บท 27: Chapter 27 - Heavy Weight

When he pulled open the door he paused for a second and shut the door. 'That did not just happen.' Before I could even react he pulled open the door again and shined his phones flashlight in my face. "Damn princess maybe next time give me a heads up about the new look, here I was thinking I got the wrong car."

"Haha very funny." He guided me from the car to the side entrance making sure I would not lose my footing on the uneven path. "I am as serious as a heart attack had it not been for your hair I would have been so sure some other random person was in the car. Which on the topic I see you got bangs again."

Instinctively I reached my hand to cover my bangs but before I could touch them Dean pulled me hand. "Relax you look cool, its just been a while." I huffed and rolled my eyes. I am usually very good about maintaining my emotions and keeping myself in check but he always managed to get me flustered.

As we were already inside I lowered my voice so only Dean could hear me. "Whatever, who has arrived so far." The venue they were using for their event was divided into two sections with the ground floor being the entrance and the basement level being the main area for the party. As we entered from the side it was a stretch of landing before going directly to the grand staircase to lead down to the gala below.

By going through the side entrance I could avoid the chaos outside as some members of the press waited outside in addition to fans of different artists as some also were invited either through work or as a plus one. He offered his elbow for me to grab as we walked down.

He talked under his breath while still facing forward. "So far the usual scrubs so different partners, investors, a couple actors and performers. Our main friend group is here excluding the cat and the rat he brings with him." I just about stumbled hearing him call Felix and Sol a cat and mouse but he tightened his grip keeping me steady.

"Thanks. Actually now that you bring them up, I know my feelings about them but why do you have animosity with Felix? You guys have been at each others throats for years but I never understood why."

As we ascended the steps and got closer to the ground level I saw Rebecca and Noemi. Rebecca was glowing in a light blue silk dress similar to what I wore at her engagement party. Noemi was in a structured black dress which was made of a tulle fabric. With them was Alan her fiancé and a few others.

I peered from the corner of my eyes to get a look at Deans face. He had cocked his head to one side as he gave my words some thought. "Do you need a reason to dislike someone?" I kept the same smile I always wear but mentally I wanted to pull his ear. 'He can't be serious.' I hummed at his response but used my nails to slightly pinch him.

He chuckled a bit before patting my hand. "Ok ok. Well I guess to me he was always someone pathetic and him thinking we are on the same level pissed me off. Especially since he treats everything we do as some competition or game, but what he can't get through his thick skull is that it is one where he is the only one playing in."

"However more on that later right now lets just get through the rest of the night." At that point we reached the end of the steps immediately was greeted by a waiter who handed each of us a glass of wine. Dean grabbed the glasses and passed me mine. I was not a fan of alcohol in general but wine was something I grew to appreciate.

"Miss D'Angelo I am so glad you were able to join us. I heard from the grapevine your family was abroad so I was expecting you to also not be present. " It was one of the head directors from the various hospitals my family owned.

'If I remember right he is director John Heeler.' I nodded lightly lifted my glass a little to acknowledge him. "Ahh I see you heard, yes my parents are abroad handling some business but they will be back soon enough."

"The hospitals are running well and the new program we have been piloting has been working wonderfully. I am excited at the upcoming council meeting to share the results from that in depth. Please lets do a toast for our success."

He raised his glass waiting for mine to clink his. That was the dangerous part about the gala event and why my parents wanted me to skip out. For events like these it was within the networking culture to want to toast for everything. It was a sign of goodwill. But it also meant getting drunk quickly if you could not handle it.

My dad is a heavy weight so he had no issue drinking excessively but my tolerance was nothing compared to him. I could at most have a couple of glasses before I felt nauseous. I considered taking a light sip but Dean clinked his glass against the director and downed his drink before taking my glass to replace his.

"Director Heeler right, the name is Dean Cortez nice of you to join in on my families event. Miss D'Angelo is actually my special guest for the night so I will be doing the toasts on her behalf."

Director Heeler seemed a bit startled before laughing heartily. "Ahh I see yes I am so sorry for not greeting you first. The event so far is wonderful, I am looking forward to your speeches and the meals to be served later. Speaking off, if you will excuse me I think I see one of the waiters with the hors d'oeuvres." He looked over at me and nodded brightly. "Again nice seeing you until we meet again." He walked off and another waiter stopped by and took the empty glass from Dean.

"Toasting on my behalf huh." I wanted to be upset at him for jumping in when no one asked but I knew I was gonna need the help. In the heels I was wearing and the way the dress was built, I could not afford to get drunk and make a fool of myself.

"Sorry princess for not asking but trust me it is for the best. I am a heavy weight champ, my tolerance is insanely high so let me drink for you ok." Somehow I felt this was gonna bite me in the ass.