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Chapter 6
Marcy
Well the day is finally here and I’m not any more ready than I was when Sebastian presented me with the idea of throwing this party. I know it’s going to be extravagant. There’s a part of me that doesn't think there is anything to celebrate since my brother won’t be there, but there’s also a part of me that wants people to know his sacrifice. I know it’s been years and years but I haven’t moved on from the fact that he isn’t on this Earth with me anymore. I don’t know if I ever will. Some days are easier to breathe than others but there is always this shadow following me, reminding me that my favorite person died overseas.
After I shower, I go to my walk-in closet and pull out the dress I bought for the occasion. It’s a beautiful green satin long sleeved dress. The neckline cuts into a low v showing off my abundant breasts, the satin then flows from my chest, which has a slimming effect on my curves. I’m definitely not small by any means but I’m finally happy with my shape. I used to be self-conscious when I was younger, but I grew into them and cultivated the confidence I needed to pull off this figure. The dress hits my legs just above my knees making me decide to pair it with brown knee-high boots. As I look in the mirror, the finished ensemble excites me. I decided to wear my long red locks down and painted a beautiful shadowy eye to go with the outfit. I feel good. I feel confident and I can’t help but admit that I’m a little excited for this party.
I may or may not have gotten this outfit to impress a growly looking sex god. Surely after tonight he won’t see me as his best friend’s younger sister anymore. As we grew up, the difference in our ages became less and less extreme. I don’t see anything wrong with being with an older man. Whoa, slow down Marcy. You don’t even know if he’s with someone or not. He could be married for all you know. My stomach plummets as I look back to the mirror. I guess I didn’t think about the possibility that he could be married. I mean the man is forty-five for Pete’s sake. I’m sure he’s had many women while here I am, a thirty-six-year-old virgin.
My fingers trail down the smooth satin and for a moment I want to call the whole thing off.
“You know what? I’m not going down that road. If he’s married then it wasn’t meant to be. I might meet someone else tonight. This party isn’t about him anyways. It’s about Matthew and me and the fact that I’m so badass at my job my clients want to celebrate me. Put on your big girl panties, Marcy, and go to that damn party. You deserve it.” My little pep talk seems to have done the trick. I check my appearance once more as I grab my jacket. Tonight is going to be one for the books. I just know it.
Sebastian texts alerting me that my driver has arrived and is waiting for me downstairs, so I hurry out the door then down the elevator. My boots clink against the ceramic floor in the lobby as I rush to the car. Excitement courses through me when I see the limousine waiting for me. I haven’t been in one since my eighth grade dance, the one Sam helped me get ready for. Flutters erupt in my tummy. I haven't thought of that day in so long.
I hear someone clear their throat and I see a gentleman is there waiting for me. As I approach him he opens the door for me.
“Miss Hillary,” he gestures toward the open door.
“Yes, thank you.” I take his hand as I slide into the car.
“You’re very welcome. My name is Charles if you need anything at all.” He closes the door behind me then enters the driver’s seat. He rolls down the window partition and says, “There is champagne back there if you would like some.” I see the fancy bottle but decide to wait until I get to the hotel to have anything to drink. I don’t want to overdo it tonight and get sloshed.
I watch out the window as all the lights go twinkling by. Nerves and excitement threaten to overwhelm me but after taking a few deep breaths I’m able to calm myself a bit.
Drawing closer to Hotel Chantelle's entrance, I find myself captivated by its undeniable grace. Despite passing by numerous times, I hadn't truly appreciated its opulent allure until now. Charles stops in front of the doors and parks the car before stepping out to open the door for me. I can’t help but to feel like I’m in some sort of fairytale. I take his hand then step out of the limo. Grabbing my clutch tightly, I confidently walk into the lobby of the hotel. Before I arrive at the visitors desk, I am approached by a bellhop.
“Miss Hillary, we have been waiting for you. If you will please follow me to the rooftop, the rest of your party is here. Would you like me to take your jacket?” he asks. I nod and turn, allowing him to pull it from my shoulders. He takes the jacket and heads for the bank of elevators. Following behind, he presses the button to go up. Once inside, we go straight to the top. I’m not prepared for the sight that hits me when the doors open to the rooftop. The whole place looks professionally decorated with black and gold balloons and streamers.
Lizzie and Stormy are the first to greet me by nearly trampling me to the ground. Their excitement is contagious.
“Marcy! You made it!” Lizzie shouts as she squeezes me tightly.
“You look absolutely stunning, Marcy!” Stormy croons over the music playing.
“Thank you both for putting this together. You look beautiful as well,” I reply as the two finally pull away from me. Sebastian and Miles are close behind the girls and each pull me into a tight embrace.
“This all looks amazing, you guys. You all didn’t have to go through so much trouble for me,” I tell them but they aren’t having it.
“That’s nonsense. You are like part of the family and you have done more for us than we could ever repay.” Sebastian smirks and playfully bumps my shoulder. I try to disagree but Miles jumps in and confirms what his brother said.
“He’s right. You are an honorary Knight. Now, let’s get you a drink.” The girls flank my sides with their arms threaded through my own as we walk up to the open bar.
“I love this dress so much,” Stormy gushes. “I love satin,” Lizzie pipes up and I internally give myself a pat on the back for choosing a dress that I thought was outside of my comfort zone. However I was able to pull it off and I feel comfortable and confident. Exactly what I want to feel on a night that is celebrating me.
“What can I get you?” the bartender asks as he leans over the bar toward me.
“Hmm, I think I want a Cosmopolitan. I haven’t had one in a while.” He nods his head and slings a towel over his shoulder as he gets to work making my drink.
“I’ll be back soon. Sarah just got here,” Lizzie says as she trots off toward our mutual friend. As I look around, it’s crazy that I know most of these people either from working with them in the past or through mutual encounters with the Knight family.
“Here you go, Miss.” The bartender places the drink down on a napkin in front of me. It looks delicious with a bright red hue from the cranberry juice and the lemon peel garnish. Taking a sip, I close my eyes and let the tangy taste flood my senses.
“How is it?” Stormy questions as she takes a sip of her own drink.
“Delicious. Just what I needed,” I say. Sebastian comes over to lead Stormy to the dance floor and I use the reprieve to take a look around at all the guests and decorations that I missed when I first came in. I look over to a darkened corner but before I can tell who is there, Amelia Knight appears before me. She is always regal whenever I see her and tonight is no different. I guess being the matriarch of such a prestigious family calls for a certain level of class.
“Happy birthday, my dear. I was thrilled when Miles called to inform me that you finally accepted his offer. You do so much for this family, it's time we celebrate you.” She gestures to the bartender who obviously already knows what she is drinking and he gets to work.
