Page 72 of Book Club Confidential

The space inside the glass front doors held an equally thick crowd, waiting for the hotel elevators.

Distant sounds of music drifted down from the roof as the line pressed forward.

Thunder rolled, and Hallie lifted a warning finger to the sky. “Don’t even think about it.”

Tessa laughed but seconded the sentiment.

“Smile!” someone called.

Beside them, Kate held her chin high, as cool and confident as any influencer. She winked in Tessa’s direction while posing for photos with others dressed to the nines.

Her long white dress gripped her from breasts to hips, then fell over her legs in layers of ethereal wispy fabric. Thousands of crystals sewn into the material twinkled like ice, catching light with every camera flash. The structured bodice flattened her middle and cinched her waist, forcing her breasts into an abundance of cleavage that would make the wardrobing department on the set of Bridgerton proud.

Seeing Kate in the gown made it clear to Tessa why she’d want something more comfortable for next year’s event. Tessa wasn’t sure how her friend could breathe.

Around them, the night’s Lewis Carroll theme was in full effect, heavy on the Alice in Wonderland, which the crowd had taken to heart. Some guests dressed as characters from the far side of the looking glass, while others had simply drawn inspiration from the tale. Tessa spotted a half dozen women in long red sequin gowns and elaborate updos, possible nods to the Queen of Hearts. Twice as many wore blue tea-length dresses with white knee-high stockings and black crinolines, clearly having chosen Alice as their muse. Guests in suits with large top hats or pocket watches were plentiful as well. A few wore bunny ears, noses, or tails. Those attendees were sure to love the oil paintings outside Fox and Hound.

“She’s in her element,” Hallie said, smiling proudly toward Kate. She rubbed her palms against her bare arms and shifted foot to foot against the cold.

Soon a large man in a dark suit scanned Kate’s ticket and ushered them into the hotel lobby.

“Hey,” Kate whispered, turning to Tessa in the closely packed space. “What happened at work?”

Tessa swallowed the urge to sob and shook her head. “Later, okay?”

Kate examined her for a moment, undecided. The elevator dinged, announcing its arrival, and Kate let the subject drop as they stepped in.

Tessa focused on her reflection in the shiny metal doors. Despite a lack of time for her hair and makeup, she looked sufficient for the event. Her ice-blue gown and silver jewelry did the heavy lifting. Her dress looked nearly white in the stark lighting, but her accessories accentuated the faint, sky-like hue. She just had to smile and support Kate however she could.

Shoulders back, she stuffed all feelings of panic over quitting her job, upsetting her former boss, and leaving her work friends without a proper explanation into the recesses of her mind. She’d reach out to Millie, Nina, and Josephine tomorrow. For now, her phone was set to Do Not Disturb.

She paced her breathing as the car climbed silently upward, hoping again that urging Kate and Hallie to take stands in their lives wouldn’t cost them what it had cost her. If tonight went well enough, Kate could reestablish herself online in the days to come. People would dole out photos of this event for weeks, which made it the perfect opportunity to regain old followers or, even better, find thousands of new ones.

The elevator doors parted, and the passengers made soft sounds of delight. Faux vines and twinkle lights hung thickly from the ceiling of the vestibule, draping nearly to the floor at the corners. Guests piled out and marveled at the small space and decor. Music and laughter spilled from the bar’s entrance, now held slightly ajar. The others gushed and laughed, stepping through the space behind the large framed photo and into the party beyond.

Kate held Tessa and Hallie back a moment, tugging discreetly on their elbows.

“This is like a fever dream,” Kate said. “I can’t believe I’m really here.”

Her eyes swam with unshed tears as she looked from Hallie to Tessa. “I’ve dreamed of this for a decade. Just getting invited is huge. And I did it.”

Tessa slid an arm behind her back and pulled her into a soft side hug.

Kate nodded, working to fight the tears. “Feeling legitimized like this, among my peers— It’s priceless, you know? People recognized me and my content. A few people even mentioned the new material I’ve posted. They loved the painting and books. The real, everyday life.”

“Real, but heavily romanticized,” Hallie said.

“Exactly!” Kate took a long deep breath. “Maybe I can really build a following with my new brand.”

“You can do anything,” Tessa said. “I’m certain of it.”

“Come on,” Hallie said. “Let’s get inside before the next group arrives.”

Kate took photos as Tessa guided her into the bar behind Hallie.

The venue had been transformed into an odd dreamlike state. Shimmering gauze covered the ceilings, giving the illusion of walking near the clouds. Moss clung to faux trees, and giant toadstools stood beside grand mirrors. Elaborate spreads of finger foods filled buffet tables draped in white linens.

Outside, a DJ’s muffled voice carried through the glass from a microphone, and the low notes of music vibrated the floor.