CHAPTER 62
Delilah
“We’re here,” I cheer, as if the fact that the chauffeured car just slowed down in front of the illuminated docks isn’t a big enough giveaway. I’ve been barely able to hide my excitement all day, but now it’s at boiling levels. After so many weeks of hard work I still can’t believe this night is finally happening.
“We are, madam.” The chauffeur smiles at me from the rearview mirror. “It looks like it’s a very well-attended affair, but then again they always are at the Silver Sturgeon,” he comments.
“I’d say you’re right on the money. Other than a few people who couldn’t make it, everyone else on the invitation list has RSVP’d,” I confirm.
“Is it your first time on the boat?”
I nod. “Yes, it is, and I’m looking forward to it.”
“Alas, in my line of work—I’m just a chauffeur, after all—it’s unlikely I’ll ever step on that majestic carrier. That said, I’ve heard from many clients I’ve dropped off here that it’s quite the experience.”
“That’s what I’ve read online and a few people I work with have alluded to the fact as well. On top of that, we’re celebrating something big tonight on board the Silver Sturgeon,” I say.
“In that case, it sounds like a wonderful night ahead.”
“You took the words right out of my mouth.” I grin wide.
“Let me fetch your bag from the trunk and I’ll come around to help you out,” the chauffeur announces, getting out of the car.
“All right,” I say. I sit pretty, peering outside the window, trying to catch all the action while I wait for him. It doesn’t take him long before he’s standing right outside my door. “Thank you,” I say, grabbing the hand he’s holding out. When I step out, I’m able to fully appreciate the grandeur of this evening. There are black limos stretching as far as the eye can see. Impeccably well-clad people are making their way towards the biggest and most luxurious boat I’ve ever seen in my life. To be fair, I really should call it a big-ass opulent yacht because that’s what this bad boy really is.
“I believe Mr. Gordimer has already made arrangements for your return when the festivities end?” the chauffeur asks.
“Yes, he has. I’ll be riding back with him.” And Xander.
Originally, I was supposed to ride with my boyfriends, but just like every day leading to this night, it’s been a whirlwind of activity at the gallery. Ashley and most of the other curators have been manning the boat—literally and figuratively—since they’ve been stationed here all day to make sure every last detail was taken care of. There can be absolutely no mistakes tonight. My boss left Katrina and I at the gallery to answer any last-minute inquiries and to make sure every guest knew exactly where to go. You’d be surprised how many people lose the invitation we sent via mail and misplaced the email we fired off a couple days ago as a reminder. By the time all was said and done, my co-worker and I barely managed to escape at five o’clock this afternoon. My boys were planning on swinging by my apartment to pick me up, but in order to give me enough time to get ready, they decided to hire a second car. After rushing home and exchanging a few elated Skype video calls with my mom, my best friend and my roommate while I was getting myself all dolled up, I’ve made my way on my own like a big girl to the Silver Sturgeon.
“Excellent. My job here is done.” He tilts his head slightly forward in the form of a nod. “Have a great evening, madam.” The chauffeur smiles at me and hands me my overnight bag. Once I grab it, he turns on his heel and strolls back on the other side of the car and slides back behind the wheel. Since Ethan and Xander insist on treating me like a princess, not only have they taken care of the transportation, they’ve also taken care of the tip. It’s good to be me.
I drop my bag on the ground and do a three-sixty. Wow. Is this is how the other half lives? There’s a mad bustle of activity. Guests are arriving in droves. From what I’m able to catch so far, I’d say that the couture is out to party tonight. Even from afar, I can tell that the fashion is expensive. As guests board the boat, there’s also a series of people rushing about. From the way they’re dressed, I’m guessing they’re part of the crew responsible for making tonight run as smoothly as possible. Wow, this is quite the operation. Given the chaos at the lower level, I’m so glad Ethan, Xander and I didn’t agree to meet out here. With all this brouhaha, there’s no way I’d ever find them.
