it, making me think twice. “Yeah.” A bittersweet ache throbbed in Leia’s chest. He could’ve urged me to quit, to stay in London, but he didn’t. He put my best interests ahead of his that night. How many guys would’ve done the same? Her fingers curled tighter around the hangers on the garment bags. He’s a gem, and I’m a fool. I just hope this Cressida woman knows how lucky she is.
“So, tonight’s the night, eh?!” The joy in Sarah’s voice roused Leia smile again, the change of subject a welcome one. “On a scale of one to ten, how excited are you?”
“Try twelve! I took the day off so I could make sure everything on my to-do list was taken care of. We’ve got a few hours, so Shantelle’s hairstylist and makeup artist don’t have to rush, and I can take my time, have her walk, turn, and sit in her gown, make sure nothing pulls or feels odd. I’m just arriving at the hotel now. The film company is putting Shantelle and her parents up in a suite at the Maxwell.”
“Hello, big time!” squealed Sarah. “Look how far you’ve both come.”
Leia swept around the corner onto Lexington Avenue, her eyes drawn across the street. Two gigantic American flags hung still and limp, yearning for a breeze above the entrance to an art deco landmark. The Waldorf Astoria. A nostalgia-fueled flutter teased her stomach. The hotel from Serendipity, the one Tarquin wanted to stay in… until I burst his bubble and broke his heart. And mine, too, I guess…
“You SO deserve this, Ley! Your future starts now!”
Yeah. Yeah, it does. No more looking back. Leia exchanged smiles with the Maxwell Hotel’s doorman and escaped inside.
Three hours later, Shantelle fluttered her feathery false lashes behind her cat eye glasses and gulped, her chest rising and falling fast. “Scotty,” she whispered, leaning into Leia as they approached the photographers’ pen outside Radio City Music Hall. “I can’t believe this is actually happening!”
Shantelle’s fingers roamed up the symphony of hot pink chiffon of her gown, toying with the tiered sleeves of delicate cerise lace. “Remember all those games? Sat in the stands with Erika? Stuffing our faces with soggy nachos, talking about Eri appearing on Real Housewives, me acting, you designing—the two of us having our red carpet debuts together?”
“Green, you mean.” Butterflies swirled in Leia’s belly. “Tonight’s carpet is eco-friendly green! Perfect for Lost for Breath’s eco-theme!” Perfect for my dress! The moment was the culmination of one of Leia’s lifelong dreams, seeing her hard work worn with sass and style in front of the entertainment world’s movers and shakers.
Shantelle waved her seashell-hued manicure above her immaculately applied blush and foundation, trying to keep cool in the sticky August heat. “Am I sweating too much? I hope I don’t trip. What if I pose funny?”
“You’re fine! And you’re in good hands.” Leia patted her black tote. “I have enough antiperspirant, double-sided fashion tape, and heel liners to fix all of Manhattan!” She stayed a step behind Shantelle, ensuring her Frill-Seekers gown fell properly and didn’t reveal any last-minute problems like a popped seam or fallen hem before her friend hit the pack of photographers and reporters. Leia grinned over her shoulder. Mrs. Joy swooned with parental pride, chatting with her daughter’s agent while Mr. Joy, phone aloft, captured the festivities live over FaceTime, keeping Shantelle’s siblings and grandmother up to date back home in Wisconsin.
“I think I need to pee again!” Shantelle dawdled in her sky-high heels, her hands flitting above her long black hair twisted into an elaborate 1960s-style high bun.
“Shan.” Leia tenderly brushed her friend’s arm. “Stop fussing. You’re beautiful. You’ve got this!”
Like magic, Leia’s calm words soothed Shantelle’s distress and swapped her pinched brow for a grateful grin. “God, what would I do without you, Leia?!” She slipped her hands into her gown’s pockets. “For one thing, I wouldn’t look this stunning! I never want to take this dress off—EVER! My ass looks better than J. Lo’s! And check out my boobs…” She arched a coquettish eyebrow at the plunging neckline. “My girls are sexy and classy! I must admit, I had doubts when you suggested the deep V. I worried I’d be one sneeze away from nip-slip central, but they’re held in place real good!”
“All hail the sticky bra! It’s a life-changer.” Leia snickered and stepped forward, the heels she’d switched into at the hotel just shy of the green carpet.
“You’re a lifesaver!” Shantelle clutched Leia’s hand.