Ruxin Novak

I watch as she stands, silently listening to the multitude of conversations going on around her. I could tell she was listening intently, though to everyone else she appeared bored. Yes, she's a smart one, listening in on details of mergers and other business deals. Intrigued, I wonder what she does for a living. She doesn't have the appearance of a cold, cut-throat business woman. She was beautiful, stunning really, but her minimal makeup and un-styled hair caused her to stand out from the masses of tailored suits and top-knots that surrounded her. You could tell that she didn't want to draw attention to herself, preferring to be looked over like a fixture in the room rather than stand out.

I see a long-time friend, Brennan Fisher, stop in mid walk to turn and check her out. He doesn't bother to hide his interest, which is quite unusual for him. Normally, he maintains more control and tact than that. I smirk when she doesn't notice his attention. He is not the first man here to try and engage her in conversation, all of them were swept away by one of two women, who I am certain accompanied her to the event. My smirk broadens when I see that this time is no different. Brennan is intercepted by Cindy Prescott, a leech in this sea of eligible men, just like her mother. I hate leeches and Cindy Prescott is one of the worst. Brennan tries to remove her from his arm as she directs him to the bar, his frustration obvious when he can't shake her. I would pity him if he wasn't after the object of my intrigue. I don't understand how she came to be acquainted with the likes of Susan and Cindy Prescott. I've known William Prescott and his wife and daughter for years, but have never seen this angel before. Perhaps she is of distant relation.

It is not long before Josh Augustine stops in front of her, gaining her attention. I see her smile cordially at him, but before he can introduce himself Susan Prescott is dragging him away, insisting he introduce her to some business executive. Josh smiles at Susan, giving in and allowing himself to be pulled away. Surprisingly, the woman isn't at all bothered that Susan stole Josh away, if anything she seems relieved. How fascinating. This woman has had two very desirable heirs approach her, and she couldn't care less. So, why is she here? I begin to approach her, now that the two women are distracted by Brennan and Josh. She lifts her head slightly and I assess her appearance as I near her. Her long blonde hair is straight, with a little wave to it. Her skin is lightly tanned but not from a tanning bed. She likes the outdoors? Perhaps she is a tomboy. I lower my gaze to her supple figure and simple pink dress and immediately readjust my assessment of her. She may be a runner, but there is no way the soft pink of her dress would be worn by a tomboy. She is sweet and innocent, she has no idea who these men are.

"Hello." I say in greeting, gaining her attention. Her head snaps to me in surprise, it is obvious she didn't notice my approach. "Hello." She replies, politely.

"I have to ask, why are you here?"

"Excuse me?" She asks, confused by my blunt question and maybe even a bit insulted.

"You're not like these other women, attaching themselves to anyone worth more than eight figures. So, why are you here?" I restate my question.

"Is that what they're doing?" She asks incredulously, looking around as if she has finally solved a riddle.

"Yes, and you're here because?" I ask again.

"My father asked me to come." She answers finally.

"Your father?"

"William Prescott."

"I wasn't aware that William had two daughters." I reply, surprised.

She nods her head knowingly, but doesn't elaborate any further. I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to Brennan who still has Cindy clutching to his arm. "Ruxin, who is your beautiful friend?"

"Prescott's other daughter." I answer. Looking back at her I realize that I didn't ask for her name. "Forgive me, I'm Ruxin Novak." I introduce myself, holding out my hand.

"Eva Thorpe." She replies, taking my hand. I frown at her last name, she's married? Looking for a ring, I am relieved to see her ring finger bare. "I thought you said Prescott?" I question.

Before she can respond Cindy cuts in, "Yes, well she is daddy's dirty little secret. We don't need to go about announcing his indiscretions, do we?" She seethes at Eva, who flinches from the verbal slap.

"What do you do, Miss Thorpe?" I ask, choosing to ignore Cindy's scathing remark.

"I am a pre-school teacher." She states. I didn't expect that. Eva is young, around 23 or 24. She seems like she would be good with kids with her warm eyes and child-like innocence. I notice that she appears to be uncomfortable with my attention.

"Are you interested in business?" I ask, recalling her attention to the business discussions.

"No, not really."

"You looked interested in the topics earlier." I respond, admitting fully that I had been watching her.

