listening to me?" My father points to a profile picture on his phone.

"Check out this woman. She's blonde, has blue eyes, and is well endowed. Plus, she used to be a secretary," he says, winking his eye. He hands me the phone and nods his head.

"Dad, I'm not stupid, I know why you choose her, and I already have an assistant." I hand the phone back to him.

"Are you planning on marrying Bernard?" He replies, laughing.

My father knows we're in a public place, and I don't want to cause a scene. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made such a stupid statement knowing it would upset me to the extent of cursing him out.

Mr. Berkshire walks toward our table and sits down beside my father.

"Good to see you, Henry." He shakes both my fathers' and my hand and proceeds to discuss renovations to our golf course at Bayside Beach Front.

"I'll put you in touch with my guy," says Mr. Berkshire handing my father a business card.

Mr. Berkshire turns to his left and momentarily stares off in shock.

"Look who is here Richard, your rival from down the street.

I turn to the left and see Claire walking towards us with Mr. Dubois.

My mouth starts to become drier than the Sahara Desert. I can't believe it. Out of all the golf resorts in Malibu, she shows up here.

I'm a relaxed person by nature, and handling Claire by myself is a breeze. I know how to turn on the charm, but in front of my rude and overbearing dad, I'm a nervous wreck.

“Mr. Dubois, my arch nemesis. It's been a long time. How are you?" My dad asks staring at Mr. Dubois as if he's no match for him.

"I'm wonderful, Henry." Mr. Dubois stares back at my father.

"Well, I think these two know each other," says Mr. Berkshire, pointing to Claire and me.

"How so?" asks my father, glaring at me as if I've just committed an act of betrayal.

"Oh, this young lady put on a show last night," says Mr. Berkshire.

"What?" My father replies, crossing his arms.

"Oh yeah, these two went at it, but Richard came out on top. This young fox gave your son a run for his money, though," Mr. Berkshire chuckles.

"Well, I hire the best." Mr. Dubois winks his eye at me before he and Claire walk away. My father throws his hand in the air as if Claire is some maidservant not worthy of being acknowledged.

He is such a jerk towards women. I don't know how my mother tolerates him.

Once again, I find myself mesmerized by Claire. My father is speaking, but it's as if I'm in a trance.

Claire and Mr. Dubois sit at a nearby table. I stare at Claire, watching her every move. I watch the way she pulls her hair behind her ear to stop it from flowing in her face. I notice her eyes as she stares out the window, lost in a daydream. It's almost as if she, too, is hiding pain. I see the way she covers her mouth when she laughs. Why would someone so beautiful want to conceal their laugh?

"Richard, Richard, why the hell are you continuing to stare at her? Are you attracted to her?"

"No, dad."

"Good, because it's no way in hell I'd let you marry someone like that," he replies, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Dad, I –"

"She's probably divorced. She doesn't come from money and would blow through your inheritance in a month." He slaps Mr. Berkshire on the leg as the two of them laugh at his comments.

"Dad, don't – “

"You know, people like that aren't used to the finer things in life. They'll blow every penny when they get a taste of luxury because they don't understand the difference between assets and liabilities. Let me tell you something, son. She's certainly not an asset." He points his finger towards me and takes a sip of his coffee.

I throw my napkin down and walk out of the restaurant. I despise the way my father talks about women. It didn't matter if it was Claire or any other woman. His views about women sicken me to my stomach.

I text Jarred and tell him to bring the car to the front. Mr. Berkshire waves his hand, motioning for me to come back inside.

I decide it's best to just ignore him.

Jarred arrives at the front entrance. Consumed by anger, I rush towards the door without waiting for Jarred to open it for me.

"Everything ok, boss?" Jarred looks at me with concern.

“No, everything isn't ok."