April 21st, 2015.

When Elise asked if I'd like to join her family for a family lunch, I didn't expect myself to say yes, in fact, I had expected to hesitate a lot more than I had. Family lunches or gatherings for that matter have never been my thing. Family, in general, has never been my thing. My family gatherings tended to end in heartache and some sort of wrenching pain, whether physical or emotional. I don't think I remember the last family gathering where things went smoothly.

I swallow hard as I follow the phone GPS that is taking me to a neighbourhood that probably costs more than I can even imagine. When Elise told me her parents' house was just twenty-five minutes from my apartment, I didn't expect to be driving through Courtenay Avenue, Highgate. If the fact that Avenue is protected by a guard operated security gates and CCTV isn't enough, my mouth gapes open when I find myself remaining in the driveway of a house that costs more than my tuition and the cost of my apartment together.

The house I grew up in is nothing close to a home like this, my childhood home doesn't have a deep sweeping carriage driveway or security gates. My mother's house also doesn't have, one, two, three floors to it. My heart subsides into my chest as I come to the realisation that maybe, just maybe, Elise and I live two completely different lives. Behind the Doric-columned entrance, her parents' and she are presumably waiting for me and part of me wants to bail.

When I agreed to this lunch, I thought I was agreeing to something small and pleasing. What I didn't think it would be was a realisation of not being good enough.

I swallow my concerns and pull myself out of my car before making the walk to the front door with a bottle of wine in one hand and two bouquets of flowers in the other. I don't think my wine or my flowers measure up to anything they have in the house, but it is all I had. If I could have brought the most expensive wine imported from Italy, I would, but for now, this will have to do.

I nervously knock on the door and bounce my weight from foot to foot as I wait for someone to answer. For a moment, I expect a butler to come to the door and greet me and take my coat, but I am relieved when I see Elise in front of me with her cherubic smile and her restoration curls of cinnamon-brown hair garland her face. She's easy on the eyes and a grace of fresh air.

"Hi," I smile, "I was passing through the neighbourhood and was trying to find this beautiful woman who hasn't ceased to amaze me," I greet her, trying to combat my nerves. With the sound of her soft giggle, my nerves begin to dwindle.

"I was just searching for a handsome man," her nectarine voice announces with a subtle wink.

"Mhm," I hum, "these are for you," I hand Elise the flowers and she takes them graciously, "this is for your parents, I'm not sure they'll like it but it is the best I could find."

"I am sure they will love it." ... "And is the other bouquet for your other lover down the street?" Elise jokes and I shake my head.

"They're for your Mum, she likes flowers, right?"

Elise nods, "That is sweet of you. Come in, don't be shy, promise I don't bite," Elise chuckles as she benevolently draws me in before I affectionately kiss her sugar plum, sweet and silky soft lips.

I hold my breath for a moment as I glance around the foyer of the house, quite amazed by how Elise failed to mention that her family was well off, then again, I should have figured that out when I found out her uncle is who I intern under. I still find it a bit awkward to intern under him, I don't want to feel as though I am receiving special treatment by any means just because I am dating his niece and I can't help but I am now seen differently. I have somehow overstepped the boundaries, well, in my eyes I have.

I glance around the foyer that is more like a grand double height reception hall, that I am sure would be exceptional for social events, and my eyes observe the imposing staircase.

"You seem nervous, don't be." Elise breaks the silence and my gaze as she gently nudges me.

I give her a small smile, "bit hard, love. Anything I need to know?" I softly challenge, unsure of whether I need to make a mental list of all the things I need to avoid when talking to her parents.

I never thought I would say this, but I hope they like me. I don't want to leave a bad impression of any sort.

Elise shakes her head, "nope, you will be fine," she chuckles, leading me down a hallway.

There's something about walking through the house that feels gracious, something I can't help but feel as though I wish I felt when entering my mother's house, perhaps it is just the memories that haven't faded that continue to dampen the mood. The walls' of Elise's home are adorned with family portraits, up until now, I didn't know Elise had siblings. Maybe I am not the only one who has some family secrets. Why wouldn't she mention her siblings?

"I didn't know you had siblings," I point out.

