Page 8 of Trial and Error

“What are you doing Saturday?” she asks suspiciously. “Do you have a date?”

I debate keeping it to myself but my sister has been around for all of the Malik related drama, so I decide to tell her. “Yes…” I pause. “With Malik.”

She’s quiet, and I’m worried she’s going to tell me I’m making a mistake. Because honestly? I’m worried I am. Crossing that line with him could be bad news and I don’t want to lose him.

“God, it’s about damn time!” She laughs. “I’m happy for you, sissy.”

I beam at her enthusiasm. “Thanks, Nat.” I then remember the topic at hand. “So when is this charity thing?”

A nervous laugh escapes her lips, and I already know she’s about to throw me for a loop. “In about four hours?” She says it like a question but I know it’s her way of softening the blow of her lack of organization.

“Natalie, that gives me no time at all.” I groan. “I don’t know if I’ve got anything suitable for a⁠—”

“Wear that navy dress,” she interrupts. “The one with the slutty slit up the leg.” Just as I’m about to speak up, she adds, “Thanks for doing this for me. I’ll be by to pick you up in a couple of hours. Love you.”

I let out a huff and throw my phone onto the passenger seat of my SUV.

bridget

Natalie shows up exactly when she says she would, and I feel just as unprepared as I did when she called me three and a half hours ago. She stands in my living room in the most beautiful ruby red dress. Its thin material clings to her slim and tall frame perfectly and pools at her feet, her silver heels peeking out from underneath. The sweetheart neckline is delicate and accentuates her prominent collarbone and the chiffon ruffles that cover the dress from top to bottom give her usual sharp look a softer feel. Her coloured honey blonde hair is twisted into a messy French pleat that enhances her chiselled features.

We both look like our mother with slightly turned noses and heart-shaped lips. The only visual difference between us, other than our height and body types, are our eyes. While I have our father’s blue eyes, my sister inherited our mother’s hazel eyes.

“You look great!” Natalie beams. “I knew you’d pull something together.”

As per my sister’s advice, I went for the navy dress that was tucked away in the back of my closet. I bought it on a whim and hadn’t found the right occasion, or confidence, to wear it yet. The satin material feels luxurious against my skin, making me feel like a million bucks. The high and straight neckline accentuates my shoulders and while the sleeveless design makes me feel slightly self-conscious of my arms, the alarmingly high slit up the thigh makes me feel sexy. I love the way the material gathers slightly at the waist and drapes fluidly over my curves, defining my silhouette.

“I like it when you wear your hair wavy,” Natalie compliments as she runs her fingers through the ends of my hair. “It suits you.”

I look down and kick at the excess material from my dress from under my feet. I opted for a pair of nude heels to give my five-foot-six frame the little boost it needs, but it seems like I’m still not quite tall enough for this dress. Reaching down, I smooth out the wrinkles on the fabric of my dress and look up at Natalie who is typing on her phone.

“We better head out, otherwise we’ll be late.”

I nod and follow her out of my apartment, but not before I grab a jacket and my purse. “Who the hell organizes a work event on a Sunday?” I grumble as we walk down the stairs.

Natalie snorts as she opens the front door and makes her way to the Uber. “Rich bastards, that’s who.”

As we sit in the back of the Uber and make our way into the city, I look over the e-invite Natalie forwarded to me. The charity gala is being held at the Fairmont Hotel in Downtown Vancouver, and I instantly feel nervous. As the driver parks around the corner, I make a note of all the Teslas and limousines dropping guest off at the entrance.

Once we enter the lobby, we’re ushered toward the event room. Natalie takes my jacket from me and hands it over to the young boy manning the coatroom. There are servers standing in a line, directing us to the ballroom, holding trays of champagne, and I take one of the flutes with a polite nod. I take a sip of the bubbles, and I know I’ll be knocking back several of these like no one’s business just to get through the night.

Natalie jabs her elbow into my side as I place my empty flute on a tray and pick up another. “For the love of all things holy, please do not embarrass me tonight.”

I roll my eyes and take a small sip of the champagne, rather than the huge gulp I took just before. “Calm down, you nervous Nelly, I’ll be on my best behaviour.”

My sister says nothing as we walk into the hall, and I struggle to keep my shock to myself.

White fabric drapes across the ceilings, winding around the three large crystal chandeliers that hang from the ceiling. The walls are off-white, giving the room a bright and open feel. The wooden floor quite literally gleams as you walk farther through the room. Tables upon tables are scattered around the room, all of which are round with white tablecloths over the top. Wineglasses, plates, and endless silverware sits atop the tables, along with small silver wrapped gifts.

Men clad in suits are walking with women in elegant gowns, people laughing and talking amongst themselves, as people continue filtering into the room. Natalie loops her arm through mine and drags me toward a group of people standing by the large stage at the front of the room.

A redhead turns to face us and her smile brightens immediately when her gaze lands on my sister. She looks stunning in her silky floral dress that complements her peachy skin and auburn hair perfectly. She throws her slender arms around my sister and the gold bangles on her wrist clink together at the sudden movement.

“Nat, you look glorious,” she says, her voice husky. “This colour looks wonderful on you.”

My sister winks and accepts the compliment gracefully, before turning her attention to me. “Lorna, I’d like you to meet my sister, Bridget. Sissy, this is my good friend, Lorna.”

Lorna looks over at me warmly before she pulls me into her, rubbing her hands down my back. “She forgot to mention that I’m also her favourite colleague.” She winks at my sister. “It’s so wonderful to meet you, I’ve heard such good things.” Lorna pulls away, her hands resting on my elbows briefly before dropping down to her sides.