Seeing Shadows (Shadows 1)

Simon nodded. "It seems like everyone decided not to be fashionably late. Ready?"

I took a deep breath. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Simon smiled at me sweetly. "Don't worry. Remember, it's just a birthday party for my little sister."

I rolled my eyes. "Right. And Prince William and Kate getting married was just a backyard wedding with a potluck dinner."

Simon grinned at my comparison and just shrugged. Sarah walked to the door of the bedroom with a smile of her own. "Come on, let's go. It's not every day that I get to mingle with the high rollers. Let's see if I can catch my own Prince Charming." She winked and walked out the door without waiting for us to follow.

I glanced at Grant, noting that he looked unhappy. He gave me a questioning look and I just shrugged, not knowing what to say.

Simon and I followed Sarah down the stairs with Grant trailing behind us. I could hear the murmurings of the crowd below and saw Harold, at least the person who I presumed was Harold, stationed at the door in formal wear and greeting guests as they entered.

As we descended the stairs and I got the full view, Simon's description of this being nothing more than his sister's birthday party seemed even more ludicrous. Several rooms had been set aside for the partygoers, and they were all decorated impeccably. There were candles everywhere that gave an intimate glow even though there were already dozens upon dozens of guests. There were dazzling arrangements of flowers interspersed throughout the rooms, not only looking beautiful but filling the air with their sweet scent.

But the most beautiful thing about the party was the people in attendance. I had only seen parties like this on TV, where women were dressed in stunning gowns, their necks and ears dripping with jewels. The men were also impressive in their black tuxes, and some differentiated themselves with a splash of color with their tie.

I saw plenty of people younger than me mingling downstairs with the older crowd, and it amazed me that this was normal to these kids. The most we had for a party back home was onion dip from a mix and a refrigerator full of beer. Even when we were living comfortably, we had never had a party like this. Simon squeezed my hand as we reached the bottom of the stairs, as if sensing my nervousness.

"I feel bad for all the other girls who spent so much time getting ready. You're easily the most beautiful girl here."

I blushed but rolled my eyes at Simon's sentimental statement. "Are you trying to butter me up for something?"

Simon grinned. "Always."

Sarah turned around, her face flush with excitement. "This place looks amazing. Where's the birthday girl?"

Simon glanced over towards the room on his left. "She's probably in the main room. That looks like where most of her friends are."

"I'm just going to pop over and wish her a happy birthday," Sarah said. "I'll see you guys later." She wandered off in the direction Simon had indicated as Grant caught up to us.

"Where's Sarah going?"

"She went to find Kendra," I said, trying to suppress a smile at Grant's cross face. It was funny how quickly the tables had turned.

"I'm gonna go see if there's anyone here I know," Grant said grumpily and he huffed off.

"What's going on?" Simon asked, his eyebrows raised.

"Nothing, really. I think Sarah is just starting to realize that she's unwilling to settle for less than she deserves."

"Smart girl." Simon shrugged at my surprised expression. "Hey, I love Grant. He's like a brother. But that doesn't mean I don't see how dense he's being."

I smiled, loving Simon even more for his insight and keen judgment. My mind froze at my thoughts. Surely I had meant I loved Simon in a figurative way. There was no way I was in love with someone I had only known for less than a month. I hurriedly pushed the thought out of my head. I would let myself examine my feelings more in depth after tomorrow. I felt as if I was waiting for tomorrow to start my life.

We mingled as Simon introduced me to the many people who stopped him. And everyone seemed to stop him. I met several friends from high school, friends of the family and a few friends of Kendra's that seemed to gaze at Simon adoringly. I could only imagine what it must be like to have your friend's older brother be Simon. I didn't blame them, the poor girls.

One girl that looked to be about our age sashayed over to us. I had to admit that she was breathtakingly beautiful. She had long blonde hair that shimmered with golden highlights and large hazel eyes that seemed to survey everything and everyone with a bit of disdain. She smiled artificially at Simon, ignoring me completely, as she approached.

"Hi Simon. How are you?"

"Cara." Simon nodded in greeting. "I'm good."

I blinked as I studied the girl closer, now that I knew she was the infamous Cara. I could see Grant's attraction. The blonde was undoubtedly beautiful, but there was a coldness to her that was unappealing. The smile didn't reach her eyes, and even as she had greeted Simon and asked how he was, her eyes were scanning the room, as if she wasn't interested in Simon's answer.

"Caitlin, this is Cara."

I smiled politely. "Nice to meet you, Cara."