In less than thirty minutes and with five ladies working on me, I was ready. Dressed in a green V neck long sleeve fitted gown. The V neck was so low, it showed lots of my endowments. And hugged my body revealing my thick curves. It was paired with a necklace that had an emerald pendant. My hair was rolled into a neat bun, and a strand was left out in front. With light makeup and a really expensive perfume, I was done for the evening.
My appearance was stunning even to me. The last time I put so much effort into my looks was during my mum's funeral. Yeah, you read that right. Aunt Perdita's daughter had to cover my dark circles and bruised face after I had beaten myself up for letting her go just like that.
But that day, that day was different. That day, I felt beautiful. And I didn't have to do much. My outfit was paired with a silver clutch and a pair of silver heels. "They look even better on you." Laura had commented before we left.
I tried calling Jesse so many times but he didn't answer and didn't reply my messages either. The ride to the book club was filled with me trying to glance through the selected novel of the day. Laura gave me details about the book which she felt were important and I wrote them down at the back. Suddenly, I felt the urge not to disappoint.
Certainly, every girl is a princess. I found it quite easy to fit in. All I had to do was stick with Laura and the others for the rest of the night. Smile at everything they smiled at, and pass little side comments. Luckily, the details she gave came in handy.
"Hey everyone, we have a special guest today." The president of the group clicked her glass to get their attention after Laura had spoken to her. "Laura, the floor is yours."
"Good evening." She greeted and a few women replied. "Today, I brought..." What if she said daughter-in-law, I feared?
"A friend. Amelia." She lent me a hand and I stood to address them. Trying so hard not to make eye contact.
"Good evening. It's a pleasure to meet you all." Low sounds were coming from everywhere before someone started clapping and the rest joined in. Well, that was not embarrassing.
It was time for snacks and everyone grabbed their plates and rushed to the snacks table. I wondered what amount of snacks would be enough and not be seen as too much or too little. So, I watched everyone pick something out. Before I went ahead.
"Welcome." A voice spoke from behind. I jerked and nearly dropped my plate.
When I composed myself, I replied "Thank you."
It was a young woman, she looked to be in her early twenties like me, with short brown hair, beautiful hazel eyes, and small pink lips. Cheekbones lifted and nose pointed. A hundred percent beauty. She was dressed in simple white trousers and a purple shirt but still, she looked and smelt wealthy.
"Amelia, right? I'm Ms. Hanna." She spoke softly and her smile never left her face.
"Yes. It's nice to meet you."
She giggled "Relax Amelia. No one is going to judge you here. You seem to be on your toes a lot."
I sighed not necessarily relaxed though. "That's because everyone here looks like they're ready to stone you if you make a wrong move." She laughed so hard and everyone turned to us.
"Well, you see madam president over there?" We both turned to look at the middle-aged woman. "She didn't talk much if you noticed. That's because she's Italian, and barely knows English. But she's still the president, somehow."
She mentioned more women and their weaknesses including Laura. Everyone disliked her because she loved to show off her wealth, but guess who didn't give two fucks? Hanna said the book club was initially created to help women escape the work of home and raising children. But somehow, it had turned into a battle of the most perfect lady.
Some of them were wives like the president, Mistresses like Laura, or even singles like Hanna. "But why would a single lady come here every time?" I asked my eyes falling on all the women in the room.
"Potential mother-in-laws. Many people don't know this, but most marriages amongst the wealthy are formed at bookclubs like this. When two mothers meet and get interested in one another." Hanna explained.
"So, are you looking for..."
She stopped me "Don't even say it. My mum dragged me here." The more I looked at Hanna, the more familiar she looked. I was certain I had seen her somewhere.
Just then, the door swung open and men dressed in black suits ran in. I recognized most of them, they were Jesse's security. I counted about twenty-five men before Jesse walked in. His eyes are red with fury. This wasn't going to turn out well, for anyone involved.
I spotted Laura from afar, quiet and shaking. His eyes searched the room and eventually landed on me. "It's been a while, Jesse." I heard Hanna call out.
Jesse's eyes moved from me to her and they seemed to relax a bit. He walked up to me "Same here Trisha." And with that, he grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the room.
As I followed behind him, I didn't know what part hurt more, my hand, or my heels. I'd have given anything to be back at home, watering Sandra's plants and watching "To All the Boys I've Loved Before."