9
ALL EYES ON YOU
I slipped into the long-sleeved, champagne, cross over dress, fluffing my newly curled tangerine hair before sweeping it in a high ponytail. I kept my makeup as natural as I could; winged black liner and instead of a red lipstick, despite that being my favourite go-to, I opted for a clear gloss to make my natural colour shine and plump. I wanted to keep everything neutral tonight, to blend into the background. The cross over neckline enhanced my best feature, finished with a small diamond necklace that rested in between my collarbone. The dress hugged my figure and stopped at my knees, met again with a crossover skirt which matched the neckline. I paired it with a faux diamond bracelet and earrings before grabbing my tiny black clutch, stepping out to call a taxi to the party instead of taking the dirty, busy trains.
Ivy and Jude greeted me at the door to the venue as I pulled up. She was wearing a beautiful, white, skin tight dress that split at the knee and Jude had matched in a white suit. They looked like they had stepped out of a magazine and onto the red carpet.
“Oh, Gi! You look incredible,” Ivy said, checking me out. I blushed a little, playfully twirling so she could get the full view. Jude smiled at me before pulling me in for a hug.
“Hello, trouble, nice to see you,” he said. Jude was like the brother I never had. We got on so well and had a similar personality in terms of our humour.
When I met Jude, I gave him the big sister talk, to never break Ivy’s heart or I’d kill him and impressed him with my speech so we got on. Jude was extremely laid back and easy to get along with but the most important thing was he loved Ivy with all of him and you could see it; he treated her like a queen and I hoped, one day, I would have a love like that.
“Don't you be stealing my girl tonight,” he teased, nodding towards Ivy, he knew me and Ivy were inseparable.
“No promises,” I winked at Ivy, “I'm going to marry her instead,” I sassed before we all laughed and I made my way into the party, letting them welcome more guests.
Ivy had chosen The Ritz Hotel; one of the most glamourous venues in London. The afternoon tea was as luxurious as you could get. Anyone with money would have been here, it literally screams ‘dining with the stars’. Which showed how rich Ivy, Jude and their families were. If this was the engagement party, then the wedding would be even more extravagant.
I wandered through the foyer which featured an enormous, golden glass table with a colossal vase of pale pink roses and was greeted by a small walkway leading to the immense room we had hired. High ceilings, gigantic glass doors, everything was clean white with gold accents, enormous crystal chandeliers lighting the room, you could smell the money. I walked the red, old-fashioned carpet, ready to make Ivy’s night a dream come true.
Ivy’s parents came over to greet me and introduced me to Jude’s parents and sister quickly, before they pulled me to the side to thank me for helping plan and put this together for the happy couple. Ivy, Carol and I had pulled this party together in a week, we were lucky there was a cancellation for a date this close.
Carol had contacts in the city which helped to pull a few strings on this crazy but impressive deadline. I guess money could get you anything you desired when you wanted.
I examined the room to notice everyone was a stranger to me; I hadn’t even met the other bridesmaids yet. Despite not knowing many people, I admired the decor; we had really outdone ourselves. The place looked incredible. Carol introduced me to some of the guests, handing me a glass of champagne from a passing server. My eyes scanned the room looking for that one person I wanted to see. But there was no sign of him.
The party flowed, more of a casual get together with finger food served on silver trays and a continuous supply of champagne. It was time for the announcement to reveal the big news to the other people in Ivy and Jude's life. Just as we were about to begin, the door opened making a slight bang.
“Here's my big brother, late as usual,” Ivy announced, all eyes focussed on the newcomer as he strolled in confidently, as if he was the most important person in the room.
“Sorry, baby sister, I apologise for the late arrival. I couldn't find my watch,” he projected across the room as he strode towards us, crowding around the happy couple. Ivy and Jude stood a couple stairs up, mimicking a stage ready for the performance. The crowd laughed at the sibling’s banter. A weak chuckle escaped from me as my stomach dropped from the guilt as Nate’s eyes stopped on me for a split second; I had his watch. “Continue, dear sister, it's your night.”
Ivy continued with her announcement and the story of her engagement. Ivy explained she had come home from work the day of the proposal. It was the couple's five year anniversary together. They had met in the last year of uni when Jude bumped into her on campus as he was late for a lesson, from then it was love at first sight. Jude had decorated his parent’s whole house with pale pink roses, while candles lit the way, and cooked a simple mac and cheese dinner; that had been Ivy and Jude’s first date meal that Jude had cooked himself, because back then that was all he knew how to make. After dinner that night, he slow danced with Ivy to their song before getting on one knee and proposing.
I noticed Nate moved to stand with his mum. His tall frame towered over her as he placed an arm around her shoulder and she hugged him. Mark moved away slightly, not making contact with Nate, while all eyes were on Ivy and Jude. Beaming with pride, Carol let a few tears fall at the romantic story and at seeing her daughter incredibly happy. I swallowed and glanced curiously in his direction, hoping he noticed me like he had that first night. He did. He examined me, a shy smile appearing, as he stared in admiration. I bit my lip as I held back my smirk. Mission accomplished. I wanted to tease him a little and I had. I caught his attention, despite there being other more beautiful women here who had left nothing to the imagination, in very short dresses like they were at a college party.
Confidently, standing tall like a peacock, I focussed my attention back to Ivy, who also introduced me to everyone, announcing my maid of honour role and a little about our friendship. I felt my cheeks burn up as everyone glanced at me. I hated being the centre of attention. I would rather sink back into a corner than be stared at by everyone. Nate’s gaze stuck on me; hunger filled his eyes as he subtly licked his lips. I blushed a little at the attention, glad that I had slightly more makeup on to hide that. After the speech, the music started up so people could dance if they wished and Ivy began to work the room. Their friends and family all wanted to look at the ring and congratulate the happy couple.
This was my cue to hit the bar, I needed a whiskey to take the edge off, I needed something stronger than champagne. My anxiety was bubbling up and the adrenaline was rushing over me. I ordered two whiskies, swigging the first drink down in a couple of seconds in an attempt to take the edge off quickly, the second drink was to sip slowly and socially.
Startled, a hand pressed to my lower back, followed by the familiar scent consumed me. His touch ignited me.
“I think you owe me a watch, sweetheart,” he said quietly in my ear. He stepped to the side of me flagging down the bartender to order himself a drink.
“Is that so?” I teased, reaching for my whiskey, raising the glass to my lips before a small smirk formed. I was ready to give him a bit of an attitude. “I thought with your hourly rate you'd be able to afford a new one.”
I figured he liked a challenge, he liked to be talked back to, he liked to be in control. Nate scoffed at my response, shocked but amused. He glanced around the room to see if anyone was paying attention but everyone seemed busy so he made a very bold move. He moved closer to my ear. This is dangerous. My body was shifting as alarm bells rang in my head.
“Oh, sweetheart, you're brave this evening,” he growled, the tone I’d grown to love sending a shock through me, causing arousal at the promise he was making. “I already warned you about that attitude of yours.” He pulled back and swigged the rest of his drink before he flagged down the bartender and ordered another whiskey.