In the middle of the night, the DelaRoy Estate is lighted. Famous people in the public eye get out of the costly cars that park in front of the estate, slowing down traffic. Society reporters flood the sidewalks in search of celebrities, business moguls, and politicians to photograph.
Cali is experiencing the jitters of her life as she waits behind Mr. DelaRoy at the mansion's main entrance. She had never been to a party quite like this one before. Susie gives her hand a light squeeze and compliments her, saying, "You look gorgeous today." It's almost as if she can sense her nervousness.
Cali acknowledges Susie's kindness with a grateful smile. She is wearing a garment made of regal blue velvet that was acquired by Sophia. Never in her wildest imagination did she consider the possibility that the mystery thing Sophia purchased in that Williamsburg store was this outfit. And she did not anticipate that Sophia would buy it for her in the first place.