"You never asked. But yes, I have a brother and a sister," Elise gestures towards the photo frames on display as we pass a decorative table before we enter a kitchen that smells of fresh foods. Before I can ask about her siblings, I am thrown into what I have been dreading all morning— meeting the parents.

"Harry, this is my Mum, Cathleen," Elise gleefully announces as Cathleen steps inside from previously being outside. "Mum, this is Harry," Elise introduces us as I step forward closer to Cathleen.

"Hello, it's nice to meet you, these are for you," I hand Cathleen the flowers I picked out for her.

"What lovely flowers, thank you. It is nice to meet you, too. I've heard a bit about you." Cathleen looks up at me with alluring, galaxy-blue eyes that hold the identical endearing look Elise's possesses.

"All good, I hope," I nervously chuckle, theoretically kicking myself for using such a cliche line.

Really, Harry, really? Was that the best you could come up with?

"So far it has all been good. Would you like a drink or do you plan to drink the wine instead?" Cathleen pleasantly challenges with a bit of a chuckle in her voice. I can see where Elise gets her teasing side from.

"No, Mrs Cartier, I bought this for you and your husband, I wasn't quite sure what to bring... and Elise told me not to bring any food... I tried to bring dessert." I sort of babble, my nerves getting the better of me. Shit.

Cathleen gives me cherubic smile, "it is okay, I will put this in the fridge and get a vase for these. Elise put the boy out of his misery and assure him I am joking."

I'm not much for jokes right now, please spare me any ridicules.

Elise rolls her eyes and hands her mother the flowers I gave her in the hallway, "come on, my Dad is outside pretending to look busy," Elise chimes as she takes my hand and drags me away from the kitchen.

I let out a breath of relief, one parent down, another to go. I can do this— I think.

Elise and I step outside onto the raised terrace that overlooks the beautiful garden that I swear looks like it was designed to resemble the botanical gardens. How do they have such a sublime garden that looks as if it is straight from a magazine? My mother spends hours in her garden and it still doesn't look this excellent.

My eyes pry from the garden and divert to the table that is set up for six people but I overlook the extra two placements for a moment and take a breath. "Dad, this is Harry. Harry, this is my Dad, Conrad," Elise introduces us as the man removes his hand away from the centrepiece in the middle of the table; I can only assume Conrad was attempting to look busy. He strikes me as the man that prefers to grill on the BBQ than to be in the kitchen.

"Nice to meet you," I am the first to offer my hand. For a brief moment, I have this feeling that he isn't going to accept my handshake, or me in general, but he does.

"Pleased to meet you, Harry," Conrad greets with a voice like bottled thunder, a measure of his vitality. I don't know if I should be intimidated or not, but I fucking am the moment he narrows his eyes at me and shakes my hand, tightly. He has the handshake of a strong businessman and the look in his eyes confirms that. Elise never mentioned that her father was in the business world, I only assumed it when she told me her father was pushing her to major in business instead of journalism.

"Dad, why don't you show Harry the new grill Mum wouldn't let you fire up today?" Elise suggests as she observes the awkward silence lingering.

I don't think her father is fond of me and it has only been a minute. I wouldn't be fond of me either.

"Oh, yes," ... "my wife wouldn't let me use the new grill, she insisted that today's lunch was not an occasion for a BBQ. What do you think?"

I can't help but chuckle, "I don't see what's wrong with grilling today," I respond, part of me grinning at the fact that maybe one day, it'll be me and Elise debating on whether it is acceptable to use the grill when company are coming over.

Is that too far-fetched? Oh well. I'm not dating Elise to pass time, I am dating her to hopefully fall in love and bicker over if it is appropriate to throw some streak on the bbq.

"I'll leave you two to it, I'm going to help Mum," Elise smiles as Conrad is already walking towards the BBQ area.

"Please don't leave me," I whisper, not too fond of being left to defend myself on my own with Elise's Dad.

"You'll be fine," she responds, leaning up and kissing my lip before her fingers part ways with mine.

I step off the terrace and walk towards the BBQ area where Conrad is already ready to show off his latest pride and joy by the looks of things. "I don't think it is too late to fire this baby up, do you think the wife will get upset?"

