Impressing the Clients

91

The party was in two hours and I had barely prepared myself for it.

My dress was ready. Kyle and Jackie were almost done fixing themselves while there I was in the bathroom, sitting on the throne for I didn't know how long.

"Paula," Kyle knocked. "Are you okay in there? It's been an hour."

"I'll be out in a sec." I answered as I stared at the stick by the bathroom counter.

"I'm coming in!" Kyle announced.

I quickly grabbed the stick from the counter and into my pocket. Kyle saw me.

"You're not having another stick, Paula." He scolded as he opened the small window and let the cigarette smoke out.

"I only had one." I reasoned.

"Look, I know this is a lot to process," he leaned by the counter and crossed his arms as I sat still. "But honey, you have to go through this."

I just sighed.

"Get through this and think of your men. I am sure they'll appreciate it very much if you show up."

"I-I don't know if I can get through this."

"Well, honey, truth be told, you should've known that whatever you were doing, you could've at least expected this to happen at some point."

"I know. I thought about it, but I always told myself that 'future Paula' can take care of that," I put my hands to my face frustratingly.

"Well, your present self must handle this now," he kneeled as he rested his hands on my knees. "Don't worry, Jackie and I will be there the whole time."

I put my hands on his, sighed and nodded.

"Great!" He pulled me up from my seat and dragged me out. "Let's get started on your look tonight!" He excitedly skipped across the room as he led me to the vanity table.

After an hour of painting my face and putting my dress, I stared at myself at the mirror.

"Oh, wow," Jackie was smiling, watching me as Kyle finished dressing me up.

"Just in time for the party," Kyle mumbled as he gestured me to turn around for him.

"Guys, I'm so fucking nervous," I laughed as I lifted my hands to show them I was shaking.

Kyle and Jackie chose this Swarovski nude off-shoulder gown with a slit for me because I was 'too prude' with my choices when we were shopping yesterday. When I tried it on, they were right. It was really beautiful. I also insisted that I didn't need new pair of heels as I already brought the fanciest I have but they were like dragons when I refused to buy the one they chose for me.

"You look so beautiful, I think I'm gonna cry," Jackie's voice trembled as she admired me.

"Jackie!" Kyle raised an eyebrow at her, "this is not a wedding. Stop making her more anxious than she already is."

"Guys," Clint knocked by the door before Jackie can even respond to Kyle. "It's time."

"Coming," Jackie sweetly answered as she approach to open the door.

"Oh, god," Clint mumbled lowly as he was clearly stunned by Jackie's beauty. His reaction made Jackie blush as Kyle and I smiled at their cute moment.

"Y-you're perfect," Clint can't take his eyes off of Jackie. She just tucked her hair behind her ear and bit her lip.

Clint took a few steps towards Jackie and gave her a light peck on her lips before linking her hand on his arm. They were too occupied with each other as they walk out, staring and smiling. Kyle and I just followed them.