Chapter 3

I rifled through my wardrobe throwing an outfit together. My mom's words still ringing in my head.

"Family dinner."

To normal people that wouldn't be a big deal. But to me. Those two words were filled with all kinds of promise for an unpleasant evening. Knowing I would have to endure the usual interrogations and thinly veiled disapproving looks and comments from my parents. Evan had attempted to slip out while I was still on the phone, thinking he could escape. But to no such luck for him as my mother extended the invitation to his attendance too.

We'd spent the afternoon out and about enjoying what free time we had before it was time to go to the dreaded dinner. I heard a key turn in the door downstairs followed by Evans voice calling out from the hall.

"You ready? Or have you run away?"

"Still here, couldn't fit my suitcase through the window," I called back.

Shrugging off my robe, I picked up a pair of black skinny jeans and pulled them on. I had barely done them up when Evan appeared in the doorway. His eyes skimmed over me standing there in my bra and jeans for a moment.

"Damn Rox, you really pull that look off."

I'd known Evan for so long that I wasn't bothered by this kind of thing. We were friends and nothing more. Admittedly there was a time when it wasn't that simple. In fact, we both were each other's first. We were so close it just seemed natural to take that step. He's always been a great guy and it's not like he's not attractive. For a little while we kept up a casual fling but it faded out as we started seeing other people. Luckily it never soured our friendship.

My parents encouraged us to be a couple for a while, hoping that he would be able to reign in my behaviour. They didn't realise he was just as bad as I was. Still to this day, they like Evan and find the fact that we are just friends hard to grasp.

I grabbed the simple purple cami top from where I left it on my bed and pulled it on over my head. It's delicate lace neckline sat low on my chest.

"Can you grab my jacket please?"

I inclined my head towards the black leather jacket hanging just inside the door as I picked up my black stiletto boots and slipped them on. Evan draped the jacket over the edge of the bed next to me. Standing back up, I pulled a necklace from my dressing table and hung it around my neck. Then put on my jacket, un-tucking my hair from under it and shaking it loose. Letting it fall into the natural wavy curls that it fell into without effort.

Evans outfit was simple, smart but casual. A pale blue shirt, no tie and a couple of buttons undone, paired with black jeans and black boots. His hair as usual was slightly unruly and messed up as if he'd fun his fingers through it several times and he was sporting his rugged stubble. I gave him an approving nod as I swept past him and made my way downstairs.

"You're driving, I'm gonna need a drink," I called back over my shoulder as I reached the hall. Picking up my bag from the hall I pulled the front door open to see a cab parked outside.

"Way ahead of your love, there's no way I won't

be needing alcohol tonight." I laughed as he pulled the door closed behind him and we climbed into the taxi.

A short time later we found ourselves once again inside my parents immaculate and oversized home. My mom was sitting in the living room, impeccably dressed as usual in one of her navy blue pencil dresses that fell below the knee and had a modest high neckline. Her short chestnut hair rested on her shoulders, subtle silver highlights shone among the rich dark colour. My dad took up a position near the fireplace. Unlike my mother, he was dressed down slightly. Smart trousers teamed with a white shirt under a dark green sweater vest, the colours accentuated his bright green eyes and salt and pepper hair well.

"Good evening Evan, it's lovely to see you again dear."

My mother greeted him with her usual overly sweet tone, rising from the chair and planting a kiss on each of his cheeks. Evan smiled politely returned a small kiss to her cheek before she released him.

"Roxanne." My mother managed a small smile, which became more of a pained grimace as she took in my appearance. Her grey eyes remained cold under her gaze as she addressed me. "You could have attempted to make an effort this evening," she continued, not making any further attempt to greet me as she retook her seat.

My father ignored the comment and me, as he moved towards the bar in the corner and poured himself a brandy. "Can I get you something to drink son?" He asked Evan as he grabbed a glass.

"A whiskey would be great. Thanks, Benjamin."

"Make that two. Please, dad." I said, slumping down into a nearby chair. My father paused in the middle of pouring the drink as my mother made a slight disapproving sound.

"Perhaps something else to drink Roxanne."

Here we go again, I sighed as I turned to face her. "Why is that mother?" I tried to keep my voice calm but I guess there was still a slight iciness that I didn't manage to keep out of it.

"Ladies shouldn't be drinking whiskey, perhaps a small glass of wine would be more appropriate. With dinner."

"A good idea darling." My father chimed in setting aside the bottle and handing Evan his drink. "Let's go on through to the dining room, dinner will be ready soon."

My father offered his arm to my mother as they walked towards the dining room, it was rather cute in a way. They have been together for most of their lives and still love each other so much. Once they were out of view I crossed to the bar and poured a large whiskey. Evan laughed as he joined my side.

"Being a bad girl are we, Roxanne?"

"Call me that again, and you'll be wearing this drink." I smiled.

"Not very friendly."

"Bite me," I replied with the same broad grin before downing the drink.

Evan reached round enveloping me in his arms and clutching me tightly to his muscular chest. "Come on, not much longer and we can escape. How about I take you to the club when we're done here?"

"Fine but first round is on you," I muttered against his shoulder. The vibration of his laugh was comforting.

Evan could always help cheer me up and get me through these moments. Especially the parent moments. I wasn't big on comforting hugs and big emotional displays. I guess because I never really had any growing up.

"Evan, Roxanne? Dinner is ready." My mother's voice rang out from down the hall. I pulled back out of Evan's arms.

"Coming!" I shouted back. "I'm going to need another drink," I whispered. Looking longingly at the whiskey bottle, mentally working out if I had long enough to drink the entire contents before either of them came to get us.

"Nope, come on. There will be some at the table, you'll only start a fight if you walk in with that." Evan took hold of my upper arm steering me away from the bar and towards the dining room.

"I might not make it that far." I sighed dramatically as he chuckled softly, pulling me further along the hall. "Promise me something."

"Anything."

"If it starts to look dark for me in there, just kill me."

"Don't be silly, you'll be fine. Just look forward to the drink you'll get later, I may even throw in a cookie."

I rolled my eyes turning to face him, then muttered begrudgingly as I entered the kitchen, "Better be a big one."

My mother and father were serving up the dinner as we entered. I couldn't help but notice that there were only four places set.

"Where's Melody?" I asked as I took a seat at the table. Immediately at the mention of her name my parents' faces shone with happy smiles.

"She couldn't make it this evening, she has an important case that she's working on."

"Of course she does," I muttered under my breath, secretly cursing how lucky she was to avoid tonight's fun-filled evening.

The dinner passed in the usual manner. Questions about my job and more remarks about me failing to achieve my full potential. Along with a side of concerned comments regarding my lack of a stable and healthy relationship. Thanks to my mother removing the wine from my reach, I couldn't even get lost in the alcohol to make it more bearable.

Eventually, it was over and we made our excuses to leave. After receiving the usual simple and half-hearted goodbyes from my parents, we left, climbing into a taxi and making our way towards the club.