"Perhaps, sir," I nod, "it is a nice grill you have," I compliment the stainless-steel grill, unsure of what the hell I am meant to say. As you can tell, I don't meet the parents' very often.

"It's a hybrid fire grill, Three powerful, lead-free cast-brass burners, Chain-driven rotisserie and so much more, I can't believe I haven't gotten to use her." Conrad seems over the moon over his grill, I don't quite understand it, but I am going to go with hit. "Enough about that, so you're in Uni? What are you studying?"

"I graduate with a B.S. in Business Administration in two months and then I am going for my MBA in Economics."

Conrad nods his head, seeming somewhat impressed but I am not fully convinced he is, "good choices, I got did a Dual Master's Degree in Political Science and Business Administration."

"Why did you choose political science?" I question, just to keep small talk.

"I wanted to understand international studies, government and law in order to expand my visions of branching into the business world. I knew it would help with international policies, as well as global trends and I wanted the upper hand."

"That is understandable, very smart on your behalf; political science offers a wide range of options when it comes to career opportunities."

"Why did you not choose political science? It would have been wise decisions."

I nod, agreeing with Conrad. "I'm not looking at being in politics what so ever, Political campaign manager doesn't fancy my interest. International business specialist and PR specialist aren't in my field of interest. If I desire to take my business international, I can do so with my knowledge and degree if I do a 3 hour International Elective, which is what I am going to do."

"Hmm, so you have a plan?"

"Somewhat," I nod, having absolutely no desires to tell him my extensive plans when it comes to what I aspire for within the business world. If I told him my methods, I would overthrow my own empire before it rises.

Does an assassin tell someone who their next victim is going to be? No. Horrible analogy, I know, but you get my point.

"I am going to take a wild guess and say you're discussing business," Elise's voice distracts us and I flick my head to the side to see her walking towards us. "I'm right, aren't I?" she smiles before standing beside her father.

"Just business majors." Conrad responds.

Elise rolls her eyes playfully, "can't you be normal and discuss something more fun? Perhaps fishing or whatever normal men discuss?"

Conrad chuckles, "we are normal."

"Mhm, lunch is ready and Mum needs your help in the kitchen." Elise gestures towards the house and her Dad nods and takes off towards the house instantly. "You surviving?"

I nod, "yeah, what exactly does your Dad do?"

"CEO of a global business, can we try and avoid business conversations, please?" Elise requests and I nod, obeying her wish despite the fact I have so many damn questions right now.

Is everyone in her family apart of big companies?

"Okay, are your siblings coming to lunch? There are six places at the table."

Elise shakes her head, "Dad has his business partner and his wife coming."

Elise intertwines her fingers with mine under the table as she leans back comfortably in her chair with a glass of wine in her other hand, "Harry, tell us about yourself, you've been quiet, do you have siblings?" Cathleen questions.

"I have a sister named Gemma," I answer, making a mental reminder that I need to call her and touch base with her too, make sure she is doing okay and that she and Mum have everything paid for at the moment.

"Is she at Uni?"

Why do I feel like I am getting the third degree?

"No, she graduated in 2013 and she is a writer."

"What about your parents?" Conrad challenges curiously.

"My Mum is a school teacher and in her spare time, she is trying to become a promoter of charities."

"Ah, and your father?" Conrad asks and every nerve in my body stops and begins to ache.

Does everything always have to come back to him?

I clear my throat, "he's not in my life," I respond in a tone that infers to drop the conversation. I am proud of myself for not lying and telling them he's dead. It wouldn't be an entire fabrication, to me he is dead. Nothing but a deadbeat father who causes devastation on people's lives.

✿✿✿

Despite the occasional third degree over lunch, the afternoon seems to have gone well. I have a bit of a genuine understanding of Cathleen and Conrad. Cathleen, like her daughter, is a lovely woman who is lively and continuously smiling and easing any tension that happens arise. She has this grace to her, one that is similar to Elise's where she can bring light to discussions.

While Conrad and his business partner are in the living room, I take it upon myself to assist the ladies with cleaning, not just because it is polite to help clean up but also because I want to stay around Elise where I feel a little more at peace.

The moment I overhear glass shivering against the flooring, my body tenses, my heart races and my throat feels as though it's closing on me. I wince as I feel the emotional turmoil that will eternally be associated with glass fragmenting to a million pieces.

