Chapter 72

November 1994 - LA

Maeve's POV

Since my mother's death and the realization that she wasn't the person I thought she was, the people that I trusted 100% can be counted on one hand and to my dismay, Michael is one of them.

For the past month I have been successfully avoiding him thanks to Sean's help who offers to bring or pick up the kids whenever they stay at Neverland.

"Wow, you look fantastic! Can I borrow this some time?" Ava came walking into my room, I was just getting ready for this evening's gala event I am attending.

My dress, a long dark blue silk gown hung on thin straps over my shoulders. My hair was straightened and by now it has grown significantly and was already reaching my shoulder blades. I just got a retouch in color this afternoon.

"Since when do you ask before borrowing my clothes?" I wondered after checking myself in the mirror one last time.

"You've got a point! But I bet this dress was expensive unless the rest of your wardrobe, so I figured asking would be reasonable."

Deciding to ignore her comment regarding my wardrobe, I grabbed my matching purse and walked out of the room, down the stairs into the kitchen where Sean was preparing dinner for Ava and the children.

"Thank you for stepping in last minute to take care of the children" I thanked him. Due to a misunderstanding between Michael and I which was the result of me not talking to him, I had no idea he was in Memphis this weekend and therefore couldn't watch the kids.

"No biggy, we're going to have so much fun tonight, you don't have to worry about us. Now go and enjoy your evening!"

"You've never been to a gala before, have you?" But instead of waiting for his response, I continued "It's the most boring thing you'll ever attend, especially when you go there alone-"

"Well maybe you should try and find some attractive rich man!" Ava joined us in the kitchen.

"Oh, no, no, no!"

"Why not? It's actually a good idea for you to start dating! It might get your mind off of the one whose name can't be said" Sean said.

"It's too early" I protested but both, Ava and Sean weren't satisfied with my answer.

"Is this really the reason? Or are you still waiting for Michael to come back to you?" Ava crossed her arms in front of her chest while waiting for my answer.

"I'm too sober for a conversation like this, I better get going!"

*****

About an hour into the gala full of meaningless conversations and too many attempts to try and sell me some ideas in order to get me to sponsor money, I found myself escaping the scene.

The property where this event is taking place is the home of some millionaire, I couldn't remember who but I knew his family made their money in gambling.

So as I was strolling farther away from the event I found myself looking for a quiet place, preferably a balcony that I eventually found.

Relieved I walked through the already opened doors into the chill night's air. My hand touched the railing as I stared over the property who's garden was beautifully lightened by the moonlight.

For a while I watched the surroundings, finding peace in the quietness of the night.

A heavy sigh left my mouth as I pulled out a cigarette and put it into my mouth while I searched my purse for a lighter which occupied my mind so much that I didn't notice I had company.

A flame reached into my direction caught my attention first. I lit my cigarette before looking at the person who lit his own cigarette as well.

"Guess we had the same idea" the man said as we locked eyes. His were brown just as well as his hair but I think the missing light made it seem a little darker than it actually was. Somehow he seemed to be familiar.

With a polite smile on my lips I gave him a small nod.

"I'm so glad I finally got out of the conversation with Roberta Astor, that lady really doesn't know when to stop talking." He took another drag of his cigarette while I let out a genuine laugh.

"Oh I know what you're talking about, I needed to fake an emergency to get away from her" I told him to which he responded with "That's actually a really smart idea, I'll try this the next time!"

"What was your strategy now?" More and more smoke filled the air around us as we both continued smoking our cigarettes.

"Do you really want to know? It's kind of embarrassing..." he told me only making me more curious.

"Now I need to know or else I won't be able to sleep at night!"

His head fell back lightly as he already regretted being honest.

"Okay, so I've been wanting to talk to you all evening but every time someone else was keeping you busy... and when I saw you walking away from the crowd, I kinda told Roberta that I really needed to follow that beautiful woman in the blue dress..."

