A/N 07-25-2025
Double Post I felt these 6 and 7 paired well. That and I didn't want to leave you on a cliff hanger.
Chapter 6
No Excuse
It was dark by the time Shyla and Liam drive back. Neither of them were looking forward to dinner knowing they were going to be in trouble for having left and returning so late. Yet as Liam pulled into the parking lot, Shyla thought it didn't matter how much trouble they got in because it had been worth it. After everything they had needed to touch base and she felt much more relaxed now. Well as relaxed as one could be in this 'situation.'
She let out a heavy sigh as she stared at the manors lights. It almost looked pretty...almost but she knew it held nightmares within. While they were out they had toyed with the idea of taking off and never coming back. As Liam turned off the car she couldn't help but wished they'd gone through with it. She wasn't looking forward to facing his parents once more...and Rotham. Things hadn't been awful this morning but she felt like she was playing with fire every time she met with him...there was always a chance for an explosion.
Liam brushed her shoulder pulling her from her thoughts. She turned to him and smiled, leaning in they shared a kiss. It was soft and sweet. When they pulled apart neither of them attempted to get out. They just held hands and sat there in the dark for a moment, bracing themselves for what was to come.
After they'd left the manor they drove around for a bit. Eventually he took them to the nearby town. It was bustling with people and had so many little shops. For a few hour, they walked around just taking everything in. It was the most fun she'd had all weekend. After a while, they went to a diner and sat down at a booth.
They ordered up some hot chocolates, bacon, and a basket of fries. Then they just talked for a while. At first it was just light conversation, about the weather, ski resort and town but eventually, things got serious. She didn't want to get into everything just yet wanted to asked about what Rotham and Petra had said.
She nervously held her mug of cocoa in her hands, shifting it from side to side. She her lip, looked out the window then stared down at the table and went for it, "I don't meant to pry, but I realize we haven't really talked about past relationships."
"Yeah," said Liam chewing on a fry.
"Well, Petra and Rotham said some things." she trailed off.
"Of course," he groaned sitting back in the booth. He shook his head, "What? What did they say?"
"Nothing much, just that...well, they mentioned you dated a lot."
"Yeah, everyone dates."
"They do," she nodded.
"But," he said.
"Maybe we don't need to talk about it...just now." She felt weird asking about this, especially given her past. How was she suppose to tell him about her past relationships when she couldn't even ask about his.
"No, we can," he sighed after a minute, "Tell me exactly what they said."
"Well it's silly but Petra mentioned you dated a lot like that you went through people like tissue."
"Ha! Ha!" He laughed shaking his head. "Nah, I'll admit I've dated a lot but I don't go through people like tissue!"
"I'm not judging you." She said looking up at him. "Trust me I have my own history. If you ever want to ask, I just realized we hadn't really talked about it much."
"We honestly don't need to. I don't care who you dated before me. You're with me now and that's all that matters. As for me. I did date a few people but it was mostly in high school. Those relationships never last that long, a week maybe two at best."
"Yeah," she agreed.
"When I started college, I might date someone for a few weeks, a month maybe, but for one reason or another, things just hadn't worked out. They didn't feel right, like you and me. I've never felt like this way with anyone before."
She really wanted to believe him because she felt the same way. She quickly nodded and grasped hold of his hand, "Me too, you're different from anyone else I've ever been with. I really like you." She knew she more then liked him, she loved him but the timing for that word was important. She couldn't say it until she was sure he felt the same way... and the moment was just right. Her cheeks flushed as she hoped he did love her. He squeezed her hand back and for a moment she got lost in his ocean blue eyes. She swore they could look into each others eyes forever.
She knew she should probably just leave things as they were but she wanted...needed to know, "So...before me there was no one serious?"
He perked up, then looked out the window. She followed his gaze and saw it was snowing. They watched it come down for a while. She kept expecting him to respond, when he didn't she squeezed his hand then said, "I don't mean to pry, honestly, it's just they said you almost got married and that...seems serious."
