Chapter Five

The moment Evie's words left her mouth, I felt devastated. And on top of that, her parents agreed with that man, Lockwood, and now not only does she have to marry him, but also, she is to believe that they are in love and willingly engaged!

What makes me even more frustrated is the fact that I can't do anything about it!

I was walking up and down the corridor of the hospital trying to figure something out. What if I kidnapped her?

"Whatever you're thinking I'm pretty sure it won't work. Not when you frown that much…" I heard a voice behind me and turned around fast enough to get myself a nasty cramp.

I eyed the man in front of me. He had the typical playboy image, styled hair, designer clothes, and a smirk that makes you feel weak in the knees. If I didn't know better I would say he was a good guy, but Jordan Black was far from it.

"Jordan, right?" I looked at Alexander's friend who was smirking at me.

"Yes indeed. And you are? I don't think we have been formally introduced…" He replied simply and looked at me expectantly.

"Well then, the name's Lora. Grand. Evie's best friend, though I think you already know that bit." I let out a soft, ironic laugh.

"So, what were you thinking so intently about?" he asked again trying to chit-chat.

"To be honest, I am working on a plan to get rid of your friend Alexander in there. Though I'm not entirely sure how this is going to work, it's a plan in progress."

"As much as I don't like Xander, I have to say that you have not thought this through, and apart from that, do you really want to go to jail for him? Out of all the men out there you would rather go to jail for Xander?" he replied jokingly.

"You really suck at the 'best friend' thing you know that right? Still, there are other plans, no need to worry about it. Besides, why would I ever reveal my deepest, darkest schemes to you?"

"I am officially offended!" he said dramatically. "After everything we've been through, you dare say you don't trust me?! I rescued your friend, your best friend and you still can't put your in me?!" he continued and placed his hand on his heart.

"Aren't you a drama queen? I suppose a 'thank you' is in order, so thank you very much! There you go. Well, as much as I've enjoyed our little chat, I have to go. I have work to do, plans to make..." I told him and picked up my stuff to go.

"Would you like to go out sometime?" he asked smugly.

"On a date?"

"You can call it a date, yes."

"Then no. If you want to go out as two new friends getting to know each other, then and only then I might accept." I stated and I could see his inner conflict.

What did I expect? Honestly!

"Okay then, friend. I'll pick you up at eight." He said with a smirk, catching me off guard.

"But- "I tried to object but at this point it was pointless. He had already turned around and walked away.

"See you at eight!" He yelled one last time before he was gone.

Today is going to be a very interesting day…

~~~

"No! I can not allow you to delay any longer. I need this shipment and I need it by the end of the day! Make sure of it!" I heard my mother's voice when I entered the house.

I walked inside the living room and saw her speaking on the phone looking enraged.

"Unbelievable! I simply cannot tolerate the incompetence of some people!" she said to herself after hanging up.

"Hey, mom. Is this a bad time?" I spoke finally and she turned to look at me, her demeanor changing instantly.

"My darling!" she cried and hastily got up to take me in her arms.

"When Ellen called me in the middle of the night, I was so worried! Your father had to assure me a billion times that you were okay so that I wouldn't march down to that hospital and see you! Is Evie okay, darling?" she said all at once.

"Yeah… She has amnesia, of shorts, but the doctors are positive her memories will return within the month, or maybe less…" I replied softly.

"Your friend has escaped the danger, you seem perfectly fine to me, physically speaking, and yet you still look sad… What is wrong my love?" I just stared at her, not being able to utter the truth... 

She looked at me for a couple of minutes and then shook her head.

"I suppose you'll tell me when you are ready. Now, moving on! There more exciting news to be discussed. The fashion show for my new collection is in a week. Are you following me to Milan this year?" she pleaded.

"Well, mother I know I promised you to attend the show with you this year, but I am afraid that with everything going on and Evie having amnesia, I will remain in the city… You can always take dad with you. I am sure he'd love a break from the tension of the last couple of days." I told her and I saw her smile sadly.

"I wish… Anyway. Any plans for today, or you'll stay in with your dear old mom?"

"Mom, you are not old! But I must disappoint you. I am going out tonight." I replied.

"As a matter of fact. I should get started or else I'll be late." I left the room before she could inquire me further.

~~~

I applied the last layer of mascara on my eyelashes. And done! I was finally ready.

I had worn a midi blue dress covered with black lace and my matching blue heels. My golden locks were loose on my shoulders in loose curls.

"Lora! Darling! There is a gentleman here for you!"

"I'll be done in a second!" I took my clutch, checked my makeup one last time, and headed downstairs.

"I hope I didn't make you wait..." I said once I reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Not at all…" I heard Jordan say. I looked up at him. He wore an elegant yet simple burgundy suit. Nothing too official, but still… It gave him a little something, I just couldn't put my finger on it yet. He had taken off his jacket and held it in his hands.

He was looking back at me shocked, bluntly checking me out in front of my mother.

"If I knew you were going out with such a fine young man, I would have suggested dinner, darling. So, Lora, will you introduce us?" Mother said looking at Jordan like he was here to ask my hand in marriage.

"Mother, this is Jordan, a friend. Jordan, my mother." I made the introductions quickly, eager to get out of the house and this awkward conversation.

"Mrs. Grand, it's a pleasure, really," he said and gave her one of his infamous smiles.

"The pleasure is-"

"What is going on here?"

Great! The one thing that was missing from this little get-together was my father and now he was here.

"Dad! Jordan and I were just about to leave. We'll catch up later!" I said hastily and moved forward.

"I'd like a word with the gentleman, darling. If you please." He asked but I knew it was more an answer rather than a question.

"I suppose, sir," Jordan replied calmly and walked with my father away from us.

"Is he seriously going to give Jordan the 'Dad-talk'?" I asked my mother bewildered.

"Well, Ian does not take his role as your father lightly, darling."

I looked over at the two and saw my dad talking to Jordan intently, who was taking in every word, absorbing everything my father said. I knew my dad could be intimidating, but I never thought I'd actually witness it up close. I was even more surprised to see that Jordan was actually being serious.

Now that! That is a sight to see.

Finally, I saw them shake hands and then they walked over to us.

"Are we ready to go?" Jordan inquired.

"I think it's about time! I'll see you guys later!" I replied and took Jordan's arm to drag him away.

"Well, that's was something…" he said when we were out of earshot.

"It was indeed. I hope he was not too harsh on you."

"Nonsense! Your father is delightful." He said jokingly.

"Shall we, my little angel?" he opened the car door and looked at me expectantly.

"Angel?"

"You definitely look like one tonight. So beautiful and gracious, yet so modest and not to mention real." He said looking into my eyes.

Our eyes locked and I got lost inside his deep green eyes. I felt like looking at a forest deep inside the mountains, so green and refreshing… The fact that he was smelling like pine didn't help either.

"We should get going." I finally tore my eyes away from him and got in the car. A few seconds later, he closed my door and got behind the wheel.

"Ready?"