3.22 The Straw That Broke Camel's Back (Part I.)
Location: Camel's Back Night Club; Oasis Springs; 9 P.M.
"Can somebody, please, tell that idiot Max, that no matter how many parts of his clothing he sheds, no one is going to give a damn?" said Raven Nightshade with a sigh. "Whose idea actually was it to join this mockery of a club?"
"Yours, as far as I remember," replied her brother Thomas. "You were bored and thought it would be fun to wrap these losers around your finger."
"Hm... that sounds like me. Look at them. They are either stupid or boring. There might be a little chance yet for the Huntington boy, but if he stays in this club, he's lost. Their stupidity is contagious. We are becoming boring too, Thomas. You haven't said or done anything to amuse me for a whole week! So not you!"
"I'm extremely sorry, my beloved sister, to have caused you such discomfort by my lack of funny escapades. I sincerely hope I haven't fallen into your disfavour for the next ten years," Thomas said amused.
"There's nothing exciting happening in this town," Raven kept on complaining.
"What are you still doing here tonight, Raven? You are usually long gone by now. Waiting for someone?"
She shot him a surprised look. "What do you mean, Thomas?"
"I noticed you're way too often looking at the door, yet you haven't left. You must be waiting for someone then. But I'll be damned if I know who it could be."
"You're talking nonsense, Tom. Who could I be possibly waiting for here? There's no one interesting enough in this blasted town!"
As if to prove her a liar, the club door opened and Chris Heffner with his best friend Finn Foster entered. Raven quickly looked in their direction. Chris smiled and nodded at her. Raven returned the nod and watched as both boys seated themselves at the bar.
Thomas noticed his sister and Chris kept shooting glances at each other occasionally.
"Now that's interesting. Since when you're friends with the legacy boy?"
"I met him the other day. And we talked a little."
"Talked. Uh-huh. What are your intetions with him?"
"I've been thinking, Thomas. You'll inherit our father's firm and I want my own financial security. Chris Heffner is going to be the heir of their legacy, since his sister can't become one as she's adopted. As his wife I'd have the background I'll need to start my career as a writer. I'd be able to publish my books on my own without the necessity of sending my manuscripts to dozens and dozens of publishers. When I make a name for myself they'll come begging to my door."
"You know I would take care of you, sis. You don't need to worry about your future," Thomas objected.
"I have enough self-respect not to let my brother provide for me my whole life. And where's the fun in that anyway? The legacy boy is not as repulsive as Max and his lackeys, so it is going to be quite pleasant experience. When I teach him how to please me first, of course."
"There's a significant hole in your plan, though. Chris' mother is getting married in a few weeks."
"What? How do you know that?"
"Chris mentioned that in front of his friends on our joint gym lesson. His mom is not too old to have another baby, you know."
"Plum! Nevermind. She's not married yet. Anything can happen." Raven stood up. "Now if you'll excuse me, dear brother, I need to go working on becoming the next Mrs. Heffner."
"When you're at it, try to put a good word for me with yours soon-to-be-husband's sister."
"Forget his sister already, Thomas. You're too good for her."
It didn't take long before Raven with the legacy boy left the bar and disappeared in the basement.