He pulled his hand from hers and got very quiet. She watched his face twinge with pain and she could tell he'd been hurt. She opened her mouth to speak then through better of it. She ate a few fries and gave him some time to respond.
After a while high sighed then looked down at the table and said, "Once, I came close."
"Oh," she said stopping mid fry.
His voice sounded strange as he continued, "Could we...not talk about it."
"Yeah, I didn't meant to upset you."
"You didn't." he said, "I just-" He paused thinking for a moment then said, "It's a lot maybe one day we can talk about it but for now." he said reaching for his hand. "Can we just leave the past in the past."
She really hoped he meant that. "Yes," she said giving his hand a squeeze, "Your past can stay in the past as long as mine can too."
It was only reasonable that if he should ask something of her then she should be able to ask the same of him. He smiled at her and they both nodded in agreement. Maybe... maybe, she wouldn't have to tell him about Rotham, right away. Maybe if she survived this weekend things could just go on for a while longer. She'd just never go to any more family gatherings... ever. They could elope for their wedding and move very, very, very, far away. Have their kids and when they were in college or maybe after they graduated, they could send a post guard. She suddenly laughed.
"What?" he said.
"Sorry," she said realizing they'd gone from something serious to her laughing, "I just realize you're original plan sounds so nice."
"What's that?" He asked eating some fries.
"Not meeting you're family until after our kids graduate from college."
"Ah, well I suppose it's too late for that."
"Nope." she said, "I think we could still manage. I was just thinking we could elope and move very, very, very, very, far away."
"Ah," he said then rubbed his jaw, "How about very, very, very, very, very, very, very far away." Let's just leave the planet." she said.
"Deal!" he said.
"Deal!" she said. "Say! Let's just leave right now!"
"Hmm, I do have the car." he chuckled.
"We could be home by morning! Have all of Sunday to rest up!" She said excitedly.
"Right," he said, "I doubt my phone would stop ringing, once they realized what we'd done."
"We could say something urgent came up! I'm sure we could think of a few ideas on our way back."
"Knowing my mother, she would accept no excuse."
"Pooh," she said. "Oh well suppose it's for the best I left my phone in my room. Thought I could always get another one."
He chuckled then shook his head, "Nah." he let out a heavy sigh, "We have to go back or we honestly wouldn't hear the end of it until our kids had kids of their own."
"They can hold a grudge that long?"
"Longer, I think my dad is still feuding with his grandfather and he's been in the gave since before Rotham was born."
"Shit!" she said before eating some bacon. "Can you still hold a grudge against someone who's died."
"If you're my father you can." said Liam. "It feels like he takes everything to heart these days. Like any choice I make is a personal slight against him."
"Yeah."
"Yeah," he said, "You heard about me wanting to travel."
"Yeah we were going to discuss that. Where did you want to go?"
"I have a few ideas in mind, mostly I'd like to go to places with older architect because they made things with so much detail. Given their tools were so basic compared to modern day it's astounding. I like the way some of the building still look, even after centuries off use. Most buildings these days fall apart too easy and are too uniformed. I figured maybe we could travel this summer. You said you didn't have any classes and you've always wanted to look at some of the painting from your text books."
"I did, but I always figured after college but maybe we could take a trip this summer. I'm sure we could find some place with ancient buildings with old paintings in them." She smiled at him and he smiled back at her.
"I think there is a high change."
She looked out out the window and saw someone with ice skates. "Oh are those ice skate!'
Liam popped a few fries in his mouth then turned to see what she was looking at, "Yeah," he nodded, "I think there is an ice rink not far from here."
"Oh can we!" she said excitedly. She'd been feeling a bit tired earlier, but suddenly felt rejuvenated.
"You know how?"
"No clue." she admitted.
"I'm not much better myself, maybe a lesson or two." he said.
"Then we'll figure it out together!" she said standing up.
"I suppose so," he said.
