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“Is he here yet?” Mom asks.
Hereis the Plaza Hotel. My party is being held in their famous ballroom, and it’s going to be epic. I visited the ballroom earlier, when everyone was still setting up for the party, and the transformation took my breath away. The flowers, the decor, the food. And don’t even get me started on the planned performances tonight. Aerialists dangling from the chandeliers. Scantily clad burlesque dancers decked out in feathers and pearls while dancing in giant cocktail glasses. That’s all my father’s doing. He always likes pushing things to the edge, I swear.
He even hinted at asurpriseperformance, and I don’t have a clue what he’s referring to. I just know he never does things in a small way. He’s all about the grand gestures, which is a Lancaster family trait, but sometimes? Those grand gestures make me uncomfortable and I’d rather avoid them.
Where my dad is loud and obnoxious, I’m quiet and prefer to linger in the shadows.
But tonight, I’m excited to see who he’s brought in to perform. What if it’s Taylor Swift? I absolutely adore her. Beyoncé, maybe? I’m all about female empowerment, but I also wouldn’t mind seeing Harry Styles...
“Darling, did you hear me? Is Ian in the ballroom yet?” Mom asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
I blink at her, then shrug, my entire dress shifting with the movement. “I think so? I’m running late, so I’d guess everyone who’s coming is already in the ballroom.”
“Oh, don’t worry about being late. The guest of honor should always make a grand entrance,” Mom says with all that elegant authority I wish I could emulate. She’s so confident in her position as Fitz Lancaster’s wife.
Gloria Lancaster is the woman I’m desperate to be when I grow up. My mother is the supportive wife to one of the heirs of the Lancaster fortune, but she’s also heavily involved in a variety of charities, has gobs of friends who clamor for her attention, and after all these years, she still has the love and absolute adoration of my father.
Fitzgerald Lancaster may be a force to be reckoned with, but when he’s paired with my mother, they are still the it couple of high society, even now.
And then there’s me. Their oldest child, their only daughter. The quiet one who would rather stay at home and read a good book or binge-watch a series. I’m not as dazzling in the public eye as they are or even some of my cousins—not even close. Mom pushed me to become more involved on social media about a year ago, and I’ve grown my platform steadily ever since. Desperate to become something beyond Fitz and Gloria’s boring daughter.
Fake it till you make it, right?
“I’m definitely making a grand entrance tonight. Not sure how they’ll miss me in this dress.” I grab at the skirts, fluffing them out, wishing I could borrow just an ounce of my mother’s cool confidence for the evening.
The elevator comes to a stop, the doors sliding open with a soft whoosh, and we’re immediately hit with the sound of soft music mixed with the low murmurs of hundreds of people in conversation.
My birthday party is in full swing, and I haven’t even arrived yet. My mother always says that’s a good sign. Taking a deep, calming breath, I close my eyes for a moment, count to five, and tell myself it’s going to be all right.
It is. I know it.
Mom stays in the elevator as I make my way out, my wide skirts dragging across the floor, even with the heels I’m wearing. The dress is elaborate, constructed of layer upon layer of delicate, baby-pink tulle, with a high-low skirt that shows off my legs yet expands into a fluffy train that trails behind me as I walk.
“Darling, you are absolutely stunning,” Mom says once she exits the elevator, her gaze on me. “I’m going to text your father and ask him to join us out here. We’ll escort you into the ballroom and have them announce you’ve arrived. What do you think?”
“Okay, that sounds good.” I nod, shaking out my suddenly sweaty hands. I hate that I’m so nervous. I’ve been to plenty of events in my life, but not one that’s only for me. And with so many people in attendance. Tonight’s party is special, but it also should be fun. It’s a celebration for me.
We’re also taking donations in lieu of gifts to a variety of charities my family supports, including the Trevor Project and the Center for Reproductive Rights. Plus, we’ll make a considerable donation as well. It’s the least we can do.
Someday I want to use my own money and donate to the causes that matter to me, but for now, I’ll use the family money.
“Fitz. Darling. Please come out here and help me escort our gorgeous daughter into the ballroom.” Mom ends the call, and I swear within two minutes my father is striding toward us, a giant smile on his handsome face when he spots me.
“Scarlett, my God, look at you! You’re beautiful.” He greets me with open arms, and we hug awkwardly, the dress getting in the way. How could it not? “You’re going to make quite the appearance. You and that dress are going to be splashed all over the internet tomorrow morning.”
“Stop, you’re making her nervous,” Mom chastises before turning to look at me. “Are you ready?”
Standing taller, I square my shoulders and lift my chin. “Yes.”
“Did you tell her about the surprise?” Dad asks Mom.
“Not yet,” Mom says, sending him a pointed look. As if she wants him to remain quiet.
Nerves buzz in my veins, accompanied by a small dose of wariness. “What surprise?”
Dad moves to stand to my left, rubbing his hands together. “Who I arranged to perform just for you tonight.”
Oh, right. How could I forget? I was thinking about it only a moment ago in the elevator. I briefly clutch his arm, staring up at him with imploring eyes. “Please tell me it’s Taylor Swift.”
