I fell in love the second I saw it but couldn’t justify the high price until I had somewhere to wear it to.
Between my senior architect position and my secret life as a glassmaker, I can now easily afford designer dresses, the ones I always borrowed from Addie, but old habits die hard.
With care, I take it off the hanger and step into it with Addie’s help. The flowing layers of tulle that trail the back sweep the length of the closet, and the draping fabric off my shoulders adds a soft and mysterious element to it.
God, this is beautiful.
Addie zips me, then helps me with my simple silver strappy heels, and I do a quick twirl to take it all in.
The beading was hand-sewn into intricate stars and crescent moons to match my pearlescent white moon mask. It’s adorned with tiny stars to match the dress, shimmering crystal accents, and strategically placed rhinestones that catch the light if I move just right.
“You look like a fairy.”
I glance at Addie over my shoulder, smiling. “No, Adelaide. I look like a goddess.”
Spritzing myself one last time with my new jasmine perfume, I hear my intercom go off. “Ads, that’s a courier. Can you give him the box that’s on the floor next to the elevator?” I yell down the steps, then glance around my room one last time, making sure I didn’t forget anything.
Silver sequined clutch? Check.
Extra perfume, mints, face powder, and a mini hairspray to ensure my hair stays in place and slicked back the way I want it.
Check. Check. Check. And check.
And most importantly…
My mask? Check.
My hand hovers to shut off my light, but I hesitate, then walk back through the room and stop next to my bed.
With a delicate touch, I pick up the photograph of Camila and me, and hold back my tears.
“Tonight is for you, my sweet friend. I’m going to try to start living for both of us. My scars are healing after all these years, and for the first time since I can remember, I feel like I can breathe. Maybe it’s because I’m back with your family, people I love dearly, and they remind me so much of you that it’s what I needed all along. I’m not sure, but I’m glad I finally figured it out. I love you.”
I kiss her face and put the picture back in its place, then walk downstairs to meet Addie with a renewed purpose.
“What was in that box, a dead body?”
I smirk. “An oversized abstract glass decanter.”
“Oh. You didn’t show me that piece. Was it commissioned?”
I nod, the smirk still firmly pulling the tips of my lips up. “You could say that.”
“Why are you being so evasive? Who was it made for?”
“Guess.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” She throws her arms up. “I’m not guessing. Just tell me.”
“Nate and Leo.”
She pauses mid-sip of her champagne. “They asked you? They know?”
“Nope. Leo pulled me into the office the other day and asked if I thought this artist was any good. He showed me ‘Cherry’s’ page. He was going to reach out and see if they’d be willing to donate a piece for tonight’s silent auction.”
“Shut the fuck up.” She laughs and hands me a glass. “What did you say?”
I shrug nonchalantly while taking a long sip. “That the work was mediocre, but the artist has a cult-like following, and the bid for something of theirs would go for a lot of money.”