She looks down at her shoes in embarrassment.  "I have money in a few places, it is always good to pay attention to where to invest. I don't find it interesting, just essential." She explains, fidgeting with the ends of her hair.

"Wow. You are fascinating, Eva." Cindy says, completely bored. I am prepared to interject when William appears, seemingly relieved.

"There you are Eva!" He exclaims. "My apologies, I was talking shop and got carried away. I didn't mean to leave you on your own."

"I'm fine." She replies, smiling at her father.

"Is Cindy introducing you around?" He asks, smiling at her. Not waiting for an answer he holds out his hand to me, "Ruxin. Good to see you." Turning to Brennan he does the same.

"Have you been introduced to my daughter, Eva?"

"Yes, I introduced myself." I reply.

"No." Brennan replies at the same time.

"Eva, this is Brennan Fisher. He is a close friend of the family."

"It is nice to meet you." Eva smiles as she shakes his outstretched hand.

"It's a pleasure." He holds onto her hand a moment longer than necessary and I clench my teeth in irritation.

"William darling, what are you doing over here?" Susan Prescott makes her entrance, coming to stand by her husband.

"Making sure Eva is alright."

"She's a big girl. I'm sure she can take care of herself."

"I invited her, it is my responsibility to make sure she is having a good time."

Susan laughs humorlessly. "Really, William. You are too sweet, but I'm sure Eva understands that you need to talk to these people. Right, Eva?"

"Yes, of course. I'm fine, William." She concedes quickly, looking like a frightened rabbit.

"Well, I'll leave you in Cindy and Susan's capable hands." He smiles and leans forward, kissing Eva's check before walking to another group of men.

"Can I speak to you alone, Eva?" Susan requests.

"Sure." Eva complies, though she looks as if she would rather jump out of the window.

Susan grips Eva's arm and drags her behind a stone pillar, blocking our view. "Excuse me." I say, to Brennan and Cindy. I walk to the bar where I will have better view of Eva and Susan. Susan is holding Eva's arm as she whispers vehemently into her ear. Eva looks shocked and frightened by whatever Susan is saying. When Susan finally releases Eva she stumbles from the force, nearly landing on her hands and knees. Susan walks away without a second look, a smile on her face. Eva's eyes are glassy as I approach and I see she's trying desperately to pull herself together.

"Don't bother. I saw everything." I say.

Her shoulders slump in defeat and I see a couple of tears fall down her face. "I have to go. Can you please tell William I said goodnight?"

"No." Eva looks stunned that I refused her request. "I'll take you home."

"That's not necessary, thank you."

Refusing to let her say no, I gently place her arm in mine and walk towards the exit.  "Where do you live?" I ask her.

"I'm staying with William for a couple of weeks, until the apartment I'm looking to rent becomes available. I don't know the address."

"What did Susan say to you?"

"Nothing." She responds, wiping away her tears.

"It was something. You're crying about it."

"It doesn't matter." She replies and stops walking. "I can't leave with you, people will talk." She whispers, looking around the room. I don't bother taking my eyes off her, I know they are watching us.

"Then we'll stay. Let's go get a drink." She looks hesitant at first, then nods and we go to the bar. "What will you have?" I ask her.

She looks at the bartender, "Do you have any dark beers?"

"We have bock, stout, and porter." He answers.

"I'll have the porter, please." She replies, while he looks her up and down. I narrow my eyes at his actions. Noticing me, he quickly adverts his eyes and asks, "And you, sir?"

"Scotch." I answer, taking note of his name tag and what he looks like. Tomorrow he won't have a job. He places Eva's beer in front of her and she takes a greedy gulp. I smile as I watch her. "You better be careful. You're too small to be drinking that fast."

She shrugs. "Can I ask you something?" She asks, looking a little unsure.

"Yes."

"Why is everyone looking at you?" She asks, honestly confused.

"I'm nice to look at." I tease, winking at her.

She chuckles. "I'm serious."

"So am I. You're hurting my feelings, don't you think I'm attractive."

She huffs, "Do you even have feelings?" She mutters.

I look at her in surprise. "Why would you ask that?"

"The way you look at people." She responds, a delicious blush staining her cheeks.

"The way I look at people, makes you think I don't have any feelings?"