Once I’ve given into my awestruck moment, I open my clutch and pull out my phone. I quickly type a message to let my boys know I’m here. I barely have time to send the message before a response from Xander pops up on my screen.
We’re both already on board waiting for you. Come inside and show your beautiful face.
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You haven’t even seen me yet. How do you know what I look like?
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You take my breath away when you wake up in the morning. I can only imagine what you look like tonight.
My cheeks instantly flame up. After so many weeks of seeing them, you’d think that I’d get used to their heartwarming compliments, but honestly, they always take me by surprise.
Hurry, Ethan is getting impatient. And so am I.
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How in the world am I going to ever be able to find you guys? There must be a mob of people in there.
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You’re right. There is, but we’re easy to spot.
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How so?
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We’ll be the two very tall, illegally handsome and dressed-to-kill blokes looking around for their hotter-than-hell girlfriend. Does that help?
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I laugh.
That’s totally cheesy, yet that’s so sweet.
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Enough of this texting, woman. I need to see you. Now.
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Yes, sir.
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That’s Sir, sweetheart. Not sir.
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Okay, you’re just being silly now.
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You say that because you don’t know what we have in store for you later tonight. When we get you back to our place, you’ll understand what I mean.
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Should I be worried?
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Not if you’re a good girl and you obey us.
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Don’t I always.
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I knew there was a reason why I liked you so much. Get your sexy little ass over here already.
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I’ll be right there.
God, do I ever love them.
I place my phone back inside my clutch, pull the strap over my shoulder, squat slightly and grab my overnight bag. Let’s do this. To say that I’m giddy is an understatement. With a decisive step, I follow the crowd. When I get on board, I spend a few minutes chatting with Benjamin and Greg, who are both posted at the door and acting as greeters. To everyone’s shock, they insisted on taking care of registrations for the evening. Contrary to their usual demeanor at work, they’re very warm and friendly. I’m not sure if it’s the magic in the air or the fact that they’ve already had a few to drink, but they’re fairly pleasant—which is so out of character for them. Ashley planned on hiring a few cute young hostesses for the evening to take care of greeting guests, but the only two guys working at the gallery staked their claim on that position. Piper’s theory is that they both intend on using the opportunity to pinpoint potential conquests for the evening. Knowing them, I wouldn’t be surprised. Greg has been eye-fucking every woman who’s walked by him during the short time I was standing there and Benjamin’s eyes brush up and down the length of the body of any guy who arrived alone. I don’t know if Benjamin would cross the line and actually fuck someone on board, but from what I’ve heard through the rumor mill, Greg wouldn’t have a second thought about it.
After waving goodbye to my coworkers, I walk down the hallway to where they mentioned I’d find a coat check. Once I get
rid of my overnight bag, I’m ready to go out there and find my boyfriends. I take a few steps forward and work my way through the crowd. Periodically I stop, get on my toes and do my best to spot them, but it’s in vain. Even in my five-inch-high heels, I’m still much shorter than most of the people here.
As I look around for Ethan and Xander, I can’t remain blind to the luxury that surrounds me—from the giant bouquets of white flowers, to the dozens of waiters all wearing white gloves strolling around with trays weighed down by glasses of champagne, to the massive white piano where a small group of guests have congregated around the pianist we hired for the evening, to the winding staircases leading to the second level. Yup, this isn’t Kansas anymore. Get back on track, Delilah, I remind myself as I resume my search. After a few minutes, I realize it’s a futile exercise.
Just at that moment, a small group of people part and I’m able to spot a fairly long oval-shaped bar right in front of me. I decide to make my way there because at least I’ll have a landmark where they can easily find me. I take a step in that direction, already anticipating when I get to see their gorgeous faces. I’m nearly there when someone’s hand clamps around my wrist. I pirouette around and I’m greeted by an excited co-worker.
