Chapter 41
The next couple of days are a blur of activity. Each day is the same as the last–wake up, primp, dance practice, lunch, dance practice, dress sewing, and fittings.
Every other girl is working with their tailor by offering inputs and ideas.
Whereas I’m seated at the sewing table while my tailor, Lindsey, leans over my shoulders, giving me pointers and pats on the back.
The pats on the back feel like gold stars from my favorite kindergarten teacher.
Although I designed it, I relinquished the sewing of June’s dress to Lindsey so I wouldn’t have too much on my plate. However, I did every stitch in my dress, and I couldn’t be prouder of how well it’s coming together.
Most nights, I fall into bed exhausted and have wild, glamorous dreams of the ball and the lights and the dancing.
Surprisingly, since that first dream, Nathan hasn’t featured again, which is honestly a relief. I guess even my subconscious knows he’s a no–go area right now.
And like I predicted, I haven’t seen Nathan since that moment in my room. I caught the back of his head once as he disappeared around a corner with Isaac, but that was it.
Another prediction that has come true is that he evidently didn’t confront Valerie about her dishonesty.
If he had, there’s no way I wouldn’t have felt some kind of heat or caught backlash from her. Nothing has changed from her end, though. She’s still the same snarky bitch throwing catty one–liners around and making everything about her.
I hope she wins and marries Nathan so she can talk his ear off for the rest of his life.
Ugh, even that bitter, petty thought makes my heart ache.
Anyway, all gloomy thoughts of Nathan aside, the ball is in two days, and I can’t believe how excited I am.
Everyone is, really. The Ashford manor has been buzzing with energy and excitement.
After our last dance rehearsal for the day, Easton announces that we will have final fittings tomorrow morning. He says that since we designed our dresses ourselves, they must be approved before we can wear them to the ball.
“Esteemed dignitaries will be in attendance, and we will have you at the ball looking your absolute best, or we will not have you at all.”
That introduces fear and doubt into my system. What if, in reality, my design sucks? What if Easton takes one look at me and bans me from the ball?
It would be my fault because I stubbornly decided to take over the design.
The whole night before the fitting, I can barely sleep despite my exhaustion.
I lay in bed, tossing and turning, and it wakes June up.
1/4
13:01 Fri, Oct 3
Chapter 41
“Sorry, Summer, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
She yawns, throwing her leg over me. “What’s up?” she asks groggily.
I shake my head, stroking her hair so she’ll go back to sleep. “Nothing, just a little nervous for tomorrow.”
She snuggles into me with another yawn. “If you’re nervous about a fitting, how are you going to feel about the ball?”
My chest tightens as I chuckle. “You are very right. Guess the next two nights are going to be rough.”
She shakes her head. “You worry too much. Your dress is gorgeous, and you’re one of the best dancers.”
I kiss her head tenderly. “Thanks, Summer. Now go back to sleep.”
It no time at all, her breath evens out, and she’s asleep again.
Surprisingly, I find myself worrying less, thanks to June’s words. My thoughts quieten a little, and I can finally fall asleep.
*****
63
“Eliza Kinsley.”
Eliza steps forward. Her dress is a gorgeous shade of baby blue that brings out her eyes. It has a velvet bodice with a square neckline and sheer puff sleeves, paired with a glittery tulle skirt that flows enchantingly to the floor.
Easton and Anna look her up once, and I see my friend cross her fingers behind her back.
“Beautiful, Miss Kinsley. Thank you.”
Eliza curtsies and turns back to the line of girls.
She and I exchange an excited look, and she shoots me a thumbs–up for good luck.
A few more girls step forward, and then: “Valerie St Claire.”
She’s at the other end of the line, so I haven’t seen her dress, but when she steps forward, my jaw drops–and not in a good way.
The gown features a dramatic off–shoulder black lace bodice with a scandalously plunging neckline and sheer detailing. The white skirt has a thigh–high slit that’s accented by flowing chiffon sleeves bordered with intricate black lace.
She looks like Cruella de Vil cosplaying a sultry goddess.
Easton and Anna raise an eyebrow simultaneously, and it’s so comical, I would laugh if I weren’t so nervous,
“Very…bold choice, Miss St Claire,” Easton says.
Valerie smirks. “Thank you.” She starts to bend into a curtsey, but it looks like the skirt is too tight, and she thinks better of it.
Eliza and I exchange an amused look, and as Valerie turns, she catches it. She eyes me and my dress and huffs, rolling her eyes.
2/4
13:01 Fri, Oct 3
Chapter 41
“April Farrah.”
I hold my breath–and step forward.
I hear a couple of gasps behind me and twist my shaky hands tightly. Easton’s eyebrow almost disappears into his hairline, and Anna’s mouth actually drops open a little.
My dress is more about the intricacies than the general design–but the general design is no slouch, either.
I made the bodice with satin and velvet and adorned it with beaded lace appliques, metallic embroidery, and tiny crystal embellishments. My nervous hands brush through the voluminous skirt as they cascade in layered tulle and chiffon in a beautiful blend of deep emerald, shifting into soft mint with hints of shimmering gold. I finished it off with glitter mesh and sequined fabric with delicate–wing–like organza details attached to the back and hand–embroidered star appliques, so every time I move, it looks like I glitter.
June said I look like a forest fairy.
“Easton-” The door suddenly opens, and Nathan walks in, holding a stack of papers. “Isaac said-”
He looks up at the room and freezes when his eyes land on me. They widen, and—I kid you not–his jaw literally falls open. The papers in his hands scatter to the floor as his limbs dangle uselessly beside him.
It’s like my dreams–but so much better.
I’ve never in my life seen anyone so…stunned. Nathan looks like you could saw one of his legs off, and he won’t notice.
My face burns, and I’m sure it’s tomato red under the intensity of his gaze.
“Um, Master Nathan?”
Nathan blinks and actually staggers backward, grabbing Easton’s chair for support. He swallows tightly and tears his eyes from me with what looks like great effort.
He looks at Easton like he can’t remember why he’s here.
“Um…” He clears his throat. “Isaac will contact you.”
And Nathan practically runs out of the room without a backward glance.
We all turn to watch him leave, and when the door closes behind him, Easton turns back to me.
“Well, Miss Farrah. I guess that’s more than sufficient feedback.” And for the first time since girls have been coming forward, the head of staff smiles. “Well done.”
