Page 110 of Fear of Intimacy

“Don’t let them affect you, Tasha,” I told my reflection. I wasn’t about to let my parents or any of the people there get to me. I could play the game just as well as they could.

Pushing my shoulders back, I flashed myself a smirk before turning on my heel and grabbing the clutch I packed with my keys, phone, lipstick, and gum. It was time to get this thing over with.

The rideto the fancy hotel where my parents held the gala wasn’t bad. The car was nice and big, so I didn’t have a hard time getting in with my gown. The driver was quiet and left me alone as I sent texts in the girl's chat. Josie, Lydia, and Mila sent encouraging messages and memes.

I did send Trevor a few texts, even though he was in theair and wouldn’t see them until he landed. I wished he was next to me, but at least he would be here soon.

When the car pulled up to the hotel, the first thing I noticed was the paparazzi lining the black carpet that led to the front doors. Of course there was a carpet to walk on and pose for pictures. The socialites were nothing but vain when it comes to cameras. Always wanting their pictures taken and shared for everyone to see.

I planned it so I would arrive late but not late enough to be considered rude. The last thing I wanted was to show up early and be stuck here any longer than I had to be. I wouldn’t be surprised if my parents were already looking for me.

“Ready, Miss?” the driver asked, looking at me through the rearview mirror. With no other choice, I gave him a nod.

While he got out and came around to open my door, I took a deep breath.You can do this, Tasha. It’s just a few hours.

As soon as my door opened, I was met with the sound of people yelling and the clicking of cameras. Swinging my leg out, I slowly slipped out of the car, making sure to move at a pace that got everyone’s attention. With a steel spine, I stepped onto the pavement, my dress falling to my feet.

Plastering on a fake smile, I prepared myself to pose for pictures. Lifting the sides of my gown so I could walk, I headed for the black carpet ahead of me. An odd choice.

As I walked, flashes blurred my vision. Photographers yelled, finally catching onto who I was. Most of the questions thrown at me were about the relationship I had with Trevor Hall. Even with Josie and Wyatt’s engagement announcement, we were still a hot topic.

Having done this before, I knew to stop and pose a few times, giving a few smiles and smirks over my shoulder as I went. These pictures would be all over the internet in a matter of minutes.

Leaving the photographers behind me, I stepped into the hotel, following the trail of people to the ballroom. As soon as I stepped through the doorway, I swore I felt every head turn in my direction. Squaring my shoulders, I walked farther into the lion's den, keeping my eyes open for my parents. I had yet to see them but knew they were here somewhere.

The giant chandelier hung from above was beautiful. Casting a warm glow over everyone standing in the ballroom. I only made it halfway through the room, weaving between tables, when I was stopped by someone calling my name.

“Tasha, dear!”

I tried not to groan at the sound of the voice. Mrs. Hans was the biggest gossip and every word out of my mouth would be repeated to everyone. Of course, she’d be the first one to come talk to me.

“Hello, Mrs. Hans.” I turned around to face her, a fake smile on full blast. “Nice to see you.”

“You look wonderful, dear.” The expression on her face was just as fake as the rest of her. Coming up behind her was her husband.

Mr. Hans was your typical older white man in his late sixties. He made his money by investing in small companies then flipped them for millions. He wasn’t the worst man I'd ever met, but he rarely kept his eyes to himself. They dropped to my breasts and then jumped back to my face. He was harmless for the most part.

“Thank you. You look beautiful as well.” Like everyone else around, her dress was probably worth a fortune. No one would be caught dead showing up in a gown less than a few thousand dollars.

“You are too kind.” Mrs. Hans touched my arm. “So happy to see you tonight. We weren’t sure you were going to show.”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

“We saw that you are with that hockey player.”Ahh there it was.

“Hall is a fantastic athlete,” Mr. Hans chimed in. “Hopefully they bring home another championship.”

“Is he coming tonight?” I didn’t miss the glint in her eyes. She was dying to share something with the grapevine.

“He is. He’s on his way, actually.” This time the smile on my face wasn’t fake. It never was when it came to Trevor.

“We wouldloveto meet him.”Oh, I bet you would.

“Hopefully, he gets here soon,” I said politely. “I better go find my parents. It was nice to see you guys.” I quickly made my exit, wanting to get away before she could try and get more information out of me.

Another thing I learned over the years was that you could talk to someone for a few minutes but then you had to make your leave. If not, you’d be roped into business discussions and gossip all night long.

Weaving between people, occasionally waving or flashing a smile to someone who said my name, I made my way toward the bar. If I was going to get through this night, I needed a drink. And I needed it ASAP.

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