They paid the bill then went off to find the rink. It wasn't that far off, a few blocks away. They rented some skates then got onto the ice. At first they could barely stand but some kind strangers skated by and gave them some pointers. From there they managed to stake to the barrier, turn, skate to the barrier and turn. Using this method, they were able to make it around the ring twice before deciding to just watch from the stands.
They turned in their skates, then sat on some benches outside the barrier. They watched others go around and around. Some were really good at it and could do spins and leaps into the airs, others just went round, some took baby steps and a lot of people fell flat on their faces or butts. Shyla watched a couple doing spins in near unison. As she watched everyone she couldn't help but feel ice skating was a good metaphor for their current relationship. She felt like she was on thin ice trying not to fall.
She rested her arms on the barrier then asked Liam, "If this weekend falls flat. Like if your family hated me and wanted you to stop seeing me, would you?"
"Liam looked at her, "I doubt I would. As you said I am an adult they can't really tell me what to do anymore. Ideally though. I would hope you could at least get along with each other. If we have kids I'd like them to know their grandparents and I guess play with their cousins."
"Hmm," she said. Shyla had no family. She'd been an only child, and her parents had been only children. They had both died in a crash the summer before college. Liam's family really was the only other family their kids could have. Shyla nodded then said, "Do you think it's weird, us talking about all this stuff, family and distant future, when we've only been dating for four months and barely living together for a month?"
"I suppose I don't think of it like that." said Liam, also leaning on the barrier. "I mean, all of these plans are years away in my mind. I know we're fresh and we might not last, especially if my parents scare you off. But I don't know. I've honestly never really felt this close to anyone this fast. It just feels natural being with you. It's as if..."
"We always been together." said Shyla.
"Yeah." said Liam. "I mean, I know what you like and what you think on most things. But there is just this...it feels like something more, more then usual"
"Yeah, I know what you mean." said Shyla. "I saw you in the coffee shop a few time before we actually spoke. I just- It was weird it felt like I already knew you just not your name."
Liam chuckled. "Who know maybe we met before when we were kids and just forgot."
"Maybe," said Shyla. She supposed that was possible but she felt she would have remembered him especially his eyes. Both he and his brother had such eyes, of ice and ocean.
Liam brushed some of Shyla's hair from her face and she smiled at him, "You still made at me," he asked."
"Mad? About what?"
"You seem to have a list, earlier"
"Oh no, I'm not upset anymore. I was but not anymore."
"That's good. I don't like it when you're upset with me. Does this mean you also forgive me for not telling you I was rich?"
She narrowed her eyes at him, "I wouldn't go that far," Then she chuckled, "No I'm not mad about that either. Though it does make me curious."
"Yeah."
"I've seen your place."
"Ah, yeah. Well technically the money is my families. My dad gave me money for college but I want to travel and I know he wont give me money for that, especially since he wants me to do an internship. So I opened another bank account and saved what I could. So if he cuts me off, I at least have something."
"And can still make your own choices,"
"Right," he said.
She nodded then sighed, "It's always good to have a little something for yourself. Even...though you are rich. I don't plan on mixing our money. Maybe we could have a joint account for some things but I'll always need at least a little of my own money set of to the side."
"Because of your mom."
"Yeah," she said, "My dad had all the money in the relationship. My mom used to beg him for every dime, no matter what she needed it for. If he left he she would have had nothing. I don't ever want to be in that position. I always want to have a choice, a say in everything."
"I get that," he said, "Trust me, I might have money but they hang it over my head. I can't wait until one day when I have my own money and can do as I please. I don't care if they have more then me. I just want to live by my own rules."
She smiled at him again and they embraced. It was nice he knew where she was coming from and understood how she felt. She had a feelings they'd be able to work a lot of things out. Communication and knowing where the other people was coming from was very important."
He let out a deep sigh, "A relationship shouldn't be about give and take. It's not about you vs your spouse but you and your spouse vs any problem that should arise. Your suppose to add something more to each other, not take away."
"I couldn't agree more," she said resting her head against his chest.
