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Toni and her assistant deftly finish my hair, turning my auburn locks into silky waves.Meanwhile, Phoebe perfects my lips, her concentration unwavering.Everything has to be impeccable.
Battling the looming sadness, I force my focus onto tonight.
But my gaze keeps wandering to the tall man in the reflection, the one I fired but can’t seem to forget.It’s complicated, to say the least.My heart keeps punishing me, and being around him is a constant reminder of what we can’t have—commitment.He’s just not capable of it.
“Okay, stop fussing,” Toni says, swatting her assistant away.“She’s perfect.”Her approval brings a sense of relief, and as she circles around me with her comb, I can’t help but wonder how this evening will unfold, especially with him standing there, so near yet so distant.
Toni begins the process of packing up her things, and the atmosphere in the room is a mix of anticipation and jitters as we prepare for the upcoming event.Just as if on cue, Lexy reenters the room, a wide grin on her face.
“Justin Cole,” Lexy announces with undeniable excitement.“He’s like a sculpture of pure gold!”
We all share a hearty laugh at her playful description, and it’s true.Justin Cole is not just any ordinary guest.He holds the prestigious title of GQ Man of the Year.
I see Kingsley’s reflection, every muscle coiled like he’s on the edge of something.He remains stoic, his face a mask of professionalism.But the subtle shift in his stance tells me he’s warring with himself.It’s maddening and infuriating because all I want is for him to finally let go and yield to whatever emotions he’s stubbornly pushing down.
Lexy, the eternal matchmaker, doesn’t miss a beat.“Did I say they’ve seated you two together?”She winks as if it needed any clarification that she’s hoping for more than just a professional connection.
“Oh, lucky you.Justin is back on the market after parting ways with Victoria’s Secret model, Carolina Decker,” Lexy continues, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
Toni joins in with a gleeful “Yay!”
I’m trying to match their enthusiasm, but I think it falls short.“Well, it should be an interesting evening.”
I marvel at my reflection.I’ve turned into a goddess at the hands of these masterful artists surrounding me.I look down at my satin blue dress with a plunging neckline and an equally daring low-cut back.My sky-high, needle-thin stilettos are the finishing touch, elevating my petite stature to something less easily dismissed.
I decide, then and there, not to let my heartache ruin my evening.“You know what, this evening’s gonna be fun, and who knows what will happen with Justin,” I say, my tone more casual and relaxed.I know nothing is going to happen.I’m nowhere near interested in Justin, but I’m finding the words tumble out of my mouth loud enough for Kingsley to hear.
“Miss Slater, it’s time to leave.”Kingsley’s abrupt interruption jolts me from my thoughts.His words are direct and assertive and cause my team to stop what they are doing and stare.
He looks angry.
Good.
“It’s a real loss, Kingsley, your departure.Who else will dazzle us with such unmatched bedside manner?”Lexy says, her words dripping with sarcasm.
“He’s leaving so soon?Damn, he’s quite easy on the eyes.Maybe I should check if he’s up for something casual,” Toni muses aloud.
The moment Toni’s words fill the room, something inside me clenches.She’s talking about him—about Kingsley—as if he’s just another guy, a potential fling.Like he’s up for grabs.My expression tightens.
“No,” I interject, sharper than I intend to.“He’s not like that.”My words slice through the room, cutting off any further speculation about Kingsley.
Lexy turns to look at me, her eyes a mixture of confusion and curiosity.She’s clearly trying to read the meaning behind my sudden vehemence, perhaps even wondering if there is anything going on between us.
“Miss Slater, we must go now,” Kingsley announces, his voice breaking through the awkward tension like a knife.His tone leaves no room for argument.
* * *
My heart pounds relentlessly in my chest.I’ve already walked the red carpet and listened to the host’s hilarious introduction, and now it’s my turn to step out and present on stage.
God, please, not now.
“Are you okay?”Justin’s voice interrupts my mounting dread.He’s backstage with me, eyeing me like I’m an oddity.All night, he has flirted shamelessly.
“I’m fine,” I respond, offering him the well-practiced, camera-ready smile that’s seen me through countless public events.
“You look ravishing,” he observes, letting his eyes roam freely over my body, lingering noticeably on my chest.
“You already said that,” I reply, grateful when a producer approaches him, offering a brief reprieve.
