The dinner was a disaster. Because of the proximity of the tables, the two couples were forced into a grotesque double date.
"So, Kelsie tells me she got a job at Sterling & Associates," Emerald said, trying to be conversational.
"Yes," Kelsie said. "I start Monday."
Cornelius swirled his red wine. "It's a demanding firm. They don't tolerate mediocrity. I hope you can keep up. It would be a shame if you washed out during the probation period."
It was a direct attack on her competence.
Caleb frowned. "Kelsie is brilliant. She graduated top of her class. I'm sure she'll do great."
Cornelius turned his head slowly to look at Caleb. "A pediatrician," he said, the word sounding like an insult. "Tell me, Caleb. What is the annual income for checking sore throats these days? Can you even afford the wine list here, or should I have them bring the house blend?"
The table went silent. Caleb's face turned bright red.
"Cornelius!" Kelsie slammed her hand on the table. "Stop it."
"Darling, be nice," Emerald giggled nervously, placing a hand on Cornelius's arm.
Cornelius turned to Emerald. He took her hand, lifted it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles. But he didn't look at her. He kept his eyes fixed on Kelsie while he kissed his fiancée.
"I'm just looking out for them," Cornelius said softly. "I hate to see people punching above their weight class."
The intimacy of the gesture, paired with the cruelty of his eyes, made Kelsie want to vomit.
"We're leaving," Kelsie said. She stood up. "Caleb, let's go."
"Check, please," Caleb called out, his voice shaking slightly.
"Put it on my tab," Cornelius said lazily.
"No," Kelsie snapped. "We pay for ourselves."
Caleb threw his credit card down, desperate to get out. They rushed out of the restaurant, the humiliation burning Kelsie's skin.
Back in the car, Kelsie covered her face. "I am so sorry, Caleb. He's... difficult."
"Difficult?" Caleb let out a nervous laugh. "He looked like he wanted to murder me. Does he always control your life like that?"
Kelsie didn't answer.
Inside the restaurant, Cornelius watched the taillights disappear. His expression was thunderous.
"You really ruined the mood, babe," Emerald pouted.
Cornelius stood up abruptly. "I have a headache. The driver will take you home. I'm walking."
"What? But-"
He was already gone, storming out into the New York night.
Kelsie arrived at the estate gate. Caleb walked her to the pedestrian entrance. He leaned in to kiss her.
Kelsie flinched. She turned her head, and his lips landed awkwardly on her cheek.
"Right," Caleb said, disappointed. "Goodnight, Kelsie."
"Goodnight."
As she walked up the driveway, she looked up at the main house. The light in Cornelius's bedroom window was on. As she watched, the curtain twitched.
