Page 32 of Crash into me
“Yes.” I can’t believe how alive I look. Ruby-red lipstick accentuates my full lips while golden cascading curls drip like rolling water down my shoulders.
“Last thing!” She reaches into a box. “Your jewelry.” She places the heavy, constricting necklace monstrosity on my neck, the one Kent got for me. The diamonds glitter against my vanity light.
Then she hands me a pair of unfamiliar earrings. “What are these?”
She smiles. “A little something I picked up for you.”
It’s a pair of gorgeous, endless emerald studs wrapped in a gold casing.
“You didn’t have to do that, but I love them!” I tell her.
I touch the necklace, then the earrings, knowing that this gift means so much more to me than the chunk of diamonds lying on my skin. I wrap her in a hug. “I love you, Rita.”
“I love you too, Skyler.” She peels away. “But you’re not ruining your look!” she teases. “I have to go get things prepared, but I’ll see you in a little bit!”
I turn to the mirror, hyping myself up.
“You can do this, Skyler,” she assures me before she returns to help with the party.
Night has fallen, and the stars twinkle in the sky as I slip on my heels. I’m not ready to leave this room, but I know Brett will be here so there’s a consolation.
On the other end, Warren will be here. Mom has spent all week reminding me, and I don’t think I’m ready to pretend I’m interested in anyone else. I don’t know if I ever will be.
* * *
Walkingthe spiraling grand staircase makes me feel like a princess, but instead of my knight being Foster in a black jacket, it’s Warren waiting for me at the end.
He’s undeniably handsome, tall and lean with an all-American smile that reminds me of Brett’s, but there’s something secretive behind Warren’s grin.
Something that gives me pause, makes me question my grand entrance.
His stance is stoic, strong, and unwavering. He looks like a statue. My father is at the front door behind him greeting the guests, but I don’t miss the way he turns to watch us, a glint of what resembles happiness in his eyes.
“You look stunning.” Warren bows playfully, giving me his arm.
This is your life now, Sky.
I take it, allowing him to sweep me across the foyer and toward the back doors. The red train of my dress follows behind us. “Thank you. You look handsome yourself.”
He smiles, and it’s all flattery. I’ve never given him much thought, but he does look kind. Maybe he isn’t so bad after all. “Shall we join the party?” he asks, looking around. All around us, people stare.
I take in a deep breath; this is our first real moment together. Our grand entrance into the Miami social life, and it looks like others were waiting on this as well.
We step into the garden together; our moms are huddled together sipping wine and looking at us with starry eyes. “I’m nervous,” I mutter.
He leans into me, his strong chin brushing the top of my head. “You’ll do great.”
There are so many people here. All the women are dressed in floor-length gowns like myself, wearing dripping diamonds all over. I feel like a fake in the middle of a sea of rich housewives.
Will this be my life, a piece of arm candy for an influential man?
My eyes pan to Warren as he walks us to a table and grabs a glass of whiskey. He looks worried and nervous, like he’s been warned I’m a handful, and that’s why he’s keeping me close to his side.
I step to walk away, and his brows furrow. “Where are you going?”
“Champagne,” I say quietly.
He throws his hand up, beckoning a waiter. “That’s why they have trays,” he tells me, his tone clipped. Does me doing things besides being at his side make him angry?