The Make-Up Artist: Part 2

Chapter Nine: The Big Apple

As soon as you've checked your work schedule and cleared it with the director to make sure it's alright if you're gone for a few days, you contact Richard immediately so that he can begin to make plans for you. You are still a little uncomfortable with him taking care of everything, but he reassures you once again that it is no problem at all. You realize that part of the reason he's doing all this is probably because he feels the need to make up for not telling you about Taron's girlfriend. Of course you don't blame him at all, but you know he still feels partially responsible. You really meant what you said to him though, you just want to put it all behind you and try and move on. And if letting him convince you to go to the Met Gala with him and making all the plans for you helps with that, so be it. 

You have to admit, you are getting rather excited about flying to New York and attending the lavish party. You've only been to Manhattan one other time and it was for a family trip with your parents when you were a teenager, so you are more than a little excited at the thought of experiencing the "city that never sleeps" as an adult. The only thing that still plagues your thoughts and dampens your excitement is the anticipation of Taron's reaction. You've been going back and forth as to whether you should just tell him beforehand so it's not a complete shock when he sees you there with Richard. At the same time, you could be blowing this all out of proportion as usual, and he may not care in the slightest. You and Richard are good friends after all, why wouldn't you go with him? It's completely innocent and even if it weren't, it still wouldn't be any of Taron's business, but that doesn't stop you from worrying. Fortunately, you no longer have to decide whether to tell him or not when Richard calls you mid-week to give you an update on the plans.

"Ok, so I've had my assistant email you your itinerary. It has your flight info, hotel accommodations and driver info", Richard explains.

"Driver info?" You ask, slightly confused.

"Well yeah, how do you expect to get around in NYC?" He says, chuckling at your naivety.

"I don't know...taxi? Uber?"

"Oh no no no, not in New York City on Met Gala night. You'll have a driver, it'll be fine", he states.

"Will we not be riding together?" You ask, suddenly terrified at the thought of walking up to the opulent Metropolitan Museum of Art all alone.

"I have some things to take care of just before the event so I'll meet you there." When there is a pause, he continues. "You'll be fine. Promise." You sigh heavily and concede. What other choice do you have?

"Fine."

"Good girl. Oh! Your dress will be waiting for you in the hotel room. You're going to love it. Well, I think you will." You can practically see him beaming through the phone. You really do owe him one.

"Ok, thank you Richard. You're the best."

"Don't thank me. It was nothing, really", he says nonchalantly.

"That's not true. It means a lot to me that you would go to all this trouble for me", you insist.

"It was no trouble at all, but you're welcome." You are waiting for him to say something else, but there's a pause on the other end of the line. "Umm, one more thing", he finally says.

"Yes?" What more could there be?

"I sort of told Taron that we were going together." You're surprised by his admission and not exactly upset, but your pulse definitely picks up.

"Oh. You did?"

"Yes. He and I were talking and he asked me if I was bringing someone so I kind of had to tell him", he says, all in a rush.