Erin studied her reflection in the mirror, worrying her lower lip between her teeth as she contemplated the dress for the umpteenth time. The light pink gown complimented her complexion and showed off curves in all the right places, but still she worried that the dress was not formal enough for the occasion. From what Ethan had described, the bake sale was going to be more than just a family get together.
His mother had invited a lot of Chicago’s upper-class for the fundraiser. She also knew she would be facing Ethan’s family, all curious to know how she’d ended up as his date for the day.
She signed and rubbed her forehead, feeling the beginnings of a headache. She so was not looking forward to being the center of attention, maybe it was not too late to things off. Sure Ethan would be furious and threaten her as usual, but she could handle that compared to the ordeal she was about to put herself through.
Erin turned and strode back to her closet, yanking off the dress as she went. She flipped through her clothes, finally settling on a white, sleeveless dress. A black belt, black shoes and purse, complimented the look to her satisfaction. She was just putting on some makeup when someone knocked. With a frown, she glanced at the clock, it was only 7. 30 and way too early for Ethan to show up.
“I brought coffee.” Kim stood on the other side of the door, two cups of coffee in hand. She raised an eyebrow at Erin’s outfit and let out a mock whistle. “Isn’t it a bit too early to be dressed?”
Ah hell! Of all the times for her friend to show up. Erin felt a jolt of apprehension as she stepped aside to let Kim into the apartment. She grabbed a cup from Kim, wrapping her suddenly clammy hands around the Styrofoam cup,
“I have to be somewhere in thirty minutes.” She replied, removing the cap and taking a grateful sip of the hot liquid. “Mmm, this is really good”
Kim settled on her couch, tucking her jean clad leg under her as she studied Erin. “Big date?”
Erin shrugged and sat beside her friend. “Sort of. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you had a photo shoot this morning?”
“We need to talk.” The cryptic statement sent Erin’s heart rate up at notch. Kim set down her cup and leveled Erin with a stern look. “Remember, that talk you promised we’d have?”
Erin groaned and shut her eyes. Of all the times Kim could have picked…. “Can we do this later?”
“Uh uh!” Kim wagged a finger at her in admonishment. “We are doing this now, even if I have to tie you to this damned chair.”
“Ok, but I can only talk for fifteen minutes.” Erin mentally braced herself for what she knew would be the next question. “So make it fast.”
“What’s the deal with you and Ethan? And don’t even think about lying Erin, cos you know I can tell when you’re lying.”
Erin paused, debating on telling the truth or lying to her best friend. Ah what the hell, Ethan was going to be here soon anyway and it was likely he would meet Kim here since her friend clearly had no intention of leaving soon.
“Fine,” she muttered with a tired sigh. “We’re sort of having this weird kinda thing.”
“I knew it!” Kim crowed, unfolding her legs as she leaned forward, eager for more details. “I knew you were up to no good with Mr. Delicious. But really Erin? Of all the rich, hot guys in Chicago you had to pick the one guy that’s off limits? The sex must be phenomenal if you’re willing to bring Nicky’s wrath on your head.”
“I didn’t pick him, idiot.” Erin rolled her eyes and flopped back against the couch. “I can barely stand the guy’s arrogance as it is, and given what he’s done to my family? But oh god Kim, the sex! It’s like…wow! I mean, we have this huge fights and there’s times I wish I could shoot him for being a sonofabitch, but then, we end up in bed and I completely lose my mind.”
“Damn right, you’ve lost your mind.” Kim retorted, “You know what will happen if…no.. when Nicky finds out you’ve been fooling around with her ex?” Erin opened her mouth to protest but Kim held up a finger. “Wait, I’m not finished. Let’s talk about your dad, how do you think he’ll react when he finds out? He’ll disown you.”
“Gee, thanks for the eye opener.” Erin murmured in a sarcastic tone. “I know exactly what’s going to happen.”
Kim folded her hands across her chest. “Good to know.” She eyed her friend for a couple of seconds then collapsed in a fit of giggles that had Erin wondering if she’d lost her mind.
“Sorry,” Kim said when the giggles had subsided enough. “It’s just so funny hearing you talk about a guy like that, you’ve never gotten so enthusiastic about sex before…not even with Luke.”
Erin blushed and threw a pillow at her.
“Shut up,” she stood and crossed to her room to finish her make-up, checking the time as she passed. Five minutes to eight ‘o’ clock. “I have to finish getting ready.”
“You two are dating now?” Kim’s mouth fell open in surprise.
“It’s not a date.” Erin sighed, running a brush through her hair. “I’m just going with him to this fundraiser thing.” She decided not to tell Kim she would be meeting his family, knowing her friend would blow a fuse if she did.
“Oh wow, Erin, be careful with this.”
Her phone rang, the caller id displayed Ethan’s name.
“Hello?” Erin spoke into the phone, careful to keep the excitement from her voice.
“You ready?” His deep voice flooded her body with warmth.
“Yeah.”
He chuckled. “Great, meet me in the lobby.” He hung up before she could say anything else. She stared at the phone, slightly exasperated at his appalling phone manners then sighed and stood up, grabbing her purse and headed for the door, Kim in tow.
Ethan’s eyes swept over her costume as she walked toward him, taking in every inch of her. Erin’s steps faltered at the scrutiny, but then he smiled, and stood up, unfolding his length from the chair and came towards her.