She really hoped he meant what he said and truly believed in it because after this weekend they were both going to be facing some huge problems. She really hoped they could make it but she knew they were still so early in their relationship. They were only four months, maybe she'd wait until they were sixth months to tell him. She snorted laughing at the thought. Like two month really that big a difference? Though, as she looked up at him, she wondered where they would be in two months, a year from now even five years.
They headed back after that. She let out a heavy sigh as they now sat in the dark car. Everything was so quiet...peaceful as they sat there for a moment longer. Eventually Liam squeezed her hands and she nodded knowing it was time to go back. When they got inside, a maid told them dinner would be within the hour. Shyla quickly rushed upstairs to change while Liam went to talk with his mother.
It didn't take her long to find her room. She smiled to herself thinking she might be getting the hang of this place. She quickly god undressed then changed into a black dress, that fell just above her knees. She undid her hair, brushed it out then put it into a bun with some loose strands of hair hanging down. She touched up her make up, spritzed on some perfume then slid into some heels before making her way downstairs.
She hadn't been gone long but found people were already gathering in the dining room. Liam was already seated with his parents but had saved the chair next to him. He gestured for her to come and sit. She smiled once more, happy things were different. She had been slightly worried they might convert back once they had returned but he was putting his foot down. Even as his mother gave them a look of disapproval.
Petra and Rotham were last to arrive arm and arm. When they saw the seating arrangement had been changed they followed suit sitting across from Liam and Shyla. A few minutes later the plates were places and several dishes were brought out. Things were quiet for several minutes. Eventually Claire tried to start a conversation
"So Liam, where did you and your friend go this afternoon?"
"Girlfriend." said Liam.
"Pardon." said Claire, cutting some of her chicken.
"Shyla is my girlfriend, mother. We went to the local shops then ice-skated."
"In my day, we didn't go steady until we were together a full year. We saw other girls until then." said Richard.
"Yes. Well you still see other girls now." said Claire, snippily.
Shyla's eyes nearly popped out of her head. She quickly picked up her wine and took a sip. She hadn't expected Claire to say such a thing but it explained a lot...especially when it came to Rotham. Speaking of Rotham when she turned to look at him he was looking right back at her. He had this strange expression on his face. She didn't like it. She turned away as he asked, "Did you find anything intersting in the stores."
"A few things here or there," said Liam.
"Who paid?" asked Richard
"Richard!" said Claire but she seemed smiled as she said it.
"What?" said Richard "You bought her that ski set earlier. I just want to know if the girl has her own money."
"I do have my own money." said Shyla. "I paid for a few things."
"Yeah, she buys the groceries every week." said Liam. Then he closed his eyes, feeling like an idiot.
Shyla couldn't believe he let that slip, staring at him.
"Groceries?" said Claire. "Groceries? Why is she buying you groceries?"
"Because sometimes I come over and cook for him." said Shyla simply. "I like to cook."
"Yeah," nodded Liam.
Rotham held his fork tightly, to the point where his hand was shaking. He could tell they were lying. Clearly they were living together. His mother seemed to buy it, at least she didn't with to pry any further given the possible implication. Shyla and Liam shared a glance then smiled at each other. Rotham wanted to stab his fork into Shyla. The fucking bitch whore cunt wouldn't move in with him but she would shack up with his idiot brother!
Petra noticed Rotham's tension and rubbed his back. "Are you alright, dear?"
Everyone turned to look at him. Just what he needed right now. He put on a smile and relaxed himself all at once. He released his for and tried to act calm and collected, "Yes, I just need to chew a bit more."
"Oh yes, this meat it rather tough, I think they've overdone it," said Claire.
"Seems fine to me," said Richard.
"Everything always seems fine to you," said Claire narrowing her eyes at Richard, "When it isn't."