Fuck.

When my eyes flash open from shutting themselves for a brief moment, my gaze catches Elise's and she steps forward. She touches her tender hand to my arm, "you okay?" Her voice is sweet sounding, something that is unfamiliar with what I generally correlate with damaged glass.

I nod my head, "I need some air, excuse me." I clear my throat, attempting to avoid eye contact with her. I don't want her to see through me. I don't want her to inspect the destroyed boy through my eyes.

"I need air too," Elise comments, "let's go out back," she gestures towards the glass doors that open out to the back porch of her parents' house.

I follow Elise as she leads the way. I look out at the extensive landscaped rear garden, staged around a raised terrace, and I take in a few deep breaths.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," I agree, knowing very well and good that I don't want to answer any questions at the moment. I know where this is leading and I don't want to go down that path.

"This is the second time I've seen you flinch at glass breaking. Can I ask why?"

I grow silent for a moment, hoping that I'll be saved by the bell or by something at least. But I'm not. Nothing protects me, not her parents abruptly joining us or even a phone ringing. Damnit.

I take another deep breath, buying a few extra moments before I feel her hand press to my back, "if you don't want to tell me, you don't have to."

How do I tell a girl that it isn't that I don't want to tell her, it's that I'm scared telling her will only cause her to run away? How do I tell my girlfriend that broken glass is a souvenir of my drunken father?

For a minute, I contemplate telling her a lie. But deep down inside me, I know I can't lie. It isn't ample to have a relationship based on dishonesty, even if it is to save myself and to save her.

"It happened when I was younger, about nine." I begin, already sensing my heart in my chest rupturing and making it laborious to breathe.

I don't want to tell her, I don't want her to think differently of me; I don't want her to know my fucked up history.

✿✿✿ ✿✿✿

It was a bitter winter night, the snow had already begun to collapse and blanket the surroundings with a soft white tone, the heat was on but everything was still stone cold inside. The house was warm but there was this uncanny sensation and coldness to it that assigned shivers spiralling down all parts of my body. Mum wasn't home, there's no telling where she was, presumably working or crying at a friends house while attempting to figure out how to save herself from the loveless marriage she was in.

My father was resting in his recliner chair, rocking back and forth with a half-pint of scotch in his hand, just enough to keep him warm and satisfied. It wasn't his first glass, I'd say it was plausibly his fourth, perhaps fifth, but either way, it didn't make the night any easier. He rocked back and forth for a few hours, his nomad-blue eyes focused on the wall. For anyone that may have been an outsider looking in, it would have resembled as though he was psychotic with how he rocked with a specific motion and didn't manage to spill an inch of his drink— god forbid a drop goes to waste.

I walked into the living room for no real reason, I generally tried to avoid the living room when my father was in it, but that night, I didn't. The moment his ominous eyes pried themselves away from the white wall, I swear I felt as though I was gazing down a barrel that had no salutary end. He had this appearance in his eye, it wasn't a glimmer of hope or love, it was revulsion and contempt. His eyes were red and it wasn't just from being bloodshot from the alcohol, no. I'm convinced it was the sinister in him coming out to strike.

In the moment his eyes locked with mine, it almost felt as though my heart ceased and my own life flashed before my eyes. He pounced like a lion belatedly deciding to seize its prey. He stumbled to his feet and grabbed ahold of me by my shirt. I wanted to fight, I wanted to react, but I was arrested between the grips of his hands and the frozen contempt of his darkening eyes.

I wanted to yell, I wanted to push him away, but it wasn't worth it. I couldn't even if I had tried. I was too far gone, too young. Not to mention. I thought I deserved whatever was to happen next. My father was and still is, the kind of man that is like a snake— if you poke it, it's going to fucking strike— but that night, that night I didn't poke; I didn't prod, I didn't awaken a beast that was destined to strike. No. He was already awake and ready; I was just the next victim of the venomous attack.

His fingers gouging into my shirt released themselves from my grip and he shoved me away. He didn't leave me with an array of repugnant words to express how bitterly disappointed in me he was, or how I ruined his life, nor did he bother to inflict any physical pain. Instead, my father drank the last of his beverage before casting the glass across the room, allowing it to hit the wall and shatter to pieces before plunging to the raw, hard floor.