“Oh, my God, Delilah, you’re here,” Katrina exclaims before slamming her body against mine in a hug. “I saw the cascade of red hair floating across the room and I just knew it was you,” she says loudly in my ear.
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
She breaks our embrace. “Holy little sex bomb. Look at you.” She whistles. “You look absolutely gorgeous.” She nods a few times, taking me all in.
“Look who’s talking, missy? You clean up pretty nicely.” It’s my turn to be impressed. “The last time I saw you, you were wearing an all-black baggy outfit and a pair of pink Converse. Now you look like you just stepped out of the pages of Bazaar magazine. This color is stunning on you.” I admire her long flowy yellow dress. “I didn’t realize you were this tanned.”
“Well, the tan is compliments of many diligent sessions spent at the tanning salon.” She laughs. “I saw this dress on an actress a few months ago, and I knew I wanted to go with this vibrant color at a price point that I could afford. My pale white skin wouldn’t do this dress justice, so I took the proper steps. Other than when I’m in Mexico or down in the Caribbean, I’m never this dark. Vancouver weather mirrors London’s.”
“You absolutely nailed it. I love the glammed-up hair. It’s very Hollywood.”
“Really?” she gushes.
Like she doesn’t know. “Honestly, Katrina, you’re so beautiful. Everything is perfect—from the sheer fabric, to the bling at the bust, to the silver high heels and the sexy coiffed mane.”
“I’m sure you could work this dress as well,” she says.
“Bite your tongue, girlfriend. I’d look like a big New York traffic light with my red hair. If I ever even dared to entertain the thought of wearing yellow, I’d just need to find something green to complete the look and voilà.” I lift my hands up in the air in a triumphant V. We both laugh. “Black is a much safer choice for us redheads with pale skin who haven’t had the luxury of visiting a tanning salon,” I say, smoothing down the fabric of my dress.
“You’re always a sharp dresser at work, but tonight you look stunning. This dress is going to turn heads. The black does make your blue eyes pop like crazy. Love it. And look.” She points at my feet. “Matching shoe color.” She laughs, sliding her foot next to mine.
“I had to step up my game since Ashley said the Brits take formal wear very seriously.”
“I did the same.” She smiles broadly. “And for the record, you aced it, girl.”
“As I’ve said, you didn’t do so badly yourself,” I cheer. Katrina lifts her hand in the air and I high-five it.
I didn’t have anything in my wardrobe suitable for tonight, so I had to go shopping. I love how in London there’s no shortage of stores that cater to full-figured women. After a number of rejects, I did find a couple of items that really appealed to me. In the end, it was a toss between a two-piece white outfit and this stunner. Although the sales lady was clearly campaigning hard for the white one, I went with my gut. Now I’m very happy I did.
Just like Katrina’s, my dress is made of a sheer flowy fabric. The design is perfect for girls with curves. It hits me right below the knee, which elongates me and gives the illusion of height. I like that a lot. The sheer fabric covering my arms hits me at the elbow, which is also quite flattering. As I told my mom, I think the dress has a little Texan sassiness. Where I come from, a little sparkle is a girl’s best friend. The touch of bling in the form of a sequin belt that sits right below my boobs not only accentuates my waist, but it also helps the deep V at the front showcase my girls even more prominently. Yeah, I was thinking of my boyfriends when I selected this one. I lucked out because I already had the high heels and the evening clutch bag. I’ve kept my accessories to just the essentials.
“Can you believe this crowd?” Katrina asks, looking around.
“Considering I worked on the invitation list and I knew exactly how many people to expect, no, I still can’t quite believe my eyes.”
