***
The three of us rocked up to the famed hotel with smiles on and steps in synch, like we did this all the time. For Marnie, I’d chosen a long ruby-red dress with an A-line skirt and a bustier top. I was in a mint-green backless gown with a large bow at the neckline. I’d originally wanted to wear something more pared back. I didn’t care about the spotlight, especially when standing next to Lou, but this might be the only party I’d get to attend in Cannes, the only moment of fun, even though it would mostly consist of looking everywhere all the time for a glimpse of Dorian.
The party was called a “Fragrance Fête,” a promotional event for a new scent. The beauty group that owned the brand sponsored the festival, which explained the prime location on the terrace of the Martinez. A carpet in the lightest shade of pink had been laid out for the occasion andthere were peonies everywhere you looked, their velvety petals undisturbed by the light breeze coming from the sea. The vibe was very much Girly of the Girlies, and I felt good about how we stood out: fierce and fashion-forward. Many guests had gone for pink, the obvious sartorial choice. Marnie grabbed three cocktails for us, and I started to feel a bit more at ease.
That went away pretty fast. From the other side of the terrace, Laila waved energetically in my direction. She parted the crowd, her loose hair bouncing against her shoulders. She wore white satin pants with a matching oversized sleeveless vest, and dangling Clapard diamond earrings. With Lou and Marnie flanking me, there was nothing to do but brace for impact.
“Connie!” Laila said as soon as she was within earshot. “Always love to see a friendly face!”
She air kissed me on both cheeks and stepped back to take me in.
“You look different,” she said. “Hot,actually. Good for you!”
She introduced herself to Lou and Marnie.
“This girl is my shero!” Laila said brightly, after all names had been exchanged. “I swore after that night I would nevereverdrink again.” Then she noticed the cocktail in her hand and cracked up. “Oh well!”
The morning after I’d put her to bed, Laila had texted to thank me and swore she owed me one. The shame made me suffocate, and I’d replied with a perfunctoryMy pleasure, always, leaving her follow-up message unread.
“Did you hear what she did?” Laila said to Lou and Marnie.
I seriously thought she was about to out me. Every few hours, I pulled the Clapard jewelry out of the safe in my room and checked that it was still there, minus whatever Lou was wearing with her current outfit. At first, I’d had a strange feeling that something was missing. I was certain I’dtaken more. In my memory, the loot had been heavier, bigger. But then I figured it was the guilt talking. It didn’t matter how much I took anyway, because I was going to give everything back. At some point.
“It’s not like that!” I practically screamed.
Laila laughed. “Oh, but it totally is.” She turned to the girls again. “I met this guy the other day at a party and got way too drunk. Cringe! I mean, he was very handsome but I know better. If you come across a sleazy French guy named Samuel, beware!”
She laughed, but Lou’s face fell so much I hesitated to find it funny.
“Anyway, Constance literally saved me from him. Isn’t she the best?” Laila continued.
“We’re friends!” I said, my throat in a rough knot. “That’s what friends do.”
“Aww,” Laila said.
“And Constance is an amazing friend to have,” Marnie said. “Look at us.”
“I amlovingthis look, girl,” Laila said to Lou. She clocked her jewelry. “Verynice touch,” she added, pointing at Lou’s wrists, who was wearing two of the three Clapard bangles currently in my, um, possession.
“Thanks,” Lou said, almost blushing.
“I work at Clapard,” Laila said casually, though you could tell she enjoyed any opportunity to slip that into the conversation.
I had to put a stop to this train wrecknow.
Marnie looked at me excitedly. “Is that how you get to borrow—”
“Oh my god!” I exclaimed loudly, staring into the distance.
I had no idea where I was going with this, but I had to come up with something that would stop Marnie from finishing her sentence. All three girls turned to follow my gaze, intrigued.
“Look!” I said, pointing vaguely at nothing, hoping they couldn’t hearhow much my voice was trembling.
“Do you mean Tyler Charles?” Lou asked, excited.
Marnie lit up. “Such a smart move on his part to come! Way to stand out among a sea of beautiful girls.” Then, remembering, she turned to me. “Are you still friends with him?”
“Still?” Laila said. “Aren’t you his new stylist?”
