Chapter Forty-three Estera Roberts’ POV (Ten Years Before)

I subtly darted my eyes about silently praying for Brian to show up and get me out of the impending public spectacle Joyce didn't seem to mind making of herself, but he was nowhere in sight. And if I thought I hated the bitch before it was even double-fold now.
“Sorry, do I know you?” I said, thinking that would buy me time as I looked down my nose at her. I was at least a head taller and in heels, it was quite easy. I wondered how I look but I hoped it was the pose of an evil, not-to-be-trifle-with villain.
“What?” she said and seemed unsettled for about a second before placing her hands over her small hips, giving me cold once over. She looked as chic as the last time I saw her. She wore a gold dress that showed off her cleavage. It’s a pity there wasn’t much going on there. ‘Maybe Evan likes flat-chested women,’ the thought filtered into my head fueling my anger further.
“Is everything, okay?” the dark-haired guy she was with asked looking a bit embarrassed.
“She is a waitre—” Joyce started to say.
“I’m Estera Roberts. Brian invited me. Have you seen him by the way?” I asked, deliberately overshadowing Joyce words -- an act that earned me a glare. I ignored her.
“He just went upstairs, he should be back in a minute. I am Tyler, this is Joyce, my girlfriend, Brian is a friend,” he supplied.
‘Wait… What?!’ the words resounded in my head, and I slowly leveled a gaze at Joyce. She blinked and I could see color darkening her cheeks. I may be green but I am pretty confident that the situation just got nasty for Evan’s Barbie. I wondered if Evan knew his girl got a boyfriend. The Tyler guy seemed clueless though. ‘There’s a God!’ I rejoiced silently and couldn’t help the gentle tug of a smirk at the corners of my lips. ‘The pretentious slut!’ I thought to myself.
“Is that so… Nice to meet you, Tyler, and now that I have had time to think about it. I think I can remember where we met, Joyce,” I said. “If I recall well enough I think you were with Brian and—”
“Shut your trap—” Joyce said, and took a menacing step forward.
“I was trying to explain to your boyfriend—”
“You, little shit—” she started to say, but Tyler cut her off.
“Whoa, Joyce what has gotten into you?” he said as he pulled her back from me, obviously taken aback by the open show of animosity.
“Yes, Joyce, are you okay? Do tell—” I said openly grinning now. She balled her fist as if she was about to go bat shit crazy on me, but Brian appeared and pushed in between the two of us. My relief was palpable. The last thing I needed was a catfight in the full glare of all the rich and snotty folks of Charleston. Who knows if any of my young lecturers is here or someone who knew my dean.
“Whoa, I went inside for one minute and came back to a civil war. What’s up, ladies?” Brian said in an attempt to make light of the situation.
“I don’t know. Joyce seemed to have an aversion to me being invited,” I supplied with an air of nonchalance that I was far from feeling. I was shaking internally and had to fold my arms against my chest to prevent them from exposing my true emotions.
“Is that so?” Brian said and then directed his full attention to Joyce. “The last time I checked, this is still my house … And you are an invited guest—”
“Seriously, Brian! What were you thinking?! Some of us have reputations to protect. She is a bloody waitress! Why the hell would you invite her?”
“She is actually a pre-med student, Joyce,” Brian replied.
“What?” the other lady said looking a little flustered.
“Yes, she is a pre-med student. And trust me I doubt anyone here would have an aversion to intelligence, and evidently class… and beauty,” he said the last part, glancing at me with a wide grin. I could only manage a forced smile. Then I spare Joyce a glance, noting how she was looking at me as if she wished she could wipe the floor with me.
‘Not today, slutville,’ I thought and then turned away, leaving Brian standing there with her and Tyler.
“You need to chill, Joyce what has come over you? She is my guest. What the hell?!” I heard Brian saying to the other lady as I walked to the back entrance and stepped outside to the back of the house. I let out a sigh, taking in the scene. Brian didn’t seem bothered about seeing Joyce with Tyler and I wondered if that was a thing here. Brian was friends with Tyler and Evan and they both seemed to be sharing a girl. And evidently, Brian knew about it. I wondered if Evan knew about Tyler and only the guy seemed to be in the dark. That would explain Joyce’s behavior. And that just seemed wrong on every level. There seemed to be an entirely different layer in their lives that was really dark. I thought to quiz Brian about it but changed my mind. Joyce is a big girl, whatever she chose to do with her life is none of my business. It bothered me though to think Evan could be a party to her cheating on her man.
“I’m so sorry about that,” Brian said, snapping me out of my musings as he came to stand beside me. I turned to give him a warm smile, gesturing with my hands dismissively.
“It’s okay, thanks for inviting me, I needed the distraction,” I replied,
“Whoot?! Is your last year in school kicking your ass already?” He asked. I laughed.
“Nah, just real-life things,” I replied. He grinned.
“Thanks for coming. And I’m certain I don’t need to say you look hot!” he said as he leaned forward to whisper the last part close to my ear.
“Aww… you're just saying that cos you are my friend,” I replied, smiling up into his handsome face with my hand resting over his hard chest.
“Ouch! Friendzoned already?” he said, giving me a puppy dog eye. “I sincerely hope you will reconsider that,” he added with a longsuffering tone. I giggled. “Ah, see that. Totally adorable. I’m glad the ugly incident is behind us. Now, I believe I promised you fun,” he added, reaching for my free hand and I obliged as he twirled me around. “Come, Estera, let me introduce you to a few friends and get food in your tummy.”
“I’m not going to say no to that,” I said. He laughed.