Chapter Thirty-Eight
The party is in full swing when we arrive. Hors d’oeuvres are making the rounds and colorful cocktails abound. The ladies shoot us tight smiles as we venture into the crowd. Cassie grabs two Crantinis from the bar. Renata is tempting the ladies with her naughty offerings. It’s exactly what I need tonight, and I indulge in a mango flavored gummy. Five milligrams of THC, a sativa/indica hybrid, I’m told, and it’s the perfect choice for tonight. I want to feel relaxed and loose, but I also want to have a little energy.
Yes, I’m here, and I’m excited to be here. I was practically dragged here, and I know it won’t be easy seeing Colton surrounded by all these beauties.
“Check out her heels,” Cassie is saying, pointing at Annabelle. Damn. Red soles, black lace, a criss-cross strap and pointed toes, the height of sophistication. And she’s wearing the tiniest little black dress.
I suddenly feel a little plain in my pink dress and fuzzy slippers. Yes, I’ve taken off the Dior boots, and slipped on my favorite pink slippers. The bunny faces on them always make me smile.
Annabelle turns her head, and catches my gaze. She hurries over and hugs me. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Colton told me you and Judy were close, that you were next door neighbors.”
“Yes… thank you, Annabelle.”
“I didn’t know her well myself. I took a few piano lessons with her when I was little, but it didn’t last very long. I had no talent.” She laughs. “Truth be told, I barely remember her.”
“Well, she was a wonderful woman.”
“You’re empty,” Cassie announces. “You need another drink.” I know she’s just trying to keep me cheerful.
“I can’t drink too much,” I tell her. “I’ve already had a gummy.”
She smiles. “Me too. I can’t wait for it to kick in.”
Just as we’re heading to the bar, heads turn. Colton Rossi has officially entered the room. He’s larger than life, as usual. He’s stunning, all in black. He still hasn’t shaved his beard.
“Damn,” Cassie gushes.
He chats up not one or two butthreeladies at once, including Anika, the redhead who’s usually all over him. But she keeps her distance tonight. Hugs and cheek kisses all around — the man is Italian after all. It’s the same scene I’ve seen before, so I’m not too bothered by it. And the drinks and THC have started to have their desired effect. I feel very chill and surprisingly happy.
He finally sees me.Finally.I was starting to wonder if I was invisible. And when he does, I’m the only one in the room. His gaze does not leave me for a second as he makes his way to me. “You look perfect, just as I’d imagined.”
“Thank you.” I blush a little, despite myself. “Did you pick out this dress yourself? It’s really nice. I love it.”
He smiles. “Yes… from the website. I imagined it on you, but my imagination certainly did not do you justice.”
“You flatter me too much,” I joke, already feeling very giddy. “Go on.”
He laughs. “Thank you so much for coming, Clara. You have no idea what this means to me.”
“Well, thank you for dragging me here.”
He laughs again.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Victoria chimes in. “Dinner is apparently ready, Colton.”
“Oh, okay. Well, to be continued,” he says to me, and then blows me a kiss as he heads to the kitchen.
I blow him a kiss right back, and Cassie snuggles up to me. “Stop it… you’re making everyone jealous,” she whispers in my ear. “I don’t want everyone to hate us. I’m trying to make friends here.”
I’m laughing as we head to the dining room. We take a seat next to each other, and it’s a real beehive at the table as everyone settles down. Finally, Colton, the star of the show, sits down, and wine is poured all around. I choose a red, and make a mental note to just have a few sips. I’m already feeling way too happy.
He raises his glass for a cheer, as is the custom. “Thank you all again for being here tonight.”
Aye-aye. Cheers all around.
“The nights might be getting chillier,” he says, “but the party inside is only getting hotter.”
This statement garners a lot of hooting and cheering. I cheer along… why not?
