Black & White (Colorful Sequel | H.S)|✔️

28

Sighing, I look at myself in the reflection of a window. I've been stuffed into a skimpy dress and pounded with flawless makeup, courtesy of my boss.

I wanted to go casual, with skinny jeans and a nice bodysuit, but Daffodil claimed that I can't look like that at an event where I'm associated with her. She still thinks Eleanor only talked to me because of the Victoria Secret show, when that's not the case at all. I don't care enough to clarify our past relationship though. So, she dolled me up, claiming that it'll be a high-class function and not an improv show.

Deep down, I should be thankful. I'd be so underdressed compared to Eleanor's model friends. Sometimes working with Daffodil is cool. Only sometimes.

The wind whips my curled hair and snaps me back to reality. I tug on the hem of my dress and stare at the lounge that's in the distance. There's a huge sign that reads Phoenix in bold letters. That's about the flashiest thing about it. Other than that, it looks pretty lowkey. And if there's one thing to know about California, it's that the more rundown something looks, the more exclusive it is.

I silently pray this isn't some weird hippie place as I pull open the doors. I'm transported into a very small room with wood accents. All it has is a podium and a door behind it.

I approach the man at the podium. "Hi, Ellie Marsh. I'm with Eleanor Calder's party." I silently hope my name isn't on the list. Daffodil can't fire me if I couldn't get in, right?

No. She'd want me to seduce the host.

He looks down at his sleek iPad as he searches through the guest names. I pretend that I'm not intimidated by the place and tighten my grip on my clutch. He looks up at me and smiles, making his extravagant mustache move with him. "Yes, I have you down right here. Do you need an escort or would you prefer to walk in alone?"

I snort at the idea of being escorted but I realize it shows just how ostentatious this place really is. "Is it big enough to get lost in?" I lean in and ask.

He laughs, not finding me weird at all. "A little."

"Escort, then."

He nods and presses a button on the podium. I allow my eyes to wander around the cozy room once again. There isn't much. To an average onlooker, they'd see the small room and flee because it just seems so... unimportant.

It makes me nervous to see the main area.

Seconds later, a girl comes out in a penguin suit, minus the jacket. "Hi, I'll be escorting you to your table."

I nod and thank the host before following alongside the girl. The air is awkward so I decide to joke it out. "You know, when I asked for an escort, I expected a male."

She laughs and the tension immediately dissipates. "Sorry to disappoint."

As soon as she opens the door, I marvel at the surroundings. I try not to make it too obvious that I don't belong but with the way my eyes drink up every detail, it isn't hard to tell.

The eating area is a huge open space. The wood walls give it a summer cabin vibe. The tables are also wooden, but look like tree trunks rather than smooth surfaces. The seating areas are very spaced out for a sense of privacy, yet no one feels isolated. The name Phoenix comes from the fact that there's fire everywhere. There are multiple fireplaces warming up the air. There are lanterns in replacement of lights. Even the tables are candlelit. I'm sure if we were outdoors, there would be fire pits as well.

"Your party's in a more closed off corner," the escort informs me. I nod, my eyes flickering around like the flames. "I'm sorry if I'm overstepping, but you seem nervous. Is everything alright?"