After the auction, London’s crème de la crème was clamoring to attend tonight’s event. Originally it was supposed to be a small affair—fifty to seventy-five people maximum. Ethan’s remarkable bidding skills brought a lot of unexpected—but welcome—attention to tonight’s event. The eye-popping price he paid for the last painting at that auction gathered a lot of buzz. All of a sudden, the city’s elite wants to shake hands with Calysta Knight. Since then, the phone has been ringing off the hook. We’ve also had a lot more people drop by the gallery inquiring about how they can get their hands of some of the American painter’s masterpieces. The number of inquiries has been staggering—far more than we ever expected. In the end, we’ll have gone from seventy guests to two hundred fifty. Thank God, this boat can easily accommodate the influx of guests. At this rate, the official kickoff event happening at the end of the summer will draw in five hundred people, if not more.
“Have you met the lady of the hour?” I ask.
Katrina nods. “I did, but it was very brief. I got here at the same time Ashley, her husband Samuel, Calysta and her husband got on board.”
“I can’t wait to meet her myself,” I say excitedly.
I’ve missed Calysta Knight the few times she was at the gallery since she arrived in London a few days ago because I was either stuck in a meeting or in the storage room organizing things. She wouldn’t be there long, usually just enough time to wait for Ashley to whisk her away to a series of interviews and media appearances.
“Ashley is introducing her to everyone. I’m sure that woman is going to be so sick and tired of shaking hands by the end of this evening.” Katrina laughs.
“What is she like?” I ask. “Given the boldness of her paintings I envisioned her as this flamboyant and larger-than-life person.”
“I thought the same thing, but I was dead wrong.”
“Really?”
“She’s a fairly shy and reserved woman. Her husband is also the quiet type. Ashley confessed that Calysta is overwhelmed by all of this attention.”
“I’m sure she must be,” I sympathize. “I guess she didn’t expect that her art would become the talk of the city.”
“There’s no doubt about it. All this ebullient excitement isn’t only good news for the gallery and the artist, but it’s also pretty great for people like us.”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
Katrina takes a step forward. Since I’m much shorter than she is, even in heels, she squats slightly. “Have you seen the mouthwatering eye-candy?”
Ah. “I did notice a few good-looking guys when I was hanging out at the front with Benjamin and Greg, but I just got here. I haven’t been paying attention.”
Katrina’s brown eyes brighten. “Something tells me it’s not only those
two who are going to score tonight. I have a feeling that even singletons like us—and now our dear colleague Piper is part of this club—can leave with a few numbers safely stored in our mobile phones and I bet even a few dates.”
“I’m okay—”
“Delilah, trust me, men are going to be salivating all over you in that little number.” She waves her finger up and down the length of my body. “And the way your tatas are displayed, girl, men are going to be tripping all over themselves.” She’s now furiously waving her fingers in circular motions around my breasts. “I’m sure you’re going to catch someone’s eye. In fact, I’m certain of it. Who knows what it might lead to?” That suggestive waggle again. “This is a perfect opportunity for you to spread your wings, if you know what I mean. Think about it. Men in suits. Scratch that. British men in suits. Honey, it doesn’t get any better than this.” She’s practically salivating.
“No, seriously, Katrina—”
“Oh, come on, Delilah, live a little. Have some fun. Why bother looking this hot if you aren’t willing to take a chance and step outside of your comfort zone?”
“I’m really not interested—”
“Why not?” The look of exasperation on Katrina’s face is priceless. If she only knew.
I could keep on with this back and forth, but that would just be cruel. “I’m not on the prowl. I don’t have to be.” I pause for effect. She opens her mouth to no doubt scold me, but I jump in before she has a chance. I don’t think I had planned on announcing it this way, but I need to put an end to her pushiness. “My boyfriend is here tonight.” It’s really my boyfriends, but I can’t tell you that. As much as I’d love to burst her bubble, Ethan, Xander and I have agreed to keep what we share private for now. “He should be around here somewhere.” I take the opportunity to scour the room one more time. They’re still nowhere to be found.
Her jaw drops and her eyebrows hit her forehead. “Come again?”
“My boyfriend is one of the guests,” I stress.
“As in you’re seeing a guy?”
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