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I can't possibly compete with people like this. The pressure is starting to overwhelm me. I feel my body warming, but I can't afford to sweat in this dress.
“Kennedy, do you know where I can find a restroom, please?”
“Certainly, follow me.”
Jackson whispers in my ear, “Are you ok?”
“Just want to freshen up,” I lie, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek for any onlookers.
“I’ll wait here for you.”
“Perfect. I’ll only be a minute.”
One minute turns into ten. I’m frozen in the bathroom. It’s larger and fancier than any bathroom I’ve ever seen. There are full couches, complete with coffee and side tables and magazines. Even a small fridge filled with drinks. Everything you need for a few hours. Maybe I could just stay here all night and no one would notice.
Stop being ridiculous. You’re an adult, act like one.
I go to the mirror one last time, reapplying my lipstick and checking my hair. As I’m smoothing down my dress, a beautiful, middle-aged woman with long blonde hair enters.
She sees me primping. “You look fantastic already. Get back out there to Jackson.”
Her compliment catches me off guard. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”
“I’m Jackson’s aunt, Amanda. Congratulations on the engagement. His parents told me about it just last night. I never thought I’d see the day he’d settle down. You must be very special.”
My cheeks flush. “Oh, yes, thank you. He’s very special himself.” I move quickly toward the door. “Have a great night.”
Ok, no more talking toanyone.
Jackson is waiting when I finally make my return.
“What took so long? You’re clearly not okay.” He leads me to a lounge off the main ballroom.
It’s filled with luxury. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, casting sparkling glows onto the polished marble floors below. Fresh flowers overflow from diamond-plated vases. Plush, velvety seating is arranged beautifully throughout the room.
Jackson guides me to one of the couches.
Sitting beside me, he prods, “What’s going on?”
“I can’t do this. It’s too much. Your aunt congratulated me on our engagement in the bathroom. What am I supposed to say to people if that keeps happening tonight?”
“How about, thank you?”
I elbow him in the stomach. “Jackson, I’m serious.”
“I know. How about you don’t leave my side for the rest of the night and I’ll do all the talking. Unless you want to at some point, of course.”
“That could work. You talk. I’ll smile. I’m pretty good at that.”
“It’s a plan. Ready to get back out there?”
“Not really, but let’s go anyway.”
Using his cane for support, Jackson rises from the couch and extends a hand to help me stand. I could definitely get used to all this chivalry.
“Let’s go find the family. I want to make sure I get a chance to talk with my grandfather.”
After some searching, Jackson spots his parents by the buffet table, chatting with a group of people.
