Best Night Ever...The Aftermath

Part 18 - The Perfect Day

Guess ur not gonna make it 🙁
Turning my phone off for the night, will call you 2nite
Luv you

I'm trying baby, I'm sorry

Its ok, I know you tried

I sighed as I finished texting Bruno feeling just a little down. I knew he was busy and that there was a chance he wouldn't make it this weekend, but that didn't stop me from getting my hopes up. Still, he was never anything but honest with me about his plans so I wasn't mad at him, just a little sad. But I knew he would make it to see me next week. I observed myself in the full length mirror in the huge, luxurious suit at the Waldorf Astoria and had to smile. The midnight blue gown with intricate beading on the bodice was perfect. The flowing satin skirt of the dress with its high slit added just a touch of sexy and paired with the silver stilettos, I looked pretty damn good. The King's Ball was black tie this year, escaping tradition of costumes and themes so my sleek gown should be perfect.

The driver guided the limo through the hectic New York City traffic to the Guastavinos Ballroom where the red carpet was laid out. Knowing the routine, Chester, my stand in date and I quickly dodged the photographers and media here for the celebrities and big shots and made our way inside. The place was dazzling. Completely decked out and glimmering, the venue couldn't have been a more perfect combination of classy, chic, and upscale. As the crowd grew, I made my rounds, greeting and mingling with guest, thanking people for their donations. I made a couple of bids for the silent auction and laughed at the obvious baby sitters stalking the charts to make sure they weren't outbid. "Candy, you look amazing", I heard as my partner Jerry approached with a slim beauty on his arm. He introduced me to his date, the dancer from Chicago he had been chasing for months. "Are you flying solo tonight?" he asked. "Well Chester is my date although I'm sure he's going to ditch me soon for the bartender he's been flirting with the last half hour", I told him. "I can't wait to see Jill", he said speaking of this year's performer Jill Scott. "She should be great! I'm glad you talked into doing it", I said. "Not a bad turnout this year", he commented. "It really isn't. Tommy and Mary are in the zone and look like they're having a good time", I said. "We should too! Let's hit the bar!" he suggested.

After a few drinks, I was able to actually relax and have a good time. Deciding that leaving Jerry at the bar and mingling again was probably my best option if I didn't want to get too drunk too early, I grabbed Chester and we sailed across the dance floor as the opening band played. We laughed and twirled with our over exaggerated dance moves, simply having a good time. After three songs, Chester headed back to the bar to get more drinks. I grabbed a glass of champagne from one of the trays passing by knowing I would be kept waiting while my date shamelessly flirted with the bartender. I laughed, sipping my drink and turned and ran right into Joshua and his beautiful date for the evening.

Caught completely off guard and stunned, I stared at the pair and tried to gather my thoughts. "Candice. Great event, as always", Josh said, to which I had no response. I looked back and forth between the two of them, internally begging myself to get my shit together. Knowing faces in the crowd looked our way but I still couldn't gather any words. "Candy you look great! Don't I get a hug", she asked, stepping to me with open arms. If it weren't for the eyes we had drawn, I would have stepped away from her. Instead, I plastered the fakest smile ever on my face as we embraced for the first time in years. "Carmen", I said plainly. "I know it's a bit early but happy birthday baby sis!" she said when we separated while Josh just stared at me. I was still at a loss for words. The embarrassment and humiliation I was feeling was unbearable. I couldn't believe they had the nerve to be here this way, and then approach me like we were old friends catching up. "Candy please talk to me", my sister pleaded. 'What the fuck do you expect me to say' I thought. I knew I was being watched and this event was too directly tied to my work for me to lose my cool. Josh had a huge cocky grin on his face. He knew he was getting under my skin and he loved every second of it. "You two have a good night and thank you for your donation", I forced out and made to leave the confrontation. "Candy, wait", Carmen said, grabbing my arm so I couldn't retreat. I saw Chester standing close by, apprehensive to approach giving me the deepest look of sympathy. I waved him off, turning back to Josh and my sister and my eyes danced. "Sorry I'm late beautiful", Bruno said as he walked pass Carmen and Joshua.