Competition

Eleven

The red carpet was fun but I couldn't help but think of what magazines I'd end up in. I couldn't help but think of who would open these magazines and see me, in my light gray Marchesa gown, with Howard, who had his hand round my waist as we posed for five minutes in front of cameras before being ushered inside. David was right; Howard and I did need to talk.

'Oh I remember Howard grew up with his brother a few houses down from where we lived,' an old family friend was saying. 'I would play bridge and rugby with his father while the kids would run around in the garden chasing each other.'

'What was he like as a child?' I asked.

'He was quiet, mischievous, but very creative and intelligent.'

'And now?' I asked. 'Do you think he's changed much?'

'Not at all.'

We laughed as Howard came to join us with some drinks.

'I see you've met Priscilla,' he said. 'She's a writer.'

'We need to talk Howard,' I said when we finally had a moment alone. 'We need to talk about us.'

'Oh Howard, how glorious it is to see you,' a brunette woman said before he had the chance to say anything. She looked at me and I suddenly felt so used and ashamed. 'How is Marsha?'

'She's in Spain,' Howard replied. 'She's visiting her father.'

The woman nodded. 'Oh yes?'

'You can't turn up to one of these dateless or else everyone assumes there's either something wrong or you need help,' Howard joked. 'I just thought I'd spare myself the aggro.'

She raised an eyebrow. 'With you, there's always something wrong.'

'Well anyway,' Howard said. 'This is Priscilla...'

'I heard a famous writer was here,' the woman said holding out her hand and smiling at me. 'My name is Karen.'

'It's nice to meet you,' I said awkwardly. I shook her hand and tried to smile back.

'Karen is my sister-in-law,' Howard said.

'Wow,' I said trying to sound cool and casual. 'That's great.'

'Yep,' Karen nodded. 'His brother is much more lively and interesting than him; but not as smart.'

'Marry the clever one,' I laughed.

'He's clever enough for you to stay at home and not work,' Howard said. 'Anyway, Priscilla and I were just talking, if you wouldn't mind...'

'What a marvellous dress Priscilla,' Karen said, her eyes glued to my gown. 'Where can I get my hands on it? I'm hosting this massive auction next Thursday night and I've been looking like crazy for a dress to wear. This would be perfect.'

I saw as Howard rolled his eyes.

'This is Marchesa,' I replied. 'I'm borrowing it from my friend. He does fashion PR.'

Karen nodded interested. 'That's amazing.'

'I could give you his studio's number, if you'd like,' I said. 'I'm sure he wouldn't mind helping you out. He's got loads of stuff...'

'How much if I wanted to buy it?'

'Six thousand pounds?' I replied.

'Six thousand...six thousand pounds?'