Chapter 28 - The Other Unpleasant Person

Dean was drinking heavily. In addition to the toasts he would give to people who came to see him he also was drinking to people who saw me. When I saw the waiter who was bringing drinks I asked for them to bring me some water instead.

He was like a child holding my arm tightly. His eyes seemed clear and his speech was also clear and not slurred. His grip was what worried me and I was not too sure if he was holding on for balance. Also, I was unsure if he had eaten anything prior to this so the effects of the alcohol could be worse.

I managed to maneuver us to the seated area where dinner was eventually to be served. His family had reserved seating but I took him to a more secluded area that was not visible to everyone. While I was impressed at his ability to drink, right now was not the best time. "Princess I am totally fine no need to worry I am perfectly in control right now."

Maybe it was because of how important this night was for my reputation, or maybe because I wanted to prove to my parents I could handle affairs like this without them babying me. But I could not let anything mess up for tonight. A quiet part of my heart was also worried for Dean, he was helping me get out of a mess I should have handled myself so I wanted to repay that kindness.

I sat him down carefully and pried the glass from his hand. "Alright lets quit while we are ahead." I switched it for some water. "Lets take a break and get some food in you. Stay here while I go to the grazing table and get some light snacks ok. Once you have eaten and finish the bottle then we can go back."

He looked like he wanted to object but I gave him a hard stare which he thankfully listened to and relaxed back in the chair, opening the bottle of water begrudgingly. I headed towards the grazing table where my friend Rebecca were lingering by. "Celeste long time no see!" Rebecca called out. She was wearing a dress similar to what I wore to her engagement party.

"Rebecca!" I grabbed her hands and pulled them aside as I complimented her outfit. "I love the dress very chic!" The blue silk dress was more formal than mine as it was a long sleeve style and the length was also longer. The dress however had a long slit down the middle which on me would not look nearly as nice as it did on her.

"I was just talking to Noemi she went to grab some more alcohol for us. But we were looking for you so we could talk and hang out." Before I could respond I heard a voice call out and saw Noemi as she strutted forward and pulled us into a hug. Her dress was a avant-garde structured black dress. "We totally were but you seemed booked and busy." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Especially with the richest but baddest of them all. Do tell is Dean really the 'big boy' everyone says he is?"

Rebecca and Noemi laughed but I felt really uncomfortable. It was not like the things Dean has done is a secret. Our whole friend group was aware of it but due to his temper and an infamous story of a reporter going missing no one talked about him openly.

I also felt bothered by their words. Because of the status of both of our families I have known him since I was little. We have grown up together and I can say with confidence I know a-lot of his secrets as he does with mine. He has never once disrespected me or been purposely mean to me. He likes to tease me but always stops when it gets close to crossing the line.

This talk about his body was something just cruel and unnecessary also hit a very sore point for me. As I was all too familiar of how it felt hearing someone do that.

"No." My tone was clipped and icy while my eyes narrowed slightly. Both girls immediately stopped laughing and cleared their throats. "Ahh sorry Celeste we were just kidding. Umm we know its just business right Rebecca." Noemi muttered while Rebecca nodded eagerly.

I returned the neutral face they were used to. "No worries. By the way Noemi I heard you returned from visiting your in laws from Taiwan. How was that?" The girls awkwardly trudged past the tense vibe to ease it.

Our conversation flowed back into our usual banter as I simultaneously filled my plate with various meats, cheeses, fruits and crackers. Noemi eventually left to go to grab her husband while Rebecca and I headed towards the seating area. As we reached the tables I felt someone grab my arm and pull me.

"Celeste honey oh my gosh you look like a fairy." Her voice was like nails on a chalkboard for me. I spun around quickly to find the other unpleasant person I was hoping to avoid. It was Felix's mom. Mrs. Toni Carter.

She was someone who I did not like at all even when Felix and I were together. To her I was a prize she wanted to covet and she equally was as bad if not worse than Felix. I set the food down and pried her hands off of me. "Mrs. Carter. Fancy seeing you here." I made sure I avoided words like I was happy to see her and any informal tones making sure she was aware of our distant relationship.

She ignored my barriers and acted as if we were best of friends as she right away grabbed my hands again. "Let me get a good look at you, honey you look so bright and beautiful. You seem to have gained some weight since I last saw you. Very healthy."

Another sore point. She always without fail commented on my weight whether I lost or gained some and both in her eyes were not good. Her comment on being healthy was just a nice way of saying I looked full. She absolutely meant it as an insult and her next words confirmed it.

"If you still came by I could have given you some really nice meals with how busy you are a nice home-cooked meal can do wonders." As if I was not a grown adult who could take care of myself.

As for what 'wonders' was referring to exactly, only she knew. It was hard to tell if she liked me. I knew she liked my family but as for me, yet another mystery only she knew. I struggled to pull her hands off me this time as her grip was tight.

"Celeste certainly looks wonderful doesn't she. But much like fine art in museums its best to only observe not touch." Dean walked over and swatted her hands off mine. "Did you come alone or did your rat for a son join in on the fun as well."