My Brother's Best Friend

Chapter 19

Natalia

The taxi drops us off in front of a house that you would only see in movies. "Wow, this place is incredible," I say. "Natalia," Mia elbows me. "Put your eyes back. You act like you've never seen a mansion," If only Mia realized that I had never seen a house this big in person. This house looks bigger than the Whitmore's. If that was a mansion, this is a castle. "Follow me, and stop acting weird," I frown. "I am not weird," she sighs and waves me off like I am a problem she can't deal with right now. I wonder if Mia would feel differently about me if she knew where I lived and who my mother really is.

"Mia Johnson, and my plus 1," she tells the man standing at the gate with a clipboard. He takes Mia in, then his eyes turn to me. They travel down my body, then back up. He tells us to wait and he makes a phone call.

He returns, pushes a red button next to an electric box and the gates open in slow motion. This is totally weird and dramatic. I don't understand the big deal. The gates are huge, so we literally have to stand here awkwardly for more than a minute just staring at each other and smiling awkwardly as the gates slowly open up. I guess this is some grand reveal for the party? I wait in anticipation of what will be behind the grand gates. I'm sure rich people go all out, so I start feeling a little excited. I feel Mia's excitement as well.

The doors finally open, and we are greeted by nothing. Literally, nothing but trees and rose bushes surround us. This is all extremely underwhelming.

"Where is everyone?" I mutter.

"Please step inside and head all the way to the first house. Once you reach that house, there will be a lit-up path to guide you to the event," the security guard tells us. Mia takes a step forward like it is all normal. I've watched a movie that starts off like this. It ends up with the main character being hunted down like an animal.

I grab her arm to stop her. "I don't think we should go in there, Mia. This doesn't feel right," I whisper, so the man doesn't hear me. "Chill out, Nat. This isn't a high school, or even college party. I think it will be more of a relaxed vibe. You have nothing to worry about. Let's just go in, mingle a bit and if we don't like it, we leave," I nod, because I know she will cause a scene if I don't agree. "Let me keep your phone though," I stick my hand out. That is my only request. I want to be able to reach Mike, Jace or Billy if something happens. "Let me just send a quick text that we have arrived," then she hands me her phone.

We arrive at the house and, sure enough, there's a lit path with little props that you can take pictures with. There are a ton of pineapples. Some are upside down, some are stuck on huge poles. Some are lit on fire. I have never experienced anything liek this. The owners of this house must really like fruit. We continue on the path and we stumble across a fake booth with a psychic medium inside. The sign reads "Stick your hand in the booth, palm side up for a reading," Mia sticks her hand inside "Tonight, all your wild wishes will come true," the automated machine says. I roll my eyes. "Your turn," I put my hand. "You are going to die tonight," I pull my hand back. "What the h3ll. That isn't funny. Let's go," Mia says. There's also a photo booth that we take advantage of and get some pictures, since there is no line at the moment. The pictures that get printed come in a pineapple frame. It's actually cute and makes me want to eat some pineapple now. We continue down the path when a man comes from the opposite side.

Mia lights up instantly. "William," she shouts. The man sticks his hand up awkwardly. As he makes his way over to us, I realize one thing.

I have seen this man before.

"Is this your boyfriend? He's old!" I whisper. Mia just gives me an annoyed glance and gives her full attention to him. She nearly throws her body at him. They kiss, and I want to vomit. It is so awkward having to stand there and watch my best friend kiss a man that looks like he could be 30 years older than her. What the h3ll is going on here? I know she mentioned talking to an older boy, and she mentioned some things here and there, like this party and how mature he is. Of course, he is mature. He's old.

They finally pull away.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Nat. I forgot you were here," Mia laughs as she just said the funniest joke ever.

"So, this is the famous Natalia Ramos," the man steps closer, and now I know I have seen him before. Have I seen him at the clubhouse, or at my job or the surrounding area? Is he a teacher? I get a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I hope he hasn't been to my house before. Where have I seen this man before?

"Nat, this is William. William, this is my best friend, Natalia," he gives me his hand to shake. I don't want to touch this man, but Mia glares at me and makes this gesture with her top body, so I know I have no choice. I have to put on a performance and act friendly. I am great at performing, so it should be easy.

"Nice to meet you, William. Mia has said great things about you." I lie, but I smile so brightly that even though Mia looks stunned by my words, I can tell she appreciates them. Let's be real though, we both know she hasn't said that much about him. He smiles and holds her face as he looks at her. Barf. I clear my throat.

"So, follow me. Let me welcome you both to the party. There are different kinds of drinks," he winks. "There are also appetizers, and other kinds of appetizers. If you know what I mean," he chuckles, and runs his hand through his hair. He looks at me. I look at him, then he looks at Mia. It's awkward, and I am about to make it even more awkward.