Hair threatened to an inch of its life- double check.
The cool, silky fabric of my black cocktail dress hugs every curve of my body as it slides into place, awakening every sense as another faint memory stirs. One of light touches in the dark. Of hot breath against my skin while a tongue does some deliciously wicked things to my body. An unknown language spoken in tongues, branding every inch of my soul with each whispered caress.
A memory that somehow, I know doesn't include Josh.
Only when I'm as ready as I can be do I leave my room, Sentinel tucked firmly within this evening's purse as I scroll through the email inbox on my phone. Searching for the one I received a few weeks ago with the invite information for the fete.
Another message pings on my phone, thankfully its notification sound is the plain, boring one that comes standard with every phone. The preview banner reassuring me that it's from the rideshare driver, notifying me that they're sitting outside, waiting for me.
Everything will be alright. As soon as I return Sentinel Josh will calm down and allow me to explain that this was all just a mistake.
Soft jazz plays on the radio, a welcoming background sound to distract my mind from Josh, as buildings blur past. Unfortunately leaving me time to think of silk sheets beneath my body, clenched between my fingers and cooling down overheated skin.
A voice without a face.
A body without a name.
Words spoken with reverence as I give myself up to a stranger's mercy. A stranger who feels like something more, even though I don't know why. Someone who is more than a whispered promise, than a made up dream. One whose very essence echoes within the very core of my soul...
Jumping, I realize the vehicle has come to a stop, the driver patiently waiting as I gather my thoughts.How long have we been sitting here?
Mumbling a hasty thanks, I slide out of the car, confirming the payment on the app before the driver makes it around the corner.
Shoulders back, head held high, I make my way up the stone steps, leading to the large glass doors of the Grand Astoria.
Polished brass handles shine a muted bronze in the afternoon sunlight, reminding me of the weight in my purse. A reminder of the cursed albatross that I've somehow unwittingly picked up.I just pray this isn't a sign of other misfortunes to come.
Inside I spy dark wood doors off to the sides, surrounded by gold veined white marble walls, sparking a bit of curiosity for a brief second before my attention is drawn to the twenty steps in front of me, leading up to a second floor of the building. Another set of wood doors, this time pulled back to allow entrance into the main area, sits at the top.
Even from here, standing at the foot of the stairs, I can hear muted voices and gentle string music filling the air. Accompanied by sounds of laughter, chimes of crystal glassware clinking together, and delicate silverware striking porcelain plates.
Already my feet want to cry in protest but slowly I make my way up the black marble steps. The last thing I want to do is slip and crack my head on my way down. Though maybe an emergency ride to the ER is a good enough reason for why I never make it.
Maybe...
No, probably not.
To the left and right of the massive doors stand two men, each in full black and white attire. A look of indifference on their faces, somehow rivaling those of the Royal Palace Guards. As I approach, the attendant to my right moves forward, withdrawing a small tablet from behind his back.
"Name?" Despite the level of noise coming from the other side of the doorway somehow that single word is louder than any other sound.
"Kaitlyn," my heart beats hard in my chest, my throat constricting for some unknown reason, while my mind blanksout for a second. Licking my lips, I try answering again. "Kaitlyn Jenson."
The attendant gives a slight nod then begins scrolling through a list of names. Time freezes and yet extends on for eternity as I shift my weight from one foot to the other, already regretting my choice of shoes but they're the ones Josh loves seeing me wear. The six inch stilettos giving an added look of refinement he insists I present at any social event.
Suddenly the attendant gives a single nod, returning his attention to me.
Hands sliding behind his back, the tablet tucked away, he stands up straighter, as if that was even possible. His tone not cold, but definitely not friendly either, "I'm sorry but your invitation has been revoked."
Revoked? Surely I didn't hear that right. Why would it be revoked?
I must have spoken out loud because the attendant actually answers. Either that or they hired mind readers for these events. "I'm afraid I'm not privy to such knowledge, ma'am. All that matters is you've been put on the flagged list for potential disruptors and are to be turned away at the door." Even as he finishes speaking he looks me over from head to toe, as if evaluating just how much of a 'disruptor' I might be.
"Surely there's been some mistake made-"
"There you are." Despite the fact Josh's voice is filled with annoyance, I can't deny how much relief I feel hearing it as he steps through the doorway.
"Josh," my voice is breathless, my nerves flustered as I look up at him, "Please, tell him that there's been some mistake made. That I'm here, with you-"