Rosie White

Chapter 14

I turn to the mirror and take a look at the masterpiece that Milly achieved for me. She's spent all afternoon on my hair and makeup, and I couldn't be more pleased I roped her into helping me.

I look, good. Damn good.

My dark hair is in loose waves down my back, my make up is heavy but exquisitely done, the light dusting of blusher highlighting my cheeks, the slight glitter of the eyeshadow making my eyes pop along with the slick black eyeliner. My lips are finished off with a pinky gloss.

I stand and gather my heels, again, borrowed from Milly. Black, strappy, open toe and tying up and around my ankle and leg. Once in place, I stand and move towards the bed where my dress is laid out.

The light silk and thin spaghetti straps mean I have for forgo a bra. Milly forced me to wear my 'good knickers' in her words, which mean my nicer Boux Avenue black lace knickers I got last year in the sale.

I slip my robe off and hold onto Milly's shoulders as she helps me step into the dress. The cool material glides up my body as I hook my arms into the straps.

Bella was right, it fits me perfectly. Hugging in all the right places and the thigh slit down my right leg allows for an elegant yet sexy look.

I take a step towards the mirror and smooth the fabric down.

"Wow." Milly states, smiling to the side of me. "I'm good."

I laugh and turn to her, "All this is because of you Milly, I don't know what I would do without you, I love you."

She waves her hand quickly in front of her and closes her eyes, "Don't make me cry Ro."

"What time is it; I need to get going."

Milly snaps out of her emotional trance and moves to grab the clutch she threw onto the bed earlier. "Shit, yes, it's, erm...6.30, taxi should be here any minute."

"Okay," I breath.

"You're going to knock Alexander Carlson's socks off," She smiles.

I look towards her in all seriousness, "Milly, tell me the truth, what the hell am I doing?"

She raises her eyebrow at me and sighs, "Ro, only you can answer that, but I will tell you the truth that, I think you need to be careful with him, don't let him hurt you, I already told you this, but I want you to remember who you are, don't get sucked into his world."

"I shouldn't be doing this," I mutter, looking down at my clutch.

"Forget the date, forget Alexander, tonight focus on your artwork, watch it get auctioned and watch your contribution go towards the hospital, it will be magical and by the end of the night, you would have made a difference. Remember that," She replies.

I nod, as she continues. "But."

"But?" I ask.

She sighs as she starts, "As much as I'm going to contradict everything I've just said, trust your gut Rosie, trust what you feel is right, you have an incredible ability to read people, if you want to take chances, then do it. No matter what, I'll be at the end to wish you well or pick you up, you know that."

"Mills, don't make me ruin this makeup," I laugh emotionally.

"I mean it Rosie, no one deserves to be happy more than you do, if that's something Alexander Carlson can give you, then I'll deal with that because I love you, now, go, have fun and remember,"

I look back towards her waiting for her to finish.

"Remember?" I sing.

"You're wearing good knickers," She smirks.

***

I reluctantly hand the taxi driver a note before trying, as gracefully as possible, to exit the taxi. I smooth out my dress and walk along the gravel towards the beautiful building hosting tonight's evening. A historical country estate with enough land to make you feel like you're in the deep English countryside and not thirty minutes from a city.

I walk towards the entrance and greet the doorman, "Good evening."

"Good evening miss, may I have your name."

"Rosie White, I'm attending with Alexander Carlson." The attendant looks up from his checklist at my last remark and raises an eyebrow.

He returns to his checklist, flicking through papers. "Ah, yes. Have a good evening Miss White."

I nod politely before entering, people are exploring the country home, which, if I was a young girl would call a castle, around me and I walk towards the large double doors at the end of the corridor.

Portraits of people I don't recognise but seem important line the hallway. I reach the doorway and glance at the easel holding table placements. I spot mine and Alexanders' name and glance at the names of the other members who will also be sitting with us.

Oh. Shit.

Harriet Carlson.

Charles Carlson.

I don't recognise the other names, but my only focus is on those two, please lord tell me I wont be in the presence of Alexanders parents.

I take in a deep breath as I step through the double doors into the large ballroom. People are busy engaging in conversation and looking at artwork placed on the wall around the room. The tables are set around a larger open space which sits in front of a stage. An orchestra is playing gentle background music as people arrive and mingle.

I glance around, looking to see if Alexander has arrived yet and am interrupted by a waiter with a tray of champagne.

I smile warmly as I take a crystal flute.

I turn back towards the open room and spot him, walking straight towards me.

My breath catches at the sight of him, tall, handsome, walking with purpose and structure only Alexander seems to hold.

~Shorter chapter but I'm hoping to update everyday over the next week~