Chapter 7

"Are we almost there yet? I've had my eyes covered for like 10 minutes now and I feel like you're going to kill me." I hold my arms out in front of me to make sure Ethan doesn't accidentally make me hit something.

We just got to where we're having our date, but I have no idea where we're at because he said he wants it to be a surprise. He holds a hand over my eyes and the other is on my back, guiding me.

"Wait. We're almost there." I hear him say. It's cold here, significantly colder than the area his aunt lives in.

"Are you sure you're not going to kill me?" I ask again, only earning a laugh from him.

"Okay, open your eyes." He stops me from walking and removes his hand from my face.

I open my eyes, blinking a few times to get used to seeing again, and look around. We're at a pier...I frown. There's a boat people are boarding at the end of the pier, and a bunch of fancy little shops away from the water.

"Aww,"  I push my bottom lip out. "this is so cute. Are we going to take a walk down the pier? That's so romantic. You're so sweet." I smile and kiss his cheek.

The view is really pretty. The shop's lights aren't too bright, and you can see the stars crystal clear. Though everyone around are dressed extremely well, as if they're going to a fairytale ball or something. I'm in the clothes I went to school in still, and Ethan is just wearing jeans and a hoodie.

"Nope." He gleams down at me. "We, my dear, are going on that." He points over to the boat.

I look at him for a moment then laugh.

"You're silly." I shake my head, not falling for his tricks.

He grabs my waist and pulls me to him, wrapping his arms around me.

"Why don't you believe me?" He laughs, tilting his head.

"Because there's no way we're getting on that boat. Isn't that really expensive? And plus, everyone here is dressed really fancy. We're in plain clothes. You can't trick me." I smile.

"Alright. You got me. Let's walk down the pier though, the sight at the end of it is amazing." He smirks then grabs my hand.

There are a bunch of cute little shops along the pier, and a couple of carnival type games. Some people are fishing, and others look like they're on dates too.

"I'm glad we came here. It's beautiful. Can we take a picture?" I ask.

"Sure." Ethan's eyes light up. "I love taking pictures with you. Let's take them often." He says and pulls out his phone before I can pull out mine.

I stand close next to him as we both smile and he snaps a picture.

"Look at you, you're so pretty." Ethan gushes.

"Let me see. I'm sure you look better than me." I laugh. Instead of letting me see the picture, he flips the camera and starts taking pictures of only me.

"Hey! Stop." I laugh, reaching my hand out in hopes that he only gets my hand in the picture, rather than my face.

"Then don't ever say I look better than you. I said you are so pretty." Ethan laughs, putting his phone away.

"Yeah yeah, whatever." I roll my eyes, laughing.

"Let's keep walking." He interlocks our fingers.

The closer we get to the boat, the more I realize how big it actually is. It literally looks like one of those ships from the movies, but a little smaller. It's beautiful. As we reach a line of people waiting to get on the boat, I can hear the sound of classical music sifting through the air. I think I was right, it's some type of party or ball - type of thing. Do people actually have balls? Or maybe it's just a rich people thing.

We stand and watch the waves for a moment, I love listening to them crash on the rocks that are under the pier.

"Let's head back." I smile up at Ethan and start to walk away. I get yanked back because Ethan doesn't move and he's holding my hand.

"Ethan? If you wanted to stay longer you could have just said so." I laugh. He looks down at me and pecks me on the lips.

"You know I'm not a liar right?" He gives me a mischievous smirk.

"Uh...yeah?" I raise an eyebrow, confused.

"Good." He pulls me to his chest, resting his chin on top of my head.

What the hell was that? That was so weird. A middle aged couple walk up to the both of us.

"You two are blocking people from being in line. You need to move." The woman says and gives me a disgusted look before the both of them stand in front of us.

I turn around and realize people did think we were in line. My cheeks heat up and I try to pull Ethan away. Instead, he drags us back in front of the couple and he looks at them, a look of distaste on his face.

"I'm not sure who you think you are. But talk to my wife and I like that one more time and I'll be sure to see that you both never step a foot on this boat again. Do you understand? Here, you treat people with respect." Honestly, I did not hear a word he said past 'my wife and I'.

As soon as he said that, my heart melted. He's so cute, I want to squeeze him.

"Oh? Is that right? I will not accept your radical behavior towards my wife. Acting like you run shit here. What do you even know, little boy? I'm getting the captain right now and telling him to not allow you onto this boat." The husband seethes and storms off.

The wife sticks her nose up, looking smug. What the hell is even going on?

"Ethan, baby, let's go. I don't want any trouble. What if they call the cops or something?" I cup his cheek with my hand, the other one rubbing his shoulder to coax him into listening to me.

