I find it comforting that Zach is excited for me to meet his brothers.He makes me feel like I fit in his world, and this thought is both comforting and terrifying at the same time.He’s not tucking me away in the quiet corners of his life, or pretending I don’t exist when it counts.What terrifies me is that he wants me standing beside him, in the Knight family, and that’s something I don’t want to think about yet.
***
Fleur takes one look at me and grins.“This isn’t just a birthday,” she says, rifling through my wardrobe like a woman on a serious governmental mission.“This is your red-carpet moment, and you need to make a big splash.”
“Please don’t call it that, and I don’t want to make a splash.”I feel a touch of anxiety.I came home a few hours ago, telling Zach I needed to get ready.He’s coming later to pick me up, because I told him there’s no way I can turn up alone, to the yacht.
She snorts.“Too late.People are going to want to know who you are.”
She hands me a dress I hadn’t dared to consider.It was something I bought for a friend’s gallery opening a few years ago, when I convinced myself I needed to look like I belonged in a space like that.But I never wore it, and it sat at the back of my closet ever since, the tags still on it, waiting for when the time was right and I was brave enough to put it on.
It’s an olive-colored midi silk slip dress, with a clean neckline and thin spaghetti straps.It’s cut on the bias so it moves when I walk.It also has a back that exposes more than I feel comfortable with, but Fleur insists.I quickly put it on and almost don’t recognize myself when I stand in front of the mirror.I’m stunned into silence because the woman staring back at me looks softer and stronger than I feel.
“This is the one,” I murmur.I’ve finally become the version of me that can carry this dress without wanting to hide.It’s the perfect dress.I take it off, and head to the bathroom, announcing to Fleur that I’ll be in here for a few hours.I want to take my time getting ready slowly.
It’s a while before I emerge, fully dressed, looking glamorous and feeling like a million dollars.I’ve paired the dress with a thin bracelet and earrings.No necklace.I’ve done my makeup so that my eyes are smoky, making my dark lashes look heavier.I’ve slicked on some nude lipstick and gently ruffled my thick, wavy hair, so that it falls around my shoulders.
I feel ready, and I can’t wait for Zach to see me.
My phone buzzes.It’s Zach, waiting for me downstairs in the chauffeur-driven car.
“Your carriage awaits, m’lady,” Fleur says in a practiced, and perfect English accent.
“I’m so nervous!”I take a deep breath.
“Don’t be.”She holds my hands.“Your prince awaits.”
“Stop it!”
“Have fun, Cinderella.”
When I get outside my apartment block, the sight of a black SUV freezes me.It’s just like the car Mom and I got into when we were driven away from the Knight Estate.
But this is not that moment.
And I am not that helpless teenager.
And Zach is in my life again.
My breath catches when I see him standing there, looking like he stepped out of a movie.He’s dressed all in black—black shirt open at the collar, black tailored trousers, and a fitted jacket that shows off his broad shoulders.
I’m used to seeing him in business clothes.Crisp white shirts and well-cut suits.But like this?All in black, he looks a little dangerous.Less corporate, more movie star.His hair looks lighter, his eyes twinkle, and that light dusting of hair on his face renders him so breathtakingly handsome that it makes the air gush out of my lungs.
“Wow,” he mouths, as I walk up to him.I don’t need a mirror to tell me that I look red-carpet worthy, because Zach’s eyes fill with admiration and awe.He reaches for my hand and kisses the back of it, like I’m some dainty precious thing he’s fiercely protective of.
I lean into him, but I don’t need to tiptoe this time, because I have six-inch heels on.What was I thinking?Fleur convinced me they go with my dress.I press a light kiss on his lips.He cups my face gently.“I want to kiss you passionately, but I don’t want to smudge your makeup.”
I giggle.“Your all-in-black outfit would hide it well.”
We smile, because there is always afterwards.
“Shall we?”He guides me into the car, his hand resting gently on my lower back as I climb in.We hold hands as the car starts to move.He keeps staring at me.
“Is my eyeshadow smudged?”I ask, feeling a little self-conscious.
“No.It’s just that I can’t keep my eyes off you.Thank you for coming.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”I’m so glad his father is away.So glad I get to be a part of this moment.We don’t talk much.We just hold hands and occasionally look at one another.
