#docking your dogs ears makes you a loser in real life!

[shiresome]

DOODLE TO CONVEY THAT I KNOW IN MY HEART MAVADO SITS LIKE THIS

[cordonianchoicesqueen]

Rewritten: The Royal Romance: Yacht Party (Part 18)

A/N: Sorry it’s taken so long to get out another entry in this series. I’ve been travelling and interviewing and it’s been a whole thing! I am really looking forward to continuing writing the beach party with the growing tension between Drake and Riley + the full on romance blossoming between Liam and Riley. 

Summary: Riley attends Olivia’s boat party alone and ventures to the famous beach party that Maxwell was so excited about.

Choices Chapter: Book One, Chapter Nine

Disclaimer: Characters and main storyline from Pixelberry’s Choices.

Word Count: 2100+

Warnings: none

Link to Full Series: Rewritten

Tags: @krsnlove @cora-nova @hopefulmoonobject

Yacht Party

I approached Olivia’s luxury yacht as though it was a lion’s den. It was huge with multiple decks filled with dignitaries and suitors. I could hear laughter and music riding through the air as I arrived at the gang way. Hana wasn’t going to be there, Liam was with his father and there was no way in hell someone could drag Drake onto this boat. I had to hope Maxwell was inside. I readied myself, took some deep breaths and entered the den.

A bodyguard checked my name on a list and I was handed a glass of champagne. The first person I noticed was Tariq, dressed in a three-piece suit with his hair slicked back as usual. He was surrounded by a number of women, including Madeline. He looked as though he was in his element, telling a story avidly but the women looked bored, which he was completely oblivious to. “… And so,” his voice travelled, “my silk bathrobe came back with a loose thread! Can you believe it? Fabric softer than an angel’s cloud! Ruined! I fired the dry cleaner on the spot.” Madeline looked him in the eye with her stone-cold glare, “Stop talking to me.” I smirked. Madeline was definitely a force to be reckoned with and I knew there was no point trying to get her on my side but it was almost funny to watch her tear down others with barely any effort. I avoided the group best I could. However, I was unlucky enough to enter Olivia’s eye line. In her second outfit of the day; she sneered, handed her empty glass to someone and made her way through the crowd towards me. “Lady Riley! I’m so glad you could make it,” her tongue dripped in sarcasm. “Thank you?” I said, eyebrow raised. “You’re absolutely welcome! Now, I know these mingling events may not exactly be your cup of tea and I want you to feel comfortable. So, I’ve decided to help you out,” Olivia smirked. On cue, a staff member walked up and offered me a life jacket. His expression gave away nothing as he bowed, politely. I could feel the panic in the pit of my stomach. What was this? Was she going to throw me overboard? I gingerly accepted it. “I don’t really have to wear this, do I?” I asked, trying not to let her know she was rattling me. “I don’t want you to drown in your own fear,” Olivia cackled. As the joke landed, I narrowed my eyes and went close enough to Olivia that no one else would hear me, “Olivia… you’re mean and a loser.” “Does this look like the face of a woman who cares?” she hissed back. “It’s getting about time you give this whole thing up and went home.” “You’ll have to try harder than this,” I retorted, dropping the life jacket to the ground. “A good host opens with an appetizer,” Olivia replied. “I hope you don’t continue to disappoint,” I taunted. For once, I had actually managed to get a rise out of her. Olivia’s body went rigid and her fists clenched. “You-” she started. “See you around,” I smiled warmly and shrugged, exiting the conversation. I walked away, leaving Olivia fuming, alone, behind me. In the distance, I spotted some sailboats lining up to begin the next race. After getting another glass of champagne, of course, I found a nice little spot at the railings where I could watch. I wished I could be with Liam in the royal box as I had been for the horse races. Maybe in a year I would be. I felt alone in the sea of people. I knew I couldn’t let Olivia get to me but the reason she managed to irk me so much was because in my heart I knew she was right. I didn’t belong there, not like the other women. I didn’t deserve to drink the fancy champagne and rub elbows with dignitaries from all over Europe. I belonged in the dumpster behind a bar in New York City. “They’re so beautiful. Look at all the colours,” Penelope said, sweetly, approaching me. “Oui, it’s a sight to behold,” Kiara said, joining too. Maybe I wasn’t as alone as I thought. “I like the one with poodles on the sails,” Penelope pointed. “I hope they win.” “My favourite is the one with the fleur de lis… Riley, which boat do you favour?” Kiara asked. I pointed out to sea, “the boat with the star-spangled sail.” Kiara laughed, “You really are une Americaine, through and through.” I smiled a genuine smile. Maybe Olivia’s influence was waning and I finally had a chance to see the real Kiara and Penelope, not the versions they became as Olivia’s minions. Kiara was right too. There was something nice about seeing something in an unfamiliar place that reminded me of home. I wasn’t the same as everyone here but that’s what made me unique and interesting. I was an American but I was an American ready to learn and adapt. The starting pistol fired and each of the ship’s sails inflated, catching the wind. They looked utterly graceful from a distance, skimming the water, almost flying, into the distance until they were just dots on the horizon.

An hour later, the sailboats reappeared. I had been happily chatting and getting to know both Penelope and Kiara, over a few too many drinks, but the return of the boats brought excitement to everyone aboard Olivia’s yacht. Luckily, we still had our spot at the railing as people crammed in, wanting to witness the final few minutes of the race. I leant out, feeling the salt air on my face and causing my hair to fly out behind me in beautiful waves. It was a tight race but, finally, the boats crossed the finish line. “The one with pirate sails won,” Kiara said, surprised. “On to race number two!” Penelope replied energised. “I’m going to need a lot more champagne!” I complained to which both girls cheered.

