Chapter 5
Five
REGINA
He closes the door behind him, and I stare at the huge claw-footed tub in amazement.
Is this really happening?
My gaze scans the room, and inside I am jumping for joy. I am even thawing a little, and as I set my purse carefully on the vanity unit, my startled reflection gazes back at me. I’m a mess. A complete one with smudged makeup, unkempt hair and, oh my God, I am exposing myself.
I note with shock how the cool couture of before has descended into mere strips of fabric that have slipped over every inch of flesh they were meant to be protecting.
My breasts are now on either side of the fabric as it slips in the V between them.
The skirt has turned around, exposing my well, you get the picture, and I have never been so embarrassed.
I shrug out of Nico’s jacket, barely registering his kindness in giving it to me. He definitely did me a favor though because the paps will have got more than they bargained for, and I could be the star of the dark web overnight.
I note how weighty his jacket is, and as I hang it carefully on a hook, my heart stills when I detect something heavy inside the pocket. I really don’t mean to pry, but curiosity takes over, and my fingers close around the cool metal of a gun.
“Fuck!” I drop it back into the pocket and back away, staring at the jacket as if it’s about to open fire at me.
He has a gun!
Why does he have a freaking gun in his pocket? I know it’s New York, but what the actual fuck?
I back away and attempt to control my breathing as I remonstrate with myself. He’s obviously wealthy; he must use it to defend himself. He is merely exercising his right to bear arms. I should do the same, although there isn’t really a gun-shaped pocket anywhere in sight on this excuse for a dress.
It’s okay. All is good. He’s not a murderer.
I give myself a stern talking to and note the bath water has almost reached the top, spurring me into action.
Whoever this dark lord is, is no concern of mine because more important things are happening, like the bath waiting for me as the lifesaver it is.
As I strip away what’s left of the naked dress, I lower myself into the water and gasp with pleasure.
I love Nico whatshisname. He is my guardian angel, and whoever he is doesn’t concern me now.
I am officially living in a fairy tale, and when the clock strikes twelve, it will all be over.
Carriages await, and I’ll call Aston. This is my night, and it may have begun weirdly, but it’s all plain sailing from now on in.
I wish I weren’t conscious of the time and regretfully leave the hot bath, my flesh tingling with pleasure as I drip hot scented water on the porcelain tiles that are heated underfoot.
As I swamp my body with the hot toweling robe, I can’t resist grabbing the phone from my purse and recording a quick video.
“Guys, you are never going to believe where I am.”
I pan the camera around the room and giggle, “Only the Diamond Hotel New York.”
I slap my hand against my face and grin with awe. “This place is amazing. I mean, this is the penthouse. Can you honestly believe that? I am about to go to the Diamond Ball, and quite frankly, I know how pretty woman must have felt.”
With a slight giggle, I whisper, leaning closer. “I’ll film it if I can, but guys, I am living the dream right now. Remember to subscribe so you don’t miss amazing content like this.”
I wink and close the screen with a huge smile on my face as I imagine the views that video will get me.
I slip my phone in the pocket of the dressing gown and, grasping my belongings, I head through the door that Nico told me to go to next.
Two women are waiting, and it makes me jump.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
One of them steps forward.
“We don’t have long, but I’m here to fix your hair. I’m Diane. Sarah will fix your makeup and then we’ll help you on with your dress.”
“It’s, um, fine, I can–”
I don’t get to finish my sentence, and before I can catch my breath, I am pulled into a nearby chair, and the woman starts furiously brushing my hair from the tie that has done a dismal job in creating a messy updo.
Sarah creams off my silver glitter makeup with a slight grimace and clicks her lips with disapproval. She is blocking the mirror, and as they set to work on me, there is no time for polite conversation as they sigh and huff their disapproval as they work what I hope is magic on my face and hair.
Ten minutes and a dash of heavily scented perfume later, they drift to the side, and I blink in shock at my reflection.
“I don’t believe it.” I stare in amazement at the gorgeous creature who has pushed my reflection aside.
“I didn’t think we’d manage it, but you’ll do.” Diane says as she pulls me unceremoniously from the chair.
I catch my breath as Sarah wrenches the robe from my body, and I squeal with mortification as she commands, “Hands above your head, quickly now.”
I squeeze my eyes tightly shut in the vain hope that when I open them again, these two ferocious women will be gone, and then something cool and silky slips over my body, and I relish the soft flow of silk against my bare skin.
Then a heavier object joins it, and as the woman behind me zips up the dress, I open my eyes and note the satisfied smiles on the women’s faces as they stand back and admire their work.
“Fantastic.”
They high-five one another, and Sarah grins.
“You are beautiful, Regina. Just like your name suggests. A virtual queen.”
I blink as they part like the Sea of Galilee, and my reflection hits from the mirror in front of me. I blink in astonishment as I regard their finest work, and tears mist my eyes as I behold the splendor of the undeniable couture gown that molds against my body like a second skin.
“No tears.” Sarah reprimands me, and my lip trembles as I whisper, “I don’t believe it. I almost look beautiful.”
“You are beautiful, Regina, although you tried very hard to downgrade it with your first choice of outfit.”
Diane shakes her head. “Shocking, thank goodness we had that in your size.”
“But it’s not mine. I can’t possibly wear this; I don’t have the money to pay for it.”
They exchange an incredulous glance.
“Pay for it?” Sarah laughs out loud. “Honey, the man who paid for it won’t even notice the entry on his credit card statement. Enjoy this night while it lasts; they don’t come around too often.”
They turn to leave, and then Diane sighs. “I almost forgot; we must try on the heels for size.”
I’m pushed back down into the chair, and they take a foot each and try several sizes of the most exquisite silver leather shoes.
Unlike my thrift store find, these slip around my feet like warm and cozy socks.
I almost can’t feel them at all, and as the women settle back on their heels, they smile, and Sarah adds, “You’re ready with two minutes to spare.
Enjoy the ball, Cinderella, just make certain to savor every dazzling minute of it. ”
As they make to leave, I call out, “Excuse me.”
They stop and I whisper, “Who is that man?”
They share a look before a gentle shrug remains my only answer.
“Good luck, Regina.” Is their final greeting and as they leave, I turn back to the mirror and bat away any doubts I may hold.
I am living out a fairy tale and couldn’t give a damn who is the master of it.
I am about to enjoy the night of my life, and yet before that happens, I must just film a quick video for my vlog.