Three Thousand Miles(100)

“Yes I am ready,” I say as I take his hand.

We arrive at event and the cameras that greet us, stun me. We step out of the car and onto the red carpet in front of the building. Adrian grips me tightly as the light bulbs flash. The girls stand either side of us and Adrian stands proudly in the middle of four girls. I grip Adrian tighter as I begin to feel more anxious. Sophie on the other hand is beaming and as is Katharine. I gaze up at Adrian and he is standing coolly with a wicked smirk on his face. I take a deep breath and then I face the cameras once again. I notice that Emma also looks a little uncomfortable so I flash an understanding smile at her. I am relieved when Adrian finally walks us into the large building. We enter and I gaze at crowded room. The music is playing loudly as the guests dance. The chatter is deafening as we walk further into the room. I notice that people are beginning to stare and I feel awkward at their gazing. Adrian leads us up to the bar and he quickly orders a bottle of champagne. We take a seat at one of the many tables as the server brings over a crystal ice bucket with a bottle of Krug champagne lodged into it. Adrian pours us a glass each and then he turns to me.

“Baby I have to go and mingle with my colleagues.” He says as he takes my hand in his. I gently roll my eyes, as I do not want him to leave me but I know how much his business needs him therefore, I have to let him go.

“Okay,” I say as he leans in and kisses me. I lightly sigh as I watch him walk away. I turn back around to the girls and I am happy that they are here. I smile as I take in there looks. Sophie is dressed in my blue dress and Katharine is in a white, mini dress. Her hair is tied in a high ponytail and her smile is stunning. Emma also looks very nice tonight in a bright red, floor length gown. She has also chosen to wear her hair up and her green eyes are sparkle in the gentle glow of the room.

“So how have you been Katharine?” I ask as I take a sip of my champagne. She instantly smiles at me.

“I am good.” She beams. I gently giggle as I continue to sip the overexpensive champagne. I gaze around the room and I take in the crowd. Everyone is dressed to the highest standard and no-one looks out of place. People are dining on the tiniest of appetizers are they engage in general chitchat. Jazz music is playing loudly and everyone is moving in some way with the beat.

“So, how is everyone enjoying London?” I ask as I stare at my friends. They all answer at the sometime.

“We love it!” I smile and I am relieved.

“Are you looking forward to your party Alanna?” Sophie asks in a smug tone.

“You know that my mom makes a big issue of birthday but, to be honest, I could really do without the party this year.”

“There is no way that is happening. You should see your mom in action, she is like a women possessed.” Sophie informs me. I break a smile form my lips as I think of what over-the-top theme she has planned this year.

“Did she tell you what theme she has chosen this year?” I quiz Sophie. She looks down at the table and I instantly know that she knows what the theme is.

“Come on Sophie tell me,” I protest. She shakes her head firmly at me.

“No Alanna I promised your mom that I wouldn’t tell you.”

“Ah okay then,” I give in.

“If you don’t mind me asking how old are you Alanna?” Emma quietly asks.

“I will be twenty-three on my birthday.” Emma nods and I feel that she has more that she would like to say.

“Adrian is two years older than you?”

“It is almost three years actually, his birthday is soon - I think.”

“Oh… Alanna does the age gap bother you?” Emma asks in a concerning voice.

“No I don’t feel that it is big age gap.”

“No, I don’t suppose it is but don’t you think that Adrian acts older than he is?” I am a little worried about Emma’s words and I am starting to think that she has worries of her own.

“Yeah, I suppose he does act older than he is. You have to understand that he is a very successful businessman and a lot of his time is spent with older people. He has tons of responsibilities and sometimes I feel that he forgets that he is only twenty-five. But it is just who he is and I know that he does not act in the average way but as his family we have to accept that.”

“Yeah, you’re right but sometimes when I look at him I think that he is bored with all the business. I would love to take him out and get him drunk and show him how to be young.”

“No, he doesn’t drink and he would never go out to a club or anything like that. He would prefer it if you took him to a nice dinner or the opera.” Emma rolls her eyes as she downs a glass of champagne.