Page 57 of Daring to Love You
Dorian felt like she was living a fairy tale as Lynix helped her out of the limousine. He was being so attentive tonight, like a knight and shining armor, and she felt like a princess for the first time in her life.
As they fell in line with numerous guests who were also arriving, she took in the huge, stately, mansion, surprised the event was being held there. She had assumed it would be at a hotel with a large ballroom, but Lynix mentioned the owner had offered the use of the building, as well as the catering, free of charge. It was his way of supporting the organization so the majority of the funds raised would go to the nonprofit.
When they entered the building, Lynix was greeted immediately by several people. It was clear he and his family were well respected in the community. Stories were told, photos were taken, and there were so many introductions, Dorian was sure she wouldn’t remember anyone’s name. It took them almost thirty minutes to get from the entrance to the ballroom.
“What do you think?” Lynix asked when they entered.
“It’s bigger than I expected.”
It was the size of one that you’d see in a hotel and the decorators had done an outstanding job. They’d gone with amostly white color scheme with pops of emerald green and royal blue. It was an interesting combination, but it worked.
“My mother must’ve been looking out for us. She’s on her way over,” Lynix said near Dorian’s ear, and nodded his head toward an older woman who was making her way to them. She was dressed in a white evening gown, looking regal like a Nubian queen.
Before she could reach them, she was stopped a few times by guests.
Dorian would’ve known it was her by her smile alone. It was the same as Lynix’s.
“You guys made it,” the woman said, embracing Lynix before turning to Dorian.
“You must be Dorian,” she said, squeezing both of Dorian’s hands before wrapping her into a tight hug. “It’s so nice to finally meet you. Lynix has spoken very highly of you, and I have to say, you’re even prettier than he described.”
“Thank you,” Dorian said and blushed.
“And your dress is absolutely stunning,” the woman continued.
“Mom, you didn’t even give me a chance to introduce her,” Lynix grumbled.
“Oh, I’m sorry, honey,” the older woman said with a laugh. “I was excited to see her.”
“Anyway, Dee, this is my mother, Bridget Mathews.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Mathews.”
“The feeling is mutual and please, call me Bridget. I’m so glad you were able to attend tonight. We’ll be sitting down to dinner shortly, and…”
As Bridget rattled off the plans for the evening, Dorian felt Lynix go still next to her. When she glanced at him, she found him watching two older men who were heading their way. Thetall one on the left had to be his father. He looked like an older version of Lynix.
“Oh, that’s my husband,” Bridget said just as the men reached them. “Honey, this is Dorian Priestly, Lynix’s girlfriend.”
The man didn’t smile but extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, I’m Weston Mathews III.” Then he gestured to the other guy. “This is a friend of the family, Karsten Baldwin.”
The man nodded at her, but before she could say anything to either, Lynix reached for her hand.
“There’s my brother, Thane.” Lynix escorted her away without acknowledging his father or the family’s friend.
“Lynix, what is wrong with you? That was rude,” she said, walking fast to keep up with his long stride.
“Sorry, sweetheart. We have to sit at a table with my father. I figured we’d wait until then before he starts his interrogation. Had we stood there any longer, he would’ve started in on you. I don’t want to subject you to any more of his superior attitude than necessary.”
Dorian wondered if his father was really that bad or if it was Lynix letting his dislike of the man cloud his judgment. But for the next few minutes, she forgot about his dad as she enjoyed conversation with his brothers, as well as their women.
Soon everyone in attendance was directed to their assigned tables and dinner was served. Dorian loved chatting with Lynix’s family, specifically his mother, brothers, and their dates. Mr. Mathews didn’t say much and neither did Lynix, but between the great music the band was playing and the delicious food, she was having a good time.
It wasn’t until Bridget left the table did Mr. Mathews start lobbing questions at Dorian. He claimed it was to get to know her better, but it felt more like he was trying to show her that she didn’t belong.
“Wait a minute, the B&B your parents own is in Lincoln Park? Is it the Greystone that had a big write up in Architectural Digest last year?” Thane’s date asked from the other side of the table.
“It is,” Dorian said proudly and talked about the Italian architectural style and the interior.
