I wake to the sun beaming through my window, filling the entire room with rays of sunlight. Brooklyn is still sleeping so I decide, like the best friend that I am, to run to Starbucks and grab us both iced coffees. By the time I return she is just staggering out of her bedroom.
I sit at the barstool, smiling at her, “Good morning sunshine, in need of some caffeine?”
“Yes, oh my God yes! You’re amazing Savannah. I feel like something crawled into my head and kicked the crap out of my skull. I need to remember NOT to drink so many tequila shots. I don’t know how I’ll survive this party tonight with the hangover I have.” she says dryly, taking the coffee out of my hand.
“Well, you’re lucky you have a best a friend who loves you so much.” Take some aspirin because there is NO WAY you’re getting out of going to this party tonight. I need you and Reagan there to keep me from losing my mind. You know how much I hate these stuffy events.”
“Well I suppose after some pain killers and a deep tissue massage, I should feel well enough to attend.”
I’m already dressed in cutoff jeans, flip flops and pink spaghetti strap top, my hair tossed up in a messy bun from my coffee run. Brooklyn throws on a sundress and heels and we we’re off to the spa. We had the complete spa package, wax, facial, pedicures, manicures and massages. We were getting pampered to the max. Brooklyn looked like she was in heaven; it was definitely helping her forget about the hangover.
The spa was amazing. When we finished we head over to the salon to let Quinn and one of his stylists make us look flawless. His salon is right on Hollywood Blvd. and he styles hair for tons of celebrities. He’s actually becoming really successful, just last year he won a few awards and launched his own brand of products.
We don’t even get a foot inside the door and Quinn is already over to us, giving hugs and air kisses. “As I live and breathe, I have missed you girls! Come, sit, we are going to work our magic on you. Every camera is going to be on you two tonight. We are going to make you hotter than you already are, if it’s possible.” He winks at us as he steps up to his salon chair.
“Oh stop, I bet you say that to all the girls.” Brooklyn giggles. She loves attention and when she gets it she bathes in it.
“I’m thinking up do for Brooklyn, high bun with curls popping out all over. For Savannah we have to show off that goddess like hair of yours. Leave it all down but we will do a French braid from each side by your temples and have them come together in the back with curls everywhere!” He says, leaning against his chair and tapping his right cheek thoughtfully.
When we’re finished I have to agree that his ideas were perfect. “Oh my, I love it Quinn, you were so right, it looks amazing!” I say, admiring myself in the mirror.
“I love what you did with mine Fiona; it looks hot, sexy and sophisticated, just like me.” Brooklyn plays with the ringlets around her face.
“You look smoking hot Savannah. Every guy at that party tonight is gonna wish they were Logan tonight.”
“Whatever you say,” I laugh, “You look freaking stunning Brooklyn, poor Reagan, he’s going to have every guy there trying to steal his date.”
We pay Quinn and head home to get ready, not believing it was already five o clock. I’ll be way too nervous to eat anything at the party so we order Chinese takeout. I know I’ll regret it later though, the girls Logan manages are beautiful and I know I’ll feel like the fat ugly duckling in the middle of them.
“Hot damn! You look amazing Savannah!” Brooklyn says eyeing me up and down. I put on black glitter heels, gold bangles with peacock feather detailing, turquoise feather earrings and turquoise glitter eye shadow.
“Thanks love, you’re looking mighty fine yourself. That dress is amazing, I’m so happy you got it. Girl, it shows off those assets of
yours well.” I say, raising my eyebrows at her.
“You’re awful,” she laughs. Our compliments are cut short by the sound of the doorbell and we run to answer it, finding Reagan on the step with a bouquet of flowers. He’s so sweet. Brooklyn doesn’t go for sweet, one of the many reasons she will not date him. She loves boys who are trouble with a capital T.
“For you, Miss Brooklyn Bennett." Reagan says, handing her the bouquet of bright pink roses to match her dress.
He follows her into the kitchen, watching her put them in water when the doorbell rings again. I hurry to answer it as I know it has to be Logan, he said he would pick me up and we could walk the red carpet together.
I swung the front door open and bounced into Logan’s arms. I’d missed him so much. Being apart during the week, getting together only once or twice for dinner wasn’t sufficient enough for me. I needed to see him every day. Everything seems better when he’s around.
“Woah, I’m happy to see you too,” he says, hugging me back. “You look absolutely divine tonight Savannah, that color is breathtaking on you.” He kisses me passionately before walking into the house.
“Hey now, don’t mess up my makeup.” I tease.
“So you ready for your big night?” Reagan asks.
“As ready as I’ll ever be, I guess. The party planner went above and beyond what we expected; you won’t even recognize the ballroom at the Roosevelt. It’s like you’re walking into another world. There’s going to be tons of press there, which is great publicity for the agency.”
