2.

“Bloody hell Vincent, this is how most horror movies start. Going to a party you weren’t invited to. Imagine if it’s a cult.” I said, turning around in front of the mirror to look at my reflection. I was dressed in  a black halter neck mermaid maxi dress, and it hugs my curves like a second skin. The luxurious fabric feels decadent against my body, and the halter neck accentuates my toned shoulders. As I gaze into the mirror, I'm struck by the way the dress showcases my figure - the mermaid silhouette cinches at my waist, highlighting my hourglass shape which I thanked my weekly workout for. The real showstopper, though, is the daring slit that runs up the side of the dress, all the way to the top of my thigh. It adds a touch of sultry 

sophistication to the overall.

“Or I could be heaven for someone like me.” Vincent said nonchalantly. He was dressed in a simple black shirt and grey suit pants. The first three buttons were open and he stared at the tie in his hand, probably wondering if he should ditch it. “Even if it’s a cult, what’s the worst that could happen? We get sacrificed or get eaten.”

“I’m not going anymore.” I quickly said and he laughed. “Bitch.” I rolled my eyes, “I give it ten minutes.”

“What’s that?” Vincent asked, finally discarding the tie. We both knew he wasn’t going to wear it. I was even surprised it took him a while to discard. 

“Ten minutes before they find out that we are not supposed to be there and kick us out.” I picked my cream purse and sighed. 

We both walked out of his room where we had been all evening trying on outfits. I threw the key to my car at him and he caught it immediately.

“I should be the one worried. I don’t even want to ask how much your dress costs.”  

“Says the one wearing obvious designers.” I rolled my eyes as we entered the car.

“Courtesy of Lara, the only woman to love me for my gold digging ways.” He gave a fake bow before starting the car.

****

“Oh shit.” Vincent gasped. He was not exaggerating his reaction. As we slowly approached the huge ballroom, I began to feel out of place. Vincent stopped the car for the valet to park. We both alighted the car. Vincent took my hand and wrapped it around his and we both made our way to the entrance.

“It’s not too late to back out.” I whispered.

“Ten minutes? I say five and we are out in the street.” Vincent said but he continued walking towards the entrance. The couple in front of us elegantly showed their invite and walked. Vincent and I gave each other knowing looks before copying their actions. The security gave us a nod and we entered the room. I gripped Vincent’s arm, trying not to show my excitement.

“Look who didn’t want to come.” Vincent mocked playfully. 

As we got closer to the crowd, a few heads turned to look in our direction. Some were wondering what part of their money club we belonged to and others were in awe. I didn’t blame them. On the outside, Vincent and I looked like a magazine cover couple; the tall gorgeous man with a swimmer build and the blonde bombshell. On the inside, we were probably closer than most siblings. We’ve lived together all through college with zero weird feelings. I’d admit, I did find him attractive the first time I met him but all he needed to do was say one sentence and the attraction died.

A waiter passed us and we both took a glass of champagne.  “If we don’t get caught in ten minutes, we go our separate ways.” Vincent said.

“Deal.”

Less than ten minutes later, I couldn’t find Vincent anywhere. I wasn’t even surprised, everyone here looked expensive. I was sitting by the bar trying to figure out if there was anyone mafia related I could recognize but it seemed like those here were made from another class of money. I felt someone’s eyes on me and I froze. Who would it be? One of the men I tricked in the past?

I turned around and saw a plump man staring at me or at my exposed legs. He was holding onto a middle aged woman and I rolled my eyes.

Men

He noticed I caught him and winked at me. I cringed in disgust. That didn’t even stop him and I watched him call a waitress and pass her a card, nodding in my direction. She walked briskly and passed it to me. 

Dr. Micheal Luther

He owned a private hospital where all the rich and influential women got their bodies done. For some reason, his name was too familiar to be just the owner of a private hospital. Where have I heard it before? The uncomfortable feeling of someone’s eyes returned and it wasn’t the doctor. I looked around hoping to see whoever it was but everyone looked busy interacting with each other including Vincent who was upstairs talking with the CEO of Ivana Wears. From the winks and giggles, I knew it was going well for him but I hope he knew her husband was a military general.

“Mind if I sit here?” A voice asked. An average height man with a charming smile was asking so who was i to say no? “Not a fan of parties either?” He asked. I almost groaned at the conversation starter. Tonight wasn’t the night.

“Not my type of parties.” I replied.

“So what’s your type?” He asked, his brows were raised in a challenging way.

“Guess.” I took a sip of my drink. The feeling was still there. It only got intense like whoever it was was glaring at me.

A notification entered my phone and it was Vincent telling me I could go home alone. I looked at the direction he had been earlier and he was nowhere to be seen. Neither was the woman he was talking to. At least it was my cue to leave. This wasn’t the environment I was looking for.

“It was nice meeting you.” I told the man and he looked at me in surprise. I stood up and grabbed my purse.

“Did I do something? Let me buy you a drink.” He suggested and I laughed. I looked around the fancy hall and he followed my gaze. This was not exactly a place you ‘buy’ drinks for people.

I walked out of the hall and was hit by a refreshing cold air. I considered hitting a club but decided against it. I’d rather be under my covers. I took the keys from the valet and he looked at me nervously before saying, “Your date left earlier.”

I smiled at how cute he was trying to look out for me. “I know.” I said and he let out a breath of relief.

“Even I thought he was crazy if he was cheating on you.” He mumbled.

***

An hour later, I was snuggled on my couch watching Modern Family for the hundredth time. It was the only show I managed to complete and still watch again. I heard the front door open and I didn't even bother to look up.

“Don’t tell me her husband caught you.” I said and the silence made me laugh. “He didn’t beat you up, did he?” I asked and turned to look at Vincent only to be met with the grinning face of a drop dead gorgeous man who should NOT be inside my house.

“Mi cíelo.”