He groaned and they continued to eat in silence for the rest of the meal. Rotham barely ate as he glared at Shyla. He could tell she noticed and looked uncomfortable. Good! She'd better get used to it because things were going to get a whole lot worse for her. He smiled to himself. Petra knew he was up to something but didn't bothered her, instead she decided to watch and see just what he was up to. She had a feeling it was going to be good. She could honestly use some entertainment after the day they had.
When everyone was finished, Rotham got up and made a suggestion, "Rather then splitting up as we often do why don't we all gather together for our after dinner cocktails."
Claire and Richard were clearly not happy but Liam and Shyla quickly backed him. "I think that would actually be a good idea," said Liam, "We have a surprise."
"Oh," said Claire.
For a moment Rotham's throat got tight. He worried like his mother no doubt did that they were going to announce an engagement. Liam gave Shyla a quick kiss then took off going outside. They all gathered in the south sitting room. The staff opened it up serving drinks and lighting the fire. When Liam returned they were all relieved to see a large box in his hand rather then a small one. Rotham threw back a drink and let out a sigh of relief. He still would have gone forward with his plans whether he proposed or not but it would have been rather annoying...if not embarrassing. His brother could never hope to attain Shyla...no….not when she was already Rotham's woman and after tonight always would be.
"What is it?" asked Claire folding her hands in her lap.
"A board game," said Shyla. "We saw it in one of the shops, this afternoon."
"Oh," said bother Claire and Petra.
Richard scoffed sitting in a chair in the corner. "I think we're all a bit too old to play games."
"Some of us are anyway," said Rotham looking at Liam.
Liam let out a groan. Shyla could tell he was not happy and she felt bad now for suggesting they get the board game. She loved board games and through maybe if they got one just for the family the could all sit down and get to know each other if not have some fun. Or worst case….kill a few hours.
Petra looked at Shyla and rolled her eyes as Liam opened the box and set it up. Rotham stepped up and quickly took the instructions. Shyla found it very telling. He always had to be in control. Taking the rules would afford him knowledge the others wouldn't have. Still at least he was 'participating' she supposed.
Rotham glanced over the instructions then picked out a piece. When Petra realized he was actually going to play she quickly picked her own piece. Clair followed suit while Richard just lit a pipe and sat back in his chair closing his eyes. Shyla and Liam picked their piece then Rotham took charge informing them how to play and who would go first. For nearly an hour they played, Shyla didn't hold out much hope given their first reactions but everyone seemed to have fun of only for a few minutes. By the end, Claire won by a landslide. She acted as if she didn't care but Shyla noticed the little smile on her face.
Shyla cleaned up as Rotham poured Liam a drink. For a while they talked about the weather, various acquaintances, investments and politics. Shyla could follow most of it but when it got to politics she had no interest. She leaned forward picking up one of the cocktails as Liam had another drink. She noticed Rotham staring at her cleavage. She looked up at him expecting him to look away as most people did when they were caught, yet he didn't look away, he just smiled at her. She began to feel a troublesome knot in her stomach. Had he finally recognized her?
She looked away then sat back on the couch. She sipped her drink trying to move on but could tell he was still watching her. It was the same all through dinner. Every time she dared look in his direction he was always looking back at her. She was really beginning to worry. Maybe he realized he recognized her but couldn't place her. She bit her lower lip finishing off her cocktail. She wondered how late it was and just when she could excuse herself, without it seeming strange.
Rotham poured Liam another drink as he topped his own glass off. Then took his drink over to the fireplace. He rested it on the mantle staring into the flames as he lit himself a cigarette. He took several long drags slowly letting them out as he smiled to himself and decided it was finally time to end this charade.
"Liam," called Rotham.
"Hmm," said Liam staring off into space.
He had to be buzzed by now. Rotham had watched him throw back several glasses of wine at dinner and had personally poured him three drinks on top of that. He knew how his brother could get when he was drunk and Rotham needed him to let his guard down if he was going to play his 'part' properly.
He took up his drink then turned to face his brother. He took a small sip from his glass, then casually asked, "Do you recall that girl you went to school with? The one you dated freshman year?"
"I don't know." grumbled Liam.
