Page 49 of Victorious Vice

The driver gets out of the limo, opens the door, and Hawk helps me in. He slides next to me, and Jared slides in after him, taking the seat facing us.

“Champagne?” Hawk asks.

An open bottle sits in the center console, and three flutes sit in secure holders.

“Oh no, I couldn’t,” I say. “I’m still not drinking much with my meds and all. Besides, I’m way too nervous and excited.”

“You don’t mind if I have a glass, do you?” Hawk asks.

“Of course not.”

“Jared?” he asks.

“As much as I’d love it, I need my full faculties tonight.”

Hawk nods. “Of course.” He expertly pours himself a glass of the sparkling wine and takes a sip. “Good stuff.”

The drive is about an hour, and though I’m used to wearing sweats and loose T-shirts, I’m not uncomfortable in the elegant dress. I’ve missed this. I’ve missed dressing up, going out.

Growing up, I was always the girly girl while Robbie was the tomboy. She grew out of a lot of it, and I’m sure she’ll look beautiful tonight at the gala. But this is me in my element. I love beautiful clothes. I love looking pretty. I love being noticed.

I got my fair share of being noticed during my treatment. On the occasions when I wasn’t in the hospital, people would stare at my bald head. I got used to it. But now I’m going to be noticed because I look pretty.

I feel like myself again.

When we arrive at the gala, the driver gets out and opens the door for us. Hawk exits first and helps me to my feet. Jared follows.

Photographers are flashing, and reporters are there.

“Ms. Bellamy,” a reporter asks me. “Would you like to say a few words before you enter your gala?”

“Good evening,” I say. “Thank you for being here. I’m very excited to get my new foundation off the ground.”

Photos are snapped, and Hawk waves away the rest of the reporters as we enter the grand lobby of the hotel where the gala is being held.

Then the ballroom. It’s early yet, and only the organizers are here, along with Robin, Emily, CJ, and my parents. Falcon and Savannah enter soon after. The silent auction is set up on one side of the wall. The bar is open, and my father is already drinking a bourbon.

“Let’s get you a sparkling water or something,” Hawk says.

“That sounds great.” I swallow. “My throat is drying up.”

“I’ll be right back.”

Jared stays a few feet away from me, unobtrusive.

Hawk returns from the bar and hands me my drink with a huge smile.

I drop my jaw as I notice the vivid color of the liquid in the glass. “Oh my God, is that Orange Crush?”

His grin widens. “Do you think your sister would set up a gala for you and not be sure that the bar was stocked with your favorite?”

I take a sip and then notice a woman I haven’t seen in weeks pass by.

“Oh my God, Robin!” I grab my sister as she walks by and give her a big bear hug.

“You’ll muss my dress, Ray,” she says.

Robin looks gorgeous, of course. She’s wearing flaming red. She’s always been able to get away with stuff like that. Her dress isn’t quite as formal as mine. It’s a sheath that goes midway down her calves. On her feet are strappy silver sandals with platform heels, the kind of shoes I would’ve worn before I got sick. I’m wearing simple black pumps tonight. I didn’t want to take the chance of stumbling. It’s been years since I’ve had actual heels on.

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