by Amy Brent
“Yes, but those aren’t my mother’s pieces. I designed those myself, and I’m hoping to do as well as my mother. I’d like to make a name, but I need some connections.”
“Your mother had plenty of connections, surely some of them would be willing to work with the daughter of the great Layla Ford.”
“I’ve had Nola help me a bit, and I know a few people, but I was trying not to lean on them too much. It hasn’t gone well. I’m afraid they don’t seem to like me much.”
She cleared her throat and leaned in closer. “Please don’t take this wrong way, but perhaps you’d do best not to let Nola be so mixed up in your affairs.”
She said it was as if I couldn’t trust Nola, or that maybe her own reputation was ruining my chances, but I couldn’t imagine that being so. Nola was connected, the wife of Scott Blue, and mother/agent to the girls. I thought about that last thing and decided that perhaps she had a point.
“Thanks, Millie. I’ll keep that in mind.” I wondered why the woman hadn’t gone to see her granddaughters get ready. Instead, she’d chosen to sit with me, and I’d enjoyed her company. I felt too alone in the world now that mother had passed away and Millie eased that pain for me, much the same way Nola and Scott had.
After a bit, I was ready to go down and meet the girls. They’d asked me to be punctual, and when I got downstairs in the sitting room, where they wanted to meet, I realized why. “They’ve left without me,” I said, turning to Millie.
“Are you sure? It’s a big house. Perhaps they’re here somewhere. Maybe they’re late?” It was sweet that she wanted to think the best of her awful grandchildren, but I knew better. I glanced out the window seeing that the limo was gone too.
“Oh look, they have to still be here,” said Millie. She held up a pair of masks that had to be theirs for the party. Both were intricately decorated with braided rope and feathers and like the girls, both matched.
Nola walked in, and all the color drained from her face upon seeing me. Then she turned her nose up. “You’re late. The girls left twenty minutes ago.”
“She’s right on time. They left early. They’ve even forgotten their masks.” Millie was speaking through clenched teeth as if she wanted to reach over and bite Nola’s head off for not controlling the girls better.
“It’s fine. I can call a cab.” I reached into my handbag for my phone, but Millie stopped me. “Nonsense, I have a private car. I’ll call my driver, and he’ll take you.”
“I couldn’t put you out, really.”
“Well, you can’t show up in a cab. Not to a gala.” Nola snorted like I should know better.
“I’d think that’s precisely the option your daughters had hoped to leave her with,” snapped Millie.
Nola tilted her head and placed her hand on her heart. “Mama Blue, surely you don’t think—
“I don’t think. I know. I was willing to give those little monsters the benefit of the doubt, but now I see how cruel they can be.”
My phone went off in the awkward silence that followed that remark. “It’s them.” I answered the phone and Nola and Millie exchanged daggers. “Hello and thanks for waiting.”
Halle’s voice came through the phone. “We couldn’t possibly wait any longer for you. You were going to ruin our grand entrance. But we seemed to have forgotten our masks, so be a dear and bring those to us, would you? Even if you have to go back for them.”
“I don’t have to go back for them. I’ve got them already.” I glanced over to Millie who shook her head. “I’ll see you at the party.”
I hung up, and Millie was already on Nola again. “Those two hoped to make her go back for those masks. That’s why they left them.”
“I won’t stand around letting you insult my children.” Nola stormed away, and before she made it out the door, she took her phone out of her pocket. I had a feeling the girls were about to get a call.
“They are going to try and ruin your night, but don’t let them. Your mother loved the gala and you will too. Maybe you’ll even dance with a handsome man and fall in love.”
I laughed at the thought. “I’ll be lucky to find someone who loves my jewelry, much less me, but it’s worth a shot.” I shrugged and picked up the mask as she called her driver.
Three minutes later, the old man pulled the car out front and Millie sent me along with him telling him just to wait until the gala was over to return. I’d need a chauffeur home.
“I can get a cab home, honest, Millie. You’re going to spoil me.”
“You deserve to be spoiled now and then too, besides, you’re—well, you’re very special. Those girls are just jealous of you.” She smiled, and I could tell there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. “You look so much like your mother.”
“Thanks, Millie.” With that, the driver, who she’d called Anthony, opened my door and I climbed inside the white Rolls minding my dress.
The ride there was quiet, and I took the time to breathe and relax knowing that when I got back around the twins, I’d want to poke my eyes out. I had no idea what Millie meant by them being jealous of me. How was that even possible and why? They had everything and what they didn’t have their money could buy them. New lips, new boobs, new clothes, and what could I afford? Nothing but to be their assistant. Not for long. I felt a new determination rose inside me and I pepped myself up with the idea of meeting that one special person that could change my life forever. It was wishful thinking sure, but more fun than sitting around moping.
In that long ride out to the Prince family mansion, I had plenty of time to fantasize and dream of my line becoming enough to open my shop.