"Yeah, you better listen to your little toy. Everyone knows what happens to her kind when the police show up. You'll be planning a funeral soon." The white woman laughs. I freeze, not believing what this bitch just said.

I can feel Ethan's body tense under my touch. I really just want to go home now. I cannot believe what's going on right now. All over a stupid line! Ethan puts a firm hand on mine that's covering his cheek.

"Ignore her. She's nothing but white trash. Even her dress is knock off Louis Vuitton." The woman gasps at Ethan's comment as I stifle back a laugh.

"How dare you? Oh look, here comes my husband and the captain. You better be ready to go to jail. I'm suing you for wasting my time when this is all over. Do you know that the captain stands outside the boat and greets everyone who boards? Now you're holding up the line because you imbeciles wouldn't just listen and leave." She finishes talking as soon as the captain and the lady's husband reach us.

"Vanni, come stai? Non ci vediamo da molto tempo."

("Vanni, how are you? We haven't seen each other in a long time.")

Ethan breaks out into Italian all of a sudden. I stand there, shocked. I took one year of Italian in high school, but I have absolutely no idea what he just said. The captain's eyes brighten, and he immediately hugs Ethan.

"Ethan, ragazzo mio! Sei diventato così grande, cosa ti stanno dando da mangiare i tuoi genitori? È ora che vieni di nuovo a trovarci. E questa volta hai portato una ragazza con te?"

("Ethan, my boy! You've grown so old, what are your parents feeding you? It's about time you came and visit us again. And this time you brought a girl with you?")

Ethan hugs the captain back, grinning. The older couple stare at them with the same expression on their faces as I have: confusion. They stop hugging and Ethan puts an arm around my shoulder.

"Yes, this is my girlfriend Nova. I heard that you were hosting an event here today. I thought since we were in the area, I'd bring her to come see you and have a little fun tonight. But this lovely couple here started acting extremely erratically. They told us we have to leave or they'll call the cops and have them shoot Nova because she's black."

Ethan rubs my arm as he says this, making the captain shake his head. The couple is now fuming.

"He is a liar! He is just a child, why are you listening to children over paying customers? Look at them both, does it even look like they can afford this? They're dressed practically like hobos." The wife screeches.

"Now," The captains voice is low and dangerous. I look up at Ethan, and he has a crazy grin on his face. "You are talking about my nephew and the son of our number 1 sponsor. I suggest you show a little more respect before you go around insulting people as important as my family. Do I make myself clear? Leave. Now. I will not tolerate your foolishness on my boat, ever again. And if you call the police I'll be sure to tell them you have caused a disruption here. Do I make myself clear?" He raises his eyebrows at the couple. My mouth hangs open in shock.

"But captain-!"

"If you're not gone in 5 minutes I'll be calling the police." Ethan chimes in.

"You people are unbelievable." The husband scoffs and stomps away, his wife following suit.

I stand there, in a daze. I feel like I'm in a movie from how absolutely dramatic that was. On the other hand, it's just been confirmed that Ethan's family is loaded....and I mean loaded. I think a lot of people would be happy to find out their boyfriend's family has a lot of money. But I start to feel uneasy. He comes from a completely different world than I do. If I thought his Aunt's house was amazing, I couldn't even imagine what Ethan's home would look like, being the "number 1 sponsor's" son. I subconsciously reach my hand up to touch the necklace around my neck, I think it's safe to say they're real diamonds. I have to give it back later, I can't accept such an expensive gift.

I didn't even realize I was walking until we reached the front of the line.

"You two behave yourselves." The captain says and winks at both of us.

"Thank you." I say quietly as Ethan leads me onto the boat.

"You weren't lying." I say and look around in awe. I've never been on a boat before, but I'm pretty sure this one is fancier than all the other ones.

"I told you, I'm not a liar." He laughs and pulls me in for a kiss.

"Ethan, we aren't dressed for this. People are going to make fun of us." I pull away, laughing.

"I can change that." He grins. "Come on." He takes off, pulling me along with him.

He maneuvers his way around the boat, as if he knows it like the back of his hand. Actually, he probably does. Him and his family probably take regular vacations on this boat. The uneasy feeling comes back to me again. He goes up a small flight of stairs and then through a door that clearly says "employees only". Only one person is in there, a tall, thin man wearing a sequin suit. His eyes shoot up to us and they brighten.

"Ethan! What are you doing here? And who's this beautiful doll?" The guy excitedly runs up to us, giving Ethan a hug and extending his hand out to me. He's wearing makeup, and looks better than I do. I can't help but feel slightly jealous at his skills.

