Awakening Book One of the Trust Series(32)

She pulled her head out of the clouds to hear Garrett state- “And this is Caitlyn.”

“Nice to meet you.” She focused her thoughts to Garrett. “I'm sorry, my mind was elsewhere. What were their names again?”

Garrett continued talking without pause, answering her question out loud but in a way the two people in front of her would not realize she had not been paying attention. “Isla and Caleb have been friends of mine for years. They are two of the best people you will meet in this entire place.”

Isla grinned waiving her glass of champagne in air. “You flatter us to much, Garrett.” She turned to Caitlyn. Caitlyn could not help but take in Garrett’s old friend. She was beautiful and from her eyes, she was sharp as well, but they were not unkind. Caitlyn thought that she would need to inquire later about what Garrett was like as a young teenager, as she was sure that Isla would have some stories to tell her. Caitlyn was positive they were speaking to each other telepathically. She wanted desperately to know what he was saying.

“So, what kind of stories can you tell me about Garrett? Because so far he pretends like he is perfect when I know that can't be the case.”

Caleb smiled what Caitlyn thought he knew to be a winning smile. “Well, trust me when I say he is not perfect.” Caleb put his hand around her shoulder, effectively separating her and Garrett. He then walked off with her, announcing in a loud voice, “Let me tell you some things about Garrett...”

Garrett laughed, catching up to them easily. “Lies, all lies, I tell you. Don't listen to Caleb. He just makes up stuff if he thinks a beautiful woman will speak to him.”

“So I’m beautiful, eh?” she stated batting him playfully with her arm.

Garrett looked at her, surprising her with the intensity in his gaze. “Yes, you are. Very.”

Caitlyn was speechless and neither spoke for a minute. It wasn’t until Caleb, who was merrily watching the exchange cleared his throat loudly. “So Caitlyn, Garrett says that you are a quick learner.”

She blushed, her thoughts still on a moment ago. “Well, I don’t have anything to compare it to, so if that is what Garrett says…”

“He stated that you mastered blocking telepathy the first full day of training he tried to teach it to you. That is practically unheard of. I only know of one other person who did that.” His head turned in the direction of Councilman McPherson and his son.

Garrett grimaced just a little. “Ah, yes. The prodigal son.”

Caitlyn paused, trying to remember the son’s name. “Declan?”

Caleb gladly answered. “Declan is quite the reluctant celebrity around here. Not only is his father one of the most, if not, the most, influential member of the Trust, but Declan is also known for being one of the most talented among us. His capabilities far exceed almost all of us, there are very few that are in his elite status.”

Caitlyn frowned. “He looks so serious.”

It was Garrett’s turn to laugh. “Declan is always serious. Supposedly, when he is not working, he is training. I mean even now, you can tell that he is not just enjoying the party, he is discussing something pertaining to the Trust.”

“Yes.” Caleb frowned slightly at the man on the other side of the room before leaning into Caitlyn, whispering in her ear loudly so Garrett could still hear. “I’ve known Declan since we were children. We grew up together. I love him like a brother, but I keep telling him he needs to relax or get laid.”

Caitlyn couldn’t help but slyly respond, “Isn’t one inclusive of the other?”

Caleb gaped at her surprised, before laughing at her blunt retort. “Garrett… This one is such a keeper!”

Isla caught up with them at that point, sashaying across the room, only catching the end of the conversation. She wagged her finger playfully at the two boys, who looked as if they were caught with their hands in the cookie jar. “Stop gossiping like old women, both of you. So Caitlyn, how are you handling everything? All the changes I mean?”

“Pretty well. I mean, at first I was obviously overwhelmed, but it has been two and a half months now and I think I am adjusting okay considering.”

Isla almost choked on her champagne, covering up the faux pas with a discreet cough. “Has it only been two months?” She turned to Garrett. “Didn’t you tell me she is close to taking the Threshold?”

Garrett nodded proudly. “I would say in the next few weeks.”