I walked towards the photographers casually, keeping my head down, trying to stay away from the man who pushed past me earlier.
I could just about see the glass doors to my apartment building through all the bodies squashed together. I turned slowly and looked directly at Madeline.
I smiled at her and nodded slightly.
She gave me the thumbs up. Any second now, I thought with a grin.
Three
Two
On--
Madeline screamed, causing, like I had hoped, for people around her and the photographers to turn in her direction.
''It's-It's her! Tessa Adams! She went that way!'' Madeline shrieked again, pointing behind her.
It took a second for the men to react but as soon they saw Madeline run off they ran after her.
''Move!'' A short, round man growled at me.
''Gladly.'' I muttered, laughing at the spectacle playing out in front of me.
These men were ridiculous. They pushed everyone and everything in their way and swore and jeered at those who dared to comment on their behaviour.
I managed to drag my attention away from the men and thought instantly of Madeline . What a sweet girl.
I couldn't wait to see her again and thank her properly.
I sighed happily, trodding up the entrance stairs to my beloved building.
A bulky arm stopped me from going any further. I gulped when the large man's familiar gaze met mine.
''Sir, you can't go any further. We need ID.'' Brad, the doorman informed, shoving me slightly.
''Why do I need an ID? I live here.'' I argued, flexing my arms.
Boys flexed their arms, didn't they?
I stopped as soon as I caught Brad's irritated expression.
''Then you won't have a problem showing your ID, will you?'' He hit back.
I sighed, clearing my throat and sinking into my natural voice, ''Brad, It's me, Tess.'' I whispered, pulling my wig up to reveal my hair.
Brad's mouth dropped open, ''Miss Adams! I'm so sorry! I didn't recognise you. What have you done to your eyebrows? They look so....''
''Manly? I coloured them in, '' I finished for him. ''Don't even ask why. I can't get around without having this,'' I gestured to my wig and clothes, ''on. Can you keep it a secret?''
Brad was nodding before I even finished, a gentle smile appearing on his freckled face, ''Definitely. I'm sorry again ''
''Don't worry about it,'' I replied, cutting him off. 'I'll see you in a little while.''
It was warm inside and wonderfully spacious. I'd forgotten how it felt to live in such extravagant settings.
I rushed to the elevator, pressing the button to my floor. I couldn't risk telling anyone else about my disguise. Someone would eventually blab.
'Home sweet home.' I exclaimed with joy as I stepped onto my white carpet.
My eyes ate up the gorgeous white, gray and black furniture. The long sofas, sleek paintings and glossy walls.
I sighed unhappily when I saw an empty Ben and Jerry's tub on my kitchen island.
How long before everything went back to normal? I longed for the day I was able to relax in my apartment, Ben and Jerry's in hand and Bruno Mars playing in the background. A girl can dream .
Anna: Where are you, girl?!!
My eyes glazed over Anna's message.
Oh crap. It was half eight already. I hadn't even changed out of my clothes.
I'll be there in an hour. I messaged her back and hurried into my room.
A gasp of pleasure left my lips when I pulled my wig off. Although, light to hold it sure felt heavy when on my head. After a quick shower I raced into my walk-in closet.
What to wear? I thought as I inspected each piece of clothing I owned.
Finally, I settled on a short, long-sleeved, black versace dress. I didn't have time to do anything grand with my hair and make up so I quickly scraped my hair into a messy ponytail and applied a coat of mascara and lipstick.
That's it. I was done. Before leaving I grabbed a coat and a hat. I had to find another way to get out of the building. I was certain that the paparazzi would have returned after Madeline misled them.
There was only one person who could help me.
''Brad!'' I hissed, tapping on the glass door from inside. A couple of photographers lurked outside, their eyes alert like hawks.
I dipped my hat, covering my face.
''What?'' He mouthed in confusion.
I gestured to him to come in. He hesitated but agreed nevertheless.
''How can I help you, Miss Adams?'' He smiled kindly, though his forehead was strained with tension.
''I need a way to get out.''
''Try the fire exit in the gym. There's no one out there at this time. You'll be safe.''
I grinned and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. His face heated up against my touch, ''Will you still be here when I get back?''
''No,'' he replied. This time when he smiled there was no strain or tension behind the action, ''Aleem will be guarding the doors from 10. I am going to see a fight.''
''A fight?''
''Yes, a boxing fight. It's no one major just two amateurs but that Maddox boy has a lot of potential.''
I stood up straighter, :'Maddox? As in Maddox Gunner ?''..
''Yeah. You know him?''
I struggled to come up with an answer, ''
Erm....yes, through Patrick. He's mentioned Carter a few times. He's a
huge boxing fan like yourself.'"
''Oh yes, Patrick. You still with that dick?''
''Brad!'' I gasped with disbelief. I had never, ever heard him speak like that before.
''What?'' He asked, shrugging, ''all of the staff hates him and he treats you like shit.'"
I didn't have in me to disagree because it was true. I just didn't realize that everyone around me had noticed too.
'I'll best be off, Brad. Thank you for your help today and enjoy the fight.'"
''You're welcome, Miss Fox.''
I made my way to the gym, luckily it was empty, and headed out of the fire exit.
Thank god for Brad.
The cold air hit my bare legs and I cursed under my breath.
This party better be worth it.