I’m so nervous, I’m afraid I might pee myself. I anxiously await Nicole’s and Cassie’s arrival. Cassie and I are taking an Uber there.
After what seems like an eternity, Nicole finally arrives, her usual backpack hanging off of her shoulder. “Wow, you look so good, Mrs. Scott.”
She insists on calling me Mrs. Scott, which makes me feel very old. I’ve told her countless times to call me Clara but it just hasn’t sunk in yet. “Thank You. My friend and I are going to a party.”
“Have fun,” she says. “You deserve it.”
Christian runs up to her, and hugs her at the waist. She ruffles his hair.
“Hey, Christian. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
“I’ll take good care of him,” she assures me. “You have fun and don’t worry for one minute.”
I hug her tight. “You’re a doll.”
A knock on the window startles the both of us. It’s Cassie.
She’s quick to make her way in, full of energy. She looks fabulous in a little blue number and matching peep toe heels and clutch.
“Oh. My. God. You look a-mazing, girl!”
I laugh. “You too. But it’s less shocking on you. You always look good.”
“Doesn’t she look amazing?” she asks Nicole. “You think she’s just a little plain Jane, and then she puts on a red dress, and she’s freaking Selena Gomez.”
Nicole smiles. “She does.”
“Okay… let’s go, babe,” Cassie says. “I can’t wait. Let’s go wait for the Uber outside.”
“Sure. Let me just grab my purse.” Unlike Cassie, I don’t have a fancy clutch. It’s just a simple black wristlet.
“Sure.”
We head out outside, and I wobble a bit as we descend the stairs. We tottle toward the chairs in front of the cottage, and just as we’re about to sit, the Uber arrives. We head towards it, both giddy.
The ride zooms by, and as we drive past the large black iron gates, my heart drops. We’re dropped off right in front of the house. I stare at those large imposing blue doors, wondering what the night has in store for us.
We are welcomed in by a nice tall gentleman dressed in black. He introduces himself as Robert.
I glance at my red heels against the travertine tiles, and gaze up at the large spiral staircase leading to the second floor where I once was, that time I took the interview. Cassie has been here before too for her interview, yet she’s still slack-jawed. We both are. We both take in the space as we are led to the main living area.
It’s just as it was last time, but no less awe-inspiring. The white cat, the female, comes and says hello, almost as if she remembers me. She slithers between my legs, leaving hair on my stockings.Just great.
There are a few women here already, and Colton is nowhere in sight. Soft music is playing in the background, and yummy appetizers are being served. Cassie heads straight to the bar, and I nip at her heels. It’s nice to be here with someone this time. I feel less conspicuous than I did last time. She orders us both Appletinis. “This is so exciting, isn’t it?” she says.
I nod in agreement, and study the five or so beautiful women milling about, chatting and just being fabulous. Annabelle is here, and I want to approach her but she’s already engaged in conversation. I glance over at Cassie. She fits in. She definitely measures up to all these women. Me, on the other hand…
Cassie, being the extrovert she is, is already chatting up the redhead, asking her if she’s been here before. Yes, she has. I stare at the weird painting over the fireplace, the one with the cowboy mermaid. I don’t know why it fascinates me so. The white cat hasn’t left my side so I crouch to my knees and pet her. She rubs her face against the red patent leather of my shoes. “Don’t even think about biting my new shoes, little lady,” I warn. “They’re super pretty and expensive.”
“If she does, I’ll give her a good spanking, and then I’ll buy you new shoes.”
My head shoots up, and he looks majestic, standing tall over me, dressed in shades of grey. He’s as gorgeous as ever. I slowly stand and look up at him. “Oh… Hi, Colton.”
His gaze travels leisurely from my head down to the pointy tip of my heels, and back up again. “You look beautiful.”
I blush. Of course I blush. I am such a spaz. “Thank you.” God, I wish I could think of something else to say, something clever. “Uh… you’re in the habit of spanking your cats, are you?”