"This is Nova, my girlfriend, I brought her here on a date. And to see you, of course." Ethan says, I shake the guys hand.

"Nova, it's such a pleasure. You know Ethan has never brought a girl home before. I was starting to think he was...you know." He flicks his hand in a girly manner and I laugh.

"I'm Will, by the way. A family friend." He says. Ethan playfully punches Will.

"Don't tell my girlfriend that you think I'm gay." He chuckles.

"Hey! I'm just saying...." Will rubs the spot Ethan hit him. "Has...Sam and Ron met her yet?" Will gives Ethan a weird look. Ethan glares at him in response.

"No." He replies sharply.

"Who are they?" I ask, confused. The mood changed, and it seems awkward.

"They're my parents." Ethan puts an arm around my shoulders.

"I see." Will bites his lip, giving me an apologetic smile for some reason. "I'm sure they'll love you. You seem like a very sweet girl." He says, but his facial expressions says differently. I frown, nodding.

"Anyways, that's not why we came up to talk to you. Nova needs a dress, do you think you can help her out?" Ethan asks, and Will lights up like a Christmas tree.

"Oh my gosh, can I help her out? Can I help her out? Of course I can help her out! Oh my, I've been waiting my entire life for this moment. Baby, you need to come with me right now." Will grabs my hand and practically starts running off.

"Bring her to my suite when you're done!" I hear Ethan yell in the distance.

Will leads me to another door and quickly pushes it open. It's a room- his room to be precise.

I look around.  Yeah, this boat is for the rich people. It's so nice in here, and it's kind of spacious. He forces me to sit at the desk in the room then starts rummaging through the closet. I see that there's a bunch of gowns and a few pieces of regular clothing mixed in. I look on the desk to see a bunch of makeup.

"Okay, so." Will approaches me, holding a beautiful golden gown. It has thin straps, a plunging neckline, and it sparkles in the light.

"I have been saving this dress for an important event, but what is more important that this? My very own Ethan finally bringing a girl home. Now that's something you don't see everyday. I bought this a couple months ago, it's new, never been worn, so don't you worry, okay miss girl? I think this will just look absolutely stunning on you." He lifts the dress up, closing one eye, as if he's trying to see what it would look like on me.

"This is gorgeous...oh my god. I can't wear that, it's too pretty." I picture myself in the dress, dancing with Ethan in front of all those rich couples. I'd blend right in with them, and nobody would even suspect that I'm not on their level.

For the first time in my entire life, I want to dance. I want to slow dance with my boyfriend and pretend like we're in a movie, pretend like we didn't skip school, pretend like he didn't avoid me for a week, and pretend that I'm someone important enough to belong here.

"Isn't it pretty? It's designer too. But you can't put it on yet!" Will gently lays the dress on his bed and sits in the chair next to me. He grabs my chair and pulls it so I face him.

"We are going to do your makeup hunny. Get you all dolled up so you'll be the center of attention tonight." He takes out a pack of makeup brushes, still in a package, and opens them, laying them all out in front of us.

"Uh, Will." I laugh "Did you forget that you're white? We are not the same skin tone. How will you do my makeup?"

"I get sent a lot of PR packages babe, I am prepared!" He squeals. "But I need to you close your eyes hun. We got to go speedy fast okay? I need 25 minutes." He says, and I immediately close my eyes.

"25 minutes? Are we just doing my eyebrows?" I laugh. There's no way he can do a full face in 25 minutes.

"Ha! Sweetie, just you wait and see." He says before immediately getting to work.

He is working fast. I can feel brushes glide smoothly against my face, not a sound is produced the entire time he works. Before I know it, he announces that he's done.

There's no way...

"Don't open your eyes yet! Let me style your hair real quick." He quickly takes out my satin hair tie, letting my curls frame my face.

"Wheww! Baby I don't even need to do anything to your hair. These curls are gorgeous! Let's leave these babies alone! Now get dressed. Ethan will start to worry if we're another second late- oh! Put these on too." Will quickly grabs a pair of black heels and gives them to me.

They're not too high, which I like.

"Thank you so much for everything, Will. I appreciate everything you've done so far." I grin at him and he waves me off.

"Oh don't worry. We need to do this more often, it's been so fun! But hurry and get dressed because the event starts soon. I'll wait outside for you, come out when you're done." He quickly exits the room.

I look in the mirror and gasp. The makeup looks....really good. How could he have done this in such a short amount of time? He must have practiced a lot...I wish I could do makeup like this!

