She bobs her head, and I loop my arm through hers. “It’s settled then. We’re heading to Chez Mills.”
Christmas comes and goes, and I didn’t get to spend much quality time with Reeve since he was so exhausted and sleeping all the time, thanks to Mr. Jet Lag. However, at least I got to sleep beside him and derive what little comfort I could.
The past three weeks have flown by, and now it’s the night of the premiere. I hate that I’m dreading it, but it’s nothing like how I imagined it would be. In all my dreams, I was on Reeve’s arm as we greeted his fans on the red carpet, just like I’ve seen my parents work the crowd at Mom’s premieres. My reality couldn’t be any further removed from that fantasy.
“Oh, Vivien,” Mom exclaims entering my room, her eyes popping wide as I turn to face her in my dress. It’s a strapless lemon chiffon gown with intricate silver diamante-beading over the corset top and dotted around the full skirt. The hem is longer at the back while it’s shorter at the front to highlight my lower legs and the gorgeous silver sandals on my feet.
I designed and made the dress myself, aiming for understated elegance. For two seconds, I’d considered creating a spectacular gown that would ensure I was the talk of the night, just to rub Saffron’s nose in it, but that’s like something she’d do to try to steal my thunder, and I won’t sink to her level. Besides, drawing attention to myself would only backfire on Reeve, and he went to huge efforts to get me into the premiere. Bianca and the studio were hell-bent on excluding me, but everyone knows Reeve and I grew up together and our families are super close, so it’s not inconceivable that I’d be there, even if we are supposedly broken up.
“I’m really wondering if you should have gone the design route in college because your talent is incredible.” Mom examines the intricate beading.
“I couldn’t agree more,” Marlena says, standing back to admire the job she did on my hair and makeup. Again, I opted for simple. My hair is gently pulled away from my face with a few carefully placed diamond clips, and it flows in soft waves down my back. Marlena focused mainly on my eyes, creating a sultry smoky look, and she finished it off with nude lips and a light blush on my cheeks. “You look stunning, Vivien. Like a bona fide Hollywood princess.”
“Thank you.” I squeeze her hands. “If I look stunning, it’s because you worked your magic, as usual.”
Marlena spins around to Mom. “And this is why you two are my favorite clients. You must be so proud of your daughter. It’s rare to meet such genuine people in this business.”
“You’re a sweetheart,” Mom tells her, giving her a quick hug. “Just like my daughter and that wife of yours.”
“Where is my better half?” Marlena asks.
“Carole went to load up the car. She said she’d meet you outside.”
“Have a great night,” Marlena says, waving as she strides toward my door. “And tell Reeve I said congratulations.”
“I will, if I see him,” I mumble under my breath.
“Aw, honey.” Mom threads her fingers in mine. “I hate that we have to enter through the back like thieves in the night, but Reeve knows we are there, and it’s our support he needs.”
“I’m trying to be less selfish, but it’s hard. I hate that I can’t walk the red carpet with my boyfriend on his big night. Even worse, I hate that she will be hanging off his every word, fueling the rumors and getting one over on me at the same time.”
“You have his heart,” Mom reminds me. “Something she will never have.” Her expression softens. “And Reeve will die when he sees you in this creation. It’s perfect, Vivien. Truly perfect. Regal and sophisticated, yet not too ostentatious. No one can accuse you of trying to upstage that attention-seeking madam.”
I grin despite my anxiety. Mom always knows the perfect thing to say to settle my frayed nerves. “You look incredible, Mom,” I say, admiring the white silk Ralph Lauren gown. It’s a classic figure-hugging design, and the material clings to Mom’s enviable curves. It dips low at the front, showcasing her cleavage, but it’s still classy and elegant. Mom has paired it with diamond studs in her ears and a matching bracelet and necklace.
“Wow. I’m going to be the envy of every man at this premiere tonight,” Dad says, entering the room. “You both look beautiful.” He kisses us gently on the cheeks, careful not to mess up our makeup. “This is for you from Reeve.” Dad hands me a small black velvet box.