Ignoring me, she looks around remarks, "They look at you like you are a God. I've never seen so many people watch one man. It'd be fascinating, if it wasn't so pathetic." She remarks, not sounding so much as bitchy but like she is stating a sad fact.

"Tell me about yourself." I order.

Eva groans, "Why? It isn't important." She looks back at the bartender. "Excuse me, can I get another beer?" She asks nicely.

"So you aren't important, but I am?" I question.

"Look around you. I think you know the answer to that question."

"Why haven't I met you before? I've known William a very long time."

"He was never a part of my life until recently."

"Where's your mother?" I see her tense up and I wonder if I asked too personal of a question.

"She passed away. I figured life is too short not to get to know my father. I packed up my things and William offered me a place to stay until I could find somewhere of my own."

"Did you find somewhere to teach?"

"Not yet, but I just got a job at Gulliver's on Parkway."

"Doing what?" I ask, thinking about the restaurant I co-own.

"Waiting tables."

"When do you start?"

"Tomorrow." She says, looking excited and happy for the first time tonight.

"You're that happy about working?"

"Yeah, the sooner I start work the sooner I can get my own place." She responds, becoming serious again.

Before I can ask her anymore questions a waiter comes around, announcing that the first course will begin in ten minutes. "Lets find our seats."

"I know where I'm sitting, Susan showed me earlier." She replies. Turning to me she says, "Thanks, for everything. It was nice meeting you Mr. Novak." I nod, watching her walk to the table in the back of the room where a few interns and some assistants are sitting. I feel my anger rise as I walk over to her. The Prescott family is really starting to piss me off. They aren't even allowing her to sit at their table. Eva briefly smiles at the people sharing her table before looking down at her silverware. She is very bashful in the presence of other people. When I am standing behind her chair I gently grab Eva's upper arm, gaining her attention.

"Come with me." I demand.

Her eyes look up to mine. "Dinner is about to start." She reminds me.

I smile. "I know. Get up, you are sitting at my table."

"But Susan told me to sit here, she'll get mad." Eva's voice is small, showing her nervousness over her step-mother's anger.

"I'll tell her that I insisted." I state. She finally stands up, but only after noticing the others looking at us. I take her hand as we leave the table and head to the center of the room. I pull out a chair next to mine and she thanks me as she sits. I notice that she keeps her head down and her cheeks are flushed. I can tell Eva doesn't like the attention and stares from the others around us.

"Just ignore them." I say as I sit down.

"Easy for you to say." She replies, glaring a little.

I laugh. "Did you really just glare at me?" I am shocked that she glared at me and even more surprised that it made me laugh.

Her cheeks become even more red, causing me to laugh again. "Shut up!" She orders looking around us. "You're making a scene!" She whisper yells, completely horrified and putting her head down further.

I can't help but chuckle, I don't remember the last time someone told me to shut up. To be completely honest, I don't think that its ever happened. I didn't expect it to be such a huge turn on. I smile as she peeks up from under her long lashes. "Sorry, I shouldn't have told you to shut up. It was rude of me." She apologizes, sheepishly. "I just hate being so uncomfortable." She admits, shifting in her seat.

"Don't worry, I liked it." I reassure her, and the huskiness of my voice isn't lost on her. She stiffens and then shakes her head.

"Eva, what are you doing over here? I did show you to your table, didn't I?" Susan's brittle voice and fake smile interrupt my plans of getting Eva to tell me to shut up again.

"I insisted that she sit with me and not the assistants that are working at this event." I snap at Susan, letting my frustrations with the treatment of her step-daughter show.

Susan looks taken back, but quickly replaces her shock with a large smile. "Of course, you are such a gentleman. However, I was just coming to let her know that William has found a spot for her at our table, but your generosity is greatly appreciated."

"Mother, she is not at the table you said she would be at." Cindy calls out, clearly not seeing Eva at my table.

"Not to worry, I found her." Susan says, turning to her daughter.

"I was just telling Mr. Novak that a spot opened up at our table. What I didn't tell him was that you so graciously gave up your spot for Eva." She says, sympathetically. "Maybe you could take Eva's seat and keep him company, Cindy."

"I would be delighted!" She responds enthusiastically, batting her eyelashes.

"Keep your seat Cindy. Eva is fine here." I state, dismissing them. The dinner bell is rung, cutting off any response from the two.