Nevertheless, Sophia pushed on, determined to make Derek proud at this important gala. As the young man, with way too many piercings, pulled and pinned her long blonde hair she hoped that the Cameron Marc Valvo silk chiffon gown would fit the bill. It was the third dress she tried on at Saks and about the tenth for the day. Yet, from the moment she saw herself in the full length mirror, Sophia knew it was the one she liked.
First, the bright indigo color made her gray eyes shimmer with a blue hue. The plunging V neckline, together with the gathered bust and bodice accentuated her assets. In a nut shell, her breasts looked bigger and her waist looked smaller. The flowing silk chiffon outer layer reminded her of the gauzy skirts she liked to wear. Based on pure esthetics, it was the gown she wanted; she continued to avoid the dreaded price tag.
The sales associate was very helpful, obviously working on commission. She emphatically expressed Sophia’s need for new shoes for this exquisite dress. A mirrored metallic leather sandal completed the ensemble. The heels were a little over four inches, but Sophia had experience in heels while wining and dining art investors.
She shivered at the memory of paying for her outfit. Her sensible-self screamed – it’s an outfit, for one night! However, her rarely touched shopping side, purred but you look gorgeous in it. And Derek will be pleased with the result. Sophia quieted the internal debate by reasoning I just made a ton of money on three paintings. I deserve this.
It was that voice that sang triumphantly, as she signed the receipt for $1600.00 give or take a few dollars. The hairstyle, facial, and professionally applied make-up added to the total of her day.
The man with the piercings slowly spun her. Peering into the large mirror, Sophia viewed his masterpiece from all angles. Completely outside of her comfort zone, Sophia eyed the woman in the mirror. Courageously, she nodded in approval. The make-up was next. Yes, Sophia told herself, I can do this, for Derek.
*****
Amber clapped her hands like a school girl when Harry entered her condominium. “You look so handsome all cleaned up; you should try it more often.”
His expression warned his sister to not get too excited about this. “Since you’re dating Keaton, you two should be attending this.”
“I really don’t like these kinds of things. I mean, the charity is worthy and all, but the hob-knobbing isn’t my thing.”
Harry eyed her suspiciously, “And what makes you think it’s mine?”
She grunted a stifled laugh, “I know it’s not, but it is Claire’s. She’s good at this kind of thing. She’ll be good for SiJo.”
Harry walked around nervously, not sure if he should sit or stand. The tuxedo felt like a suit of armor.
“Will you relax? You look very handsome and wait until you see Claire’s ...” The ringing of Amber’s cellphone interrupted her thought. “Sorry, it’s Liz. It might be about your car, I have a SiJo driver coming to get you two in about twenty-five minutes.”
Harry could only hear Amber’s side of the conversation: “Yes, Liz, is everything all right?” “Really?” “When did you find this out?” “All right, well thank you for letting me know. However, I find it hard to believe this information wasn’t available sooner.” “No, no, it’s all right.” “Oh. What about the car?” “Okay then, twenty more minutes.” “Bye”.
He could tell by the change in his sister’s tone something was amiss. “What’s that all about?”
Amber sighed, “Remember the confrontation in the kitchen between Claire and Emily?”
“How could I forget?”
“Well, do you think she meant what she said?”
“Who, Emily or Claire?”
“Either, but I’m more concerned about Claire.”
Harry thought for a moment and then replied, “Do I think she’d still go to this, if Mr. Rawlings were present? Yes. Why?”
“It seems he isn’t sitting at your table, because he’s one of the speakers. He’ll be sitting at the head table.”
Forgetting his tailored tuxedo, Harry sank onto the sofa. Subconsciously he blew his blonde hair from his eyes. However, this evening his normally unruly hair was gelled back. The only movement from his deep exhale was a subtle repositioning of his long lashes.
His tone was one not often heard, Amber recognized her brother’s pinned up animosity, “You know damn well Liz knew about this, before now.”
“No, I don’t. She’s a good assistant. I can’t fire her because you two have history.”
“Then fire her because of shit like this. She’s trying to derail this evening. It has nothing to do with SiJo; she’s doing it because it’s me with Claire.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Like hell I don’t.”
Claire took one last, long look at herself in the mirror. She did a slow spin trying to see the whole package. The dress she’d choose with Emily’s help was a Donna Karan emerald green gown. It created an hour glass figure, better in Claire’s opinion, than the one hidden underneath. Its sweetheart neckline was perfect to showcase her grandmother’s necklace. The cap sleeves and crossover design on both the front and back fit perfectly. Of course she’d had it shortened. Now with the Jimmy Choo, sling-back, peep-toed pumps complete with four and a half inch heels, the hem brushed the top of her toes, making her closer to Harry’s six plus foot height. Turning ever so slowly her gaze lingered on the cut-out back. It didn’t go as low as her white sundress, but nonetheless, it exposed a large portion of skin. Smiling, Claire knew Harry would like that.
Peering closer at the woman in the mirror she analyzed her hair. Claire decided to do it herself; she enjoyed the primping. It’d been a long time since she’d dressed up this much. Yes, she agreed to do it for Amber. Yet, truth be told, she enjoyed the occasional formal occasion. It was part of her life with Tony she sometimes missed. When he first started taking her out, she thought of it like dress-up – make-believe. Then over time, it was a fun get-a-way from the confines of the estate. It never seemed to matter what was happening in their private lives, once the door of the limousine opened and they stepped in front of the cameras they were the perfect couple. Those memories didn’t feel jaded or feigned; instead, they felt warm and exciting.
After the first time they went to the symphony, Claire never feared the events. She learned quickly how to behave and very much enjoyed the social Anthony.
Pushing the memories of her and Tony away, she looked again at her hair. Piled high on the back of her head, there were ringlets falling down her exposed neck. She knew it was a style Tony liked, but hopefully so would Harry. And thankfully, Tony wouldn’t be there.
As she touched-up her lipstick, she heard Harry and Amber’s voices from down the hall. Frowning, Claire realized they didn’t sound happy. She did one last scan, grabbed her purse, her light wrap, and headed for the living room. She wanted to know what was happening.
The sound of her heels upon the polished wood floor caused both Amber and Harry’s heads to turn in her direction. Immediately, their quarrel ceased and smiles radiated from each face. Amber found her voice first, “Claire, you look beautiful! Thank you so much for doing this; Simon would be so proud.”
Simon’s name brought a wave of sadness. Claire had been in her room thinking about Tony, about to go to this function with Harry, and now Amber mentioned Simon. Despite the melancholy sentiment, Claire feigned her brightest smile. Perhaps all formal attire came complete with a lovely mask. “Thank you, that’s very sweet.”
Before Amber could reply, Harry made his way to Claire’s side and smiled lovingly down into her painted face. “I wish I were better at words; all I can think is Wow!”