Determined to make the best of it, I wander through the transformed Place des Lices, enjoying Paul’s band as they alternate between swing beats and Renaissance melodies.
I brush my hand absently over my dress. While Antoine chose an outfit appropriate to my Upper-East-Side-Manhattan persona, it’s distinctly out of step with what the other women are wearing this evening.
Almost every other lady is dressed in some body-hugging dress with a plunging neckline and a hemline that barely covers what needs covering. I catch more than a few guests—men and women—giving me the eye.
Maybe they recognize me from the photographs in the paper asSlayer’s new girlfriend. Yet I also wonder if it’s because I look like I’ve walked in from a different party.
Well, I wouldn’t feel comfortable dressed like that anyway. And the men probably look at me even longer because I’m so covered up. Maybe that’s what Antoine had in mind.Keep the mystery.
Across the square, I spot Slayer chatting with Rafe near one of the fire dancers. His profile, illuminated by the flickering flames, makes my heart skip. After this afternoon, everything has changed between us.
At least, I think it has.
I stop to accept a drink from a server and smile at the familiar face reaching for a glass on the other side of his silver tray.
“Sade,” I say, delighted to find someone friendly to talk to.
“Bix, yes?” she asks, lifting her glass of Champagne.
We clink glasses together once the server moves on.
“So nice to see you this evening,” I tell her. “You look fabulous out of uniform.”
Sade performs a pirouette to show off her white dress, molded to her compact, curvy body. It’s so like mine, except her booty’s bigger.
“Love it,” I tell her. “I think we’re the classiest-dressed women here.” I grin.
She nods seriously. “Yes. My mother would freak if she saw me wear anything like these women.”
I try to place her accent, but give up. “Your voice is so lovely. Where did you grow up?”
“Senegal,” she says. “I came to France about five years ago. Paris first. Still looking for my piece of the pie.”
She scans the crowd with purpose before turning back to me. “I’d like to talk to you for a minute. Do you mind if we sit down?”
“Sure.”
She leads me to a park bench beneath one of the ancient plane trees. “I think I told you I’m a singer,” she begins.
I nod. “Yes. I can’t wait to hear you sing.”
“Everyone says I’m good,” she says, looking into my eyes. “Tellme. Do you think Mr. Sterling would be interested in hearing me audition?”
My heart sinks as I sigh.Question of the day.“Join the line. I auditioned for him back in New York but he—” I stop myself once I realize what I’m saying.Shit.
“Oh, well then, you’re all set,” Sade says, an odd look on her face.
“Yes, but... He didn’t...”
She shrugs. “You’re based in New York. You’re Slayer’s girlfriend. I’m sure he’ll consider auditioning you again.”
I take a deep breath. “We’ll see. I don’t really have influence with Mr. Sterling. I’m sorry. But that doesn’t mean you can’t just contact him and try asking him yourself. I’ll introduce you to Milo. He’s his assistant. He may be able to help.”
She frowns. “Yes. I spoke to Milo at the yacht party earlier. He couldn’t help.”
I grasp for something encouraging. “I thought Paul said you auditioned for Carlos Rhodes? He seems to have a good pedigree. His dad started the label and everything. What’s come of that?”
She shakes her head. “Yes. Carlos had me audition. But he still hasn’t decided.”
