Starting Over.

Chapter 54 - Meeting Clive.

I watched as David frantically went through his things.

“It can’t be red, he hates red.” David said pulling out shirts.

“You’re more nervous then I am.” I said bouncing my high heel off and on my foot.

“This has to go well.” David said holding up a white shirt.

“It’ll match my dress. Is he ok with matching outfits?” I teased and David stopped to think.

“I don’t know.” He said seriously and I laughed.

“David, it’s going to be ok. If he hates me, we’ll pull a George and run off to mark.” I laughed and David smiled.

“Ha ha.” He said putting on his white shirt. I stood in my tight sweetheart neck form fitting white dress. I walked over helping David with his buttons. He kissed me and I leaned into him. My nerves melted into his kiss and I felt calmer in a way.

“What ever happens, it’ll be ok.” I whispered and David nodded. David’s phone buzzed and he pulled it out.

“He’s pulling into the pack land entrance now.” David said taking my hand and walking out of the room. “He’s going to be upset if we aren’t lined up!” David said as we made it to the door. He opened it and I could see everyone in front of George’s house. All the same ball of nerves as David.

“Woof Ryan!” Will said looking me up and down.

“David said to dress nice so.” I motion to myself.

“Don’t stare too hard dear.” Audra said nudging him.

“Sorry.” Will laughed. George and Harmony stayed quiet. Bradly stood with his arms crossed.

“Places.” George said. David guided me to a spot in front of him and I heard him take a deep breath. A black car pulled up to George’s house and a man jumped out.

“That’s Dennis, dad’s assistant.” David whispered as Dennis held open the door and man stepped out. He was like a old George. Tall and muscular but with thick white hair. He had a white mustache to match and his cheeks sagged like he spent so much time with a fake smile on his face. He looked annoyed until his eyes set on Bradly.

“Bradly! Come give grandpa a hug!” He said holding his arms out. Bradly walked up and hugged him. “And what’s this?” His mouth fell open like he had actually found something. I watched as he placed a hundred dollar bill in Bradly hand.

“I love you grandpa!” Bradly smiled wide and hugged him again.

“Clive you know he’s going to spend that all on candy and trading cards.” Harmony complained.

“What’s wrong with that!?” Clive said angry at her. “Let the child have some happiness.” Clive glared at her and I gripped onto David’s hand.

“Audra! Finally we see each other again!” Clive hugged her. “I hope you have something great and terrible for me planned for dinner.” He smiled and she nodded.

“They’re slow roasting a ham as we speak.” Audra said.

“My favorite! I knew I could count on someone to make me happy. Which ask Will why he never brings you to see me anymore.” Clive said shooting Will a look.

“Oh it’s my fault. I get bored while I wait for you to be done with your meetings.” Audra said.

“Well now David can bring this beautiful lady.” Clive had finally moved on to me. He looked me up and down. “David.” He said and it was like everyone had sucked in a breath all at the same time. “How did you find someone so gorgeous. My goddess.” Clive held out his arm. “Come tell me all about yourself.” I reluctantly stepped forward and took his arm. He walked inside the house and everyone followed close behind.

“I’m Ryan, it’s nice to meet you sir.” I said.

“David she’s polite too. He tells me you’re smart and that’s why our accounting teams speed has increased.” Clive said leading me to the living room.

“Oh, I’m good with numbers. I really love what I do.” I said as Clive looked around my neck. He looked at David. There was silence and David sighed. Clive turned back to me.

“Numbers wizard you say? Just like David. He’s amazing with numbers you know?” He said as a almost brag.

“I do know, he remembered my number lock for weeks after we met.” I said.

“Smart, beautiful, and polite. You remind me of David’s mother.” He said and smiled. I heard a small gasp come from Harmony.

“Oh, thank you.” I said as I watched Clive dig around his wallet. He handed me a picture of a beautiful woman with dark skin and flowing black hair. Her smile was so bright and I could only assume the man next to her was Clive.

“She’s gorgeous.” I said and Clive slowly took the picture back putting it in his wallet.

“Everyone but David leave.” Clive demanded. I went to stand and Clive put a hand on my shoulder. “And you my dear.” The room cleared out and David came to sit in the chair near me.

“Ok, what is it.” David said as Clive looked at us.

“Why didn’t you say she was human?” He asked flatly.

“It never came up.” David said.

“Why haven’t you marked her?” Clive asked just as flat.

“We were waiting until she was ready.” David said.

“Nonsense.” Clive stood. “I approve. Do it soon.” He said and David looked almost shocked. “You thought I would disapprove because she was human? That’s why you didn’t tell me?” Clive stared at David. “I’m not fond of surprises.” Clive turned to me. “It was lovely meeting you. I hope to see you at dinner, marked of course.” Clive kissed my hand and turned. “DENNIS!” He yelled walking off. I looked at David and our eyes met.

“That was shocking.” David said.