Mesmerized

restaurants—she’d rather go to a steakhouse or pizza joint. Her mother, on the other hand, liked any excuse to dress up. Lily hated how she felt like she had to be on display whenever she was out with her mother. 
    The menu was in a different language. French maybe? When it was her time to order, Lily went blank. 
    Her mother looked at the waiter and told him something in flawless French. She smiled at Lily. “I ordered for you, dear.”
    Lily nodded. She sometimes wondered if she’d ever be as intelligent and sophisticated as her mom. The adults talked a lot, not mentioning much about what was going to happen the next night. Jake and Lily sat quietly until their dinner came. The talk died down while everyone ate, but started right back up when they were done. Lily peeked over at Jake and rolled her eyes. He smiled. 
    When dinner was over, the owner came to the table to ask how everything was. Sandra started to flirt with him and the owner started insisting dinner was on the house until Gregory stood up and said, “Please bring us the check so we can pay.”
    The owner nodded and walked away.
    Sandra turned to her husband. “What did you do that for? We could have had a free dinner.”
    “We have plenty of money, Sandra. We don’t need you to flirt with people to get out of paying.”
    “But, it’s more fun my way!”
    He sighed and sat back down to wait for the bill. Turning to Jake, he said, “You would think after all these years she’d be bored of it.”
    After paying the bill and leaving a generous tip, the five of them walked out and headed back to the hotel. Lily’s parents went to their room and Camille to hers. Lily lingered in the living room. “I wish you could come in my room with me.”
    “It’s fine—”
    “I know. But, I want you with me.”
    “We’ll be together soon enough.” His fingers brushed the side of her face. “After tomorrow, we’ll have forever.”
    “How can you be sure?”
    “Just have faith, Lily.”
    She nodded, trying to believe what he was saying. “I better go before my parents come back out.” She leaned closer and gave Jake a long, soft kiss.
    Lily lay in bed awake most of the night. She tossed and turned, worried about the next day. She didn’t like the sound of everything, but Jake was right, she had to have faith that somehow it would all work out. She never thought she’d find anyone to be with and now here she was with Jake. That had to be fate...right?
     
    Jake dreamt of Lily again. She wore the same long white gown she always did in his dreams. She approached him with her smile and seductive eyes. She took off laughing behind the trees. Jake ran faster. His heart was pounding. He was so close. If he could just go a little faster, he could reach her.  She tripped, and he reached out to grab her, but she slipped through his hands. He glanced around frantically, but she was gone. 
    Jake woke up sweating and shaking. The dream had seemed so real. He wondered why he had gotten closer this time and then lost her. He hoped it wasn't a sign of things to come. With a heavy heart, he got out of bed. 
    He could hear Lily singing in the shower. The sound of her voice gave him hope. He had to believe this would end well. He had been alone for so long that the thought of losing his chance with Lily was something he knew he couldn't handle. 
     

Chapter Eighteen
     
     
     
    It was time. 
    They gathered in the living area. Her father commanded the room. "Does everyone know their part?"
    They all nodded in agreement. 
    "We have all the pieces ready, but be prepared, this can all go to hell real quick. Plans rarely go off without a hitch."
    He glanced over at his wife. "Do what you have to get the guy in charge out, but don't put yourself in danger. We have something that he wants badly, and he is willing to do anything to get it."
    "Don't worry about me. Just make sure the children are okay. Camille will be with me and she can handle anything that monster might throw our way."
    "Dad, are you sure there is nothing we can do to help? It doesn't seem fair that this trouble is because of us and we have to stand on the sidelines."
    "We will see how it unfolds. We may need you at some point. Just be prepared to step in if the occasion should arise." 
    Jake grabbed Lily's hand and squeezed it tightly. "I just wanted to say thank you for going through this trouble for me. I have been running from this family for as long as I can recall. I don't know how to