Please tell me if the banter is awkward. I can't decide if it or not yet.
Enjoy!
-CL
"Bella, I think you should," America says, Annabella in her arms. "It will take your mind off of everything. And who knows, maybe you'll even have some fun. You deserve it, Bella. It's already been how long since your fight with Maxon?"
I grimace. "About two months." Maxon and I have been cordial to each other, but not intimate like spouses do. We have made a few public appearances, but then we completely ignore each other afterward. There's definitely a chill between us.
"And we can do a masquerade! Or even better yet, completely change your look! Not just a mask, but change your hair color or something," Ames says excitedly. "Something to make you unrecognizable. Oh! You have to change your name, too! And no titles. We are all 'lords' or 'ladies'. We can have a special first dance that everyone must learn as well. Almost like an icebreaker."
I smile at her enthusiasm. "It sounds fun, but I don't know how we would pull that off," I say, shifting in my chair.
"I'll plan it. You can help if you want, or I can have Marlee help," Ames says. She already has her phone out, her fingers flying over the screen. "Should we ask Maxon if it's ok?"
The mention of his name immediately sours my mood. "No. I'm approving the idea. If he has an issue with that, tell him to come talk to me," I respond, the anger seeping into my voice.
Ames looks at me, sympathy in her eyes. "It's alright, Bella. Thank you."
"When will you hold it?" I ask, taking a deep breath to calm myself.
"Two nights from now?" Ames asks.
"I'll start getting ready now then," I say, heading out the door. "I don't want anyone to recognize me, and I'll need quite the supplies."
"I can't wait," Ames says. "We can help each other get ready?"
I nod. "Of course. Thanks, Ames."
"You're welcome, Bella."
"Thanks for coming at such short notice, Celine," I say, closing the Women's Room door behind me.
"Of course, Bella," she responds, wheeling a rack of dresses closer to the mirror. Since Celine helped me choose my dress for my wedding, I figured that she would be able to help me. "I'm glad you called me in again."
"You did a fabulous job for my wedding, so I hope you can help me now," I say, hugging Celine.
"Of course. What's the occasion?" Celine asks, smiling.
"America had a great idea to have a masquerade ball-but more than just a mask. Completely change your appearance so no one can recognize you," I say. "So, with that in mind, I need a dress that nobody, especially Maxon, will recognize me in. And a matching masquerade mask as well," I say. "Do you have anything that will work?"
"Hmm…what do you not usually wear?"
"Corsets. Sleeveless. Really high slits," I say, listing them off. "And I don't really want black or dark colors. Something bright?"
"I have something in mind," Celine says. She searches through the rack, finally pulling out a garment bag. She carefully unzips it and pulls out a dress.
"Oh, my-" I say, taking the dress in. The dress has a corset at the top with a deep sweetheart neckline that will boast my full breasts, and it's sleeveless. It's a full ballgown, but there's a very noticeable slit on my left side. It's red, but a very boastful red, way brighter than I normally wear since I like dark and subdued colors. "It's perfect. Can I try it on?"
"Yes, of course," Celine responds, gesturing for me to get undressed.
I quickly slip out of my dress, leaving only my underwear. Celine helps me into the dress, pulling the corset tighter. I gasp, the breath being, literally, squeezed out of me. "Almost done," she grunts.
Finally, Celine finishes tightening and I can sort of breathe again. I inhale deeply and glance at myself in the tri-fold mirror. "Holy shit," I whisper when I get a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I look so fucking good. And I never feel like I look good. "I look…"
"Sexy?" Celine answers. I nod and she grins. "So you like it?"
"Yes," I say. "It's perfect." I hug Celine. "Thank you so much. This is exactly what I need."
"I'm glad," she says, pulling away, admiring me. "Do you need anything else?"
"I don't think so…" I start, but she pulls out a matching pair of red stilettos and a red masquerade mask with black jewels. "Oh my, Celine. Those are perfect!" I take them from her outstretched hands and put both on, admiring myself, again, in the mirror. "Thank you so much," I say, hugging her.
Celine helps me out of my costume and zips it up in the garment bag. She puts the shoes in a shoebox and the mask in another small box. "Here you go," she says, handing me the items. "Can you carry those?"
"Yes, I should be able to," I respond. "Don't be surprised if I call you again."
"No problem. I'm glad you trust me enough," Celine says. "Good luck, Bella."
"Thank you, Celine," I respond. She exits the room, having the servants help her take out the supplies. I follow her out, turning to the left. I make sure that Maxon isn't around and rush to the room I'm staying in, by America's, and hide the contrabands, making sure that Maxon won't be able to recognize me. Because that's the last thing I want.
Now all I need to do is find something to do with my hair and figure out what I'm going to do with my makeup. "Oh, Ames!" I trill, knocking on her door.
Ames opens the door, shutting it behind her. "Bella? What's the matter?" she asks.
"I was just hoping-" I start, but I'm interrupted by America's door opening.
"Ames is everything-" the voice starts and my stomach drops. "Bella, what are you doing here?"
"Nothing," I respond cooly. "It's none of your business, Maxon." I see his eyes give me a once-over, taking in my curled hair and the light pink day dress I'm wearing. "Are you going to keep ogling me?" I ask, crossing my arms in front of my chest. I glare at Maxon and see his face. There are dark bags under his eyes, stubble all over his face, and he just looks like shit.
"Are you going to stop staring at my cheekbones?" he throws back. I flush, quickly turning my head to hide the pink with my hair.
"Maybe you should shave your five o'clock shadow if you don't want me looking at you. Or you can just stay out of my sight," I say, flipping my hair. I turn to Ames. "I'll talk to you later, ok? I'll text you."
Ames nods, looking at me like I grew another head. "What?" I ask.
"Nothing, you've just-"
"-never been so annoying," Maxon grumbles.
"Well, then leave. I wasn't here to see you anyway," I say. "Go on. Shoo." I gesture with my hand for him to leave. I follow his gaze. "So you're ogling me again?" This time I run my fingers over his jawline, making him shiver. "You like that?" I murmur. "So deprived of my touch?"
"Bella-" Maxon whispers. He reaches out to touch my lips-
I jerk back, trailing my fingers over his chest. Fuck, I've forgotten how much muscles he has. "You miss me, huh?" My fingers find his hair, tugging it. He leans in and I shove him back. "Too bad, Maxon."
Maxon curses under his breath. "At least I can control myself not to touch you," he bites back.
"Says the person who leaned for a kiss," I respond. "Anyway, see you later, Ames." I turn on my heel and enter my room again, slamming the door. "Holy shit," I whisper to myself. I've never acted like that to Maxon. I shake it off and start looking at makeup and hair inspo. I find what I'm looking for and grin. "I can't wait until the ball."
