That reminds me that this is purely business and nothing more. He lends me this dress because I need to look presentable for a gala he throws to be on a good side with the possible clients. He makes it clear that I must look and act as I fit in their aristocratic world.
Choosing not contemplate further about it, I open my drawer and pull out a box of shoes. My aunt gives it to me when I turn eighteen telling me that my mom will want to give it to me at the right time. It's a beautiful heel that matches the color of my dress. They're the perfect match, the same shade of blue.
I put on a white diamond earring the size of a dot to go with my look but nothing more. When I'm pretty sure that my wallet and purse are already inside my hand-held wallet pouch, I walk-run towards the slightly chilly night but nothing unbearable and flag down a passing by taxi.
The gala is held by one of the famous art gallery, Deviant. The invitation slashes my pass to the entrance is attach inside the box of the dress. The beautiful card has the location and time of the gala written in a cursive manner. I never miss his writing at the bottom that says, "I'll see you tonight." It seems that he's so sure that I'll be there which makes me scowl as I read it.
"Deviant gallery, please."
The middle age driver nods in acknowledgment and drives away. I look out the window and study the early evening sky. There are no clouds in sight but shining stars that twinkle back on me. There's one that stands out from the rest, burning bright and closer.
The weather's perfect it's as if Luke consulted on a professional forecaster who is not surprising at all. He sure does have the money for it, and it won't even make his fortune suffer. It's but a mere coin, nothing that will hurt his pocket.
Up ahead as we near, I can see cars lined up all the way back, and as we get further inside, the valets offer to park the car themselves. Suddenly, I feel daunted. There will be a lot of socialites inside, and I'm expected to gage them into conversation later relating to the deal. If they sense that I'm not one-bit blue blood individual, they will throw me out without a second thought.
I begin chewing on my bottom lip and contemplate on making an excuse of having not to be feeling well, but so suddenly, Lorina is marching my way.
I take a
deep breath and steal myself for what is to come.
After I pay the taxi, I meet Lorina halfway. We hug and kiss each other on the cheeks. She looks dashing in her silk top matching with black dress pants. She bellies her look with a smart idea of pairing her top with a black scarf.
She holds me at arm’s length and study me.
"My dear, Olivia. You look lovely!"
I smile, relaxing bit by bit by Lorina's warm welcome. She doesn't look tired at all. In fact, she glows beautifully despite the tedious day at work today.
"Come on inside. Luke's been looking for you. The boy has a short patience, try to understand."
The fact that Lorina can overlook his stuck-up attitude is something. She's like a mother to everyone with her jolliness and positive perspective with the world.
On our way inside the gallery, we pass by women who's either the wife of the businessmen Luke's rubbing elbows with or associated with him in a whole different manner.
There's also a guy in a dashing white suit that swifts in along the way for an introduction. His chocolate brown eyes catch mine, sweeping his gaze towards Lorina for a brief moment and taking her hand for a gentleman kiss. "You never age a day, miss Lorina."
Lorina laughs gentle, waving his comment away in a suitable manner. "You're certain your father's child, Austin. You little dork." She rumples his hair in a motherly way.
"That's not a way to treat me, ma'am. I'm all grown up!" he complains, running a hand through his messy blond hair.
I can't help the smile on my face as I watch the guy, Austin sweetly dodges Lorina's good-natured teasing. It's obvious that they are good acquaintances of each other, but then again, Lorina seems to be favor by everyone. I mean, who won't fall in love with her warm attitude?
Lorina promises to come back, leaving me with Austin.
He offers his hand gallantly with his other hand behind him like a perfect prince that he looks. A prince in wash out denim jeans and sneakers. A total contradiction to his formal top and yet somehow, he manages to look good in them. He's the exact opposite of the brooding man in navy blue suit gage in a business talk with a middle age couple. His midnight hair is slick back, formally dress into a suit with a black polo dress inside, the first three buttons are undone. His icy-blue eyes were rather emotionless. He looks somewhat pale tonight; his jaw locks tightly.
Austin's voice cut through the haze of my thoughts. "Shall we?"
I try to cover up for my lack of attention and smiles at him, giving my hand for him to take.
Forgetting that I'm nervous at all or the thought of being left out, I focus my full attention on him.
He breaks the awkward silence through a crack of joke that has me laughing.
“I’ve never seen you here, before, darling. Are you a daughter of some businessman here?” he pauses to look at me, a mild curiosity on those doe brown eyes.
The fact that he thinks that I’m one of the socialite’s daughter makes me almost laugh, but I quickly hide it through a small cough.