Page 34 of Semblance

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Chapter Ten

Why was I feeling nervous? It was ridiculous for me to feel this way, especially since my date with Shadow tonight was nothing more than a glorified show for all the snooty bastards to see.

But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to it; and the anticipation made me nervous. I had really misjudged just how much I relied on Justin’s friendship over the past few years and the loneliness I now experienced left me feeling empty and the guilt from our confrontation gnawed at my conscience.

I spent at least three hours on my appearance, enhancing every one of my facial features with makeup I had just bought.

I also invested a good amount of time on my hair, trimming every loose strand and running it through the curling iron, transforming my straight, boring locks into soft voluminous curls.

Finding the perfect dress to wear was the hardest decision. It seemed a lot easier when all I had in my closet was one little black dress. In a matter of days I acquired an extensive collection of evening wear and finding the right one was a time-suck. Eventually, after much deliberation, I settled on an elegant midnight colored cocktail dress that was sexier than the usual stuff I wore.

I was applying a few finishing touches to my makeup when I heard a knock on my condo door. I opened it and Abraham greeted me.

“Looks like you’ve become my own personal chauffer,” I said.

“I find these little car rides of ours enjoyable. Your company always brightens my day,” he replied. “I must add that you look absolutely brilliant. Shadow will fall head over heels for you tonight.”

“I doubt it,” I laughed, “This date is all a song and dance, remember?”

Abraham put his index finger up to his lips, hushing me. “Let’s just keep that our little secret.”

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The limo pulled up next to Starfall Supper Club, a prestigious dining establishment that boasted being one of the highest peaks on our urban landscape. It offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the city’s sparking lights.

When the doors of the high-speed elevator opened at the top floor, I saw Shadow standing by the north window with a drink in hand, and staring out into the skyline.

He looked handsome wearing a dark suit, and his black dress shirt unbuttoned at the collar. Hewasthe cliché of tall, dark, and handsome.

I strolled over to Shadow and hid my excitement to see him—or anyone for that matter.

It’s been a long, lonely week.

“Hey there,” I said, sneaking up behind him.

He turned around and smiled as he did a glance over on me. “You look stunning,” he said.

“You look…” I paused, “…huh.”

Shadow laughed. “Not going to let me forget that one, are you?”

“Not a chance. You know the saying about a woman scorned?”

“They need to get over it?”

“We’ll work on your manly charms a bit later,” I replied. “But how about you buy me a drink first?”

He nodded and led me over to the island bar situated at the centre of the room.

“What can I get for you?” the bartender asked, a kindly looking grey man with a genuine smile that seemed to light up his eyes.

“What does the lady want?” Shadow asked.

The bartender shook his head and laughed. “A true gentleman with a woman as lovely as this should already know what the lady wants before coming here.”

I liked the bartender already. I made a mental note to leave him a generous tip.

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