章 5: Chapter 5 - Lets Do It

I watched as Mrs. D'Angelo half carried Celeste up the stairs into her room. I thought back to the party. From the moment I saw her, I knew she didn't look good. She seemed tense and kept rubbing her hands. Her face told a different story, she seemed fine. I thought to myself 'It is the eyes that are on her. She doesn't like being the center of attention. And knowing she is a people pleaser, she probably is worried about how Rebecca is feeling.'

I wanted to shake it off but as always, it was futile. I came back in from outside to refill my iced water to check in on her. She still was the same. 'At least she didn't get worse.' I went back out and continued to converse with Alan.

"The wedding planner is planning to come in soon and begin getting Becca's ideas down. Though I have to start planning our honeymoon since that is the only thing she wants me to handle. I am thinking tropical. Dean you went to the Maldives right? Did you like it?"

I took a another drink trying to cool myself off. Despite hanging out in the shade, wearing a long sleeve and being outside wasn't the best combo. "Oh yeah it was great! Plenty of fun stuff to do while also being very relaxing." Someone, who based on his clothes and demeanor seemed like someone who was a few classes below us laughed before saying "Oh yeah for you I bet there was ~plenty~ of fun stuff to do." I cocked an eyebrow as the others began to nervously laugh at my reaction.

It wasn't like my exploits were a secret. I wasn't someone who cared about what others whose annual income doesn't even amount to what I make in a minute, think about me. I was still going to do as I liked. However, maybe it was because I was already on edge due to the heat, or because a certain someone was acting in a way that made me concerned. But I got annoyed.

Alan quickly slapped the back of the mans head. "Sorry Dean, my cousin Greg is new to this and doesn't really know what he is talking about." The fierce look Alan gave the cousin quickly shut him up. Maverick Keene, another rich kid from out circle decided to move the subject to another equally touchy subject. "When will you settle down Dean? I am sure plenty of women would kill to be your wife."

I saw everyone visibly tense and freeze like deer caught in headlights. This was something I didn't like to discuss and the last time someone tried to ask me about it that wasn't family was a reporter who hasn't been heard from since.

It was in that moment that from when we all quieted down, that we noticed the dead silence from those inside. My response was left hanging as Alan immediately pushed his way into the house with the rest of us following. Only to see Felix and company waltz in.

Celeste looked pale and the slight rub of her hands became more obvious as she increased her pressure. I needed to get her out of there. So I said the only thing I knew could get her out without being seen as weak or pathetic.

'It has to be something more than Felix. Was she already sick?' I thought as the mother daughter duo rounded the corner to her room. I wanted to ask on the way here in the privacy of my car but I didn't want to pry. At least not right now when she isn't herself. My eyes, now ridden of their target, glanced over at the house of the D'Angelos. The last time I was here was when we were kids and our parents were discussing business. Not much has changed. Their house was still the same. It was a grand mansion but it did not feel unwelcoming. The biggest difference however was a large family photo hanging on the wall in their living room.

Celeste looked the same way she did our junior year of high-school. At the time she had cut her hair even shorter than what she has it at now and she had bangs which she often clipped back. I remember that year especially because she absolutely hated her bangs since it got in her eyes and she felt it made her face even rounder. The clips in the photo were the ones I gave her. Though she never knew I did.

One of the house staff that was in the house came over with a tray of water and light snacks. "Young Master Cortez your water and some refreshments." I looked over and gave a smile as I grabbed a few to take with me. "Thanks, let them know I left." I started my car and began to drive home where I could finally change into something more comfortable.

'Now that I have created an imaginary project for us to be working on. What should we do?' Knowing that Celeste was safe at home allowed me to fully process what I have done. And what I unknowingly pulled her into. A business proposal that our families consider to be very taboo. 'She will be very angry in the morning.' I smiled slightly, excited of whats to come. I woke up earlier than normal and began prepping all the material I needed and headed over to the cafe where she often frequents.

Celeste was a creature of habit. She always behaved a certain way and did certain things in routine. This cafe was where she always liked to eat and hangout. It was a hole in the wall place where not many tourists were able to find. I sat down in the corner booth she liked for its privacy and it had the best view of the ocean.

It wasn't until an few hours later did she call me. Though less than half an hour from when she called she came in to the cafe. Her short auburn hair was messy from sleep and she was wearing her gold rimmed glasses. Her brown eyes brightening once she found me. I wouldn't have told her I was here already but I didn't really like lying to her.

I put my hands out at the empty seat ahead of me and she came over and sat down. Before she could speak up I held out my hands to stop her. "I didn't order anything yet because it is rude to order before your date arrives so, lets order first then we can dive right in." She scoffed rolling her eyes at my use of 'date' but joined me as I payed for our drinks and food. "Dean while I am very grateful for what you did for me we have a bigger mess at our feet. Investors have been at my throat asking me whats going on, it won't be long before my parents know which is a whole other landmine. Please - "

I held up my hands again to stop her. "I know I know we both did something very impulsive yesterday. But I have a plan to get us out. The best plan is to just go along and play along." She narrowed her eyes, her usual small smile becoming a deep frown. "Before you sink your claws into me hear me out. It is more embarrassing to admit that we did this to get away from your ex. But thankfully my wording was vague meaning that 'our project' can be more flexible."

"My plan is this, I have an art exhibition coming up where all different mediums will be showcased. Your jewelry business. It counts as art. I want you to submit a piece made from the jewels your family mines and produces. Thats our whole collaboration project. No intersecting in business as the piece will be returned to you shortly after the exhibition ends. And it is great promotion for your upcoming new collection too."

Her eyebrows shot up seemingly in shock I thought about this but her eyes told me she wasn't all that surprised. Her face scrunched as she began thinking seriously about what I suggested. She drummed her hands against the table before stopping. She looked up at me, her eyes clear with determination. "Lets do it."