Take Two (The Jilted Bride #1)(15)

She turned around. “In your dreams, Matt Sterling.”

If only you knew.

Chapter 9

Melody

I pressed the gray button on the remote and watched the curtains draw back. I walked around my suite for what must have been the hundredth time, running my fingers along the Fendi furniture and lush linens.

I wanted to live there, to forget about shopping for a condo of my own. Then again, the elaborate design of the room was beginning to anger me. Everything from the selection of books on the shelf, to the grooves of the soap dishes, seemed planned—like every single detail was fretted over and calculated. Like Sean.

I contemplated playing sick to avoid going out. I hated going to parties, especially launch parties. The debut product was the topic of discussion for all of five minutes, and the remaining hours were dedicated to watching snobby people interact with other snobby people.

The press always did their best to create massive stories out of the smallest moments: “Tom Cruise danced with Mariah Carey!” “Brad Pitt drank two cocktails!” And the rest of the partygoers took advantage of the necessary open bar.

I flipped open my invitation card and read the description: “You are cordially invited to join Miss Selena Ross and her newest fragrance Forever Young at the renowned Roseland Ballroom. Bask in the splendor of the softest floral notes. Escape to your earliest memories. Live like you’ve never lived before. Be bold. Be fearless. Be Forever Young.”

Selena Ross’ new perfume was supposedly all the rage. Our team had reviewed it and given it an A rating.

I was pretty sure Selena had absolutely nothing to do with the scent’s production, but I’d watched an interview where she gushed over how she “personally mixed the wonderful and sultry floral notes.”

I assumed Matt Sterling would be at the party, and after one too many encounters, I was determined to avoid him at all costs.

I tried on the dress I would’ve worn at my wedding reception: a short and backless satin dress with a pleated waist and spiral organza waves. I put on a couple of sparkling bangles and the Breakfast at Tiffany’s necklace. I strapped on my silver five inch Jimmy Choos and looked in the mirror.

Sean would’ve loved this…

I held up my left hand and stared at my engagement ring. It was still beautiful, still a reminder of how much I thought he loved me.

I was slowly starting to accept that Sean’s love was past tense. He was never coming back for me. He had someone else.

I carefully twisted the ring off my finger and placed it on the dresser. I eyed myself in the mirror again and picked at my hair. It was red how I liked it, but it still wasn’t me.

If I was going to go to some lame party, I figured I might as well look my best. I took off the dress and accessories and placed them in my bag.

I called down to the hair salon and told them it was an emergency.

It was 8:55 when the stylist finished my hair and makeup. I threw on my clothes in the salon’s back office and rushed outside to meet the town car.

I asked the driver to drop me off a couple feet past the front entrance so I could slip past the red carpet and paparazzi. I was sure no one knew who the hell I was, but I didn’t want to be background matter in any celebrity’s photos.

The doorman looked me up and down as I approached.

“G-G-Good evening,” he stuttered. “Forgive me for asking but what’s your name Miss?”

“Melody Carter,” I handed him my invitation.

“I’m so sorry for asking. I’m new. I didn’t get a chance to memorize all the pictures yet. Enjoy your night, Miss Carter.”

Why is he apologizing to me like I’m a celebrity?

“Thank you,” I gave him a fake smile and walked inside to a packed hallway. Stars from every entertainment realm were standing around and posing for pictures—a reminder of why I never came out to these types of things.

I pushed past Rihanna and Mila Kunis and made my way to the ladies room. While I stood in line waiting to check myself in a mirror, I noticed nearly every passerby was giving me the once over.

What is it? Why do these people keep staring at me?

When I finally got my chance to stand in front of the mirror, I saw why: I did look like a celebrity. The stylist had done my hair and make-up to absolute perfection. I barely recognized myself.

My cheeks were blushed pink and my lips were painted in a vibrant red. My hair was styled in a sleek and detailed French bun with glittering hair pins. I closed one of my eyes to see where she’d placed dark dramatic eye shadow and thick faux lashes.

Wow…Too bad I’m leaving in thirty minutes…

I pushed past more celebrities and made my way into the ballroom. I couldn’t help but to be in awe as I wandered around.

Everything was bathed in white: long airy drapes fell from the ceiling to the floor, tables sat in silk with ornate crystal centerpieces, and several marble fountains spouted sparkling water.

Waiters wearing black tuxedos held platters of wine and h’ordeuvres high above their shoulders. Silver framed photographs of Selena’s Forever Young perfume stood on tall platforms, shiny chandeliers shimmered against the bare ceiling, and waist high candles illuminated the stage near the back of the room.

I stood by one of the fountains, running my fingertips across the cool marble, and felt someone watching me. I slowly turned around.

Matt Sterling? Matt Sterling is staring at me!