Chapter 10: Remorse

VAUGHN’S POV

Elaine’s snickering sounds while Gideon's stared at me throughout the journey home made me frustrated. The only way to push Wade away was to be cruel enough for him to hate me. I knew how much Sam Bexley and Ma would fight Wade if they ever discovered that he was interested in me or vice-versa.

Walking into the far east villa they followed behind and I expected them to question me.

I walked into the living room and sat down on the couch in a slump position. The whole drama at the beach bar had taken a toll on me. I spent so much energy hurting Wade that I felt my heart break.

“Okay. As your sister, make me understand why you are being an a*shole to Wade,” Elaine said.

“As your best friend, why am I the last one to know that you are gay,” Gideon said. He sounded hurt.

“Can we not talk about this now?” I pleaded. Both of them shook their heads.

I stood up and walked to the bar cabinet, took out a whiskey bottle and three glasses, and placed them on the table. Pouring into each glass I took my time stalling, but I knew they were determined.

I took my glass and drank it down as it burned my throat with the same anger I felt. I put the glass down and added another shot.

“Drinking will not take away the fact that you were being an a*shole” Elaine drawled.

“What will you have me do? Yes, I like him a lot. In fact, since I saw him at the gallery all I have wanted to do is go there and stalk his movements. But then Ma announced the engagement. What was I supposed to do? I am not sure that I’m gay. All I know is that Wade Malkiel makes my heart beat fast.”

Gideon finally snapped out of the trance and took his glass and drank down his drink. He looked shocked by the news and his facial expression made me laugh. “Come on Gideon, being in love with Wade is not a crime!”

“Then why did you push him away?” Elaine asked. “Don’t tell me it's because of Ma’s engagement announcement.”

“Sis, tell me. Can you imagine what Wade will have to go through when we announce our relationship? Sam and his daughter Vera? Ma and the whole elite society? He would be ridiculed. That is the reason I was an a*shole to him. I need him as far away as possible from me.”

“You could have handled the matter with caution.” Elaine sighed and picked up her glass.

“So that's why you were mad at me yesterday since I did not have time to go to the gallery with you,” Gideon drawled, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Shut up, Gideon,” I said and blushed furiously.

“Wade looks like he is not the forgiving type. Don’t tell me you plan to become the sole heir and then go after him,” Elaine scoffed.

My eyes widened in surprise. “How do you always do that?” I wondered how she could always read my mind or know my plans.

“Vaughn, you fool, love waits for no one. What if he finds someone else? Have you considered the facts? You only selfishly looked at protecting him but what about his feelings?” Elaine explained.

I stood up in frustration. “I know I handled this poorly. But it's the first time I like someone. And what scared me was the fact that he was a man, in a different class and it made me scared.”

“Society is slowly changing. Some elite members are dating each other. Gay and lesbian,” Gideon stated.

We both turned to him in shock. “Don't tell me that you didn't know this?” he asked in wonder.

“What are you talking about?” Elaine shouted.

“Why are you shouting?” Gideon asked.

“Spit it out. How could you hold onto this information while your best friend made a fool of himself?” Elaine stood up and hit him lightly on the shoulders.

Gideon pretended to be hurt and then turned to me. “Why is she always hitting me for no reason?”

I finally smiled. The interaction between Gideon and Elaine was always comical.

“A year ago, the vice president’s son and the shipping companies’ president’s son fell in love. My father asked me for my opinion on the matter. I felt he just wanted to confirm if I was gay. I told him love does not choose. I know for a fact that they are dating and both parents accepted their relationship.”

“Wow, just wow.” Elaine clapped. She turned to me and raised her hands. “There is always a solution. Now pick up your phone and call Wade.”

I remained mute and Gideon squinted his eyes at me. “Don't tell me that you don’t have his number.”

“Okay, I give up. My brother is stupid,” Elaine stated, and Gideon nodded. He refilled her glass and they drank in silence.

“So, you kissed him, huh?” Gideon asked humorously. “Your first kiss.”

I stared at him in embarrassment and spoke in a low threatening tone, “If you don’t stop, I will not control what my mouth says.” I was threatening him with his feelings for Elaine.

He stood up and stated, “That is my cue to leave. Thank you for the drink. No need to walk me out. I will pick you up on Monday in the morning hours and take you to the gallery. Get his number and apologize to him.”

He hurriedly left the side villa and Elaine looked at me in question. “Don’t worry, it’s just some men's stuff,” I deflected.

“You do know that I can tell when you are deflecting,” Elaine said.

“Let it go,” I pleaded. I did not want to betray Gideon by revealing his feelings to Elaine. Though the two of them acted like there was nothing between them, it was not my place to tell.

“Vaughn, Wade is a good man. We were not flirting. I have never seen you be jealous,” she whispered.

I stood and walked over to the couch next to her and sat down. I embraced her and whispered back, “Forgive me, Elaine. I had just shared an intimate moment with him. And when I saw him smile at you, I went crazy. Forgive your stupid brother.”

We embraced each other and then she moved back and said, “You really like him.”

I nodded back. “I made a mess, didn't I?”

“Yes, you did. But we shall salvage the situation on Monday. Get some rest and you have my support. Wade is smart and honest. In fact, he is a genius when it comes to art. That is what drew me to him. He is handsome and respectful. I know he will fight for you and treat you right. This weekend sleep in and recollect your thoughts.”

“Thank you, Elaine.”

She stood up and left the east side villa and I was left alone in solitude wallowing in sorrow. I drank myself to sleep. The words that Wade uttered made my heart gnaw in pain and fear. I was afraid he would not understand my reasons for being cruel.

Pa was from a lower-class society. And he worked his way up and made a name for himself. His marriage to Ma was arranged and she never protected him from the cruel elite society. The higher he rose, the more scorn he got. He was depressed for years and ended up dying of heart failure.

I liked Wade.

But fear and heartache are something I did not wish for him at all. My rationale was better safe than sorry. Was I wrong?

***

Early the next day, Gideon arrived at the east villa parking as I prepared to walk out. He smiled at me mischievously and Elaine tsked him as she appeared looking like a princess. She had dressed up and I saw Gideon squint his eyes in displeasure.

We left the villa and arrived at the art gallery and headed to the manager's office. He looked surprised that we visited him without notice and even more shocked to see Gideon.

We sat down and Elaine made small talk while we impatiently waited.

“I’m sorry about my brother's behavior last time. He is a bit grumpy. I hope you forgive him,” Elaine stated.

“Don't worry, Miss Elaine. Wade was suspended and Auden was quiet. I am told they left Valetta yesterday. They will not disturb us anymore.” He was happy to share the news while I stood up in shock.

“Left for where?” Gideon asked.

“No one knows. They did not leave an address as to where they could be reached,” Mr. Winston explained in a panic.

Gideon took out his phone and pressed, “Give me Wade’s number and address.”

Mr. Winston picked up his phone and shared Wade's number. “Thank you for your time. Let's go,” Gideon commanded. We walked out of the gallery as Gideon dialed Wade's number. He was unreachable.

My feet gave way when we reached the parking lot and Gideon rushed to hold me up.

“What the f*ck did I do?”