Genre: Romance
Rating: NC 17
Disclaimer : Standard disclaimers apply. The characters belong to Shalz R.
Chapter 10: Part One: The House Warming Party
Stephens was in her office when Tyler called her up and informed her of the party in the evening and that Ian had personally asked him to invite her and that she was expected to be there! Stephens was quite surprised. She knew of the party happening for the invitations had been sent to Mr. McKenzie, but she had no idea that Ian would invite her. She said she would come.
It was after she had replaced the phone that she realized what she had done. It was a massive party; the kind you read about in the newspapers and magazines the next day; the kind that becomes the talk of the town for many, many days; and Maxwell parties were the best ones! How could she go there? She could not even dream of going to such a party! And now she had confirmed the invitation! With a sigh she decided that she'd go in early before people started coming in and leave early too, before too many people were around, so that she wouldn't be noticed, staying in the party for as little time as possible! She will have to think up an excuse of course, but then she had no other choice!
* * *
Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell arrived at Ian's house just before lunch. They were equally awed at the new modifications in the house. Shortly after they arrived, Kevin and Dianne arrived with their children. Ian at that time was as usual out near the waterfall. Carlton, after taking them all around the house, took them to where Ian was sitting.
Ian had instructed Carlton that he was to be informed when they arrived. The family, along with Tyler and Adrian, walked to the waterfall; the beauty of it all amazed them. Ian was so immersed in his reading that he didn't notice them coming until the children called out to him.
"Uncle Ian" cried out Evan, "Unca Ian" joined in little Sera as they ran up to him.
Ian turned around to see the two children running up to him. It may have been the only time when he really smiled in the past three months. He rushed out to meet them, picked both of them up in his arms at the same time! "Hey.. Evan ... Sera!" he kissed both of them as they clung to him, their small arms wrapped tightly around his neck. "How are you guys? Oh I missed you two, I missed you."
The kids hugged him tight and kissed him on a cheek each, as he laughed. "Ready for the party tonight?" he said as he put them down. "Yeah! Uncle you promised me to take me camping! Will you please, please, will you?" Evan pleaded.
"Sure I will." He said. He let him go but kept Sera in his arms just as she kept clinging to him. He went on to meet the rest of his family. They all sat by the waterfall for lunch; Sera sitting in Ian's lap, eating with him. After lunch he took both the kids up on his horse for a ride around the estate and then to the woods. He put them in the little boat and rowed them around for some time. Evan went playing with Tyler while Sera played with Ian.
Come evening the preparations for the party really began. Lights lit up the new Maxwell Manor. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell were getting ready to greet the guests themselves. Ian was making himself as scarce as possible. He knew he would have to meet some people whom he did not feel like meeting. He got ready for the party taking as much time as possible and delaying his going into the party. He planned to go in quite late and come back early leaving his parents and others in charge, staying in the party for as little time as possible!
* * *
"Hello Samantha? Hi! This is Dianne. How are you?"
"Hi Dee. I'm fine. How are you?"
"I just called up to ask, whether you will be there in the party this evening. I'm looking forward to seeing you there."
"Of course I will be there. I am looking forward to being there myself."
"Sammy, I want to put you and Ian together again. And this evening will give you the best place to be with him."
"I know. You cannot imagine Dee, how I have lived through these months without Ian. Ian hasn't even called me. I feel so heart broken."
"Oh don't be. I'm sure that after this evening, things between you and Ian will smoothen out. I will see to it myself."
"Oh! You are such a dear! I will forever be thankful to you, Dee! Just one chance, and I will make sure that Ian has no complaints."
"I'm sure. Ok then, I will see you at the party! Bye." said a happy Dee.
"Bye Darling!" said an ecstatic Samantha.
* * *
Just as she had decided, Stephens finished her work early and made her way to the Maxwell Manor. It was only about six in the evening, and as she had assumed quite early for the party to start. She went straight for Carlton's pantry. She knew none of the members of the household would be ready right now. In fact they must be in the process of getting ready for the party.
Carlton greeted her even though he was at that time very busy.
"I have come only for sometime, and will leave in just a few moments. I had to come as Tyler had invited me to the party, but cannot stay much longer; I need to get home in time." she said.
"Why are you in a hurry to get back home early?" Carlton asked her.
"Oh! I have been excessively busy and tired and I need to rest." She made up her lame excuse.
"It is only Saturday; you could rest on the Sunday." Carlton countered.
But she refused saying, "I really need to rest."
Carlton could see that the reason for which she did not want to stay for the party was something else, something she wasn't willing to tell; he didn't press her to tell. He poured her some tea and asked her to stay at least for the tea. She gratefully took that cup of tea and asked about everyone else of the Maxwell household. She had heard some feedback about her work from Mr. McKenzie.
"Well, how do the Maxwells like the house?"
"Oh! They all simply loved it! Everyone one of them. Each and every modification has been admired."
