Parker
Dianne is the one friend I have who doesn’t judge me. She doesn’t give a crap that I’m extremely wealthy. She doesn’t care about any of my flaws. She’s just a real person who expresses her honest thoughts. It’s refreshing.
Most of the people who are in my social circle are fake, all trying to one up each other. Who has the best car, the best house, or the best wardrobe. Honestly, I don’t care anymore. I see so many people in the world who have nothing and who work like dogs to have whatever menial scraps they can acquire. To me, that’s what’s real. We should be spending our money helping others. That’s why I put on these fundraisers. I find a population that needs serving whether it be dogs, children, the elderly—you name it, and I’m there to help.
Dianne and I met at one of my fundraisers. She was part of the wait staff. I needed a break from the rich bitches kissing my cheek and I found Dianne in the back. She offered me a glass of champagne off her tray, which I gratefully accepted. She asked me if I felt better and we instantly hit it off. I made sure she was at every one of my events.
I found out early on that Dianne was a single mom. She showed me tons of pictures of her daughter Beth. I couldn’t believe she was fourteen. She looked much older. Over time, Dianne began to confide in me about Beth and the troubles she was going through trying to reign in Beth and her hormones. Needless to say, from that moment forward, I began counting my blessings that I had all boys and wouldn’t ever have to go through the female hormones. Lord knows handling mine are hard enough.
When Dianne told me that Beth was turning sixteen, I couldn’t believe how the time had gone by. She and I had known each other for almost two years and we’d become best friends. I could share anything with her and vice versa. We didn’t spend a lot of time going out because she was always working, but we would text and call each other regularly. I offered her some money so she wouldn’t have to work so hard, but Dianne refused. She didn’t believe in taking handouts.
Although she initially refused when I offered to throw Beth a seventeenth birthday party, I insisted. It was the least I could do for my best friend’s daughter.
I approach Dianne’s front porch and ring the doorbell. It’s a quaint rented house in a nice, older neighborhood. I’ve offered to help out with a down payment, but Dianne has refused multiple times. I could never imagine living in something so small.
Beth answers the door wearing nothing but a sundress. Judging by the nipples poking through the light material, I’d say she’s not wearing a bra. I can’t stop the pursing of my lips at her lack of ladylike qualities. Not wearing a bra is something only slutty girls would do. I have to be honest, if she were my daughter, she’d never get away with this.
Beth waves me in. “Hello, Parker.”
“Beth.”
Beth is a lovely girl, but there is something about her that I just don’t like. Part of me thinks I’m just being pretentious, yet there’s a gut feeling. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision allowing her to watch my children. However, she does a good job and the kids love her. Since I don’t have any proof that there is something wrong with Beth, I’ll have to go on experience. My experience shows she’s an excellent babysitter who I’m not ready to part with. Dianne stands up and greets me, kissing me on each cheek. Her clothes are casual, Levi’s and a t-shirt. Our outfits are similar except mine are designer.
“Please, sit down.” Dianne motions me to her slightly worn couch.
Relax, Parker. This is your best friend’s house. Quit judging what she may or may not have.
I remind myself how hard Dianne works and that not everyone is as privileged as my family.
I get my pen and notebook from my Louis Vuitton handbag. “What did you have in mind for this wonderful celebration? And please keep in mind it’s my treat. The sky is the limit.” I smile.
Dianne exhales loudly. “I don’t know. I still don’t feel good about you footing the bill. This my daughter’s big day. I should be the one who throws the party.”
“You are throwing the party. I’m just providing the venue.” I put my hand on Dianne’s thigh. “Please let me do this for you. You’re my best friend. It’s the least I can do. You never let me help you with anything else.”
Dianne takes a moment before answering. “Okay. If you’re sure about this.”
“Absolutely. Now how many people are we inviting?”
Dianne and I talk for a couple of hours, planning out all of the details. Some she asked for Beth’s input, but mostly it was just us. For the most part Beth remained quiet, texting her friends and flipping through magazines. I glanced at her periodically. If she lost five pounds, she could be a model.
