Page 3 of One Sultry Summer

“I highly doubt that.” My phone pinged; I picked it up to see the notification. “Looks like our car has arrived. Let me get my cover-up.” I added a black mesh, long-sleeved, see-through cover-up made of tulle.

“You look pretty, but that cover-up is useless.”

“I know, but it looks fabulous on me.” I placed my cell phone in my clutch and was about to apply lip gloss when he stopped me.

“No, don’t ruin it by adding lip gloss. That’s sonineteen eighties. Do you have lipstick, maybe in a rose-colored shade? It would suit you better."

I did what he suggested and applied lipstick. “How’s this?”

“Perfect. Let’s go.”

I locked the door behind me, then we walked down the steps. The driver opened the door and Devin motioned for me to enter first. The limousine was a tad too big for just the two of us, but heck, we were traveling in style tonight.

“Okay, Samuel is going to be so jealous.”

“Maybe don’t tell him about the limo.”

“Agreed.” He smiled as he looked around, touching buttons.

The ride was smooth, and the conversation was enjoyable. When we pulled up to the event, the limo door opened, and it felt like Oscar’s or the Golden Globe Awards, as newspapers and television stations lined the red carpet.

This must be what my friend Rae McCarthy feels like when she’s at premiers. Somemight believe that being friends with someone famous means I become famous by association. However, that’s not how it works. Yes, I know a celebrity or two, but it doesn’t change who I am. I’m just a normal, down-to-earth person like everyone else.

Do I have a fiery attitude? Only when caged like a hungry bear. Am I a jealous woman? No, I have nothing and no one to be jealous of.

“Are you ready to enter? You look distracted.”

I smile and shake my head. “I’m good.” He puts his arm out and I link mine with his. The doors open to the gala, and I’m amazed at how beautiful the decorations are. The hallway is filled with gorgeous bouquets of red and white flowers along the tables lining the marble floor.

I showed the attendant the invitations, and after careful inspection, we were let into the ballroom. Shimmering like stars in the night sky, five exquisite crystal chandeliers hung gracefully from the high vaulted ceiling, casting a warm,inviting glow across the elegantly decorated room. Devin and I stop briefly to appreciate the ambiance.

“Can we sit anywhere?”

“No, we’re assigned a certain table.” I turn the invitation over where it indicates our table number and a list of dinner options to choose from. “We’re sitting at table seventeen.” We walk around scouting for our assigned table when we bump into the mayor.

“Val, so lovely to see you.”

“Hello, sir. Congratulations on your award nomination.”

“It’s nothing compared to how beautiful you look tonight, Val.”

“Oh, stop, Mr. Patterson.” His eyes traveled up and down my body, and it made me uncomfortable.

“Please, call me Maxwell.”

“Mr. Patterson, let me introduce myself. I’m Devin Appleton, Valerie’s date.” His smile disappeared quickly, and he excused himself. “Well, that was weird.”

“To say the least. He made me feel awkward.”

“And this guy is getting an award? Samuel will be so disappointed that his dashing mayor is disgusting underneath his pretty boy exterior.”

“Maybe he’s been drinking? By the way, what made you step in, Devin?”

“He kept calling you Val as if you were close or intimate. Frankly, the only person I’ve ever heard call you Val is your mother.”

“You’re very astute.”

“Come on, let’s go find our table. You can thank me later by buying me dessert. Especially since you know I like chocolate.”

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