“No, I wouldn’t have gone knowing that.”
“I’ve heard many things come out of your mouth, missy, but that right there is a crock of shit.”
“Fine,” she shouts over the receiver. “I possibly would’ve still gone, but that’s completely different.”
“Yeah, I’m not engaged or tied down to anyone. What’s to stop me from doing anything?”
“Um, for starters, your pride should care?” Charlie says while I pinch the bridge of the nose to curb the frustration of our conversation. “And your self-respect. The bottom line here is no good will come from you seeing him.”
“I beg to differ,” I blurt out. “I’m a big girl, Charlie. I can handle the heartbreak.”
***
The street is crowded, lined with
limousines and luxury vehicles all vying for a spot in front of the museum where the event is being held. Flashes are going off right, left, and center. The paparazzi are scurrying around like rats up a drainpipe snapping away at those who pose on the red carpet.
As we walk through the large doors, I’m blown away by the sight of it all. The room is enormous. Its size big enough to hold all of the elite in New York City and then some. Each guest is dressed in the black-tie dress code. Exquisite gowns and dashing tuxedos are everywhere I turn.
Thanks to Adriana, she contacted a designer friend of hers who fitted me early this morning. The dress is stunning, a long black gown made of lace with a plunging neckline. My hair has been styled into a tight bun, allowing the gorgeous white gold necklace to be showcased around my neck. It’s been a while since I’ve worn something so extravagant, welcoming the confidence boost I desperately need for tonight.
Deep breaths.
You haven’t seen him yet.
Inside the room, the tall ceilings are covered in rows of draped, sheer-white organza fabric, creating a medieval feel with a modern twist. A large chandelier hangs from the middle, its crystals reflecting the light shimmering on the dance floor. Scattered across the room are artificial trees with the branches draped in fairy lights.
There’s a band wearing black and white tuxedos, perfectly positioned on the stage playing soft swing music, their hums and beats drowning in the noise of the growing crowd.
Lex finds our table, and after admitting to me he dropped a lot of money to secure our tickets, I tilt my head back with a confident pose and greet everyone who Lex introduces me to.
Our table is occupied by only wealthy entrepreneurs and their trophy wives. It reminds me of when Charlie told me that some woman called her that, and, of course, in true Charlie style, she argued the demeaning title and set that woman straight.
Throughout the course of the evening, we only speak business. It takes my mind off the nerves hiding in the shadows. Scanning the room briefly, he’s still nowhere in sight. Perhaps he bailed. Dominic isn’t a social person unless, of course, it involves people fucking in his club.
I control my consumption of wine and champagne so I’m able to converse without sounding like a drunken idiot. And somewhere during a conversation with Winston Charter, Lex mentions Paris.
“Paris?” Winston nods with a warm smile. “To quote Ernest Hemingway, there are only two places in the world where we can live happy… at home or in Paris.”
“I guess I’ll have to see.” I grin, eyeing Lex.
Lex and Winston continue the Paris talk, all of which I’m still processing. But I don’t let either one of them think any different, offering some suggestions on how and where to start, upward trends in the market, and other ideas which come to my mind.
By the end of the conversation, Lex looks pleased with our discussion.
“Is it a yes?” he asks, waiting patiently.
“It’s a… more processing,” I tell him while grabbing champagne from the waiter.
“Well, while you’re processing, I’m going to have a chat with some old business colleagues, then call it a night,” he mentions, keeping his smile fixed. “I have a late video call I must attend.”
“You tell your video companion that I’m just fine, please.”
Lex leans in to kiss me goodbye, thanking me again for coming tonight on such short notice. I know he has an early flight in the morning, never wanting to be too absent from his family.
I decide to use my time wisely, introducing myself to a few CEOs also based here in Manhattan. As the night wears on, my champagne wears off, and home sounds so good.
Ignoring my disappointment at not seeing Dominic, I say goodbye to a few guests I have been chatting with and make my way through the crowded room toward the exit. As I excuse myself, trying my best to be polite, though fucked off people have to be so rude and not listen, I tap on a shoulder with a loud, “Excuse me.”