Perfect Strangers

4| Jinxed

Chapter 4: Jinxed (Carter's POV)

I jinxed myself. I one thousand percent jinxed myself. 

"Why do I have to attend this party? Dad, I'm not a part of your business for you to take to lure clients," I groaned. 

"It helps, son. Everyone brings their kids, you'll have a good time. Dress nice," he said. 

"Not everyone," I stated. 

"Who doesn't?" 

What is her last name again? 

"The people who live with the red door." 

Sorry, Alex. Kind of ratted her out there. 

"The Lockharts?" he asked and I nodded immediately. 

That's it. Lockhart. 

"Have you made a friend there?" he asked. 

"If you will," I shrugged. 

"Okay, I'll call up Mr. Lockhart, he'll bring him in," he shrugged. 

"Her. He'll bring his daughter in," I corrected. 

"Carter," he sighed, giving me a pointed look. 

"It's not like that, dad. We hit it off, she's nice," I shrugged before going up to my room. I opened the closet and grabbed one of the tuxes from the back. I hit the shower an hour later after doing my homework, yes I do my homework, nobody likes detention. I still get detention, for different reasons. 

I came back out and got dressed, pulling on the black pants and the black shirt with the black blazer. I stared at the bow tie, debating whether I should wear it or not. 

"Screw it," I mumbled before throwing it into the back of my closet. I pulled the shoes on, tied up the laces, misted some cologne on, pushed my hair back so it wasn't falling over my eyes like it usually does before heading downstairs, grabbing my phone and flask on the way. 

You can't get through these things without a little alcohol. 

I unbuttoned the top two buttons and straightened out the blazer while my dad came out of his room dressed in a navy blue suit. "What is this with your hair?" he clicked his tongue, trying to push the one strand that never likes to sit in place. 

"Dad, it's fine, let's just go." 

He acted like mom sometimes. She's not here anymore, I guess he has to. My mom passed away two years ago from leukemia. It's a chapter of my life I try to block out as much and as often as possible. It's not a good thought or memory. 

We climbed into the car and Dave drove us over. He's my dad's chauffeur. After about thirty to thirty-five minutes, we finally arrived at the hotel where in one of the halls, this apparently huge dinner was being hosted. 

I'm counting on Alex showing up so I have some company tonight. 

Connor is my best friend, and he would be here usually but he's flown out to Florida to spend a few weeks with his grandparents. His grandmother recently recovered, she had been sick and he was extremely relieved. 

We walked in and were greeted by the hosts before I followed my dad around, saying hello to whoever he asked me to. I'm here, may as well. I was looking around, observing some people, some girls when my dad pulled me over. 

"There you are, Tim!" I didn't bother looking yet while they said their hellos. "Carter." 

I looked forward when my dad said my name and was taken by surprise. "Mr. Lockhart, hello," I stuck my hand out.