Chasing Heartbreak (Dark Love #6) - Kat T. Masen Page 0,21
can go on for hours. I miss all three girls, and last time I saw them was a year ago when I had a two-day conference in Manhattan. Charlie flew over with them so we could spend a little time together. There’s no doubt she has her hands full, another reason why children are great to spoil but equally lovely to hand back at the end of the day.
The makeup artist and hairstylist finish working on us, prompting me to put my costume on. With the help of the two of them, I step inside the dress as they button the back one by one. The Marie Antoinette-inspired dress is deep red with heavy black brocade, trimmed with gold pearls and diamantes. The dress is buttoned, ultimately making my breasts look enormous in the square-cut neckline. Considering I am not wearing a bra, the firm and sheer size of them leaves me speechless.
“Kate,” Charlie mouths with her eyes wide. “You look amazing! Plus, your boobs… you’re so going to get some with a rack like that.”
“Get some by a man wearing questionable tights?” I laugh, clasping the back of my choker. “I need to be really drunk for that to happen.”
“You never know.” Charlie nods with a grin. “Tonight could be your night.”
“I’m not interested in meeting anyone. As long as we have fun, that’s all that matters. Don’t leave me hanging and run off for a quicky in the hotel room.”
This moment could’ve been an opener for mentioning Dominic. Yet, over the years, I chose to keep our encounters to myself, knowing exactly how Charlie feels about him. As expected from a best friend, she only wants the best for me and reminds me of my worth every time we speak. Charlie is very vocal about Dominic’s lifestyle, which is why I choose again to ignore my thoughts and keep quiet on the matter.
“Honestly, Kate, you’re the female version of Lex. All work, no play. I understand the importance of sacrificing a personal life to fulfill your ambitious goals, but when are you going to start putting yourself as number one?” Charlie rambles, her deep stare garnering some sort of response.
“I’m fine the way things are,” I answer confidently. “Let’s just enjoy tonight, please.”
The large mirror gives me ample space to inspect my entire ensemble.
Charlie busies herself by putting on her dress. Adriana designed her an emerald-green gown with a black-lace mask. The color itself is breathtaking.
Placing my black mask on which is made from delicate lace, I take a moment to admire my completed outfit. My hair sits softly to the side, pinned with curls to match the era. I colored it only recently to an ash blonde, somewhat liking this shade from my natural tones. Unlike many of the other images I have seen online when preparing for this event, I opted not to wear a wig as did Charlie. Between the summer heat and the heavy dress we’ll have to wear all night, a wig was deemed annoying and unnecessary.
Charlie turns around, fully dressed as her eyes sparkle with excitement. She’s also drunk at least two glasses of champagne while we’ve sat here, and I expect her to be completely drunk by midnight at best. I don’t mind. Drunk Charlie is fun Charlie. There’s always that one friend who makes it ten times more fun when they’re drunk, and Charlie takes the medal with Rocky coming in a close second.
“Adriana is brilliant,” she gushes with a fake British accent causing me to erupt into laughter. “This dress is absolutely perfect.”
“Are you ready to party and drink expensive French champagne in Versailles?” I cheer, holding my glass to clink with hers. “La vie est belle!”
The two of us drink while we sing along to “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang.
“Life is beautiful,” Charlie repeats in English. “And tonight will be the night I’ve been waiting for.”
***
We arrive just before the night fountain show, passing time by strolling the beautiful gardens during twilight. The ball itself doesn’t begin until eleven thirty and typically finishes just before dawn.
There’s a flurry of excitement from those attending, dressed impeccably in their costumes and congregating in groups to take several pictures to mark the occasion. Tourists also occupy the area, admiring the surroundings and taking out their phones to snap photographs of those willing to pose for them.
The sun begins to set, a canvas of beautiful colors adorning the sky. Rich hues of red blended with oranges, purples, and crimsons, all of