Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 253(@250wpm)___ 211(@300wpm)
Bernard spread out his hands and raised his voice over the song. “Hey. I have a good joke. There’s a bunch of people on an airplane and it begins to have a bumpy ride—”
“Absolutely not!” Claire placed her hand on his stomach. “That is a racist joke, baby. You are not saying it.”
“I asked you to do one thing.” Horace lowered and grabbed the glass on the floor. “I begged you to keep it together this evening and you couldn’t even do that.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Ryan did a dramatic sweep of his hands. “I hope I’m not embarrassing you in front of your friends.”
Alrighty, God. Get me out of this limo.
Bernard frowned at Claire. “But how is the joke racist, sweetie?”
“You are literally saying racist derogatory terms in the joke.”
“But the people in the joke are Black so they can say it if they’re Black—”
“Yet, you can’t say it.” Claire pointed at him. “I told you not to repeat that joke again. Do not tell it at this Gala this evening. That is probably the exact reason why Ethan has never responded to our invitations.”
I looked at Shi who was taking in the whole scene with parted lips. “Yeah. . . we’re getting a taxi or uber on the way back.”
She tilted my way. “I will make sure to get a nice and quiet driver too.”
I leaned back in my seat. “And this is why you will be getting a raise by the end of the month.”
Bernard and Claire continued to go back and forth on their debate of the airplane joke being racist or not. Horace and Ryan glared at each other having some silent heated argument.
And M.J. sang more to his past lover, hoping she remembered their good times.
When the limo pulled up to the Manor, I was the first one out of there. I couldn’t be in that space with my crazy friends for another minute.
The driver didn’t even have enough time to open the door.
I opened it for myself and stumbled away, stepping into a small puddle a foot from the limo.
Shit.
Thankfully, I’d only gotten one shoe wet.
This is already starting to be a crazy evening.
I shook the water off my shoe and turned to see the rest of the group starting to emerge from the limo.
Ryan, who was a little tipsy, was helped out by Shi. A huge circular stain covered the front of his gray pants like he had peed on himself.
Shi got to my side, while Ryan stomped past me.
Next, an annoyed expression covered Horace’s face as he climbed out of the limo.
It may be time for couples counseling for these two.
Bernard left the limo and held his hand out for Claire. “I don’t see why we can’t say that word among our friends. They know I’m not racist.”
Claire jabbed her finger at his chest. “Enough. I said I don’t like the joke and even if I did, the damn word is disgusting.”
“But—”
“No buts. Just go and get me something to drink, honey.” Claire marched away from him and stopped next to me. She kept her voice low as she asked, “Maya, why did I marry him again?”
I whispered, “Because he’s worth seven figures and absolutely worships every inch of you.”
“Still.” Claire pouted. “I wonder if the money was even worth it. Perhaps, I should have simply married for love.”
“What?” I quirked my brows and then laughed. “You?”
“I know.” She laughed with me. “I’m being silly.”
Poor Bernard walked on toward the Manor. “I’ll get that drink for you, sweetie.”
“Yes. Yes.” Claire waved him away.
I turned around to finally take the property all in. “Oh my.”
Claire smiled next to me. “Ravenswood Manor is beautiful, isn’t it?”
“More than beautiful.”
The mansion sat on a sprawling estate on the outskirts of the city. It was a grand, imposing structure of stone and marble, with towering columns and ornate architecture.
Excitement rode Shi’s voice. “Before getting dressed, I read all about Ravenswood Manor. There’re three gardens on the property and a large pool, but most amazing of all is the huge maze in the back.”
“Oh wow.” My mood brightened. “A maze? I have to sneak out the party and check the maze out.”
Claire chuckled. “Maya, you cannot just go strolling around Vanderbilt’s property on your own—”
“This is correct.” A deep male voice sounded behind us. “But, I would love to give you a tour of the maze.”
What?
I turned and gasped at the gorgeous man in front of me.
Chapter 3
Ethan Vanderbilt
Ethan Vanderbilt towered over us, dressed in an impeccable tuxedo. The black and white hues caught in the moonlight, making him glow like some supernatural creature.
He could have easily starred in one of my old vampire romances.
I almost begged him to bite me, and that was just not my style. I tended to be super shy and quiet around hot guys like him.