A couple hours later the races had come to an end. I was suitably tipsy off the never-ending supply of champagne. Olivia could be the absolute worst but goddamn did she know how to throw a good party. Although, my definition of a good party was basically anything with an open bar. I and the other suitors gathered on the docks, chatting about the beach party to come. I made an immediate bee line for Hana and enveloped her in a hug. “Never leave me again,” I said, desperately. She wrapped her arms tightly back around me. She giggled, “now the real party begins!” “Maxwell already told me how excited he is for the beach party…” I grinned. “Do I hear my ears burning?” Maxwell approached arms open wide. “Ready for the beach extravaganza?” “I think so?” I said. “Why? Is there something I should have prepped?” What would it be this time? A new dance? Dog training? Skeet shooting? Cake decorating? “Nope! It’s just a fun party on one of the most gorgeous private beaches in the area,” Maxwell pulled a beer out his pocket and popped it open.

The private beach was alive with beautiful women and gorgeous men dancing to upbeat pop music with their champagne flutes high in the air. There was volleyball and water sports; plus, a buffet filled with a variety of delicacies. It truly was the party Maxwell had promised. I stepped out the limo and scanned the gorgeous beach, “Alright, where’s Liam at?” “Looks like he’s tied up with the Queen and Madeline right now,” Maxwell nodded his head in the direction of a shaded part of the shoreline. “Should I try to make a move?” I asked. “Better to bide your time. You’ll likely get only one shot at spending time with him today. Better to do it when Queen is not around. In the meanwhile, we might as well eat!” he said, excited. Under a brightly coloured marquee was a scrumptious buffet that made my mouth water. Maxwell and I couldn’t have moved faster to join the line, right behind Hana. “Have you tried the appetisers?” she asked. “What are they?” Maxwell said, eyes transfixed on her. “Some kind of avant-garde gourmet seafood thing,” she explained. “They seem a little… fishy… literally,” I made a face. “It’s a bit high-end but we should give it a try,” she shrugged. “I’m… pretty sure it’s still moving,” I said looking at the weirdly textured appetiser. “That means it’s fresh?” Hana tried. “Well… here goes,” I said “Mmm, Squishy,” Maxwell said, trying the food. “Well, it tastes like caviar and very expensive caviar at that!” Hana smiled. “Kind of like a fresh, salty sea Jell-O,” I said, trying to get used to the unknown taste. Over by the picnic area, I could see Drake standing strategically beside a table towering with food but with no line. He spotted me and smiled, running a hand through his mop of hair. I smiled back and he tilted his head to indicate we should join him. “I hope you all came hungry because the real food has arrived,” he grinned. “There’s so much of it!” Maxwell said, licking his lips. “Is this… barbecue?” Hana said, shocked. The table was layered with burgers, steaks, hot dogs and lots of grilled vegetables. There was a ridiculous selection of cheeses and sauces. I felt myself drooling and I suddenly realised how much I missed home. “Oh yes. Classic Americana. You’ve got your pulled pork, chicken kebabs, brisket, ribs, vegetables and sauces unique to regions around the world,” Drake said biting into his food, leaving BBQ sauce across his lips. “And you can’t forget the classic sloppy joe.” Hana eyed the food nervously, “A… what?” “Seasoned ground beef with onions, tomato sauce, and whatever else you feel like throwing in there,” Drake explained. “You had me at not fish!” Maxwell exclaimed, grabbing himself a burger. “It looks messy… but intriguing,” Hana shrugged, trying to level with everyone else’s excitement. “Drake, I love sloppy joes! They were basically all I ate through middle school,” I said, reaching for my own. “Thank you, Brooks. Somebody else around here can appreciate a simple dish,” Drake said, meeting my eyes. For the second time that day, I felt trapped in Drake’s gaze. It was as if neither of us could look away… or didn’t want to. I hated how my heart rate increased when I heard him laugh and that I couldn’t stop thinking about his dimples. I didn’t want to think that he was handsome. I didn’t want to be attracted to him. Yet, I needed to come to terms with it to get over it. He wasn’t Liam. I was here for Liam. “It feels a little strange to have such casual food here,” Hana said, picking at her dish. Drake turned his attention to Hana, a slight blush in his cheeks, “Liam thought that Brooks would appreciate it. A little taste of home.” “This was his idea?” I asked, eyes wide. See! Liam, even when he was away from me, was thinking about me and trying to work out ways to make me happy. I couldn’t wait to see him again, to be wrapped in his arms. I couldn’t wait for an excuse to kiss him and feel his body pressed against mine. I had to erase Drake from my mind. “Mostly. From a purely selfish angle, I’m not exactly a caviar and oyster kind of guy, so I may have told him it was definitely a great idea,” Drake said. “Anyway, dig in! I love a good barbecue! Reminds me of the cookouts on the lawn or summers with the family…” “Aww, Drake,” I said, wiping sauce from my cheek, “That’s actually kind of sweet…” “It is not! Now would you rather talk or would you rather eat?” he retorted. “Let’s… talk about what happened to the real Drake. You’ve been awfully nice lately,” I teased. “Sharing food with us… talking about family cookouts… You need to frown of something. This isn’t right.” Drake scowled at me. “… Happy?” he raised an eyebrow. “Mildly… I’m keeping my eye on you,” I narrowed my eyes at him. “Don’t strain yourself,” he replied. We chatted as we dug into the barbecue assortment. Drake laughed at Hana as she attempted to eat her messy food daintily and Maxwell made sure to help wipe the sauce from her lips. For a moment, it felt as though I was just hanging out with friends rather than in a strange competition to marry a prince. I really didn’t know how I’d ever lived without them.