Chapter 5
The next afternoon, Hannah brought me a necklace.
It wasn't new.
It was a ruby choker I'd left at her place before. The color was rich and bold, the kind that commanded attention.
As soon as she walked in, she gave me a once-over. "Are you heading out for dinner, or are you planning to take someone down tonight?"
I was touching up my lipstick in the mirror and couldn't help but laugh. "Am I really that over the top?"
"Not at all," Hannah said, crossing her arms and leaning against the vanity. "You're terrifying when you're like this. The more you smile, the more someone's bound to have a bad day."
I snapped my lipstick shut and turned to look at her. "So tonight, don't sit too close. You might get splattered."
Hannah finally cracked a smile. "Okay, I knew you'd be alright."
I looked at myself in the mirror and fastened the ruby choker around my neck.
The woman reflected back had her long hair half-pinned up, elegant lines at her shoulders and neck, lips bold and vivid, eyes with a subtle tilt, and a smile that was easy and unguarded.
She wasn't cold, nor was she harsh.
She had the kind of poise that only came from being cherished, and from claiming her own place in the world.
I reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear and said softly, "Who says I'm alright?"
Hannah's smile faded a little.
I snapped my earring into place and went on, "Sometimes, if you break down too soon, you lose your grip on the whole scene."
By the time we pulled up to the hotel, it was already dark outside.
The entrance was brightly lit, the floor polished to a mirror shine, and even the reflections on the glass doors were crystal clear.
As soon as Chris's car came to a stop, the doorman hurried over.
When I stepped out, my high heels clicked sharply against the floor.
Chris stood by the car, reaching out to help me.
I placed my hand in his, used his arm for support as I stepped out, and casually brushed his sleeve.
"Why are you nervous?" I teased.
He looked down at me, his voice low. "Me? Nervous?"
"You've checked me out seven times since we left the house," I said, meeting his gaze with a playful smile. "Mr. Ford, if you keep staring, people might start talking."
Chris looked at me, and the heaviness in his gaze lightened a bit at my words. "You're in a really good mood today."
"Yeah," I replied, slipping my hand out of his arm. "For once, I finally figured something out."
"So, what did you figure out?"
"Men can't be trusted. Dresses and jewels never let me down."
With that, I strode ahead of him into the hotel.
Chris stood there, looking like he wanted to pull me back, but stopped himself.
By the time we got to the VIP suite, a bunch of people were already there. They were all familiar faces.
As soon as I walked in, everyone got up to say hi. Some told me I looked stunning tonight, others joked about how I finally decided to show up. A few poked fun at Chris, asking if he'd pulled some magic to get me out.
I laughed and chatted with them as I headed further inside.
Chris's seat was to the right of the head of the table, with an empty chair next to him. And right beside that was Vivian.
She was wearing a cream-colored blouse, her hair tied back in a low ponytail, and her makeup was barely there. She still looked quiet, proper, and almost invisible.
But when she saw me, her eyes flickered for a moment, and her glass tapped softly against the table.
Chris walked over and pulled out the chair for me.
"Have a seat," he said.
I glanced down at the chair, then turned to look at him.