The Bodyguard (Hosie)

Chapter 13

The day had come. The day of the gala. Hope sat on the chair, still as a log while the makeup artist painted her face. Josie had already brought her to a nail shop and gotten her nails painted. This would be the last stop before attending the gala but Hope was already tired out and ready to go home. The gala was going to be a huge pain to endure.

"I'm ready."

Hope turned to the voice. Oh holy mama. Josie. Her eyes fixed on the woman wrapped in a form-fitting wine-red, sleeveless dress of lace and all sorts of curves. The makeup on the woman's face was simple but brought out the best in her features. And her silky brown hair. Pulled back into a simple yet elegant ponytail, it brought understated class to plate as well.

"How do I look?" the woman asked, spinning around to present a full view of herself to Hope.

Oh holy naked back. There it was again. Josie's naked back. Memories of the night she saw Josie's naked back in the mirror came flooding into her mind. Memories, all sorts of memories. Memories she didn't want to remember. Memories she had tucked away in a corner of her mind.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Do I look bad?"

Hope shook her head. "No, you don't look bad."

"Well? What then?"

Meeting Josie's brown eyes, Hope smiled. "You look beautiful."

Josie giggled. "Really?"

"Really."

"Will I be the hottest woman at the gala?"

Smiling indulgently, Hope replied, "I will be second to no one else but you."

More giggles. "You sweet talker." Then, her face straightened up. "You're not trying to get out of something, are you?"

"No. I'm just being honest."

Josie skipped to Hope, much to the amusement of the stylists surrounding them, and took Hope's hand. "I can't wait for tonight."

Hope winced at the thought. "I can't wait." For the night to be over.

-----

Hope arrived at the hotel with Josie, in a car driven by one of Mr. Saltzman's security personnel. Attending the gala as Josie's friend meant that the door was opened for her by a valet. It was different. It would take a while to get used to.

"Ready?" asked Josie.

"Ready or not, I'm ready."

Josie took Hope's hand. "Tonight, it's my turn to protect you. Come on."

With her hand in Josie's, Hope followed the woman she was supposed to protect into the hotel. The venue was full of people milling about, chatting over drinks and nut. Hope stayed by Josie's side the entire time, smiling and talking only when necessary. When asked about her work, she smoothed over it, telling them she managed the security for Mr. Saltzman's company infrastructure. Most people nodded and moved on, as expected. Group after group, Josie led the way and covered a good quarter of the crowd. Then, it was time to find their seats.

Amidst the sea of tables in the ballroom, Hope spotted the table they were assigned to and tugged on Josie's hand.

"Over there."

"Lead the way, partner," said Josie, her voice softer and huskier than usual.

Maintaining the stoic expression on her face, Hope simply walked to the table and took a seat. Josie took the seat beside her, wearing a mystifying grin on her face and looked around at the other tables. She educated Hope about the people nearby until a couple joined their table. It was a husband and wife pair, the man being a member of the board of directors, and Josie introduced them to each other. Gradually, the table was filled and the dinner event started.