✿✿✿ ✿✿✿

I remember the moment as clear as day, and after that night, things never got better, the vibration of glass shattering became engraved into my subconsciousness. No matter how much I tried to disregard the sound, it always crawled back.

I stare at Elise, still contemplating whether to tell her the story or not. "Glass shattering is like nails on a chalkboard for me; maybe one day I will tell you the story behind it, but today, today I just want to have a pleasant day with you and your family," I offer her the greatest and most faked smile I possibly can in an attempt to conceal the misfortune inside of me.

Elise nods and doesn't push me, instead, she gives me a petite smile that seems to shine a bit of light into my darkened thoughts, "okay, I can understand that, you don't have to tell me anything until you're ready." Elise assures me and I nod. The only problem is, I don't think I will ever be ready. I don't share my past with anybody, I am closed off to that segment of my life for a reason. "I'm going to go inside, join me when you're ready? No rush, I'm just going to give you some space, okay?"

"I'll be back inside in a minute, love," I assure Elise, just needing a moment to breathe in the warm air and compose myself. It seems as though my Dad isn't going to let me go about my day without the constant reminders that he isn't dead but, in fact, very much alive.

After a few minutes outside with just the rattling thoughts in my head, I wander inside and bypass the kitchen and stroll down the hallway that is adorned with the family portraits; I take the moment to observe one particular photo of all five family members. I cock my head to the side and notice how Elise and her sister never seem to be together, there is always someone between them, whether it be the parents or the brother. Strange.

I stop observing the photographs and go to round the corner, but I stop when I overhear Conrad speaking.

"Are you sure he is good for you? Darling, can he provide for you? I don't want to have to offer him a job at my office because he isn't capable of being successful in the business world." Elise's father questions with a typical fatherly tone of voice.

I don't really blame him for asking such a question but I thought he would have at least a little bit of faith in me. At least I am trying. For fuck's sake— I am going for my masters—- that is a good sign, is it not? I can't exactly be a millionaire at twenty-one.

"That's a bit harsh, don't you think?" Elise's dulcimer sweet voice responds and my heart moderately flatters at her somewhat sticking up for me.

"Elise, how do you know he isn't using you so he can get ahead of everyone else and get opportunities? He has nothing to offer you."

"He doesn't need a step up, Dad. He interns under Jamie."

"Exactly, and suddenly he is dating you while interning under your uncle. What a coincidence." Conrad points out, making a decent case against me. I can't exactly explain how the coincidences are just coincidences. I don't give a damn about who her family is, I want her, not a step-up in the world of business.

I'm not like my father, I don't use people for my own advantages.

"You're jumping the gun... He didn't know I was Jamie's niece until the Valentines Day benefit. Just like he didn't know you were in the business world until you told him." ... "Can't you accept that he is with me for me and not for what he can gain?"

There is silence between them and I think about making my presence known, but I don't round the corner when I overhear Conrad begin to speak again. "I don't know, Elise. He seems closed off."

"Don't judge a book by its cover, Dad. Maybe he has a story he doesn't want to tell yet."

And with that comment from Elise, I take the moment to enter the living room with a fake smile, "I'm going to help Cathleen with tea and cake, I'll be right back," Conrad politely excuses himself and leaves Elise and me.

I can feel the tension in the air despite the fact her Dad has fled the room. I wish I could overlook the fact that her father doesn't deem me good enough for his daughter, but truth be told, I can't.

I'm not good enough for Elise, I don't have the highlife like she does, I don't come from a family where we have wealth and a picture-perfect family. My father is an alcoholic piece of shit, the complete opposite of Conrad. My mother constantly works but she still can't make ends meet financially, not to mention, she has yet to forgive me for getting away from Chesire and attempting to escape the things she doesn't understand.

I don't have the financial stability to offer Elise, and I know it is ridiculous and absurd that at twenty-one I should have everything together, but by the looks of things, this is what is expected. The expectation of Conrad are expectations I cannot satisfy at the moment.

