My Emerald

Mind Games

“Charlotte darling, there you are.” Rose had all but lept from her chair, grinning from ear to ear to see the girl again.

“I’m sorry I got lost in the house and couldn’t find my way back out.” She tried to think of a lie to appease her father, his glare directly on her as well as Daphne’s.

“Oh I know it’s like a maze in there everything looks the same.” Rose chuckled, “I’ve asked them to pack your meal away for you to take home, but please sit, stay for dessert?” She asked, gesturing to the chair next to her. Charlotte headed right over. She really enjoyed speaking to Rose. She reminded her a lot of her mother before the divorce. Kind, smiling and gentle with everyone. She made a mental note to ask about her library if she saw the woman again after tonight, and didn’t want to give herself up.

“UH, NO she needs to leave,” Daphne’s harsh tone was not missed by any of the Hartford’s, “She has a very long bus ride back to the city, don’t you Charlotte?” Daphne tried to recover her tone.

“Bus?” Will and Rose questioned, surprised she had taken the bus to get here. They were under the impression she lived closer to her father. Why hadn’t she been able to just come with them?

“Yes it was going to be a long bus ride, but actually my friend Nancy was able to drop me off and will be here any moment to pick me up.” Charlotte had not missed Daphne’s tone either and did not want to incur another one of her father’s wrath. He was running out of things to hold over her. She turned and made her back towards the front of the Hartford family estate.

Wwait,” William called after her, “do not forget your shoes, and I’m serious about the resume by this week, Char.” He told her with a pointed look, though he was trying to contain the amusement dancing in his own eyes.

“Thanks, I will send it over, I did promise my father.” She tried to keep her voice as level as possible. This was only her second time encountering this man, but his presence seemed to bring all of her defenses down and that scared her. Charlotte pulled her phone out as she rounded the corner to call Nancy, thankfully she was finished and heading her way. William watched her getting into her friend's car and drive away before heading back to the party.

“Will, I know you’ve promised to give her an internship, but please do not feel obligated to offer anything past that,” Daphne whined as he took the seat next to Rose, “Charlotte may appear nice but she is manipulative, just like her mother.” She added, bringing up her champagne to hide her sly smile. Daphne had already rid Gerald of his lowly ex-wife, she would soon cut the daughter off as well. The only children she would accept would be her own, if and when she decided to have them. In her opinion, Charlotte was a leech on Geralds success and every dollar allocated towards her was one less for Daphne. William was seething inside, he was not easily fooled and saw straight through his gold-digging cousin, not wanting to cause issues for his parents he simply gave a curt nod and began conversation with his mother until he could retire for the evening. He had planned to stay and spend time with his mother that evening and the following day, but a phone call changed all of that. “David,” William answered much faster than normal. “That was quick, someone eager for news on a few girls or looking for an escape from the family meeting?” David chuckled to himself. “Both, now what is it?” William was still at the party and trying to keep his conversation formal and to the point. “Well I called the club and got the girls names, seems Nancy applied for business schools and met Gabe there, that’s how they were on the list. Thankfully, Gabe was to intoxicated to notice them. They also called to go in tonight. Apparently, it's Charlotte's 18th birthday tomorrow. I also found out -”

“That’s fine, I’m on my way. I’ll meet you at the office in an hour.”

“You got it, boss.” David knew no further information was needed and they were going to the club. Now he just had to get ready and get something for William to change into.

“Will darling is everything okay?” Rose asked.

“Yes mother, I’m sorry I’ll have to cut our visit short. Something came up at work I need to take care of.”

“Of course,” Rose kissed his cheek and leaned up to whisper in his ear, “Keep that girl safe even from her father.” She gave him a knowing look before he took off to his car.