Stephens gave a wide satisfied smile, "Ah! I'm glad to hear that. Umm… did Mr. Maxwell like the changes? Did he say anything?"
"Oh yes! He loved them too. When he came this afternoon he spent a lot of time just going around the house."
"This afternoon! I heard they came back last week! Oh you are talking about Mr. Maxwell senior! No. I'm asking about Mr. Ian Maxwell. Did he like the changes? And did he say anything?"
Carlton looked a bit amused at his misunderstanding, "Oh Yes he too liked them. Specially his own room. He spends most of his time by the stream or the waterfall. And he just loves the glass painting in the office." Stephens almost choked into the teacup at the mention of the window.
"What happened are you ok? Well, as I was saying why don't you ask him! He will be down here in sometime!" he said unaware of Ian's plans to delay his coming to the party. Stephens was herself anxious to avoid Ian. All she wanted to know was that if he had liked the changes that he had given her free hand to do!
She was relieved to know that he liked them. With that, she finished her tea and began to leave.
"What? So soon! Won't you meet even Mr. Ian?"
"I don't think Mr. Ian would be down here any time soon! Just let him know that I did come here, if he asks for me."
"Well you would be missing out on the party. You could be meeting a lot of good people who can affect your work!"
"Oh! Mr. McKenzie is going to be here for that! Now I must leave. Thanks for the tea. I really feel refreshed. But I must be going now!"
She picked up her bag and left as quietly as she had come! It was a bit more than six-thirty!
* * *
Ian went in to take his bath around seven! He had delayed it purposely. He stayed in the bath also for a longer time than usual, and took his own sweet time dressing up. The family had been ready and there in the party long before Ian even got ready for it. When he had finished dressing up, he quietly went down to his library from his first floor to the one below and picked up a book.
Guests had started streaming in. Even some press reporters, who would publish details of the party in the next day's newspaper.
Most of the guests arrived and everyone waited and looked around for Ian. Finally, at fifteen minutes past eight, Ian thought he would go out to the party. He planned to return in half an hour!
The party obviously was in full swing at that time. The music was on, the drinks were on, the dance was on, the people were enjoying! As soon as he stepped out of his photo gallery, reporters gathered around him, photographs were snapped and everywhere he looked, he saw there were people and people and people!
He went ahead meeting his guests, looking around he found Tyler dancing with Lauren and Adrian dancing with Ashley. He waved them his hello. He saw Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell talking to some guests; Kevin was also talking to some guests his hand holding the hand of little Sera. He couldn't see Dianne anywhere! He looked around but couldn't spot her. He thought he would go and ask Kevin.
"Hey Kevin, how are you? Seen Dianne anywhere?"
"Dianne!" Kevin said. He knew where she was; with Samantha, "Oh she must be here somewhere! She would be around here! Have a drink!"
Ian refused the drink and excused himself, and went on to meet some more guests!
He had been moving around for half an hour now and he thought it was about time that he went back to his library, when by the swimming pool he saw Dianne and Samantha engaged in a deep conversation. So there was she! He began to turn around to avoid being seen, but Samantha saw him. She elbowed Dianne, and Dianne called out to Ian. Reluctantly, Ian started out towards Dianne and Samantha, much to their delight!
However, much to his delight, he saw Mr. McKenzie standing some way off, getting praise for the house interiors! Seeing him, reminded him of someone; the only guest he had invited! From the distance itself, he gestured to Dianne that he would be back and turned to walk up to Mr. McKenzie! Dianne nodded, telling Samantha, "Don't worry he's gone to see the interiors person, he'll be here in a moment!"
He met Mr. McKenzie, "Hello Mr. McKenzie. Hope you are enjoying yourself!"
"Hello, Mr. Maxwell. The party's great!"
"Well, I must say that the house has been done exquisitely well! Much better than my expectations."
"Thank you, sir."
Ian looked around, "Where are the other people from your company?"
Mr. McKenzie looked a bit confused, "Other people?" he murmured trying to remember who else was to come.
"Oh Well! I will catch you in a moment. Excuse me!" Ian said understanding that McKenzie had no notion that Stephens had been invited. Ian walked away faster than usual before Dianne could notice that he was no longer talking to McKenzie.
He found Tyler on the dance floor and went up to him, "Tyler, have all the guests come in?" he asked the still dancing Tyler.
"I think so. Why? Someone missing?" Tyler asked.
"Umm ... no. Ok you carry on." He said and went out of the dance floor.
Mrs. Maxwell caught up with him. "Ian! Why did you take so long?"
"Mom, I've been here for the past half hour or so!"
"Well, why don't I see you taking a dance partner?" she asked, wanting him to enjoy the party meant for his house!
"Mom! Please. I don't want to dance. Excuse me, Mom. I'll go around taking a look." He hurried off leaving Mrs. Maxwell exasperated, "This boy is becoming difficult by the day. I wish he had stayed little. He was so much better then!"
