Blind Eyes

Chapter 6

The plane trip over to Monaco went surprisingly fast. I was determined to enjoy my time over there. I didn't want to worry about the government taking our suits or anything else. I was going to have fun.

I spent the first day shopping, travelling from store to store. As usual, Pepper had brought her work with her, although I understood why. She was a newly appointed CEO of a multi-billion dollar business. I would want to work on my holiday too. So I spent the day alone but I didn't care. I didn't worry. I focused on the colours of dresses, the feel of tops, the sparkle of jewellery. I think I was a bit too focused on trying to enjoy myself because in that first day I spent $9,000. I was normally conservative when it came to spending, even though I had thousands to spare. I guess I had been so determined to enjoy myself that I hadn't paid too much attention to the price tags. I wasn't worried though. The $9,000 I spent wouldn't even make a dent in my bank account and dad would just be happy to see me doing something normal.

I stashed the bags in the closet of my hotel room. As always when we travelled, we all had separate rooms, for which I was glad. I felt like being alone for a few hours. I paced around the room and inspected it, busying my mind. It was a new hotel that had been designed and decorated to look like an old one. Intricate gold paintwork adorned the walls which balanced with the classic cream furniture in the rooms. I studied the beautiful glass chandelier in the sitting room and the similar one in the bedroom. The bathroom was stunning with a clawfoot tub and gold leaf wallpaper.

Even though we came to Monaco almost every year, we never stayed in the same hotel. Dad always got Pepper to pick a new one each time. It was a bit annoying but fun at the same time. Every hotel was different and I loved finding each ones quirks.

After a restless night's sleep, I prepared myself for a day of rubbing shoulders with blonde bimbos who inherited daddy's money and rich old couples who drink tea like its vodka and complain about the clothes girls wear. No matter what event it is or where it's held, the same types of people always attended these rich shindigs. Almost all the people that would be there today in the 'exclusive area' wouldn't give a crap about the amazing race happening right outside. They will be there simply because it's the place to be 'seen'. I hated being associated with them when I would be more than happy to stand in the crowd outside and watch the cars like the normal people do. I had done that in previous years but since dad's announcement, more people knew who I was and I was told that my safety could not be guaranteed outside. So I was stuck inside, watching the race on TV screens and pretending to care about what people were talking about.

I sighed as I stood in front of the closet, surveying the clothes I had packed. I was torn between wearing a dress, which was expected of ladies at these events, or just saying "stuff it" and wearing my favourite jeans. After a minute of thinking, I grabbed a dress that I bought while out shopping yesterday. No doubt people would be taking photos there and the last thing I wanted was to be put in a magazine for wearing jeans as such a high class event.

I slipped into the chosen, appropriate dress. It was a cocktail length dress in a deep purple. One shouldered with a small side waist bow, it was tight enough to show my curves but not tight enough to be considered inappropriate. The only effort I put into my appearance was brushing my hair, which had nice waves in it from how I'd slept on it, and applying some mascara. I really couldn't be bothered doing anything more. Besides, I looked fine without makeup. I slipped my feet into a pair of simple black pumps, grabbed a black clutch and, after I gave myself a nod of approval in the mirror, I joined Pepper and dad in his room for breakfast. Pepper complimented me on my dress, so I knew I'd chosen right. I returned the compliment on her dress which made dad ask why he wasn't receiving any about his clothes. So then we both made exaggerated remarks about his wonderful fashion sense.