Chapter 11

Ella

Growing up my mother had always taught me that it didn’t matter how much money people had, that everyone was worthy of love and respect. She’d taught me not to bully or belittle others and that it wasn’t important to be everyone’s best friend, but it was important to be friendly to everyone. She’d also taught me something else that I often found more challenging than anything else, and that was to look for the good in everyone because everyone had some good in them.

As I stood staring at the bright night sky, I thought of her and missed her like crazy. And I also kept thinking of her lessons and hoped they were true. I didn’t like thinking of Aiden as an asshole, but then maybe he hadn’t had anyone in his life show him how to love like I had.

“I was beginning to think you’d left.”

I turned to find Aiden across the room standing right in the doorway under a rose garland that probably cost more than my dress. “I thought about it.”

“Why? Aren’t you having a good time?” He walked over and stood next to me.

“I didn’t feel very welcome, considering I’m not rich or famous and I don’t have any blue blood running through my veins or millions in my bank account.”

“Most people here don’t either.” He lifted his shoulder and tilted his head.

“Well, I think it’s mean to invite people just to make fun of them, or to get back at your mother.” I couldn’t believe the tone I’d taken and wanted to pull the words back in as soon as I’d let them out. “I’m sorry, it’s not my business, it’s not you forced anyone to come.”

“And I didn’t invite anyone to make fun of them. I happen to like everyone I invited. They’re my friends. I think you misunderstood me. I don’t care if my mother likes them or not is all I’d meant to say. We don’t see eye to eye on who is worthy of my friendship.”

Relief washed over me. “Oh, I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions, but I’m glad you had the chance to clarify.”

“Me too. I can only imagine what you thought of me.” He let out a long breath and held onto the rail as he leaned forward into it.

“Not much, I’m afraid. Well, that’s not true.” I shrugged, but he got a curious grin on his face.

“So, tell me. What did you think of me?” He gave me a nudge, and I couldn’t help but laugh.”

“I thought you were an asshole,” I mumbled the word like I’d just said something much worse.

“A what?” He cupped his ear and leaned in.

“I thought you were an asshole,” I stated much more clearly and with my head held a little higher.

“Ouch.” He held his heart and winced. “You’re brutal. I like that. Would you like to come up and see that view from up there?” He pointed to a big beautiful balcony, and I had to admit the night sky would have been much amazing from up there.

But I hesitated. “I’m not sure.”

“Why not?” He nudged my side. “I’ll be a perfect gentleman.”

“How do I know that?” I folded my arms across me, as the wind chilled my shoulders.

“I just gave you my word.” He met my eyes, and I shrugged like I wasn’t impressed.

“Besides, I could grab you something for your chills up there, but down here,” he looked around. “You’d have to settle for my coat.” He started to unbutton his coat, and I grabbed his hand.

“It’s okay. I’m not cold, but since you insist, I’d love to go up there with you.”

A slow smile spread his perfect lips, and it was enough to make my heart beat faster. He took my hand and led me through the crowd, careful to keep me from bumping into anyone, and then we took to the stairs walking slowly hand in hand. He’d stop behind me on the landings, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he was checking out my ass. The thought of his eyes on me made me feel tingly inside, and I wondered if he really liked me like I hoped.

The Twins could have put him up to this, then again, they’d warned me off of him, and now they were nowhere to be found. I couldn’t help but wonder if they were watching from afar. Or if they’d really kill me if they knew I was with him.

Once we were upstairs, where there was a bench to sit, he’d shut the doors behind us. “Hope that’s okay with you, but I’d like a little bit more privacy with you.”

“Shouldn’t you be down entertaining your other guests. I hate to keep you all to myself.” I second-guessed myself. Why was he giving me such special treatment?

“I’m more interested in you.”

“Why?” I let loose a deep breath. “Sorry, that came out a little harsh, but I can’t help but wonder why me.”

“Why not you? You’re fascinating and beautiful. I like that you have something to talk about. Most want to talk about me and my money, but I don’t think it impresses you one bit, so I’d like to hear more about you and your passion.”

“You mean the jewelry?” His nod surprised me, and I kept proceeding with caution, still unsure if this was some colossal prank.

“Yeah, how on earth did you learn to make your own jewelry? Designing it must take time too, and you’re so good at it. That piece you have on is timeless.”

“Thank you. I learned from my mother.” I wasn’t about name-dropping, but I also couldn’t hide who I was.

“Your mother made jewelry too? Did she ever sell any?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact, she was Layla Ford, I’m not sure if you’ve—

“Heard of her? Are you kidding? Your mother is my mother’s favorite jewelry designer, and she’s got several custom pieces in her personal collection.” He shook his head like he couldn’t believe it. “You’re just as wealthy as others here.” He gave me a sideward glance like I’d been lying to him about who I was.

“Not exactly. I’m afraid my mother’s illness drained our account, and I’m having to live with friends and work as a personal assistant.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken out of turn like that.” His face turned red, and he raked his hand through his hair.

“It’s fine. I know, I find it hard to believe too. My mother built a fortune, and that dreadful disease took everything. It’s okay though. I’m lucky to have my mom’s best friend looking out for me.”

His eyes narrowed a bit, and then he smiled. “So, you want to follow in her footsteps?”

“She’s taught me everything she knows, so yeah. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. I will do it someday too. I was actually hoping that by coming here, I’d meet a few of the right kind of people. Maybe someone in the business who could show me a thing or two, help me get a foot in the door.”

His eyes narrowed again. “Your mother didn’t leave you with prospects? Surely, she had clients that would help you. Her jewelry is worth quite a bit of money.”

“I’m afraid most of her clients are a little leery working with me. Considering my name is Ford, too, you’d think I’d have an advantage, but I’m not sure if they respect me trying to ride her coattails. I do have a few of her exclusive pieces that I’m going to use for security.” I held my chin up and smiled. “I’ll be okay. Mom worked her way up. I can too.”

“It doesn’t seem like you should have to. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a whole lot to do for my father’s company, and I can appreciate you wanting to pave your own way, but you should at least have the security of your mother’s work to get you there. I supposed it’s good you’ve got those pieces. Have you thought about selling them?” I wondered if he was going to offer and I shook my head.

“No, not anytime soon at least. There are a few I’ll never part with. They mean too much to me.”

“I can respect that. Some things are not replaceable.” I felt a bit closer to him knowing he’d lost someone to, and knowing that in my mourning, those phases were something he’d be able to relate to.

“I could introduce to a few people if you like. Some would be very eager to work with you knowing your mother. She was well-loved, and I know my mother was very heartbroken by her passing, and she even attended the memorial service.”

“Considering her guest list, perhaps she wouldn’t be that impressed with me.” I gave a little laugh. He’d made it quite certain his mother only saw the wealthy as worthy.

“I wouldn’t be so sure, Ella Ford. I think she’d be more than impressed. I know I am.”

“What if I wasn’t Ella Ford? What if my name was Ella Smith or Ella Jones?” I wondered how important namesake was to him and his mother.

“I was interested in you when your name was just Ella, so, I hope that answers your question.” He stepped a bit closer, and my heart soared as he took my hand and led me to the bench.