He went around the party area, carefully avoiding where Dianne and Samantha were. But nowhere could he spot Stephens! Disappointed he began to return to the photo gallery.
"Had Tyler invited her? He said it would be done. So he must have! Why didn't she come? Could it be because she was invited just today?" he sighed and entered his office, looking for a moment at the window, through which he could vaguely see the party.
He spotted Carlton, and ran out again. "If she is here, then Carlton must know it."
"Carlton!" he called out.
"Yes, Sir!"
"Carlton!" Ian said, pulling him aside a bit away from the crowd, "Carlton, … have all the guests come?"
"Yes, Sir. Most of them have arrived. Some who could not make it had sent their apologies."
"Who all couldn't make it?"
"A few of Mr. Maxwell's business friends could not come."
"That's all? Everybody else has come?" He said looking hopeful.
"Yes, Sir. Anyone in particular you are looking for?"
"Uh… yes. Actually. I thought I couldn't see Ms. Stephens anywhere!" he said looking around, "Would you happen to know where she is?" he asked, his voice just above a whisper.
"Yes, Sir." Ian looked hopeful again, "Right at this time, she would be in her house!"
All hope disappeared from his face. "Her house? She didn't come then? You said all have arrived"
"And they have Sir. She came early and has left."
Now Ian was disappointed and surprised. "Left? Already? Why?"
"Sir, she informed me that she was tired and needed to rest."
Ian was not satisfied with this explanation. "Tired? When did she come?"
"Sir, she arrived around six and left about half hour later."
"But the party hadn't even started then!"
"Yes, sir. I told her so. She did stay for tea though. I asked her if she would meet you, but she said that you probably wouldn't be ready very soon, and she needed to go."
Ian actually regretted delaying his coming down. She came and went before he even got to know about it! This all sounded like she was trying to avoid being here! Why? Was she upset about that night? Ian nodded and let Carlton go and came back into his office. He looked at the window for sometime before going out of the office and into the hall, making his way to the library. Then without actually thinking or making up his mind, almost impulsively, he turned and walked out to the other side. He found his chauffeur there.
"Jean, I assume that you have once been to Ms. Stephens' house?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Take me there."
"Yes, Sir."
Not before he was sitting in his car, he realized what he doing, and wondered if he should be doing it. But now he had done it.
It was nearing 9:00. Very quietly, Ian left the party and was on his way to see Ms. Stephens.
* * *
The road that took Ian to his estate had a left turn before it ended at the Maxwell Manor. Taking this left turn, and driving on for a while one came to a small house, built in between the sparse words that surrounded the whole area. This small house belonged to Mr. Zachary.
It was a beautiful little house set between the woods, which surrounded it on three sides. It was a surprisingly small house built in a largish piece of land, surrounded by a beautiful garden. It had all of four rooms; the drawing room and the study facing the front yard and quite a roomy living room that extended and included a counter for kitchen and a small dining table, and a makeshift bedroom, that was actually space under and around the stairs leading to terrace, facing the backyard. The living room had a window facing the front yard, with a couch placed next to it.
It was on this couch that Stephens sat, dressed simply in a jeans and t-shirt, with a cup of coffee that she was about to finish, and the details of the new project that she had taken up.
Car lights showed themselves on the road. This was not unusual; cars generally passed through the woods. Just beyond this house was another huge estate almost as big as Maxwell Manor. This one stopped.
"Is it this?" asked Ian looking out of the window, surprised that it had come so soon. Barely fifteen minutes drive from his house.
"Yes, Sir." replied Jean, as he started to get out to open the door for Ian, but Ian had stepped out before he could, not noticing Jean coming out. He gestured him to keep sitting.
He went up to the door and looked about for a bell, but found the gates open. He opened the gates and walked in cautiously looking around the front yard and the dark woods surrounding it. He saw someone sitting near a window in the room beyond, and a face seemed to be looking at him, he tried to figure out who it was but the person got up from his or her place before he could.
Stephens thought she recognized the form in a long over coat coming towards her house. She looked through the window glass, yes someone was here, "Maybe they are looking for directions! Gosh! This is becoming my job, I must be paid for it." She remarked facetiously, as she got up from the couch to open the door.
She opened the drawing room door and stood in the hallway, trying to see who it was, from within. Generally, she avoided opening the door to strangers, and any queries about the directions, she gave without opening the doors. As the form came nearer, and the light above the door showed his face, she was shocked to see the face of Ian Maxwell. "Is it him? What is he doing here?"
She opened the door before he could reach it.
"Hello? Ms. Stephens lives here?" he asked still not clearly able to see who opened the door.v
"Hello! Mr. Maxwell?" she asked.
"Hello Ms. Stephens. How are you?" he said as he climbed up the steps to the door and finally being able to see her.
"Hello, Sir. How do you do?" she said, as she stood in the doorway, in total awe of him.
"Fine." And he just stood there not knowing what to say, why he had come there, what to tell her!
She just stood there, forgetting to usher him in.
* * *