Page 124 of Blue Gold

After leaving the office, I had just enough time to stop by our home and change into something more elegant before going to the gala. There, I was met with an impressive crowd and a large amount of press that came to cover the event. I skipped the red carpet thing yet noticed the fans who were gathered at the sides, eagerly cheering and waving photos of Elliot.

My Elliot.

My first reaction was shock, as I never imagined he had his own fan base. He’d been recognized a few times while we were out together, even asked for an autograph, but this? This was insane. But then, my initial response transformed into thick pride that settled deep in my chest at the amount of love complete strangers showered my French prince with. If only he could see it for himself. But knowing Elliot, he was probably deep in preparation for the show, as he always took his job seriously. I admired his high work ethic at only twenty-one years old. My siblings could learn a thing or two from him, that was for sure. But all thoughts were gone once I stepped inside the first room, which was completely dark except for the big screens it had for walls. And on those screens, black-and-white films were playing. Films of Elliot in various outfits and locations, all shot around the city.

Feeling small in comparison to this remarkable exhibition, I was left in awe. He was marvelous, so unique and gorgeous, I couldn’t believe he’d choose to waste his time with me. In the midst of my admiration, a couple beside me whispered to one another, and being the proud boyfriend I was, I got closer in an attempt to hear what they were saying.

“Renieri sure knows how to pick them, don’t they?” the woman said.

“Definitely. This one might actually make it,” her friend answered.

I beg your pardon, he’s already made it. Tremendously so.

“You know, I heard he’s dating a movie star.”

Huh?

“Is he?”

“Yes. They met on the set in a production he’s in.”

What a load of crap. Elliot has never even filmed a movie.

“He does seem a bit dull, though, doesn’t he?”

Excuse me?

“Oh, absolutely.”

The only absolute thing here is your ignorance.

“And stupid, too.”

I nearly gasped at their audacity. How had their conversation shifted from being positive to so dismissive? Pure jealousy, that was how. This pair of imbeciles didn’t even know Elliot, yet they spoke so freely of him. Ha! What a joke. They should consider themselves lucky to watch him through a screen.

“You know how models are, pretty on the outside but nothing much going on inside,” the guy snorted.

“In Elliot’s case, I can assure you that he’s got both the brains and the looks,” I said, not caring that I barged into their private conversation when the two turned to frown at me. “But clearly, it’s not the same for everyone. You would know, wouldn’t you? As the pair of you seem to lack both.” Not caring for their response, I moved on. Although it did feel nice to put nasty people in their places.

Inside the gala, everything was even more lively, making it very easy to get lost in the fuss. But thankfully, I managed to locate my seat in the front row. Since I didn’t come here to mingle, I sat down. Assuming now would be a good time to read the program, I opened it and skimmed through it. The first few paragraphs focused on Vito and his vision, then on his charity, and lastly on tonight’s show. On the back side was a list with the names of the models, with Elliot’s being the first.

I couldn’t be prouder.

But then, another name caught my attention, the one written as the show’s producer:

Claudia Taylor.

Even though she went back to her maiden name, there was still only one Claudia Taylor who worked as a fashion show producer in this city.

Unease settled in my gut. Was Elliot worried I’d be upset they worked together? After all, this was the most reasonable explanation for his sudden change of heart. The sole reason I was bothered by it was thinking about his distress over working with my ex-wife, not mine.

Irritated, I placed down the program, then sat back in the chair and crossed my arms. I’d have to talk to him tonight and urge him to trust me more. Not that he was to blame; after all, I was the only one at fault for putting this doubt in his heart, given how I’d acted in the beginning. And while not entirely, I had changed since, and foolishly, I thought he’d seen it, too. But at my age, I should know better than to assume my partner would miraculously see things the same way I did. He and I saw the world so differently at times that perhaps I was being naive to think everything would always run smoothly.

The lights then went off, and the noises slowly died until the room fell silent. The stillness lingered for a few moments like a thick fog of suspense until the runway lit up, and there, right at the start of it, was Elliot.

The once stranger to this city was now in the midst of all the attention, with every single person in the room focusing on him. After all, you’d be a fool not to stare at such beauty. Dressed in a unique black garment, with his hair slicked back and golden jewels decorating his fair skin, Elliot was simply divine. Only it wasn’t the clothes but the man and the way he carried himself up there with a confidence that almost made it seem easy.

His fierce demeanor, so different from his warm, gentle self, was captivating, drawing you into the show like a moth to a flame. And the closer he got to me, the more restless I became. Sitting on the edge of my seat, I held my breath, my eyes tracking his every move in fear I’d miss something. And in those seconds I watched him walk down the runway, all I wanted was to get up there, rip those clothes off his body, and have my way with him for the whole room to see. Silly thoughts of a man obsessed, but that was precisely what I was.