Page 85 of Hot As Ice

More laughter.

“Yes, please introduce us to some of Ben’s rich friends, Celeste. I’m single and interested.”

“I’m not single and I’m still interested,” Dascha says, and the room erupts with laughter, even the hair and makeup artists joining in.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Celeste says with a cheeky smile. She looks incredible, nearly angelic with her blonde hair in a crown braid. Her makeup is subtle, highlighting her natural beauty. She’s in a silk robe like the rest of us, so I haven’t seen her in her white gown yet, but I’m sure it’s going to be exquisite.

She sips her iced coffee through a straw so as not to mess up her perfect lip liner and lipstick. I stay quiet, not wanting to join in on the conversation at all. I feel awkward, as usual, when I’m not around my friends or people my age.

So, I laugh at their jokes, but otherwise keep my mouth shut.

“Celeste, the stepmother,” Heidi says, eyes glinting with something almost sinister.

Celeste rolls her eyes. “Hardly. Hunter is 21 years old. He doesn’t need mothering.”

“Oh, no, honey, that’s where you’re wrong,” Victoria buts in. “Men of all ages are basically just little boys who always want their mommies.”

“Mhmm,” mutters the woman curling my hair.

Celeste sips on her drink, looking unruffled. “I’m never going to replace Hunter’s mother. But if he ever needs anything, he can always come to me. I’ll do my best, naturally⁠—”

“Have you and Ben talked about having kids?” This from Heidi, who has an eyebrow arched.

Finally, Celeste looks a little bit uncomfortable. She shifts in her seat and wraps her robe tighter around her waist. “He’s open to it,” she says.

“Open to it,” Heidi repeats. “Hmm.”

Celeste swivels in her seat. “What, Heidi?”

“Nothing.” Heidi raises her hands in a mollifying gesture. “I think it’s wonderful that he’s open to it.” She smirks.

Celeste turns back around towards the vanity mirror and says nothing. A heavy silence fills the room. Mercifully, Victoria has the very smart idea to turn on some music. A bouncy beat reverberates through the room and the vibe shifts, going from tense to lighthearted.

I’m so happy when my hair and makeup is officially done, and I can go back to my hotel room. An entire block of the hotel has been reserved for guests, including me. It’s all very luxurious.

A few hours later, we’re all dressed and about to head to Hunter’s family estate, where we’ll be taking the official portraits. My heart flutters when I see Hunter in the hotel lobby. All the men are there in tuxes, waiting for us women.

Hunter’s dad looks very serious. It’s truly odd to never see him smile. I would never want such a serious man, but Celeste nearly skips over to him with a huge smile on her face. She looks giddy. Her dress is a true princess gown, with a wide skirt and strapless sweetheart neckline. Silk rosettes decorate the skirt.

I’m so happy for her I can’t stop smiling.

Hunter reaches for me and takes my hand. “You look gorgeous.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

We spend hours taking photos at various parts of the estate, which is huge. The weather isn’t great, it being November, but it cooperates. No rain. The wind is minimal. The sun even pokes through the clouds occasionally. I’ve smiled so much my face hurts, and my feet in my high heels are begging for a break. Just when I think I can’t take it anymore, we’re done and it’s time for cocktail hour.

Celeste and Hunter’s dad greet every guest together as they come in. Celeste’s smile never falters. I’m not sure I could be this on for hours and hours. The party is just getting started and I’m already overwhelmed.

I’m making my way to the ladies’ room when a voice beside me says, “Stuffed mushroom?” I turn toward the voice, about to say ‘no, thank you,’ when I freeze. The man in front of me, dressed as a server, is Joe. He’s holding a tray of stuffed mushrooms and smiling politely.

The smile turns into a smirk as I stare at him. “Hi, little whore,” he says in a low voice. “Enjoying the party? How much is he paying you to be his arm candy?” His mouth twists into a sneer to accompany his ugly words.

I jolt out of my stupor.

Turning towards the way I came, I walk away as quickly as I can without drawing undue attention, keeping a smile on my face the whole time. I scan the surroundings. Hunter is by the bar with his friends and hockey teammates, talking and laughing, his glass of Coke in his hand. I don’t want to go and tell him what happened. There’s no point. I refuse to cause drama on Celeste’s big day. The exit from the tent is only a few yards away. I just have to make it there without anyone stopping me, and then I can hide in the pool house.

I make it out and into the pool house without incident.