Chapter 10

                                    

                                          
Mr. Wells invited Shana and me to his house for brunch. I never wanted to go because he was a bit annoying, but it would mean the world to Shana to spend just a few hours with her favorite author.
                          
We arrive at his house...mansion at quarter to ten. I've been here many times before but I'm still amazed how beautiful it all was. It's a white colonial with a huge manicured garden and a fountain of an angel in the front.
                          
Shana looks up at the mansion in awe and whispers, "wow."
                          
We walk up the marble steps and stood in front of a huge mahogany door and knock. Shana quickly smooths her hands down her yellow sundress and flips her hair away from her face. What else more can she do? She's already perfect.
                          
The Wells' maid answers the door. "Hello, Ian." She smiles pleasantly.
                          
"Rita, how are you?"
                          
Rita has been the Wells' maid for years since Jon was born. During college vacations, I would go home with Jon because I didn't want to face the Connelly's. Rita would spoil us with cookies make the most extravagant meals when the parents were away. One time she helped clean up after Jon threw a huge party. She kept it a secret from his parents still to this day. 
                          
"I'm fine, sweetie." She answers, curving her lips upward revealing her laugh lines. We went inside and stood in the grand foyer. It had a double staircase with a champagne-colored chandelier hanging from the ceiling. 
                          
"This is Shana Dante...my g- my friend. We're dating." 
                          
Shana extends her arm to shake her hand, "nice to meet you."
                          
Rita shakes her hand, "Hello dear. Ian, she's beautiful."
                          
"Wait, so I wasn't dreaming?" I said, dramatically placing my hand on my forehead, while Shana and Rita laugh.
                          
We all started to laugh. Shana nudges my arm and shakes her head, "oh Ian."
                          
"Ian was always the quiet one but when he makes a joke, it's a joke," Rita said.
                          
Suddenly, I heard footsteps galloping down the stairs near us. It was Jon's baby sister Charlotte. She had blonde hair with freckles on her face and braces.
                          
"Ian!" She screams out in excitement and rushes into my arms.
                          
"Pancake!" I said, hugging her back. She pouts her lips and hits me on my shoulder. Like father, like daughter. 
                          
"Ouch! What's that for?" 
                          
"You've missed my sweet sixteen birthday party."
                          
I rub my shoulder, "I'm sorry. I told you I was going to a business meeting that day. Didn't you get my gift?" 
                          
She clasps her hands behind her back and smiles. "Yes. Thanks for the tickets." She says holding onto my arm, "I was so close to the stage. It was like Billie was singing to only me and I also got to touch her hand. It was so magical."
                          
"That's amazing. I'm glad you enjoyed it." I said.
                          
Charlotte was always like the pesky little sister that I never had. Whenever I stayed at the Wells' household, I remember Charlotte who was six at the time would always annoy the hell out of Jon and me; whether it's playing with dolls in Jon's room or singing loudly on her karaoke machine.
                          
Shana leans forward, "excuse me. Pancake? That's a cute nickname."
                          
Charlotte looks at her with narrowed eyes. "I'm Charlotte." 
                          
"Charlotte, Hi I'm Shana."
                          
"Well Shana," she folds her arms, "Ian's the only one who can get away with calling me that."