Damaged Memories

Part 15

Grace applied one final coat of black mascara to her eyelashes, now far-reaching, dark and defined, just how Emma had taught her they should be. It was New Year's Eve after all and in a few hours' time she'd be mingling with many well-known celebrities at what was sure to be one of the events of the holiday season. Patrick was throwing a party at a chic lounge bar in Times Square and had invited one hundred and fifty friends and family to help ring in the New Year, so she'd spent the day with Alexis at her salon, being pampered for the special occasion.

As she took a step back from the mirror and straightened out her shimmering dress she noticed Patrick in the reflection behind her. He was wandering into the bedroom pulling on his suit jacket and when she spun around to face him he immediately recoiled, but in a good way. He walked slowly and stopped some distance from her, taking every inch of her in like he was admiring an exquisite piece of artwork, the gesture immediately warming Grace's bones. She couldn't even remember the last time Michael had looked at her that way, if ever.

For the occasion, her freshly coloured chocolate hair was pulled back loosely from her face into a sophisticated bun and her blue eyes glinted like a deep ocean, accentuated by the dark eyeliner that was smudged around her eyes like charcoal. She'd kept her accessories simple yet stylish, complimenting her outfit with the diamond earrings Patrick had given her for Christmas and two chunky silver bangles. But the crowning glory was the exquisite dress. It was slim fitting and the mid-thigh length flaunted her athletic legs, while the sexy plunging V-neck at both the front and back of the dress exposed her olive skin. Completely covered in varying sizes of shimmering clear embellishments and crystal beads, the dress glinted in the light whenever she moved, like a silver disco ball.

"My god, that dress is absolutely stunning Grace, you look incredible. Where on earth did you get it?"

"From a boutique that your mum took me to earlier in the week. I fell in love with it from the moment I saw it and I just had to have it."

"I'm not surprised – it's stunning. And the perfect choice for tonight."

"Thanks," Grace said with a grin, pleased that she was getting the hang of dressing like a celebrity, without her sister's constant fashion advice. "I love your suit too, looks great. You did well."

"So I did ok then? Even without a woman's perspective?"

It had been a hectic few weeks in New York, so when Patrick had decided that he needed a new suit for the party just two days prior he'd thoughtfully suggested that Grace stay at home and relax rather than brave the crowds and go shopping – something he knew she didn't enjoy. She hadn't protested either. As much as she had fallen in love with wandering the streets of New York, it was also nice to have some down time away from the hordes of tourists that had flocked to the city for the festive season. And by the looks of it, he'd done perfectly well without her input anyway. The impeccable slim-fitting suit he'd chosen was navy blue and it was coupled with a crisp white shirt underneath, the top two buttons undone, while the brown leather belt and shoes were the perfect contrasting colour.

"More than ok," she replied before he slipped his hands around her waist and landed a kiss on her freshly lip-sticked lips. Then he stepped back and offered his arm to her.

"Glad to hear it. Well then, shall we?"

After plucking her black woollen winter coat and silver clutch off the bed they found Carol and Les in the lounge, already waiting in anticipation. They too looked glamorous for the night ahead, Les in a dark grey pinstripe suit and Carol in a long black evening gown. When they spotted Grace their eyes grew wide simultaneously, mimicking their sons' reaction.