Chapter 2

The ballroom was majestic, to say the least. It was as if I’d stepped into a Disney movie. The delicate chandeliers hung over my head as if frozen into the air, throwing off dazzling warm light onto everyone. Polished biblical frescoes adorned the ceiling, guiding my eyes to the large windows stained with color into geometric designs. Gold accents on the walls only added to the dazzling richness of the place. The curved walls of the room were lined with round tables of appetizers and alcohol, and I knew I needed some liquid courage if I was to make a good impression. The jitters just wouldn’t calm down.
“Do you guys see Blair anywhere?” I whisper. Aubrey immediately scans the room while Jenna rolls her eyes and grabs my arm.
“Lilith, relax.” She sighed, “We won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Exactly.” Aubrey hissed in determination as her vision narrowed down all the way across the hall. I followed her gaze. Lo and behold, Cristo and Blair within the shadows of the pillars, talking. Cristo was laughing with her. He looked so…happy.
Fuck… I grunted as a sharp pain flitted across my chest like a missed stab. Blair didn’t even need to do anything to hurt me. All she needed was to make Cristo feel what I could have if I wasn’t so…so damned closed up and uptight!
“Aubrey…” Jenna’s tone was warning, like she knew I was going to claw my way into Blair’s insides, “Stay down. I’ll handle whatever needs to be dealt with. In the meantime...”
Jenna pointed down the steps to a far corner of the room where a small crowd of seemingly important people stood near the hearth. I recognized Mrs. Beaumont immediately. Jenna squeezed my hand in comfort and nudged me forward. I let her hand go and reached for the stone railing. It was cool under my touch, but so firm despite the small indents in it. I kept my eyes on ahead of me, trying not to be distracted by the magical place.
I wasn’t going to deny it, I was definitely attracting a few stares. Red was a bold color, but I wasn’t the only one wearing it. Halfway down the steps, a gentle man offered his hand to me. A young man who looked Scottish, although I would hate to assume from the red hair.
“May I?” he said.
Yep, Scottish. I nodded to him with a polite smile and he led me all the way down with my hand held up to his shoulder to help my balance. Upon reaching level flooring, he pulled my hand to himself and kissed my knuckles, boring his deep blue eyes into mine. I wasn’t one to blush. And I didn’t.
My head was held high, unfazed. He seemed amused but let go of my hand. I took off, feeling his gaze linger on me. And it made me feel sick, knowing that I was already noticeable.
That’s the point for today, I reminded myself. It was necessary that I acted like the tabloids never happened. Trying to sheath my presence in broad daylight would make me look guilty. And I wasn’t guilty for anything. So why did Blair have such mental power over me that I was willing to cower back?
No, I wouldn’t do it. I knew what she wanted, and she wouldn’t have it. She could never be a match-maker. She could never beat me at my game. She could never take my place.
“Champagne, madam?” came a soft voice from beside me. I thanked the woman who lowered the tray of sparkling glasses of amber to me. I picked one up delicately and took a sip, hoping the liquid courage would kick in soon enough to steel my nerves.
When I was close enough to see what they looked like, I knew I needed a few extra seconds to gear myself against the intimidation. I wasn’t sure what it was about non-Americans’ demeanor and aura, but they usually caught me off-guard in such places. The first person I noticed was the woman in gold and black silk with impeccable jewels. Her black hair was a short bob curled to perfection, held away from her slightly aging face by delicate threads of jeweled gold wires. Her skin was fair, but glowed warmly from within. Her eyes, though, felt otherwise. They were a cold, piercing blue. Her posture was affirming and confident, but the energies from her were…I couldn’t explain it. All I knew is that I felt somewhat threatened.
The man standing next to her was in classic black suit, accented with gold to complement with the woman’s aesthetic. His brown hair was thinning at the crown, gelled down to the sides of his head. A small mustache sat neatly trimmed under his nose, curving down the sides of his face into a neat stubble. His watch and cufflinks spoke of the immense wealth he owned. His dull brown eyes squinted from behind a pair of thin, gold-rimmed glasses. He did look old, but the way he towered over Mrs. Beaumont with his squared shoulders made me feel he was stronger than he was letting on.
