Hard Time's

everybody's fool

It's with a sigh you put in your earrings once again you are dressed for a gala you look fantastic, the baroness walks up behind you to see if she approves of your look. 'It's missing something.' she slips her hands in front of you for a second lowering her necklace. The one with the ruby which you love she clips it on you. 'There, I fixed it. Stunning.' You look down at the necklace and smile. 'I want you to have it, it suits you.' she squeezes your shoulder. 'This must've cost a fortune, I couldn't possibly.' you say in shock. 'Where better to keep it then than around the neck of my precious diamond.' she brushes it off. 'I know you hate these things but it won't last long.'

That's just an out-and-out lie, they always last long, and sometimes you're the show pony she trots out to discuss your latest work. More often than not you get left to your own devices as someone always wants to have the Baroness's ear. 'So this is like a bribe?' you catch the necklace looking at it. 'No.' she looks a little hurt. 'I genuinely want you to have it, a token of my affection.' you smile softly at her words. 'Then I appreciate it but I don't have a way to repay you.' The baroness looks at you quizically. 'It's been a while since I've presented someone with something other than my displeasure. However, I believe that is not the point of gift-giving to receive something of equal value. Besides your companionship is everything to me.' she is genuine.

Companionship, you caught that huh? Well, you've not worked up the courage to say the L word yet neither has she. You honestly don't mind as you are happy why try to ruin things with labels? 'Baroness.' you call before she leaves your room and she looks back. 'You look stunning.' The baroness puts a hand on her hip. 'Well I know that.' she replies sarcastically and leaves, you shake your head at her and laugh. You both travel together in the car to the gala and you stare out the window raindrops running down the glass. The baroness grabs your hand gently and you turn to her and smile, she holds your hand the whole journey.

When you arrive cameras are flashing and after the fanfare, you make your way into the actual event. 'Dear, I know you find these things a bit boring but please don't drink too much tonight. You're vomit ruined my shoes the last time.' You roll your eyes and turn to her saluting. 'Yes ma'am.' You head off into the crowd. 'John, keep an eye on (y/n) and make sure she doesn't overdo the champagne.' John inclines his head and the baroness is swept into a conversation.

'Stripes.' you reply, you've been trapped in a group of women quizzing you about your work. 'The next big thing I intend to do is work with stripes I'm trying to take a break from sequins.' Not far away you hear a group of men laughing, you see they are looking at you.

"Never was and never will be

Have you no shame don't you see me

You know you've got everybody fooled

Look here she comes now

Bow down and stare in wonder

Oh how we love you

No flaws when you're pretending

But now I know she

Never was and never will be

You don't know how you've betrayed me

And somehow you've got everybody fooled"

'Excuse me ladies.' you smile politely and walk over to the men. 'Is there something funny? I don't quite think I heard the joke.' They snigger. 'Well?!' An older man smirks at you. 'My son here, Jonathon.' he slaps a younger-looking man's shoulder. 'Swears blind that you were a stripper in a nightclub he used to frequent.' You look at the smirking younger man and smile. 'So what if I was?' He sips his champagne. 'Well true if the rumors are true about Baroness Von Hellman I suppose she is paying you for it. If not I have the cure for your sick little mind right here.' he pats his groin they all laugh. You are furious and embarrassed. 'I don't think your little button mushroom would be to the lady's taste.'

Hearing the deep male voice you turn to see another man he is handsome and looks a little older than you with jet black hair. He lights up a cigarette. The laughter stops. 'Grayson.' Jonathon's father acknowledges him. 'Perhaps the lady would care to accompany me to take in the night's air?' He offers you his arm and you take it gratefully and let him lead you away. 'Thanks for that. I don't normally need saving.' He inhales his cigarette. 'Not to worry, you always get those types with their boy's club mentality. They don't like me much, I'm new money you see.' You listen to him walking through the crowd. 'Can I bum one of those?' He takes out his cigarette case offers you one then flicks his lighter.

Inhaling you close your eyes. 'I hate these things you know? Everyone is just so fake.' The Baroness is in conversation with a group all asking questions about her upcoming collection, John frowns watching you as he sees the gentleman lead you out onto the balcony. 'John!' the baroness calls. 'Will you see to it that Lady Buchanan is invited to my next show? She's just arrived from Scotland.' John nods they go back to chatting then frowns when he can't see you anymore. 'So why are you here? After a new frock?' you inhale your cigarette. Grayson laughs. 'No just a politics thing rubbing elbows with the right people, the best way to do business is at these shindigs even if they're boring as hell.' You laugh again. 'What about you? What's your story?' he asks. You look out at the night sky. 'I'm a designer for Baroness Von Hellman.' to be fair that's true.

Grayson raises his eyebrows. 'The scary lady? With the big hair?' You burst out laughing. 'I can honestly say I've never addressed her as that before but yes.' He laughs holding his hands up. 'Hey, I'm not judging I'm not a judgemental person, looks like a piece of work though how do you like working for her?' you push yourself up so you can sit on the wall. 'Oh she's not so bad, she's just selective in her company.' A waiter approaches with a tray of champagne offering them, Grayson lifts two giving one to you. 'Here's to escaping boredom.' you take the class and clink it with his then knock it back in one go.

'You're definitely not from old money.' he states with a grin. You laugh jumping back down off the wall. 'No, I'm certainly not. We should get back inside it's freezing out here.' you shiver. Grayson offers his arm and escorts you back inside. A rush of warmth hits you as you rejoin the gala. 'Woah.' you try to focus but you suddenly feel woozy. 'I got ya.' he keeps a hold of you and you giggle but your brain fills with fog. He's drugged you. 'Excuse me.' you remove yourself from him but everything is a blur you find a wall and try to use it to get you out of there. It's taking you forever to move and no one's noticed you. 'Is she okay?' one of the women you were chatting with earlier approaches, Grayson. 'Fine, just too much to drink I'll find her somewhere to sleep it off.'

'Baroness.' John approaches she's holding a glass of champagne and laughing. 'John?' John goes to her and speaks quietly. 'I can't find (y/n) anywhere, she's missing.' The baroness groans. 'Is she drunk again?' John looks skeptical. 'From when I last saw her she hadn't touched a drop it's not like her to go missing.' The baroness narrows her eyes. 'Alert security have everyone search for her now.' her tone has changed suddenly. 'Baroness?' he looks confused. 'I said now! I've a feeling.' she puts her champagne glass down on a tray carried by a passing waiter. The baroness herself joins the search and is quick to start searching for you through the crowd.