Page 67 of Frost Bitten
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Between hair, makeup, and dresses, it takes us close to two hours to get ready. I had to finish Mom’s dress prep and make sure Lily stayed clean while Mom was in the makeup and hairdressing chair, but once I am dressed and ready, I indulge in one last glass of champagne. I’m heading downstairs by eight to make sure the party planner has control of everyone else.
Finally, slipping my strappy stilettos on, I give Mom one last reminder. “Nine p.m., Mom. I need you at the staircase with Aaron at nine p.m.”
“I know, Hun. I have an alarm set on my phone.”
“And Kristen is bringing Lily downstairs at eight-thirty, right? If I’m greeting everyone, I can’t keep an eye on her tonight.”
“Yes, Cait,” Mom says, reaching to pull me in with a big hug. “Kristen and Lily have already bonded, and they will be downstairs at eight-thirty.”
I take a deep breath, knowing there is nothing more to do here. “Ok,” I reply. “I’ll see you downstairs.” I place a quick kiss on her cheek and, grabbing my wristlet, I leave the suite. Making my way to the staircase, it’s the closest and easiest way to make it downstairs to the event center. It opens directly into the room, which will make for a grand entrance for Mom and Aaron. It seems as if the sound team is testing everything, though, because as I approach the staircase, all the music stops.
Of course, the awkward chick would become the center of attention at the height of a staircase. Perfect timing, Cait. As I begin to descend the stairs, I scan the floor below. The entertainment we booked consists of a DJ who also runs the lighting. He’s frantically searching for someone, I assume his assistant, while attempting to hook up light stands. The caterer is talking with the party planner, and the cake decorator is setting up the cake table. So glad the linens were already delivered and set up early this morning.
Continuing to scan the room as I descend the stairs, I almost miss a step when I find four very good-looking men in suits staring at me. Yes, staring. They are all standing by the bar, all four looking like models waiting for their turn on the catwalk. I think Aaron had Cam styled in Tom Ford, but the others, I’m not sure. They all look edible as they stare at me.
Bast is the first to break ranks, with Corey hot on his heels. “Angel, you look…”
“Heavenly.” Corey beams down at me, and I smile slightly, hoping to build some wonderful memories that will last.
Dom steps up behind me, snuggling into my neck. “Baby Girl, you’ve been working so hard. Have you been watching out for yourself?”
I drop my gaze to the floor, while whispering, “No.”
“Cait,” he says with a warning tone.
“I know. But it’s one day. The last day I’ll have to run around like this. I have to cope with the stress the best way I can.” How appropriate, it seems to fit my whole life.
“Alright, I’ll accept that. But tomorrow is a regular day. Back to it,” he says, gently kissing my cheek. He spins me and wraps me in his arms again, this time giving me a less-than-appropriate kiss in the middle of the dance floor. When he releases me, Corey steps up and does the same. Bast takes his turn kissing me wildly in the middle of the room, and by the time they are done, I’m breathless. I swivel, trying to find my bearings after being passed around, and I find Cam at the bar.
Scowling, I don’t want to talk to him, but I’m ready for another drink. I approach and tell the bartender I’ll be drinking champagne all night because I’m not switching up the alcohol now. Accepting the proffered glass, I glance at Cam before turning and walking off. The asshole knows he needs to apologize if he wants a shot, so I’m just waiting him out. I won’t beg for his attention. Either he’ll give it freely, or he won’t.
Soon, guests begin to arrive. Ella and Ash arrive downstairs, sticking close to my side as a crowd begins to gather. I greet every single guest as they walk in the door, and when it’s time for Mom and Aaron to be introduced, the DJ is spot on with timing. It couldn’t have gone better – from the spotlight on the stairs to the first dance. It was all perfect. The night turned into a party after that, and Mom called me to dance with her several times.
Each of my guys dances with me too, and I feel like I manage to keep a straight face, despite the guillotine I feel closing in. Maybe. Maybe Jason doesn’t know I’m here? I mean, Mom’s marriage is public record, but there wasn’t a big announcement. Who knows, maybe I’ll have a few more days. Though, as each song passes by, I feel the stress lift little by little. I’m finally dancing with Ella while all the guys hang at the bar when my purse vibrates. My alarm set to go check on the fireworks display. It’s not nearby, but I have the coordinator's phone number.
I excuse myself to use the restroom really quick, and after I’m done and washed, I exit the event room, stopping to grab the last remaining glass of champagne from a passing waiter. This will be my last glass, because I’m planning on crashing in bed as soon as this party is done.
I step outside to the patio to avoid the noise of the DJ, thankful the hotel had patio heaters. I dial the number of the pyrotechnic company and take a deep breath. While the phone rings, I take a sip of my champagne, but once Jimmy answers, he’s in immediate business mode.
“Ms. Monroe, everything is all set up. I have everything set to Mr. Wilkins’ specifications.”
“Good, thank you… Yes, thank you.” I stumble over my words. Who was I talking to again? I must be exhausted.
“I have everything set for the display, miss. I am synched with the atomic time, and I have the programming set at the same time. The DJ and I are both ready for tonight.”
“Ok… thank you. Carry on, then. Goodnight.” I’m still struggling to think of who I’d just called, but they are gone now. I pick up my glass and take another sip, spinning to walk back inside. Turning the corner, I scan my key card, but it won’t let me in. The red light keeps flashing.
“Fuck,I don’t have time for this.” I take another sip, turning to go try to find another entrance. I go back out and turn on the patio to go around the other side when I trip. Damn stilettos, I’ve been drinking and dancing all night. I stoop to bend down and take them off, not giving a fuck anymore, when the world spins.
Damn, that last glass of champagne was one too many.
A wave of heat washes over me, and I stumble, bracing myself against the wall. When I realize my eyes are getting heavy, I can’t help but think—I didn’t think I drank that much, did I?
When someone grabs my arm to steady me, I realize one of the guys came to find me. “I’m done. I’m ready to go back to my room. Can you help me?”
“Of course, Little One. Time’s up. I’ll take you home.”