“Is there anything else we’re forgetting?” I ask at Dianne and Beth.
“No, I think you’ve thought of everything.” Dianne smiles. “I appreciate everything you’re doing for us. It’s very generous of you.”
I wave my hand through the air. “Don’t mention it. It’s the least I can do for my best friend.” I glance over at Beth, who stares at me expressionlessly. I’d kill to know what she’s thinking right now. No, I don’t care. As sweet and hardworking as Dianne is, it’s hard to see her with a daughter who is nothing but a little slut.
I check my watch. “I’ve got to go, I’ve got some errands to run. We’ll have to have lunch soon.” I kiss Dianne on the cheek and head out the front door.
Once in my car, I grab the hand sanitizer. I’m sure Dianne cleans her house regularly, but you can never be too sure what germs might be lurking. Once I’m happy with the cleanliness of my hands, I set off to my brother’s house for our weekly meeting.
My father expressed to Porter and I a few months ago that Jonathon Davis was involved in some shady dealings that were going to destroy our family financially. He tasked—no demanded that my brother and I find out what Jonathon is up to. There wasn’t another option for us. He demanded our loyalty even though our families have been close for years. Trent’s parents are practically mine and Porter’s and vice versa.
He laid out some crazy plan. Since then, Edward, Porter, and I have met once a week to ensure we are all on the same page. I’ve got to say, I never thought it would go this far. I thought my dad was crazy and still think so. I continue to play along to appease him.
I glance at my watch as I pull onto Porter’s street. I’m a couple of minutes late, but they can deal with it. I check my lipstick before getting out of my convertible Mercedes. I swear I look good in this car. You can’t imagine how many heads turn as I drive by. Men and women alike.
I enter through the door and both men look at me like I have four heads. “Settle down guys. I’m only a couple of minutes late.” I place my purse on the hook and then take a seat at the kitchen table.
“You’re always late. When are you going to get it together? Unlike you, Dad and I have jobs. I have to be back in court in an hour. I don’t have time for your antics.”
I roll my eyes at Porter. “Look, I was doing what you two asked me to. I was at Dianne’s house planning a birthday party for her daughter. You told me to invite her in and make her close to us. That’s what I’m doing. I’m not sure what you expect to learn from a babysitter in the house all the time. “Parker, honey, please just do what you’re told and don’t ask questions. If this is going to work, you’re going to just have to do what we say.”
I hate it when my father treats me like a stupid girl. I have an education and I’m not an idiot. I chose to be a stay at home mother. I can always go back to work if I so choose.
“Since we’re in such a hurry, why don’t you tell me what the plan is today?” My tone is snarky, but I don’t care. This entire thing is ridiculous.
“Don’t use that tone with me, young lady. I am still your father!”
My dad speaks to me like I’m still a teenager. I guess in his mind I’ll always be his baby.
“I need you to start reviewing all the video footage in the house,” he says, “especially in Trent’s office. I want to know about every conversation he’s having. I don’t care what it is, I want to know about it. And make sure that girl is spending every possible moment at your house. We’ve got to find something that will lead me to Jonathon. I’ve got to stop him from destroying our family. Porter, you need to bug his office. Find some cases for Trent that will throw him out of his comfort zone, scare him into being careless.”
“Dad, this is all so ridiculous. What are you trying to gain by going after Trent? He’s never done anything wrong. He’s always been a straight arrow.”
My dad waves me off. “The less you know, the better. Now, can I count on the two of you to not screw this up?”
I nod despite the fact that my father is infuriating me right now. I hate how he orders me around like one of his employees. That’s probably why Jonathon left the company, but I’d never tell my father that.
“Are we finished here? I have a nail appointment I have to get to.” I stare at the chips in my latest manicure and shake my head in disgust.
“Yes, Parker, you may be excused.”
Done in record time. Maybe next time, I’ll just not show up at all, although I’m sure that would somehow elicit more threats from my father. I can’t wait for him to get whatever information he’s dying to have and leave me alone to get back to my life.