Page 11 of Playing Pretend

“I HAVE THE PERFECT dress for you.” Aaliyah disappeared into her closet while I wandered around her SoHo apartment. It was beautiful, with light wooden floors, and big bay windows overlooking a bustling street.

The last week had been a blur, and there had been an excited hum amongst the executives on our floor as we prepared to host the first of many events on Callahan Industries’ extensive social calendar. I’d had no plans to attend the event myself, but Macy thought it would be a good experience to ‘rub shoulders’ with the Board of Directors, and other influential investors who would be in attendance at the annual Shareholders Gala.

When I’d told Aaliyah I had nothing appropriate to wear, she offered one of her gowns, and no matter how many times I’d refused her generosity, she wouldn’t take no for an answer. That’s how I ended up at her place, only hours before I had to be ready for the Gala.

Aaliyah reappeared holding an ivory tulle lace mermaid dress; the bodice had a sheer effect with lace appliques on the front and back. It was exquisite.

“Wow,” I sighed. “I can’t wear that.”

“Of course you can. It’s never been worn, and I think it deserves a night out.”

I took it from Aaliyah’s hands. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” she groaned dramatically, “It’s perfect for you. You’ll wear it way better than I ever could.”

“Thank you.”

JUST OVER AND HOUR later, I left Aaliyah’s apartment to get ready at mine, and fetch my car. I wanted to drive home after the event rather than take the subway. I spent an hour drying and curling my hair, and applied some mascara and a light pink lipstick. I had a clear complexion, so spending exorbitant amounts of money on make-up wasn’t necessary. My mother was a natural beauty, and I was blessed with those same genes; something my sister had always been envious of.

Brushing those thoughts aside for the time being, I finished getting myself ready. Thankfully the traffic had been somewhat forgiving, a small silver lining if you asked me, and before long the Callahan Industries buildings were in sight. It stood so tall, and so proud, office windows glittering like diamonds amongst it’s much smaller neighbors. I parked my car in the basement at Callahan Industries, and walked across to the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Park Avenue was lined with limousines, and I made my way to the banquet room to meet up with Jennifer. She wasn’t thrilled to see me, let alone to be working with me, but I ignored her and focused on taking in as much as I could. We stood at the doors to the banquet room, and welcomed the guests, taking their invites at the door. They were dressed to the nines, the men in their expensive suits, and the women in their designer gowns. I knew all about these types of events, from when my parents used to attend them, but it was the first time I got to experience the ostentatiousness of it all for myself.

The room was large with white and gold drapery. Round tables surrounded a small stage, and dance floor, all embellished with ornate table settings and unique centerpieces, created to showcase the culture of the crème de la crème of New York’s social scene. As much as I’d resented what this lifestyle represented, I was fascinated by it, albeit begrudgingly.

The room soon filled, and once we’d closed the doors, the string orchestra started playing off to the side, while waiters started plying the guests with glasses of Dom Perignon and the finest hors d'oeuvres that money could buy. Caleb had stopped at nothing, and I was impressed.

I greeted my colleagues, and stepped towards the bar in the far corner of the room to order something to drink.

“You clean up nicely, Kavanagh.”

I smiled when Aaliyah stepped up to my side. She looked amazing in her black satin gown, her hair clipped to the one side.

“As do you. No date?”

“Not tonight,” she replied. “Although I wouldn’t complain if I ended up going home with a rich sugar-daddy.” Her shrug was cavalier, but I saw the mischief in her brown eyes.

I laughed. “So in other words, you’re on the prowl?”

“Always,” she responded.

“Drink?”

“I’ll take a scotch, on the rocks.”

I felt my eyes widen in surprise. “I didn’t take you for someone who liked the hard stuff.”

Leaning back against the bar, she replied, “I grew up with four older brothers so I learned to drink early on.”

I ordered her scotch and another fruitier bubbly drink for myself, all of which was paid for by the company, and then mirrored Aaliyah’s stance. We had the perfect vantage point to survey the room without being too obvious. I recognized a few of the faces in the crowd, most of which were older gentleman and their trophy wives. You could spot the women who weren’t born into this society a mile away, with their bored expressions and their overt need to ‘stand out’ with flashy everything. The seasoned pro’s, however, worked the room, networked with all right people, and could hold their own no matter the topic of conversation. However subtle those nuances may be, they were still enough to separate those who would remain in these circles for generations to come, and those who would never truly be welcomed.

When my eyes landed on Caleb, I felt my muscles stiffen. His black suit hugged him, stretching over his broad shoulders, wide chest, and well-muscled arms. His hair was cut a little shorter on the sides, and longer on top and his face was freshly shaven. The women gravitated towards him like bees to honey, and the men immediately straightened, as if trying to match the authority that naturally emanated from him.

It was then I noticed the tall brunette on his arm, her gold dress shimmering beneath the chandeliers. She was smiling at him, laughing at something he said. The discomfort that unfurled in my belly had me turning my attention elsewhere, and I tried to tamp it down. I had no business being bothered by seeing Caleb with someone else, but deep down I knew it was because part of me still clung on to the tiniest of possibilities that he would remember the night he stole my first kiss.

I felt Aaliyah’s gaze heating the side of my face, and when I looked at her she was regarding me with open curiosity.

“What?” I asked, sipping my drink.

She sighed, and turned to face me, resting her elbow on the bar. “I’ve been wondering…”