"Hey, love. I think I am going to head to my apartment, I have a ton of work to do for my classes and-"

Her lips purse like she'd been chewing a lemon rind before Elise cuts me off before I can continue my excuses for leaving, "you're lying."

"Excuse me?" I am taken back by her bluntness.

"You're lying to me." ... "You're biting your lip and not in a sexual way and your eyes are avoiding me."

I inhale a sharp breath. "Observant," I murmur.

I was right about her when I deemed she was good at reading people back when we were sitting in the coffee shop that one night after leading her away from the party.

-Despite my cocky ego, I am wholly positive she would be able to destroy me in every way possible if she was my business opponent and not because I find her to be attractive in every damn way, but because I know she is the kind of person who sits back and observes. Elise can probably read straight through my eyes as we speak. She is the type who would presumably sit back, watch and strike at the most unexpected time when her rival is at their weakest. Just by the way she holds herself and speaks I know she isn't dimwitted.-

When I thought she could read straight through my eyes, I didn't think she would do it so soon within our relationship and call me out on it.

"Elise, I don't think I should be here. I think I should just go."

"You heard, didn't you?"

I nod, not wanting to lie to her. I heard what her father said and I know he is right with his intentions and his concerns. I would probably feel the same way if I had a daughter. "I did. Your Dad is right, I'm not good enough for you Elise. I don't fit in here and I don't think I am wanted here at the moment."

"I want you here, he doesn't mean any harm by it."

"I know he doesn't mean harm by his comments, he's right though."

Elise shakes her head, adamant that her father isn't correct. "No, he isn't."

"He is, you just don't see it. I'm going to go home. I work all day tomorrow so I will see you Monday, okay?"

"I don't want you to leave." Her voice is a bit softer now, but it isn't enough to persuade me.

"Love, I don't think me staying is much of a good idea."

"Please? I don't care whether my Dad thinks your good enough for me, you're a twenty-one-year-old that is doing better than half the people I know. You're being hard on yourself... Please stay? For me?" She bats her eyes at me and uses this unforeseen pull on me that tugs at me to give in.

This woman is going to have me wrapped around her finger, I can feel it. Fuck.

"He's just being protective. Just stay for dessert and then you can leave."

"Elise, I can't."

"Or you just don't want to?"

"You don't get it," I sigh, beginning to feel frustrated with myself and with her. "Elise, look around, you have everything I don't. I can barely afford to take you out to dinner let alone all of this," I throw my hands around, gesturing towards the extravagant house.

"None of that means anything to me." ... "Please, just tea and cake and then we can talk about this later when it is just me and you." Elise sighs as she runs her fingers through her hair.

To my surprise, I give in. I think I can survive tea and cake with her parents'. It isn't like things can get much worse, they already don't think I meet their high expectations to date their daughter, what's next? Are they going to deem me the worst boyfriend? They'd probably be correct. I'm not much of a good boyfriend, I don't get to take Elise out a lot, I am constantly working, studying or doing my internship; I don't have much time to sleep let alone going on dates that last more than a few hours.

✿✿✿

I survived the tea and cake, I managed to leave Elise's house without losing my mind completely. Elise told me she would come over to my apartment once she finished up a few things her house.

I rest on my couch, pondering over the day and the fact that I can't stop thinking about what her father said and if he had other things to say to Elise after I left. I can't wrap my head around the fact that her family are significant in the business industry, I know it doesn't seem like it, but I am not with Elise for what her family is. I don't want a step up in the world or any sort of help. I am fine with doing it on my own, I don't require anybody's help, I do not rely on anyone, I know better than that. I don't want someone to give me a free ride or to make my life easier when it comes to my future and my career.

"Are you going to talk to me?" Elise distracts me as she wanders in front of me, pacing a little bit.

I glance up at her, unsure of what I am meant to say. To be quite honest, I am exhausted, today wasn't meant to be so arduous. Between the shattered glass and recollections of my father and Conrad telling Elise I am not good enough, I am absolutely tired.

"Is this what our first fight is going to be about?" Elise sighs, her hands crossing over her chest. She isn't pleased and I understand that.

"No, it can be a discussion. The truth is, I'm not good enough for you, Elise," I inform her of what feels like the hundredth time.