I understood immediately these were my clients, but I couldn’t see their son anywhere. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wasn’t here, though. Most parents initially dealt with the match-maker on their own terms before introducing their children. I could only hope they weren’t nearly as choosy as most parents in America were.
Raising my glass for another sip, I was shocked to find it empty. Had I drunk it all nervously and didn’t notice?
“Madam?” A waiter appeared next to me, handing me a new full glass. I smiled at him and accepted it graciously. He nodded and took my empty glass away. Once he’d disappeared, I took a controlled sip and started moving towards them.
It’s now or never, I thought with determination.
Mrs. Beaumont’s eyes glanced over briefly, but she seemed to recognize me in the split second after and turned to me with her ever-bright smile. She looked wonderful in her silver-gray gown. It flowed out behind her elegantly, the intricate embellishments dragging around her the light in the room like a halo.
“Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Ricci,” she started and placed her hand on my back, “may I introduce you to my protégé, Lilith Mendez?”
“It’s lovely to meet you.” I put my hand out for a shake. Mrs. Ricci gives me a critical once over that almost makes me run away. She takes my hand in a firm grip and bounces it once.
“We’ve only just met,” she said sternly over her nose, her accent thick and sharp, “You assume too quickly about us.”
I would’ve frozen in spot had Mrs. Beaumont not been standing over my shoulder. Now I just felt thrown off and somewhat offended. “You sure look lovely,” I forced through my teeth as nicely as I could, “if we’re insistent on being more honest than formal.”
“Lovely isn’t something we hear often.” Mr. Ricci said with a forced chuckle. I noticed he had had tattoos peeking from under his collar and cuffs. Mrs. Ricci also had some hiding under the folds of her sleeves and neckline. I looked back at her face, noticing an almost concealed smirk as her eyes softened momentarily. She squeezed my hand gently, which was surprisingly assuring.
Guess I’d won her over? I couldn’t be sure too soon.
Mrs. Beaumont stepped in hesitantly to break the tension, “The Riccis have one of the largest wineries and cheese factories in Italy. They even brought their best collection to the party for sampling.”
“I’m sure there is nothing she can’t find about us on paper,” Mrs. Ricci said with a gentle clasp of her hands, her dominating demeanor back in place, “Tell me about yourself, Ms. Mendez. It’s what we’re here for, after all.”
“I’ve been a match-maker for over six years with the most successful record out of any in the city.”
“In the country,” Mrs. Beaumont corrected with a chuckle, “Either Lilith is modest or forgetful.”
“I forget nothing.” I stated lighthearted. Although it came out persuasive, I wasn’t too sure about it anymore.
“Your work is impressive,” Mr. Ricci stated, “I’ve looked into you quite a bit. A little strange for you to be in this field from genetics.”
“It’s all about seeing all possible outcomes for the future.” I said casually, “If you’re particular about the kind of grandchildren you want, my expertise and contacts in genetics will be useful to you.”
“We do expect well-rounded heirs.” Mrs. Ricci said thoughtfully, “Are good at studying people as people say?”
“I wouldn’t be in business for this long otherwise.”
“Fair.” Mrs. Ricci nodded and threw Mrs. Beaumont a firm look, “We leave back for Italy in two days. Would that be enough time for Ms. Mendez to prepare herself?”
“Of course.” Mrs. Beaumont said, and the couple walked away with light gestures of acknowledgement to enjoy the party. I turned to Mrs. Beaumont in a slight daze, wondering if what had happened was real. She smiled at me and rubbed my arm.
“As great as always, Lilith.”
“I’m going?”
“Did you not hear them?” she chuckled, “Come on, now. I’ve arranged a guest room for your stay here. I’ll show you around before you go and enjoy yourself.”