It'd been weeks since my last breakdown in the church. Mom and Dad took me to see a doctor regularly.
I was officially a lunatic. I figured there was no use explaining how a dark mist with green eyes was following me around. I sounded stupid even to myself.
" You are zoned out bitch! " Lorrie slapped my shoulder causing me to tumble forward into some mannequins.
" Lorrie! " I glared at her and helped myself up. She was my BFFL. Best friend for life. We were ride or die since before we had teeth. Our moms were friends and so were we.
" Listen Belle, " Lorrie tossed a dress my way. " I turned down a date with Ryle Stuart just to help you pick a dress. So you'd better not make me regret it!"
I spread the dress and observed it. Red wasn't for me so I tossed it back. " I'm sorry . Okay, My lady? "
Ryle was her newest crush. A golden retreaver hot boy. She'd been dying to go out with him since Tuesday last week. Lorrie changed her boys more times than she did her clothes. She was a natural flirt and hell was she good at it!
" What's the theme of this ball-party-dance thong anyway?" She mumbled as she re-did her lipstick.
" It's a classic remake of the 1893 Rochester ball. Mayor Roosevelt will be unvailing a painting of Lady Gailler , the first Mayor of our city. It's a painting that's never been seen before. "
I pulled out a peach gown and stared at. It was...acceptable.
" Disgusting. Put it back!" Lorrie exclaimed at the dress.
I rolled my eyes and opted for another dress. " As I was saying. It's a ball aimed at preserving and honoring history. "
" That didn't answer my question. What's the dress code?" Lorrie blinked.
" Anything princess style." I simplified things.
" Why didn't you say so? " She threw her hands in the air with enthusiasm. " I didn't need a lecture on dead people!"
AT ROOSEVELT GALLERY LAUNCH.
The flashes from hundreds or cameras nearly blinded me. I was relieved when finally got inside. It was sane.
Everyone had their masks on. I turned to Rob and asked him to put his on. Rob was my personal camera guy.
I needed an exclusive interview with the Mayor and I was sure I was going to get it. Afterall , he'd personally invited me.
As we walked in , I could feel the eyes glued to my bare back and chest. Lorrie and picked out an emerald green gown. The back was exposed and so was the front. It was sleeveless and it pumped my chest. I had an amazing cleavage.
It was unbearably tight around the waist and it blew up like a mushroom at the bottom. My hair was done in a neat bun and Lorrie had stuck little diamonds in my hair and they glittered against my golden hair.
The elbow long gloves I wore made me feel like royalty. I didn't want to touch anything for fear of ruining them.
I smirked to myself after noting that I probably looked ravishing. My mask was a lighter tint of green and it matched my gloves. Tonight was definitely mine.
After hours of speeches and performances , my muscles were starting to ache and I was drowsy. I couldn't hold back my yawns and Mr. Griffin , who sat across from me couldn't stop glaring.
He probably found me uncultured. I poked Rob when I spotted the Mayor leave through a door at the back. We had to get him.
" Let's go! " I dragged him by his hand and he nearly dropped his camera.
" Mayor Roosevelt!" I called out to him. Luckily , he stopped in his tracks. He waved off his body guards and warmly took my hand.
" I am Belle Ame from NNC and it would be an honor for me if I could have just a few minutes of your time." I breathed it all in one sentence.
" Belle Ame. I'm a big fan of yours. " He shook my hand and chuckled. " You always have me glued to the screen. I'd be glad to be interviewed by you. "
" Thank you. " I took of my mask and asked Rob to roll the camera.
" Friends ! Belle Ame once again live form the newly opened Roosevelt Gallery on 5th Avenue. Here with me is..."
The words clogged in my mouth when I saw a dark silhouette standing at a distance. My mind went blank for a second and my face was pale.
I wanted to drop everything and run , but I calmed down when the silhouette came forward. It was just some random guy standing in the shadows.
I smiled awkwardly and continued with the interview. " And here with me is the man of the season. The Mayor himself. Roosevelt Wellingham ! "
" Good evening to you Belle. Good evening to the audience. "
By the time we were finished with the interview , the atmosphere had changed. It was time for the ballroom dance. Rob was eager to have a dance with Sofie from Prime time News so he was gone before I could blink.
I sat myself at a table and watched everyone dance. They all looked graceful and elegant as they swayed. It was nice to look at from a distance but I scoffed at the idea of myself swinging like that.
I was down five champagne glasses and was about ready to leave when a hand was placed before me. I slowly raised my gaze only to find a stranger staring down at me.
I nervously stood and declined his hand. I smiled politely and tried to squeeze past him but he kept his hand firm. He was like a hug wall blocking me.
" I don't know how to dance , sir. " I smiled again. Less politely this time.
He smiled back and held my hand as softly as possible. I was surprised by how comfortable I felt with his skin on mine.
I didn't even notice he'd led me to the dance floor already. He slowly put one of my hands on his shoulder and the other , he held in his own.
Somehow , I got lost in his eyes. His face was covered with a mask but that added to the mystery. His hair was ink black and neatly combed. A loose strand dangled just above his eyes and this made me wish I was that hair strand.
His eyes were a painfully gorgeous brown. His lashes were dark and thick and his lips were beautifully drawn. They looked soft and pink. Kissable.
I swallowed and looked away. How could a random stranger get me this turned on?
We swayed for about half an hour. He was dancing , but I , on the other hand , had no idea what I was doing. I just followed his moves. I was a bad dancer.
" So...are you gonna say something or are we gonna keep looking at each other like this?" I tried to create a conversation.
His lips curled into the most beautiful freaking smirk I'd ever been blessed to witness. I could have sworn my heart stopped beating.
" Beautiful..." I didn't know when a stupid smile glued itself to my face. I quickly covered my mouth and prayed lightning would strike me dead right there and then.
I'd just called him beautiful...right to his face!
" I'm sorry. " I wiped my sweaty palms on my dress and put some distance between us. I felt stupid.
" Listen , this was great...but I have to head home now. " I smiled again and bowed before taking a few more steps.
Why did I bow? Fucking weirdo! I was acting like some 16 year old!
I couldn't deny the strange joy this meeting had over me. I was happy.
I'd gotten to my table and picked up my purse. Rob was nowhere to be seen. He'd probably gotten lucky with Sofie.
" Lucky bastard-"
" Belle..."
My ears rang when I heard that voice again. It was him. The shadow figure with green eyes.
I froze in place but I shook like a paper in the wind. I could feel beads of sweat form on my face.
A hand slowly traced my shoulder blades from behind and I spun round , ready to fight for my life. I held my breathe when I finally saw him in the living flesh.
" Finally..." He smiled . " We meet..."