My gaze travels down the black floor-length Oscar de la Renta floral embroidered with velvet guipure lace gown. Its modest plunging scoop neckline and long sleeves kiss my skin subtly, accentuating my figure without being too revealing. When I saw this dress, I instantly fell in love. I told the stylist I wouldn’t look at another dress. She paired it with a black Margaux crystal ruche leather clutch, a Robert Demeglio eighteen karat rose gold and champagne diamond matte ceramic bracelet, and a pair of black Jimmy Choo Saeda crystal strapped heels.
My reflection has me mumbling, “Bish, you my boo.”
I laugh at my silliness, but it’s true. I look fucking amazing. My laughter brings a smile to my face.
After I kicked Sam’s ass earlier this week, I went home so drained I slept until Thomas woke, informing me that the video of my mother being tortured was a fake. I was equally relieved and pissed off. I was relieved she wasn’t in danger but pissed that no one had heard or seen my mom in months. If she had at least kept in touch, I wouldn’t have to rely on outside sources to verify she’s not tied up somewhere.
So, while I’m not sold on tonight, I’m looking forward to getting to party with Shay, Wy, and Owen. I was hoping to ride to this stupid event with Shay, but apparently, as aselected,I have some specialty transportation picking me up.
The sound of running pulls me out of my musing, and I turn to see my siblings gawking from the door.
“Wow,” they all say.
Screaming far too loudly, Ky says excitedly, “You look like a princess, Riah!”
Jamie’s mouth has yet to close. I smirk at her, “I know I look like some debutante Barbie with curves, right?”
“No, Riah, you look far better. Barbie is an unrealistic characterization of patriarchal standards of beauty. You look like the real thing.”
I can’t help but laugh. “What the hell are they teaching you at school, Jamie? Can you even spell half of what you just said?”
Crossing her arms over her chest, she retorts, “It doesn’t matter if I can spell it. All that matters is that you know it.”
I love this girl. She’s amazing and snarky rolled into one medium-sized human.
A knock sounds, “You look magnificent, Ariah. Your ride is here,” Tabitha announces.
I kiss the top of the boys’ heads and hug Jamie before grabbing my clutch from the bed and striding downstairs.
Still a bit nervous about not knowing anything, I ask Tabitha, “What’s tonight going to be like?”
From some of our conversations, I’ve gathered that she’s lived here all her life. So, I figure she has to know something.
“Oh dear, these are usually pretty straightforward. There will be lots of socializing, some dancing, you’ll eat, and then the ceremony will begin.
My head snaps up and I have to grab the railing, nearly tripping over the hem of my dress. Ceremony?The invitation said nothing about a ceremony.
Groaning, I whine, “Seriously? What kind of ceremony?”
Chuckling, her tinkling laughter sounding melodious. She says, “You’ll be fine. Actually, you’ll be more than fine. There hasn’t been a selection in my lifetime, but the stories I’ve heard make it sound like a lavish affair. Now, get going and have yourself a marvelous time.
Smiling, I set my heel on the landing, but before I reach the door, she calls out, “Oh and Ariah, do everything that I would do.” Then she turns, heading back upstairs where the kids are.
My eyes bulge, and I break out into a fit of giggles.That minx.
When I step outside, I see an average-sized man holding the door open to Rolls Royce Phantom.
As I approach, he says, “Good Evening, Miss Bishop. I’m Chad. I’ll be your driver tonight and Erik will be riding with me to be your protection.”
“Thank you,” I reply, entering the car and taking in the brown leather interior.
Once the door closes, I begin mentally preparing myself for what I pray is only a fun night.
* * *
Tonight’s been amazing.I danced, laughed, and stuffed my face. The room is elaborate in its decadence. Ornate crystal candelabras line the walls, setting the mood in the gold and ivory-colored decorated room. No expense was spared in the planning of this event. Tables were set with the finest dinnerware I’ve ever seen with white lilies cascaded elegantly at the table’s center. The room screamed old money.
The only downside was seeing Samantha’s annoying face, though the sight of her swollen cheek did take away some of the sting.