Elise rolls her eyes, and despite the fact I find it to be incredibly sexy the way she rolls her eyes, it also frustrates me. She is stubborn.

"You realise that is just a stupid excuse, right?"

"Elise, your father thinks I want to use you guys for my own advantage, everyone else is going to think the same. I can't live up to your parents' expectations, I can't provide for you, I am just twenty-one. We have two different lives."

"I know you aren't wanting advantages."

"And yet, somehow I already have been given an advantage. Can you explain how I was offered a permanent position at your Uncle's business before I have managed to graduate?"

Elise grows withdrawn for a moment, processing what I just said. "Wait, what? That is great news, Harry."

"Yeah, like you didn't know about it or get me the chance."

There is no way I managed to earn a position at this company just by interning under him. My experience and knowledge aren't enough to work with such a high profile company.

"Harry, I swear I had nothing to do with it. I didn't know." ... "Harry, Jamie doesn't give out free rides, he doesn't just offer positions unless they are deserved. I am sorry, but you don't give yourself any credit, that is the problem here, not me."

"You didn't ask him to give the position to me?"

"No," Elise shakes her head, "I don't meddle with that stuff, Harry. It isn't my business to get into. I know you're not the type of guy to want free chances, it doesn't take a genius to know you like to do things on your own even if it is hard, you're bloody stubborn." ... "Hense why we are bloody arguing over nothing because you are so stubborn and hard on yourself."

I lift my shoulders into a shrug, she might be right, but that doesn't make anything any easier. "You're a runner," Elise sighs, sitting down in the recliner.

"What?" I raise a brow, unsure of what she is referring to.

"You run. When things get hard, you run, you listen to the bad things about yourself, you use them against you, and then you run."

I don't run, well, I don't run from everything. The only thing I have tried to escape from are the monsters of my memories and my father, and as you can see, that has gotten me far. A hopeless wanderer, perhaps suits me better, but a runner, no. "I don't run."

"Really? then prove it to me." Elise stands back to her feet and comes to stand in front of me.

"Prove it to you?" I ask.

"Prove to me that you don't run when things get hard, prove to me that I am wrong."

I don't want to run, I don't want to destroy whatever is going on between Elise and me. I don't want to seem like the coward that runs just because her father doesn't think highly of me at the moment. I stand to my feet and cup my hands around her face, "you want me to prove that I don't run?" I whisper, holding her face between the palms of my hands.

"Yes," Elise nods and I take the opportunity to prove to her that I am not a runner, that I don't run when things get tough.

I lean closer and graze my lips against hers, "I'm not going anywhere," I whisper before I kiss her sherbet sweet lips that are pillow soft. Then she is kissing me. At first, our kiss is delicate and sweet, just enough to keep us wanting more as we smile between kisses. Our disagreement becomes nothing but something of the past the moment her tongue skims my lips and I feel my hands twitch as she wraps her arms around my neck and presses our bodies closer together. I welcome the bold caress of her tongue, gentle but demanding, and I move my hands from cupping her face to resting on the small of her back. She's beckoning me like a siren's song; I can't get enough of her.

I attempt to ignore her body being so close to mine, I strive to ignore the fact that she's inches away from rubbing up against me. I benevolently move us to the couch as she enables me to taste what I didn't know I had been craving. We kiss, and for a long time.

My nerves palpitate and my heart feels as though it is milliseconds away from exploding. One Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi, four Mississippi and this isn't a dream, this is real, and every inch of me feels like lightning in a bottle- powerful and elusive. I have never wanted anyone like this before; I want her. I want her so damn bad.

Elise gently pulls away from our kiss, "I don't want to ruin the mood," she breathes, "but I want to wait."

I know what she means and I respect that, "of course, may I still kiss you?" I ask carefully, not wanting to overstep any lines, I will go at her speed and only do what she wishes.

Elise smiles at me, "how could I ever say no to that?" She giggles, tenderly pulling me down to kiss her sweetly. "Guess we're done disagreeing?" She mumbles against my lips.

So-fucking-done-with-arguing.

I hum, "showin' you I don't run," I respond, not giving her a chance to respond as I kiss her deeply and she kisses me back with her sumptuous, sensuous and velour soft mouth.