Going Full Tilt (Carter Baizen)

Four - The Luncheon

The deal between Baizen Advertising and Westfield Enterprises was completed and Carter started to work on his advertising projects for the firm.  He was too busy to be home when Ellie started to tutor Caroline, much to his regret.  His mind always drifted to the beautiful blonde.  At dinner, he overheard his mother talking about a luncheon for the Met at the arboretum. When he heard that Mrs. Westfield would be attending along with her daughter, Carter's interest peaked.

"Remember to be charming, Lydia.  This deal is new, and I don't want anything to change that," Gregory said.

"Of course, darling.  I wish you had time to attend. I can't pull Caroline because she has a swim meet that day."

"I could go with you, mother, if you need an escort."  Carter couldn't believe his luck.

"Why Carter, that is extremely thoughtful.  Could he. Greg?"

"You aren't too busy Carter?"

"My team needs a few hours to finalize a campaign for me to review for the Westfield project." Carter sipped his wine.  "And I wouldn't mind seeing Miss Westfield again.  She was so charming at the gala."

Gregory nodded his approval.  "Then its settled.  Thank you, Carter, for volunteering."

"Anything for the business Dad." Carter smirked.  An opportunity to be alone with Ellie.

He made his way to Caroline's room before bed. "Lina?"

"Yeah, in the closet Carter."  She came out holding two dresses, a blue one and black.  "Which one?"

"What's it for?"

Lina rolled her eyes. "I have a date."

"With whom?"

Caroline huffed. "A guy Carter."  Carter glared at her.  "Fine, his name is William Adams.  He goes to St. Jude.  His father is a defense attorney."

"What does Ellie say?"

"She approves.  He's been nothing but respectful.  So, pick one." 

"Always go with black."  Caroline dropped the blue and held up the black one to her frame.  "Did you need something Carter?"

"I need information.  On Ellie."

Caroline spun around.  "Why? What are you planning?"

"I'm escorting Mom to a luncheon and Ellie will be there.  So, I just need some information to make a good impression on her."

"So, you are going after her? She's with Nate, Carter."

"And I'll tell you what I told him, all is fair in love and war. I'm not going to make her leave him.  I'm just presenting a different option to her."

"Fine."  Caroline looked deep in thought.  "She loves daisies and roses.  She loved chocolate.  She loves to read.  She hates entitlement but doesn't mind being treated like a queen. She's a virgin. And most of all, she loves love." 

"She's a virgin?!"

"Really, that's the thing you picked up from that?"

"Sorry, its just surprising.  I would have thought Archibald would have taken care of that already."

"Apparently its her.  She wants to wait.  To make sure he's the one.  Her words."

"Well, I can use that to have fun with her at least.  Thanks for the other info.  But keep an eye out for anything that could help me."

"Sure Carter. She could be good for you, you know."

A few days later, Ellie sat with her mother and Mrs. Archibald at the luncheon fundraiser. It was a lovely event inside the arboretum, flowers blooming during the middle of winter.  She wore a navy-blue knee length dress with cap sleeves, her hair done in curls pulled halfway up. Ellie sat, bored at the conversations going on around the table when she spotted a familiar face.  He approached her with a smile and a flower, a pink rose.  "Miss Westfield, a pleasure to see you again. For you." He presented the rose to her.