I wished I believed him.
My heart was telling me he was right, but my head kept on chipping in with snide comments that took every step forward I had made and shoved them back to square one. I glanced down at my fitted, strapless black evening dress and wondered what people would think of me. It was a disconcerting frame of mind that had only affected me since I met Fin, and I didn’t like it one bit.
Fin’s eyes had nearly popped out when he saw me in the dress for the first time that evening. I was glad I had that effect on him, but standing there, about to step into the unknown, I wanted nothing more than to be at DeBasement wearing my ripped jeans and drinking a beer as Fin owned the stage. Colette had sent me some gorgeous make-up, and the glitter powder gave my tattoos a beautiful sheen, but regardless of how I looked on the outside, I was quaking on the inside.
Fin rested his hand at the small of my back, leaned in, and whispered, ‘You look stunning, you know? You will no doubt be the most beautiful woman in the room.’
Shivers tingled from the base of my neck all the way down my spine but I still wanted to go home. I wondered if I clicked my heels together, would it have the desired effect.
He dragged me from myWizard of Ozdaydream by whispering, ‘Come on, let’s do this.’
I glanced down at my cleavage in the fitted bodice and wondered if maybe it was just a little too much.Too late now, Mendoza.My pink and blonde hair had been scraped into a chignon by the hairdresser recommended to me by Colette. I should have felt sophisticated, but instead, the ink adorning my body and my thick eye make-up screamed to everyone that I didn’t belong there. I only had myself to blame, though. I had insisted upon staying true to myself insomeway, just as Alasdair and Colette had said I should. Not that Fin would have wanted me to change. He knew I wasn’t about to completely transform myself for the event, charity or not. I was stillme,and it wasmehe wanted to be with. And it would fine, so long as I kept repeating that as my mantra.
The double doors were opened, and I nervously glanced round the vast ballroom. Monolithic ice sculptures were placed round the edges of the space, and circular tables draped in sumptuous heavy jacquard fabric covered half the floor. There was a stage at one end where a small orchestra played classical music, and several couples floated round the dance floor already.
Gazing up, I spotted the hefty crystal chandeliers that seemed to defy gravity. They lit the room with a warm glow, sending shards of light this way and that from their faceted surfaces. Men in tailored tuxedos stood around chatting, while their female companions assessed each other’s attire, smiling politely every so often while their eyes told a whole different story. The ball gowns were stunning. I couldn’t even begin to guess how much money was dancing round the room disguised as taffeta and Swarovski crystal.
Fin gave my hand another reassuring squeeze as Alasdair and Colette appeared before us. Colette wore a deep purple floor-length dress with one shoulder strap that draped elegantly across the delicate bone structure of her shoulder. She was such a stunning woman; so kind and thoughtful too.
She pulled me into a warm hug. ‘Star, my dear. You look wonderful.’
‘Thanks, Colette. So do you.’
‘My, my, Finlay. Your girl looks ravishing tonight.’ Alasdair took my hand and kissed the back of it. His soft Scottish accent was welcoming and friendly as always, and I was so grateful for that.
Fin pulled me into his side possessively. ‘Well, I certainly think so.’ Suddenly, his mood changed. His nostrils flared as his gaze darted anxiously around the room. ‘Is he... ishehere?’
Alasdair grasped Fin’s shoulder firmly. ‘Not yet. Like I said to you before, don’t worry. He can’t hurt you any more.’
‘No, but he can try. And it’sthatthat worries me the most,’ Fin said through gritted teeth.
Alasdair gave Fin a friendly slap on the back. ‘It’ll be fine. He may not even show, he may be sunning himself in St Tropez. Just enjoy your evening, and show off your beautiful girl, okay?’ With that, he kissed me on the cheek and walked over to a group of smartly-attired lawyery types.
Fin smiled down at me and gripped my hand tightly. ‘Come on, gorgeous. Let’s go get some champagne.’
Champagne sounded like a great idea, and I was more than happy to partake of a glass—or several—to calm my nerves. The only problem was that they went down very easily, and I suddenly needed the bathroom. After telling Fin my predicament, he pointed me in the right direction, and I made my way there. Panic surged within me over how I would manage to pee with such a long, tight dress covering the essential parts of my body, but I was determined to be as fast as possible. And then I would be staying put at Fin’s side for the rest of the night and limiting my liquid intake.
Suddenly someone stepped into my path, and I almost jumped out of my skin. ‘So, you’re the one, are you?’ The man’s gravelly, deep voice startled me and stopped me in my tracks.
‘I don’t think there’s any mistaking her, is there dear?’ his companion said snidely.
I was face to face with none other than Campbell and Isobel Hunter.
I scowled at the man and shook my head. ‘Excuse me?’
He oozed animosity, and I cringed inwardly as he stepped forward. ‘He changed, you know? Virtually as soonas he metyou. He changed. And not for the better.’
‘Everything he held dear went straight out of the window. He abandoned us, and all because of you.’ Isobel said ‘you’ as if the word made her sick to her stomach.
Oh, shit. Oh, shitty shit. ‘I’m sorry, but I have no clue what—’
Campbell took another step closer and blocked the entrance to the ladies’ room. ‘He ruined the only solid relationship he’d ever had. All because of you.Shewas more befitting his social standing.’ He laughed derisively. ‘Who the hell do you think you are, anyway? I’ll tell you who you are, shall I? An ugly little trollop with badly scribbled tattoos, and a shitty little job serving meagre coffee to those of higher standing, that’s whatyouare. You’re the maid. The help. What the hell does he see in you?’
‘Frankly I can’t believe he’s stooping so low,’ Isobel added with venom.
‘Mark my words young lady, I know my son and hewillsee you for what you are, a gold digging harpy. Sadly he’s already out of my will thanks to you, so you won’t be getting a penny. Might as well duck out now, eh?’
My eyes began to sting, but I bit my lip. I wasn’t going to let these poor excuses for parents see they had upset me, and had just pointed outallthe things that made me feel inferior and unworthy of Fin, while adding painful insults for good measure.