Rotham seriously doubted that but humored him nonetheless, "Wasn't her name Lonny...Linny something or other?"
He took another long drag of his cigarette as he watched his brother being to squirm. He knew Lonny Pefercorn was Liam's first crush. He had liked her since middle school, couldn't stop talking about her, especially when freshmen year, she had decided to date him. Oh he was over the moon for weeks on end, thinking she liked him, only to find out she already had a boyfriend and was just using Liam for his money. He'd been devastated for months after but the kid had to learn sometime. The fact that it took him so long was almost surprising, if not laughable. Of course, Liam had always been slow. Rotham had realized the affect their families money had in grade school.
"I think it was Lonny." said Claire when Liam had failed to respond.
"That's right, Lonny Pefercorn," said Rotham.
"So," said Liam. He finished off his drink then poured himself another one.
"Well did you hear what she's up to these days?"
"No and I don't care!" snapped Liam.
Shyla furrowed her brow. She could see Liam was getting upset.
"I do?" said Claire. "I'd like to know. How is she these days."
"Not so good, I suppose, I heard she's been…'escorting!'
Shyla had been staring at the coffee table as Rotham spoke but she quickly snapped her head in his direction. She swallowed and it suddenly felt like there was a lump in her throat as she locked eyes with Rotham. Her chest nearly exploded, without a doubt he had to know...and knew that she knew. The side of his mouth curved up into a dangerous smirk and he gave her a little wink. Shit! Shit! Shit! SHIT!
"Oh dear, you don't say!" gasped Claire, shaking her head in disapproval. "Escorts are just another name for hookers. She might as well be a street walker. Her poor parents!"
"What a disgrace!" Richard pipped in not even opening his eyes.
Shyla bit her lip, feeling like a deer caught in headlights as she took in their reactions.
Petra ran her fingers through her hair, "Oh, how disgusting?"
Only Liam's reaction remained Shyla timidly turned to him. Liam shook his head as his face twisted with disgust. "It figures she'd be an escort! I hate those kinds of people, they're the lowest. They pretend to like you, when they're just after your money. They have no heart, no soul their just gold digging scum!"
"Here, here," said Claire. Then lifted her glass like she wanted to do a toast. Petra, Liam and Rotham lifted their glasses then took a drink.
Shyla just sat there. She had no idea that was how Liam felt. She had never asked him about escorts. Clearly from his statement he despised them...would despise her. She'd already slept with his brother and now was in his opinion the lowest of people…gold digging scum.
"Oh don't do that dear," said Claire, pulling Shya from her thoughts.
"What?" said Shyla
"Bit your lip it's an awful habit."
"I'm sure she has other that are much worse," said Rotham before taking a drink, "We all do."
She looked at him spitefully now. While she had no idea how Liam felt about escorts he had to know what his brother thought. She couldn't help but feel he was toying with her. Indeed he was, he smiled at her feeding of her every reaction. He had known his brother's standpoint since Liam was eighteen and Rotham had offered to buy him a girl for the night. Liam had literary burst out in revulsion.
Shyla stop biting her lip. She set her drink down then grabbed another. She didn't know what she should do. She'd been caught the jig was up so to speak. At this point she didn't know if she should say anything or just leave. She kept expecting Rotham to expose her yet he just smirked. She realized he was lording this over her head. To what end she didn't know...did he expect to gain something. Amusement perhaps or something more.
She looked back at Liam as he finished off another drink. She realized in his moment she had nothing to lose. If the world was crumbling around her she might as well take a stand. "Maybe… Maybe not all of them are gold diggers. Maybe some of them have reasons."
The room burst into laughter at Shyla's assumed naivete.
"Heh, no reason is good enough to sell yourself for money. Money, is just money. If you can't afford something, then live without it."
"Money is just money, to you, because you have it. There are some things you can't live without like a roof over your head and food."
Rotham sat down on the couch, next to his mother, that was across from Liam and Shyla. He took another long drag of his cigarette, finding this all quiet entertaining. All that was missing, was a bowl of popcorn.