With an raised eyebrow I looked at him. He held my gaze but started to bite his lips nervously. At some point I couldn't help myself but to laugh.

"I fucked up, didn't I?" He scratched his neck.

"It's actually kinda cute, I guess?"

"Okay, wait... let me start over again. Forget all about the Roberta part..." he turned himself around, a full circle until our eyes met again.

"Alexander Davis, nice to meet you" he held his hand out for me to shake and after I switched my cigarette from my right hand to my left, I did just that.

"Maeve Harris, the pleasure is mine."

"Oh I know who you are" he stated.

"Do I... do I know you from somewhere?" I asked, feeling my cheeks burn from embarrassment that he luckily couldn't see.

"Now you do" he flashed me a cute smile while he leaned back against the railing on his elbows. He actually made me giggle.

"No, unfortunately we haven't had the chance to meet... yet. But you do know my father."

"I do?" In my head I was reminiscing his name. Alexander... what was it again? Davis?

"Jonathan Davis is your father" I stated, now knowing why he seemed to be so familiar, he looks a lot like him.

"Exactly!"

"Then how come we never met? Just the other week I had dinner with your father and one of his friends to discuss a possible cooperation between our companies..."

"He thinks I am not ready to talk to the big fishes yet" Alexander said before putting out his cigarette.

"Your father called me a big fish?" I asked and he nodded. "The biggest!"

"Well, thank you, I guess... I've never had a compliment as flattering" I said trying to sound as sarcastic as possible.

"So are you going to do it?"

"Do what?" I looked at him confused.

"The cooperation?"

With this he caught me off guard because I wasn't prepared to discuss business tonight, let alone such a huge decision as cooperation that would link my name to gambling and I am not really sure if I want to be involved with games that could ruin you.

"Um... I-" I started stuttering but Alexander held his hands up in defense.

"I'm just joking, I'm not here to talk about business, I know absolutely nothing about the deal my father offered you!"

"Oh good" I let out a breath of relief. "Why are you here then?"

"I told you already, I think you're beautiful and... and I want to get to know you!"

"I really don't want to let you down but at the moment I am not interested in dating!"

"I understand, but I figured you would want to have company that helps you through this event, a friend maybe?"

He smiled nervously at me as he reached his hand towards me and after reconsidering I couldn't help but give in.

What could possibly go wrong?

******

Alexander and I were having a great time. Due to his company no one was bothering me anymore because we were always so engaged in our own conversations. The alcohol making our tongues a little loose as we were talking about anything that crossed our minds.

Even hours after the gala officially ended we were still sitting at the bar, talking and since it was his family's house, no one was going to throw us out.

In the early morning hours Alexander insisted in taking me home and since he had just as much alcohol as I did, he called his driver.

At some point during this night when he noticed me shivering he put his dress jacket around my shoulders without even asking. As if 'no' wasn't an option and now, in the cold November air, I was glad to not have to freeze.

"So..."

"So..." he repeated after me.

"It was a nice evening" I admitted as I looked at him in his white dress shirt whose sleeves were rolled up. He didn't seem to freeze at all.

"Very nice, yes."

"I guess, I see you around some time?"

"Oh you will" he flashed me a tired smile that I returned while holding the jacket I was wearing in an attempt to warm myself some more.

After wishing him a good night, I looked at him one last time before turning around to walk into the house, escaping the cold air.

Inside the house I made my way into the kitchen where I noticed Sean already making breakfast.

"Where have you been? We were worried sick! And for all we know you could have been kidnappe-"

"Ava... Good morning to you too" I smiled tiredly as I leaned against the countertop, crossing my hands in front of my chest.

"Did you have a good time?" Ava then asked but before I could answer Sean did for me.

"Of course she did, she met someone, you're wearing his jacket!"

Looking down at me, I silently cursed that I forgot to give him back his jacket.

"She's blushing" Ava pointed out and I have to admit that Alexander was a great company but considering all that has been going on I wasn't ready to date just yet, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to.

But I guess I have to meet him to give him back his jacket.