BURNED

Chapter 18

It's the day of the event and there was a sense of excitement and buzz in the air. I mean, everybody who was anybody would be at this event and people definitely wanted to put on their best. I had to admit I was quite excited myself it wasn't like someone like me got to go to these kinds of things that often. In fact, I had gone from being no one to kind of being somebody over night. All of the times that I felt like a pathetic excuse of a mother and here I was going to one of the biggest events that this business world had to offer.

Nia told me that Vinn had gotten me a dressing room at the event so all I had to do was show up. The limo arrived and it was second nature to me by now, and I mean who knew that I would be living this kind of life in such a short amount of time. Hailey was off with the babysitter and they were going to the movies and I had reminded them to check in with me every hour on the hour. No matter what I was still a mom first and I couldn't imagine what I would do if anything happened to my daughter. I frowned as I thought about my time in the business world and I wondered if I had even earned my right to be where I was now.

Arriving at the venue I was in awe. There were cars lined up nicely, fountains gushed water, lights shone in every direction. The building reminded me of a large estate with a modern twist. I jumped out of the car, careful not to mess up my hair, dry cleaning in hand. For a moment I stood there feeling out of place, and then I squared my shoulders back marching up to the doors. I let out a small gasp and some people gave me the eye as they passed through.

Beautiful chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and the entryway was larger than my apartment. The marble floors were decadent and shiny with hints of gold running through them. There were staircases in every direction and I was sure that you could get lost in here. I could see tables of food and drinks, there were waiters running around with platters, but this wasn't even the main event. Chefs were running in and out of doors taking dishes and entrees out of sight. Everyone was dressed do impress. Lace, floral dresses, silk, corsets you name it and there was not a man without a suit in sight.

"Yamina!" I heard a voice say.

"Nia?" I say, spinning around.

"There you are!" she says raising her voice above the music.

"Let's get you dressed and ready the event should start any moment now."

I nod, following her as we pushed through the crowd and we arrived at a door with my name posted on it.

"This is you, why don't you get dressed and I'll be out here."

"Aren't you coming with me? There's no need to sit out here all by yourself. I don't mind at all."

She smiles and I lead her inside the dressing room.

"By the way you look stunning green totally suits you. And your hair is so beautiful I love a good blunt cut Bob but it's a beautiful chocolate brown. You look gorgeous. I'm surprised Vinn didn't take you to the event."

"Well he's my cousin, and I'm sure he has his reasons you're a great choice."

I smile at her, and I begin putting on the dress. She helps me zip it up and I slip on my heels. I pull the shawl around my shoulders, and grab the clutch that was delivered over earlier that day. My bust is spilling out of the cups on the dress, the mermaid shape accentuated my body, and the golden shoes sparkled as the crystals hit the light with each step.

"You look amazing." she says.

"Thank you." I say squaring my shoulders.

We walk out and everybody is milling about, chatting softly, and I could hear soft laughter. People were giving me looks and stares which made me slightly uncomfortable. Some were slightly approving, others particularly the females, looked as if they had stuffed a lemon in their mouth. Of course I felt extremely out of place, but I wasn't going to let their stares get me down. Me and Nia walked arm and arm until we ran into Vinn. He sucked in his breath and his eyes danced playfully. It amazed me how he was the opposite of Orion. Orion was the stoic one, his actions seemed to say everything and nothing and he hid his emotions. Vinn showed his emotions, yet his actions said everything but nothing. It seemed both of these men have avoidance problems.