When we arrive at the Roosevelt, it’s completely chaotic, there are photographers crammed in on both sides of the entrance barricades. I slide my mask on, as does Logan, and step out of the limo into a lighting storm of camera flashes. We pose for a few photos and give the press a few statements; I’m taken aback when Logan tells them that one day soon he hopes to have me as his bride. This goes against everything we’ve discussed about establishing our careers first.
When we enter the ballroom we are all speechless. There are black and white fabrics draped across the ceiling, circle tables all over with monochrome table cloths, decorated with giant flower arrangements in the center with, again, black and white lilies surrounded by the occasional burst of color from a deep red rose. Logan plants a quick peck on my cheek before leaving me with Brooklyn and Reagan to rub shoulders with all of his business associates.
“I need a drink.” I state to Brooklyn, and drag her over to get glasses of champagne. Three glasses later, I was finally feeling my anxiety fade away. Brooklyn pulls me out onto the dance floor helping me relax more and Reagan joins us soon after. Before I know it I’m laughing and having a wonderful time.
Out of the corner of my eye, I notice my parents walk in, virtually oblivious to the surrounding by cameras.
“My parents are here, I’m going to go over and say hello,” I whisper into Brooklyn’s ear.
Brooklyn is slow dancing with Reagan, “Okay, you want me to go with you?” she asks.
“No, stay with Reagan, I’ll be right back.” When I approach them, my parents are talking with a few of Logan’s models and actresses. These women look like Greek goddesses. All the models are five feet ten or taller and almost all of them look like they should eat a burger before they completely vanish. I love being slim, but there’s a difference between being slim and fit and being just so thin that you look like skin on bones.
“Hey Mom, Dad. So what do you think? Logan’s party planner did amazingly, this place looks magnificent.”
“That it does,” my mother replies, “It literally took my breath away when we walked in.”
“Logan’s party seems to be a success; the press are lining the street trying to get shots of anyone who arrives. I imagine we will be seeing all of this on the gossip blogs tonight.” Dad exclaims as he walks over and hugs me. “By the way Savannah, you look wonderful tonight; I imagine you took Logan’s breath away.”
“Thank you Dad.” I say, my cheeks flushing about ten shades of red.
I talk with my parents for just a few more minutes before I decide to go find Logan. I’ve hardly seen him for more than a few minutes at a time tonight becaus
e he has so many guests to see.
*****
Chapter 5
*****
I spot Logan with a group of co-workers discussing God knows what over glasses of scotch. When I approach him, every guy he is talking to avert their eyes towards me. One of the men, whom I only met a few times, I believe his name is Jacob, has his mouth curled up in a wicked grin and his eyes are scanning me up and down. It made my skin crawl.
“Logan you sure hit the jackpot with this one” he grins, elbowing Logan in the ribs, “If she was my girlfriend I would never leave the bedroom.”
“Hey, jackass that is no way to speak about a lady.” One of the other guys says, seeming to come to my defense. Yet the way his eyes are screaming for me suggests he agrees with his friend. I feel like I need a shower after spending a few seconds with these sleaze balls.
“Thank you Derrick, I think Nathan has had one to many scotch on the rocks tonight. He has a loose tongue that can get him into some serious trouble.” Logan turns towards Nathan and raises an accusing eyebrow at him.
“How’s my lovely Savannah enjoying the party?” he says, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me into him.
I turn my head towards him and look up into his mesmerizing gaze. Even surrounded by these idiots, just looking at Logan could put my mind at ease. “I’m having a lot of fun. Brooklyn, Reagan and I have been spending most of the night dancing and admiring all the different masks and outfits. It’s going to be a tough one deciding who has the best costume.”
I hear someone shout my name somewhere behind me and spin around to spot Megan Nelson walking out of the ladies room. Megan is Logan’s number one client, she is the star of the biggest movie this year, and is subsequently on everyone’s list for “best actress” at the Academy Awards this year. She is five feet six with long, black hair falling just below her shoulder blades and a body many would pay thousands of dollars to have. Her naturally beautiful high cheekbones, plump lips and almond shaped chocolate brown eyes are to die for.
Every guy in the place watches her as she sashayed over to us, “Oh. My. God. This party is amazing!” She quickly hugs first me and then Logan, careful not to spill her glass of champagne. “People really went all out with their costumes didn’t they? I feel bad for wearing this little black dress and mask, I’m underdressed to say the least.” she giggles.
“Believe me, you are not underdressed, you have every guy in here salivating over you. If I swung that way, girl I would be all over you.” I say as Megan’s eyes sparkle with glee.
“Okay Savannah, if you think I look so hot lets test your theory. Let’s see how quickly I can get a man to sweep me off my feet. I’m in the mood for some good elevator sex, if you know what I mean?” Winking at me, she grabs my hand and yanks me across the ballroom. I glance back at Logan and shrug my shoulders. Well, at least we got to spend a few minutes together before another distraction popped up.