Liam scoffed setting his empty glass down. He pour himself yet another drink, "That's bullshit, if you can't afford a house, rent an apartment. If you can't afford the rent, find a different apartment." He acted like it was so easy, to just move at the drop of hat, if something was too expensive. He had no idea about, neighborhoods, transportation and quality."
She was anger, maybe even a bit drunk too. She snapped, "What would you know! Doesn't your father pay for your apartment! Should you get a different one since you can afford on your own?
"Ooo," said Rotham loving this even Petra smiled at that one.
"I'm going to school!"said Liam, again like it was obvious. Like it was an excuse but she knew there were countless students, including herself who went to school and still had to pay rent.
"So drop out!," she snapped, crossing her arms. "If you can't afford it and your own place. That's what you implying right, if you can't afford something then live without it!"
Liam gave her a dirty look but she gave him one right back.
"My someone is getting quiet angry." said Claire. Shyla could hear the joy in her voice.
"I am not angry," Shyla snapped. "I'm just pointing out there might be other reasons people do that sort of thing."
Liam scoffed yet again. He shook his head, took a swig of his drink then said, "No, no they could get a 'real' job!"
"And if they couldn't?"
"They could move back in with their parents or fuck it! I'd be homeless before I sold myself."
Shyla shook her head upset.
"What about food?" Rotham chimed, trying to keep the conversation going. "Still need food even if you're homeless."
"They have government programs for that." spat Liam.
"A waste of money, if you ask me." said Richard. "They're just lazy. If they can eat they can work."
"Sometimes it's hard to find a job, and they don't always pay so well." said Shyla.
"Nonsense dear, anyone can get a job," said Claire, "And food barely costs anything, unlike money, it grow on trees and in the ground." She rolled her eyes like Shyla was an idiot.
"Yes," said Richard agreeing. "They just don't want to hard honest work. They'll always need someone to sweep the street and clean up the shit. They just want everything handed to them on a silver platter."
"Let's be honest here," said Petra finally putting in her two scents, "Even if 'those' people get real work they never spend it right."
"Yes," agreed Claire. "They probably just spend it all on dug, and alcohol. The world would be better off it they were all just rounded up and locked away. Prostitute and drug addicts."
"No that would take up resources better they just disappear all together." said Richard taking up his pipe to fill it.
"The world would probably smell a lot better," Petra joked and the room burst into laughter once more.
Shyla looked around her and couldn't help but feel these people were so fucking out of touch and disgusting! She had no idea Liam felt like this! For the first time in her relationship...she didn't like him. Maybe it was because he was drunk but if...he truly felt like this then- She balled her hands into fists, nearly crying.
She stood up then said, "Excuse me I have to use the bathroom."
She didn't wait for them to respond storming out of the room. Rotham laughed as his mother set down her glass, "I dare say we've upset the poor thing. Let's change the subject, shall we. Escorts aren't exactly proper conservation."
"You know Rotham." said Petra. "He always likes to have such heated debates."
"What is there to debate," said Rotham. "I was just going to say Liam dodged a bullet with that one."
"Hmm," said Claire, "He did indeed. I could never had a daugher-in-law that was an "
Rotham, put out his cigarette, finished off his drink, then stood up and clasped his hands together, "I know something that would be just perfect to end such a long day. I'm going to get us some of that Spring Well 75, from the cellar."
"Oh I'd love that!" said Petra.
"I'm not sure we have any left." said Claire
"I think I saw a bottle last time I was down there," said Rotham, "I shall be but a moment."
He quickly left the room not wanting to give Shyla the chance to dash off. He knew what it meant when she went to the 'bathroom.' He adjusted his tie then smoothed out the wrinkles in his suit. At last it was it was time they had a little 'talk.' He adjusted his crotch, then went off in search of her. She felt as if she'd just seen a different side of Liam. She wondered if they were ever going to be able to make this work.
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