Chapter 27

Mel

The stylist fastened the flower in my hair, and I straightened the dress and turned to look in the mirror. It was as good as it would get.

“The limo is here.”

My assistant put her head around the door. I took my purse and headed down the hallway of the salon. I should have told Nina I’m picking her up with a limo, but I’d forgotten it in all the mess. I hope she wouldn’t mind it.

“So everything is set”, my assistant said as she followed me down the corridor. “The director will make the opening speech, and you are just expected to mingle. Mr Johnson will be there tonight, so make sure to talk to him. We might secure a new contribution for the rehab centre”

“Yeah, sure.”

I stepped out the door.

“I’ll be in the other car, I’ll meet you there. Just remember to behave”, she chided me before heading down the street.

Whatever. I got into the car, and we drove off. Stupid shit. But at least, for the first time, I was happy to have company. The evening would be full of idiots, fawning over the new paintings and the prospect of ending up on the first page of the magazine. Bastards.

I stared out the window as we continued down the street. Man, what was I doing? I still didn’t know what all of this meant, and I sure as hell wouldn’t ask Nina about it. Or no one else, for that matter. I wondered what she was doing. Getting prepared, most likely.

It didn’t take long before we pulled up outside her block of flats.

“Shall I bring her, ma’am?”, I heard the driver ask.

“No, I’ll do it.”

I got out and walked over to her building. Was this a mistake? I really hadn’t thought it through. I should have talked to her more, but I hadn’t dared to. Stupid shit, it was too late now. I took a deep breath and stepped inside. My steps echoed as I made my way up the stairs, and I halted before her door. Damn… I knocked, and seconds later the door opened.

“Hi… Oh…”

She stared at me for a moment.

“You… look lovely”, she whispered.

“Thanks…”

We stood in awkward silence for a moment before I offered her my arm, and she followed me down the stairs. She looked beautiful in her dress, and I wondered if I should comment on it, but I couldn’t get my mouth to say the words.

“It’s over there.”

I pointed at the car as we got down. She halted.

“A… limousine?”

“Yeah, sorry, I should have said something. I can’t arrive in my crappy car.”

I chuckled, but she only stared at it.

“Is everything okay?”

She nodded before hesitantly following me. Man, was this a mistake? I should have said something.

“So… You’re okay?”, I asked her as we got in.

She nodded.

“And you…?”

“Yeah, it will be full of bastards, but it will be alright.”