Reagan and Brooklyn soon come to find by the bar. I smile at Reagan who is eyeballing Megan from behind and mouth, “She wants hot elevator sex”, his eyes grow as big as saucers and he gives me a thumbs up. Before I know it Reagan and Megan were all over each other, heading out towards the lobby.
Brooklyn comes over to our table and hands me another glass of wine, “You look like you could use another drink,” She smirks at me, mischief gleaming in her eyes, “Plus, I’m not getting drunk on my own.”
“What can I say? I wouldn’t be your best friend if I let you drink alone.” With that we tip our glasses back and start laughing, “This party sucks, seriously. There is nothing but snotty anorexic bitches who have done nothing but look daggers at us all night. To top it off, I’ve been hit on by a hundred sleazy ass men all night. I swear Reagan is the only guy in this place who isn’t a major douche and that’s putting it lightly.” Brooklyn rants, leaning onto the table and resting her chin in the palm of her hand.
She was right. I’ve never in my life had so many women look like they despise me. I feel like I’m in a snake hole surrounded by vipers ready to sink their teeth into my and fill me with their venom. “I thought I was the only one who noticed, every woman in here besides my mother and Megan seems to be giving me the death stare.”
“It isn’t just you, believe me I noticed too. This place is full of some catty bitches tonight. I think all the alcohol just fuels them with liquid courage. Believe me I will not hesitate to knock a bitch out if they say one cross word to you or I.” Brooklyn shoots a look at one of the girls standing by the bar, she was dead serious. Brooklyn may look sweet and innocent, but she can be a scrappy bitch. I have seen her knock out a few women in clubs and I would not want to be on the wrong side of her, that’s for sure.
Logan and my parents soon join us at the table to eat; dinner is so exquisite that I shock myself and manage to eat half my plate. Logan seems nervous throughout dinner; he’s been acting odd all night actually. I assume his nerves must be getting the best of him, this is a huge night for him, it’s understandable.
Logan finally breaks away from his socializing and dancing with me for a few songs. It’s nice being able to just lay my head against his chest and enjoy this night with him. It seems since we started dancing though, that the attitude I’m getting from all the women here is getting worse, mainly Logan’s, they’re acting like I’ve stolen the last celery stick from the veggie platter or something. It’s getting beyond ridiculous; I haven’t spoken more than two words to these people since I met them over the four years. A few happen to “accidentally” bump into me while walking to the bar to get drinks. I will do anything to take my mind off the high school drama transpiring at this party, I was way over my three drink rule, but I didn’t care if I got totally slammed tonight.
Logan hands me my drink and looks at me sympathetically, “I am sorry I haven’t been able to spend much time with you tonight, I hope you’re not too upset with me.” He reaches for my hand and brought it up to his mouth, gently kissing it and sending chills up my spine.
“I understand; I’m just happy that your night is going so well. I hear a lot of buzz going on the closer we are getting to midnight. People really want to get their hands on those court side seats.” I wrap my arms around him and pull him in for a hug, “I cherish every moment with you, Logan. I’ve had a lot of fun tonight, Brooklyn has kept me busy, so was Reagan earlier, but him and Megan seemed to have gotten lost somewhere in this hotel.” I say sarcastically and roll my eyes.
Everyone starts gathering onto the dance floor, preparing to shed their masks and for the announcement of “best costume”. Every man in the room has their fingers crossed that either they or their partners would win; they wanted those Lakers tickets badly.
I spot Brooklyn trying to maneuver her way through the crowd. She wasn’t exactly hard to find with that hot pink dress and mask. “I’m glad I couldn’t care less about basketball, these people I think would sell their first born child for the chance to meet Kobe Bryant,” she says as she leans over and rests her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath. “I was outside trying to get some air that is thick with despair” she giggled. I heard them announcing it was midnight, so I ran my ass back inside. I cannot wait to get this itchy mask off!”
“You’re such a drama queen, Brooklyn Abigail Bennett, but you are right, these things itch something awful. I’ll probably have red blotches all over my face when I finally get to take this damn thing off.” Grabbing her hand, we wait as they counted down. “10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!” and together we tear our masks off. I look over at Brooklyn and see a look of pure panic in her eyes, her mouth is partially open, as if she’s trying to speak but nothing will come out. My stomach immediately starts turning and I can feel panic boiling in my veins. Then a spot light points at me, as I look around at everyone behind Brooklyn, they’re all covering their mouths and pointing at me. Oh. My. God…did I really get red and blotchy from wearing my mask? Each second that passes feels like an eternity.
I fe
el Logan pull on my hand and I spin round to find him bending down on one knee. Oh no, this cannot be happening. I despise attention, and right now the entire room has their eyes on me, burning holes into my skin. I feel faint am certain I’m going to pass out and embarrass myself, and Logan. Is he seriously doing this RIGHT NOW?!
Irresistible Desire (A Savannah Novel) Page 5
