Jill
Hey! It was really great to meet you today.
Me
It was really nice to meet you too.
Jill
I know Roman can be a bit of a twat sometimes. Promise not to hold it against the rest of us Everetts?
Me
I’ll do my best
Jill
Are you free next Friday?
Me
I think so?
Jill
Roman’s too stubborn to ask, but you should come to the premiere of Under Violet Skies with us.
Right. James Everett’s latest release. A thrill races through me at the prospect of going to my first red carpet event.
Me
I’m in.
Shit. What does one wear to a premiere?
Chapter Seventeen
CLOVER
“Ican do this,” I whisper to myself as I stare in the mirror.
Smokey lets out a meow of agreement in the background as I rub the fabric of the dress over my hips. The silk satin feels soft and buttery, pooling and flowing in all the right places. It’s a teal so vibrant it’s the same color as the glacier-fed lakes back home. Thin straps hold the dress up, and the neckline allows for a hint of cleavage as the fabric clings to my chest and waist before flowing out over my hips. With a tentative movement, I pop my leg out of the long slit running up the side of the dress.
There’s no doubt about it, this is the most beautiful and expensive thing I’ve worn in my life. When I told Anita about the premiere, she assured me she’d get something for me to wear. She put in a call to a gown rental place, and this showed up at my door a few days later. I know it’s a rental, but the way it clings to my body makes it feel like it was meant for me. I turn to look at the back of the dress, which features a low cut and highlights my back and how toned it’s looking after all the time and energy I’ve been spending in the gym.
Glancing over at the clock on my nightstand, I realize I’mgoing to be late if I don’t get moving. Time for last-minute details and getting out the door. I quickly run my hands through my soft, loose waves and apply a liberal amount of deodorant and perfume. As I head toward the door, Smokey meows once more, as if to remind me of something.
I have no idea how it works, but it does, because I realize I’ve forgotten to put in my earrings.
“Thank you!” I give her a quick peck on the top of her head and grab the sparkling crescent-shaped earrings before ducking out into the hallway. Thankfully, Maren’s out at acting class tonight, so that’s one less asshole I need to worry about encountering.
Hurrying through my building, my silver heels make a melodic clickety clacking noise as I approach the front door. A tall, dark form stands near the building’s call box, one arm leaning above it. My stomach dips at the sight of Roman in his dark blue suit.
Noticing me, he pushes away from the call box and waits for me to get outside.
“Clover,” he greets.
“You know you can actually say the word ‘hello’, right?” I grumble.
