Raine
By Friday afternoon, my apartment was very busy.
I did not just hire hair and makeup people for myself.
I brought in a whole team of stylists to dress both me and Lena.
I wanted Joshua to see what he was missing.
The living room was filled with dress racks, makeup brushes, and the smell of hair spray.
The apartment felt strange and quiet without my two boys running around.
Earlier that morning, I had taken them over to Joshua’s parents’ place for the night.
They were the only people in this entire city I trusted with my kids.
Knowing my babies were safe and happy gave me the peace of mind I needed to focus on the long night ahead.
I stood near the large window while a woman pinned the bottom of my dress.
It was a simple, elegant black gown that fit me perfectly.
But I wasn’t really focused on my own look.
I kept turning my head to watch the other side of the room.
“Raine, I really don’t know about this,” Lena whispered from behind a tall fabric screen.
“It feels like too much.”
”Just step out, Lena.
Let me see you,” I called out softly.
The fabric was moved aside, and Lena stepped into the light.
My mouth parted slightly, and a real, happy smile spread across my face.
She looked so beautiful.
The hair team had put her hair up in a soft, pretty style that made her face look gentle.
Her dress was a deep emerald green.
It flowed all the way down to the floor, making her look tall and graceful.
She looked absolutely stunning and I bet Joshua would not be able to take his eyes off her.
“Lena, stop hiding,” I said, my voice full of warmth.
“You look so pretty.
Joshua and every single guy at this event is going to eat you up with their eyes.”
Lena instantly blushed, her fingers twisting the fabric of her green dress.
She looked down at the floor, a small, sad smile on her lips.
“Raine, don’t say that.
I am just going because Joshua wanted someone to be by his side.
He told me that having a lady with him helps him get more business contracts at these events.
It means nothing.” I froze, staring at her, completely surprised by her words.
I could not believe that was the stupid excuse Joshua had given her. Follow the newest chapters on g.com.
When I had asked him to take her as his date for the night, this was definitely not what I expected him to say.
It was hilarious.
Because, Joshua was one of the most successful men in the city; he absolutely did not need a lady standing next to him just to win over wealthy investors.
He might had completely panicked and made up a wild business excuse just to get her to come with him.
I shook my head slightly, but I didn’t correct her.
I didn’t want to ruin the moment or make her more nervous.
“Well,” I said, walking over to pat her shoulder gently.
“Joshua must be completely blind then if he doesn’t see your beauty tonight.
Contract or no contract, you look amazing.”
While we were talking, the stylist ladies had finished packing up their makeup cases, hair tools, and extra garment bags.
They walked over to us, smiling widely as they looked at their hard work.
“You both look absolutely beautiful,” the lead stylist said, bowing her head slightly.
“We are all done here.
Have a wonderful time at the ball.”
”Thank you so much,” I replied, offering them a warm smile.
We walked them to the door, and they said their goodbyes, closing the front door softly behind them as they left.
The apartment fell into a quiet stillness.
I walked back into the living room, heading toward the side table to pick up my small evening purse.
Just as my fingers wrapped around the strap, the heavy front door clicked open again.
Joshua walked in with a bright smile.
He was wearing a sharp black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt.
He looked like a successful, powerful businessman.
He opened his mouth to ask if we were ready, the words completely died in his throat immediately his eyes landed on Lena.
He stood rooted, with eyes wide open, as he stared at her from her hair down to the hem of her green dress.
It was a short, raw moment of total shock.
He didn’t expect her to look like this.
But then he covered it up quickly, clearing his throat and pulling down the sleeves of his jacket.
But it was too late, because I caught it.
And it made a small, hidden smile appear on my face.
My plan was already working. Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
“Are you two ready to go?” He asked.
His voice sounded a little bit tighter than usual, and he wouldn’t look at her directly in the eyes.
“Yes, we are ready,” I said, grabbing my purse and stepping forward.
We walked out of the apartment and headed down the long hallway toward the elevator.
As we walked, I purposely stayed a few steps behind them.
I made myself the last person in line so I could watch them.
Joshua looked at Lena, then looked down at his side.
He slowly reached out his hand and took hold of her small hand.
Lena looked down at their joined fingers, her cheeks turning a bright pink, but she didn’t pull her hand away, instead she held onto him tightly.
When we stepped out of the front doors of the building, a long, sleek black limousine was waiting by the sidewalk.
The driver stood by the front, but Joshua stepped up to handle the door himself.
He pulled the heavy door open and waited.
He looked at Lena and nodded gently, keeping his hand near the door frame to make sure she didn’t hit her head.
He waited for her to slide onto the leather seat first.
Once she was safely inside, he turned his head and waited for me to enter next.
After I slid into the car, Joshua climbed in behind us and closed the heavy door with a solid thud.
The inside of the limousine was dark and quiet.
Because it was a limousine, Joshua and Lena were sitting right across from each other.
Their knees were only a few inches apart on the plush black leather.
The car pulled away from the sidewalk, moving smoothly into the busy New York traffic.
I immediately leaned back into the deep shadows of the corner seat.
I turned my head toward the glass window, looking at the bright city lights outside.
I kept my mouth shut and stayed completely silent.
I wanted to act like I wasn’t even in the car.
I wanted them to feel like they were completely alone so they could actually talk.
Through the clear reflection in the window glass, I watched them quietly.
Joshua kept stealing quick, long looks at Lena when he thought she was looking away.
Every time Lena moved her hands or adjusted the skirt of her green dress, his eyes followed her movements.
Lena was nervous, her fingers twisting together, but she kept a small, happy smile on her lips.
For the first time in a very long time, I felt a deep sense of calm inside my chest.
I was seeing love work out for the first time in a long time.