MY BODYGUARD /JENLISA

13)Gala

The day had come. The day of the gala. Jennie sat on the chair, still as a log while the makeup artist painted her face. Lisa had already brought her to a nail shop and gotten her nails painted. This would be the last stop before attending the gala but Jennie was already tired out and ready to go home. The gala was going to be a huge pain to endure.

"I'm ready."

Jennie turned to the voice. Oh holy mama, Lisa.

Her eyes fixed on the woman wrapped in a form-fitting, wine-red, sleeveless dress of lace and all sorts of curves. The makeup on the woman's face was simple but brought out the best in her features. And her silky black hair. Pulled back into a simple yet elegant ponytail, it brought understated class to plate as well.

"How do I look?" the woman asked, spinning around to present a full view of herself to Jennie.

Oh holy naked back. There it was again. Lisa's naked back. Memories of the night she saw Lisa's naked back in the mirror came flooding into her mind. Memories, all sorts of memories.

Memories she didn't want to remember.

Memories she had tucked away in the corner of her mind.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Do I look bad?"

Jennie shook her head. "No, you don't look bad."

"Well? What then?"

Meeting Lisa's twinkling eyes, Jennie smiled. "You look beautiful."

Lisa giggled. "Really?"

"Really."

"Will I be the hottest woman at the gala?"

Smiling indulgently, Jennie replied, "I will be second to no one else but you."

More giggles. "You sweet talker." Then, her face straightened up. "You're not trying to get out of something, are you?"

"No. I'm just being honest."

Lisa skipped to Jennie, much to the amusement of the stylists surrounding them, and took Jennie's hand. "I can't wait for tonight."

Jennie winced at the thought. "I can't wait." For tonight to be over.

¤¤¤

Jennie arrived at the hotel with Lisa, in a car driven by one of Mr. Manoban's security personnel. Attending the gala as Lisa's friend meant that the door was opened for her by a valet. It was different. It would take a while to get used to.

"Ready?" asked Lisa.

"Ready or not, I'm ready."

Lisa took Jennie's hand. "Tonight, it's my turn to protect you. Come on."

With her hand in Lisa's, Jennie followed the woman she was supposed to protect into the hotel. The venue was full of people milling about, chatting over drinks and nuts. Jennie stayed by Lisa's side the entire time, smiling and talking only when necessary. When asked about her work, she smoothed over it, telling them she managed the security for Mr. Manoban's company infrastructure. Most people nodded and moved on, as expected. Group after group, Lisa led the way and covered a good quarter of the crowd. Then, it was time to find their seats.

Amidst the sea of tables in the ballroom, Jennie spotted the table they were assigned to and tugged on Lisa's hand.

"Over there."

"Lead the way, partner," said Lisa, her voice softer and huskier than usual.

Maintaining the stoic expression on her face, Jennie simply walked to the table and took a seat. Lisa took the seat beside her, wearing a mystifying grin on her face and looked around at the other tables. She educated Jennie about the people nearby until a couple joined their table. It was a husband and wife pair, the man being a member of the board of directors, and Lisa introduced them to each other. Gradually, the table was filled and the dinner event started.