Chapter 217 - Jeff's Birthday party (4)

Aiden and Sarah met with Lambert and Isabella. Elanor was doing her best to try to start the conversation going between Jeff and Isabella, however Jeff was very stiff and only nodded or shortly responded to questions when asked, while Isabella mostly nervously smiled.

Oscar and Lambert moved to the side and talked about some business-related topic.

Sarah looked at the situation and felt sorry for all parties involved. She glanced at Aiden and then turned to Isabella. "How about you accompany me to the ladies' room?"

Sarah felt the need to help out, and the first step would be to get to know something about Isabella. Sarah is not sure how she feels about this arranged marriage thing, but she believes that at least they should be able to talk, who knows, maybe even become friends.

Isabella looked at Sarah and nodded. She wished to find a reason to escape her predicament... and Sarah provided her with a great opportunity.

Sarah smiled and took her hand. "Come, let's chat while we walk." Sarah was surprised at herself. She was never a person to initiate conversation, but seeing this petite lady so nervous, Sarah felt the need to help her out.

Elanor helplessly looked as Sarah and Isabella walked away when she felt Aiden's hand on her shoulder.

"Sarah knows what she is doing... leave things here to us." Aiden was not sure what Sarah has in mind, but he believes that she must have something planned if she already took the initiative, and he can only do his best to support her.

Elanor gratefully looked at Aiden and patted his hand which was on her shoulder. She walked to Lambert and Oscar and ushered them away with an excuse to check the snacks.

Once parents left, Aiden turned to Jeff while accusing him. "You can at least try to talk to her."

Jeff shook his head. "I'm trying, but it's not working."

"Try harder." Aiden looked at his brother and felt sorry for him when he tried to imagine himself in such a position. He took a deep breath and attempted different approach. "Isabella is not bad looking and seems to be nice. If you give it a chance, who knows... maybe you actually end up liking her."

Jeff thought for some time before asking. "How do you know if you like someone?"

Aiden remembered when he realized that he is attracted to Sarah and how his feelings grew... his gaze lowered and he smiled while talking, "You think about her all the time when you are awake, and she visits your dreams when you are sleeping, and there is nothing you can do about it. You can't explain it, it just happens... some things that were insignificant like a color, scent or action suddenly become very important, and remind you of her, of her expression, her tone of voice, how she made you feel. Random people you pass by, get your hopes up that might be her... and you wish that she is thinking about you too." Aiden lifted his gaze and looked at Jeff who was frozen, staring at him back.

Jeff's eyes were darting aimlessly while his brain processed what Aiden said. Jeff was asking himself, why did this explanation make him think of JoAnna? Why is it so difficult to talk with Isabella and talking to JoAnna came so naturally? What is this ache in his chest?

Aiden observed Jeff's unusual expression. His usually cold and indifferent brother looked… panicked.

…

In the ladies' room, Sarah and Isabella are in front of the mirror, checking their makeup.

"You don't seem to be enjoying..." Sarah decided to go with an honest approach.

"Is that obvious?" Isabella faintly smiled.

"I'm sorry... if I can help you somehow, let me know." Sarah was hoping to find a way to solve the issue that Jeff and Isabella are facing.

"You can give me a boost so that I get out of here.", Isabella pointed to the window.

Sarah smiled helplessly and shook her head. "Running away through the window will not solve anything."

"Easy for you to say..." Isabella sighed. "You get to stand next to the person your heart selected."

Sarah thought that there is more to her words but didn't want to intrude and ask too much. "You know, Jeff is not a bad guy..." Sarah saw that Isabella's face fell and didn't continue. She got another idea. "Hey, they have a great chocolate bar here... with a huge chocolate fountain, and we can dip stuff in it... how about it?"

Isabella's face softened and she nodded in agreement.

…

The atmosphere brightened up between Sarah and Isabella and two of them chatted happily while dipping fruits and marshmallows in the chocolate fountain.

Sarah found out that Isabella is from Salina, Georgia. She graduated with a degree in arts and is preparing her third solo exhibition of sculptures and paintings. When Sarah heard that the theme of the exhibition is ancient Greece, she looked at Isabella like she is her biggest fan. "Oh, my! Oh, my! You must tell me where and when. I will definitely come! I'm an ancient-Greek-geek if I may say so myself."

Isabella laughed, "Eh? Really? ... Now you are making me nervous."

Sarah observed that Isabella is a very friendly and warm person without her guard up. Unfortunately, that confirmed her suspicions when she saw her stiff and not talking to Jeff: Isabella didn't want to have anything to this arranged marriage.

Sarah could tell that Isabella is a good person, and she wanted to help. And she can help in getting Jeff and Isabella closer or in breaking this arrangement made by their parents years ago. But is that even possible?

As Sarah looked what fruits to pick next to smother in the liquid chocolate, with the corner of her eye she saw a palm moving towards her, like she is about to be groped. Sarah swiftly stepped aside, avoiding the stray hand, and turned around in one elegant move. She looked at the owner of the hand and her expression became cold. "What do you think you are doing?"