I missed the house at the beach where I’d grown up, and the large shop my mother had made in the garage and wondered if maybe now some nice family lived in it. Nola had told me all about how it had been sold, and I could only wonder if one day I’d be rich enough to buy it back. I would in a heartbeat.
As the car drove around the circle drive, I watched as many cars in front of me stopped and let out the people inside, all dressed to the nines in the highest fashions of the hour. My stomach twisted in knots and I gathered up my mask and put it on. I clutched my handbag that I’d slipped my phone in along with a tube of lipstick and then fumbled with the girl’s masks. I’d like to throw them out the window, but instead, I held them tight, stepping carefully out of the car as the valet held the door. I stepped out and onto a gorgeous red carpet that was trimmed in gold and it led right up to a pair of double doors that were opened wide, with two attendants on each side. I fumbled through my purse, realizing that everyone was presenting their invite as a ticket. Dammit! There had been no ticket for me.
Three more steps and I was about to be turned away. My heart sank to stomach like a rock as all the blood rushed from my face and into my hands.
Chapter 8
Aiden
I was just about to go and greet my guests when all of a sudden Halle and Sadie Blue stepped out in front of me. Neither had their masks on, but both wore a cunning smile as if they had some kind of mission in progress, a dirty little secret that would be revealed soon enough. I tightened as they approached and stopped in front of me about five feet from the door.
“Aiden Prince,” Halle crooned. “Zep.” While my welcome was a warm smile, Zep got the curled upper lip. Halle didn’t seem to want to play with him again, but as my best friend stepped forward and showed her a little bit of attention by kissing her hand, she lifted her shoulder and tucked her chin like a shy schoolgirl.
Sadie, whose mouth turned down at the corners, didn’t seem too thrilled by Zep’s presence and I could only wonder if the two wanted me alone to themselves. They’d tried that on me before, but I’d never been a fan.
Her sister did not falter and eyed me like I was her prey. “Great party, Aiden. I notice you’ve left the backyard gate open.” Sadie eyed a girl who passed by with a drink in hand, and I realized she must have recognized her from the club. The girl was a receptionist, and it was probabl
y her first formal party.
“Everyone invited is my friend, so I’m not quite sure what you mean.” I knew exactly what she meant, and I reminded me that my mother’s opinions of people weren’t too far off the Blue sister’s, which was disappointing. “I see you’re not wearing your masks.”
Halle giggled. “Please, Aiden you know we’re not much for playing by the rules. Besides, it’s not like everyone wouldn’t know who we are anyway. I mean, we knew who you were, so it’s not like it matters.”
“I agree, you really don’t matter.” The statement was harsh, but Halle laughed it off and turned her eyes back to Zep.
“So, how’s the reality show life treating you two? Did you get renewed for another season?” Zep was all about conversation with his twin fantasies, and I wished he’d toned it down and let them go back to whatever rock they slithered out from behind.
“It’s going well. Our manager is certain we’ll get the new contract and well, we’ve put a few plans into play to get what we want.” Halle shrugged her shoulders like it was nothing, but we’d all heard about her sex tape rumors and Sadie’s DUI. That mother of theirs, no matter what you want to call her, manager or manipulator, had leaked just enough to get attention without doing any damage. She played the game well.
“Lucky girls,” said Zep. He played the games better than anyone and knew just how to keep Halle eating out of his hand. Sadie was the problem, his kryptonite, she always had been.
Sadie’s eyes lowered as if taking in the sight of my well-fitting tux and everything beneath it. “Well, I’m sure we can catch up later. Like maybe tonight when this little shindig of yours is over?” She stepped closer and rested her hand on my chest.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Zep smiled at Halle who nudged her sister.
“Yeah, Sadie. You’d be game wouldn’t you?” Halle’s look was to convince, and Sadie shrugged.
“I’d play if Aiden did. That could be a lot of fun. The more, the merrier.” I caught the grin the two exchanged and then, as I shook my head and looked away, I caught a glimpse of the most beautiful girl at the door.
Though her face was covered with an intricate filigree mask, her bright eyes seemed to illuminate despite it, and as my eyes panned down, taking in the perfect swells of her breasts and the soft curve of her hips beneath the blue silk she wore, I grew giddy. Then I realized I had no idea who she was.
I was quite certain I’d never met anyone with that figure, so perfect, it was like she’d bribed God himself to hook her up, and that beautiful long, blond hair, though it was pinned up like a coronet atop her head, would look just as sexy down. I had a quick vision flash before my eyes as I imagined it brushing against her ass as she arched her back beneath me.
Her eyes pled to the guard at the door, who was one of my mother’s hired thugs and no more courteous than a bouncer at a club. He shook his head and held up an official invitation for the woman to see what was required to enter.
I leaned my head toward Zep. “Do you know that woman?” He and the sisters sized her up as the guard continued to shake his head.
“No,” the twins said in unison. “She’s nobody,” finished Sadie.