“Nice dress.” He murmured as she reached him.
She blushed in spite of her resolve to remain unaffected by him.
“Good to hear a compliment from you at last.” She teased, letting her eyes study him. He looked delicious in a dark blazer over a light blue shirt and jeans. An opinion shared by others if the longing looks he was getting from the female guests was any indication. “Nice shirt Lachlan.”
He chuckled, then his eyes fell on Kim, who stood just behind Erin, blatantly ogling him in pure lust. His eyes darkened and turned wary. “I see you brought a friend.”
“Oh!” Erin remembered her friend and turned to make the introductions, amused at the adoring look in Kim’s eyes as they shook hands.
That done, Ethan checked his watch. “We should get going.”
“Yes.” Erin said goodbye to Kim and followed him to the car.
*************
The drive to Homewood took about an hour. On the way, Ethan gave Erin a brief update about each member of the family, while she listened intently and tried to absorb every single detail. As they finally drove up to the three-story ranch style house, Erin fought down a feeling of nervous panic. The paved driveway was already lined with cars, indicating the event was already well under way. She took comfort in this fact, hoping that his family would be too busy entertaining guests to pay her much attention.
Ethan brought the car to a halt and turned to face her, a reassuring smile on his face.
“Nervous?”
She took a deep breath and managed a weak smile of her own. “Just a little.”
“You’ll be alright, they won’t bite…much.” He grinned at his joke, and reached out to take one of her hands in his.
Erin shot him a dry look. “Gee, thanks.”
He chuckled and let go of her hand, to step out the car. He came round to open hers and helped her alight, sliding a hand around her waist as they walked up the short flight of stone steps leading to the open front door.
“You’re finally here.” A tall leggy redhead greeted them at the door with a wide smile. Her gaze remained trained on Erin even though she clearly addressed Ethan. “Mum was beginning to worry.”
Ethan let go of Erin and moved to envelop the redhead in a hug. “Nice to know I was missed, Emily,”
Emily. So this was Ethan’s sister? Erin watched the warm exchange with a smile, while mentally bracing herself for the inevitable.
Emily pulled away and smirked at Ethan.
“Ha! Don’t flatter yourself, you know exactly why Mum couldn’t wait for you to get here.” Her knowing gaze slid back to Erin and she smiled brightly and came towards her. “Erin, right?”
Despite the butterflies in her stomach, Erin managed a sincere smile and nodded. “Yes, I am.”
Emily held out a hand, eyes roving all over Erin as though she could find all the answers to the millions of questions swirling through her mind. The entire family had been agog at the news that Ethan would be bringing a date and now here she was.
“Well, at least you’re real.” She grinned in mischief, when Erin clasped her hand. “Claire and I had a bet that Ethan would come alone after all. She owes me fifty dollars.”
Erin raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Really?”
Ethan sighed and slid an arm around Erin’s waistagain, leading her into the main room.
“Don’t pay them any attention.” He told her, in a dry tone. “They’re all crazy.”
“Right little bro, go ahead and scare her even more.” Emily snorted, then turned to Erin. “Don’t worry Erin, we’re all just excited to finally meet you, so forgive us if we appear a bit overenthusiastic. The clan’s in the kitchen by the way, I gotta go check on the kids before they turn the garden upside down.”
She gestured for them to go ahead and disappeared through a side door.
“Well, that went well.” Erin murmured as they passed the living room, drawing the attention of the few guests and teenagers there. Most of them nodded at Ethan, but he merely led them past the room and through another door that opened onto a wide hallway, leading to the kitchen. The scent of warm fresh pastry assaulted Erin’s nostrils and she inhaled, mouth watering at the thought of sampling some of the baked goodies, she could also hear voices and laughter as they neared and she braced herself once more.
The kitchen was huge! That was Erin’s first thought as she took in the space, large enough to fit her entire apartment in. The walls were painted a warm blue with shelves lined all around, and in the center was the work island, around which Ethan’s family was gathered on high stools, baked goods taking up every square inch of the table top. Someone noticed the two of them and motioned to the others who all turned to stare. Silence descended for a full minute until an elderly woman, whom Erin assumed was the matriarch of the family stood and hurried towards them, arms outstretched in welcome.
“Ethan!” Martha Lachlan cried out in delight and hugged her son. “You’re here.”
Ethan returned the hug affectionately, his face filled with boyish delight. “Hey mum, it’s good to see you.”
Martha drew back and gazed up at him with a fond smile.
“Glad you could make it darling, you can’t imagine how pleased I am to see you. And this must be Erin. Hello dear.”
Erin stepped forward, ready for a handshake only to be swept into a warm, cinnamon scented hug. She caught Ethan’s eye in surprise but her merely stood watching the exchange. Martha released her at last and Erin smiled warmly at her.
“Hello Mrs. Lachlan, it’s good to meet you.”
“Please, call me Martha.” She waved away the formal title, and took Erin’s arm to lead her towards the others who were all standing, watching her. “Can’t tell you how good it is to finally meet you, come meet the others.”
Erin smiled and received hugs and handshakes as Martha introduced the entire family. She began to relax, feeling at ease as she listened to them tease Ethan endlessly. He took the ribbing well, and gave as good as he got and it was a welcome change to watch how relaxed he became in the company of his family.