One of Us (Tasha's Story)

The lights in the banquet hall of the Palisade Hotel were dim, which meant Aliyah couldn't see the face I was making. She was talking to me, but I wasn't listening.

One hour to go, I thought with a sigh, looking at my phone. I was bored. Dad forced mom and me to attend this "party", and act like we were so happy he was running for Senator.

At least we got to dress up for it, I mused, staring at the variety of dresses and accessories flooding the entire room.

As my eyes swept past the door, I did a double-take. Uncle Devon walked in the door. Though he was wearing a mask, we all were as the party was a masquerade ball, I easily recognized him. So did dad, because a few seconds later they were facing off in the middle of the room.

"What in the world are you doing here Devon?" Dad questioned, looking very much like he wanted to kill him, but keeping himself in check just barely.

"Hello to you too, brother" Devon looked smug, even flashed a wide grin at my father. His grin grew even larger when Mom walked toward them. Somehow, everywhere went quiet, so we all heard everything he said next.

"Leah! Beautiful as always. And Natasha!" his smile was a little more genuine as he caught my gaze. "My my, we've grown fabulously"

"What do you want Devon?" Dad practically spat out, his formerly clenched fist wound tight around mom's elbow. I winced, she was going to have a really bad bruise there.

"Nothing. I noticed I didn't get an invite, so I had to come to rectify the situation."

"That was on purpose, you're not welcome in my family anymore, not after what you did."

"True. You might want to let Leah go though, you're scaring the poor thing."

Mom's face had gone pasty, totally devoid of colour. Dad asked her to go, and turned to Devon, his hands folded.

Addressing the entire ballroom, Devon smiled. Then he dropped a bombshell.

"I am running for Senator against you, Chris Daniels."

Murmurs erupted in the crowd, as a very livid dad said only two words.

"Get out"

"Gladly"

Devon was already making his way out, so I followed while the music started again and dad had an impromptu meeting with his business partner.

I met Devon in the underground parking lot, about to get into his car and dragged him behind a pillar, where no one would see us.

"what was that? Are you trying to get killed?" I whispered, furious.

"Princess, come on. It was totally fun needling him like that"

"Needling him is different! Sure, competing with his company isn't bad. But running against him? Do you have a death wish?"

"I'm going to be okay, princess. I know what I'm doing"

"I certainly hope so, don't know what you're thinking " I muttered, shaking my head, hugging him. "Just be careful, okay?"

"I will. I've missed you two so much." He said with a slight squeeze.

"I know, Uncle. We miss you too. I have to go, dad would be looking for me" I said, disentangling myself from him and leaving a kiss on his cheek.

In front of the ballroom, I bumped a solid mass. We apologized at the same time, then I looked up into startling iron-grey eyes that stared into mine with a surprise I know we both felt.

"You?"