I stand up and walk over to the beautiful dress lying on the bed. I slowly slip it onto my body and look into the large mirror. The dress is...stunning to say the least. It fits perfectly, hugging all the right places to accentuate my curves. The neckline hangs low, showing more cleavage than I'd usually be comfortable with, but I feel sexy. I feel powerful. I grin and put the heels on before walking out the room. Will quickly snaps his neck to look at me and gasps.

"Oh shit! You look so good. You look like a goddess. Oh my, you are keeping that dress. I would never look as good in it. I'm so jealous. Let me take a picture of you." Will takes out his phone, and tells me how to pose. When he's done, he shows me the pictures. I don't even recognize myself. I look beautiful.

"I can't keep this dress." I laugh as he leads me to wherever. "This is way too expensive."

"Consider it a gift. I seriously would not have the heart to take it back, knowing you are slaying it better than I could." He laughs and I blush.

"Okay, here you are. Ethan definitely will not be able to keep his hands off of you tonight." Will winks at me.

"Thank you for everything, again." I laugh.

"Of course hun, good luck! Have fun, too much fun." He smirks and quickly runs off.

Just as I'm about to knock on the door, Ethan opens it. I was not prepared for the beautiful sight in front of me. His hair is styled perfectly, and he's wearing a black suit. He looks so good in suits. A big watch rests on his left wrist, and he has a black tie to wrap up the look.

Just as I'm checking him out, he's doing the same to me. I feel naked as his eyes roam my body. I see them stop and stare at my chest, which is out and about.

"Wow." He lets out a breath. "You are...stunning." He shakes his head. He pulls me into his room and closes the door, gently pushing me against it.

He places both his hands on the door behind me, caging me in. His eyes scan my face, a glint I'm not familiar with, shining in his eyes. We hold eye contact with each other in silence for a second, before he takes a few steps backwards, taking my entire sight in.

"God, what did I do to deserve this? A blessing so phenomenal my heart swells. I will forever be thankful." He mumbles, but I can hear him. A small smile plays on his lips.

"You look so handsome." I speak up and his eyes snap back up to mine as he grins.

"You look even better. Will really did his thing tonight. I don't even want to go down there, to the event. I think we should just spend the night in my room." Ethan smirks and walks back towards me, snaking his arms around me and pressing his body against mine.

"Oh? Is that what you want to do?" I wrap my arms around his shoulders and he lights up at my words.

"Yes ma'am." He swoops down and plants a kiss on my lips.

Every breath I take is filled with the scent of his cologne. He blindly guides me to his bed in the middle of the room, and pushes me down gently on it. When I feel him disconnect our lips, my eyes open to meet his. He slowly climbs onto the bed, his frame just barely hovering over my body.

"You know..." his voice drifts off, trailing a finger down my body and over my curves. "This dress looks so good on you. But I think it'd look better off." His voice is husky and deep. Heat rises from my stomach to my cheeks.

"Then take it off." I whisper.

Ethan smirks and starts to pull down the two straps of my dress, when a sudden pounding comes from the door.

"Ethan!" A muffled voice comes from the other side. He groans and hangs his head down.

"I need a 'do not disturb' sign here." He growls and stands up from the bed. I quickly stand up as well, pulling back up the straps of my dress just in time for Ethan to open the door to a scowling Will.

"Hello! You both better get your asses down to the event right now. I did not create a piece of art for you to keep her to yourself. If you're not down there in 5 minutes, so help me god, I am beating your ass!" Will points a finger at Ethan. He puts his hands up in surrender.

"Okay, okay. We were literally just leaving." Ethan lies and Will huffs, walking off.

"Rain check?" He turns to me, laughing. I nod my head in agreement.

"Let's go party with the old people." He says, interlocking our arms and walking out the room.

We head down to where everyone is gathered. Walking into the room, I stare around in awe. Couples of different ages walk around, dressed up and having the time of their lives. Everyone looks so in love. A live band plays in the front of the room, their beautiful notes traveling through the entire room. It feels like we're in a movie.

"Care to dance, m'lady?" Ethan asks, a smile plays on my lips.

"Of course, my dear sir. Let us dance." He looks at me, surprised, but nonetheless leads me to the dance floor.

"I thought you would say no. You hate dancing." He places a hand on the small of my back, taking one of my hands in his.

"I do hate dancing. But I'll dance with you today. I don't think these people would stop and make fun of me like people our age." I laugh, interlocking our fingers and putting my other arm over his shoulder.

"Touché." He grins.

Needless to say, tonight was magical. We danced almost all night, hung out with Will and the captain afterwards, took a ton of pictures, and then went to Ethan's frat house. Will ended up being right, he couldn't keep his hands off of me until the wee hours of the morning.