Zep shook his head and let out a chuckle. “She’s a knockout.”
Halle nudged him. “If you like that type.” The twins were the total opposite of the beauty at the door, and while they were both dark-haired and as mysterious as the night, she was a golden beauty, as bright as day.
“Who wouldn’t?” I mumbled, my voice barely a whisper, but loud enough to get Sadie’s hackles up.
“She’s just another blonde bimbo.” Sadie folder her arms and I could have sworn I heard her sigh as I turned my eyes back into the girl’s direction. She was having no luck with the hired guards, and it was time for me to intervene.
“Excuse me.” I pushed my drink into Zep’s hand and took a step toward the door.
“This ought to be good,” said Halle with a wicked giggle as I left them to greet the timeless beauty at the door, still searching my brain for how I knew her, and not caring if I didn’t.
I would. Before the night was over, I’d not only know her, but I’d have her. A small inner voice was telling me that she was the one. The reason for the party. But it was so surreal that I pushed it to the back of my mind.
“What seems to be the trouble?” I said stepping up to the door.
“This is business with the lady and me.” The ogre’s voice was like he should have been chasing some poor kid up a beanstalk, but worse than that he had no idea who I was. I reached up and took off my mask, giving him a pointed glare. “Anything that takes place in my house is my business.”
“My mistake, sir. It’s just this one doesn’t have an official invitation, and your mother said—”
“I’m quite aware of my mother’s intentions, but seeing as this is my party and this beautiful young woman is a friend of mine and hardly a threat to anyone here, you’ll please step aside.” I pushed past him and took the young the woman, whose face now ringed a bit red around those sparkling blue eyes, which only made them bluer.
She practically fell into me, leaning close to my side as she began to ramble. “My apologies. I was supposed to ride in with my friends, but we were separated. I was hoping I’d find them outside, but then I noticed they must have already gone inside and since they had the only invitation—well, anyway, thank you.” She clutched my arm with a bit of relief and then pulled away as if she realized the gesture was a bit too intimate for strangers.
“You’ve nothing to apologize for, and you’re perfectly welcome. I’m glad you came, and I do hope you have a wonderful night.” I looked down, noticing she had a couple of extra masks in her hand and then she nervously put them behind her clutch bag as if she was embarrassed to be carrying them.
“I guess I should find my friends.” She looked around the room as I glanced up to do the same and found Zep standing alone. He held up his glass, and then a couple of our friends stepped up to greet him and then waved me over.
As she stepped away, I took her hand. “I’m Aiden. I’d love to talk later. I’ll find you...”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m Ella, and I’d like that very much.” She hurried away before I could get out another word, and all I could do was watch her go.
I stepped over to the crowd, wishing I’d gone after her, but then Zep was all about introductions, and as she disappeared around the corner, I greeted my other guests.
I let Zep carry on, still lost in a daze over the beautiful girl and wondering where she’d gone off to.
Chapter 9
Ella
I had seen the twins scurry away from the front doors as Aiden Prince had greeted me, and so as soon as I could break away I headed back to find them. As soon as I rounded the corner they grabbed me, each pulling me by one of my arms until I thought I might lose my footing or come apart at the seams.
“Easy, you’ll rip my arms off,” I snapped as we entered the ladies room. “You left me on purpose!” I wasn’t going to let them get off without at least mentioning what they did, but they made no apologies.
“You’re here, aren't’ you? You’re damned lucky that Aiden took pity on you. He said you looked like a fool and he didn’t want the other guests to be embarrassed as they came in.” Sadie’s voice was tinny and tinged with the perfect amount of acid.
“Well, I wouldn’t have been standing there like a fool if you hadn’t left the house without me. You knew I’d need the invite to get in.” I knew that was the point. Neither had wanted me to get in, to ruin their night.
“Well, you sure wasted your time making doe eyes at Aiden Prince, and if you’re a smart girl, you’ll stay away from him. He’s ours and much too far out of your league.” Halle rolled her eyes as she spoke and wrapped her arm wrapped around her sister’s.
“I’m not interested in Aiden.” I clasped the pendant at my collar bones. “I’m only here to entertain your parent’s idea of the two of you nee
ding a babysitter, but don’t worry, I have plans of my own.”
“And what would that be?” Sadie sneered and crossed her arms in front of her.
“I’m here to socialize to hopefully gain interest in my jewelry line.” I held my head high, I was Layla Ford’s daughter, and the idea wasn’t that far of a stretch, even though the two broke out in laughter and exchanged a creepy smile.
“Good luck with that,” Sadie said with an eye roll.
Halle nodded and stepped closer. “Yeah, good luck, because no one here is going to want your crappy jewelry. They’ll see you as a Layla Ford knock off and nothing more.”
Sadie let out a long breath. “Just make sure that you’re not in our way, and I don’t care who you peddle your shit to. But don’t tell a soul you’re with us and stay away. We don’t want you making us look bad like you did the other night in the club.”
