Page 12 of The Heiress

Chapter 7

Daisy

Is this really happening? Am I losing my mind?

Probably.

I had promised myself that I would stay far away from Lorde Sheen. I had almost lost my senses – and parts of my reputation – the last time I confronted her. To think, that was powered by anger. Now that I’m no longer angry at her? Who knows what could happen? Seeing her through my usual eyes is a lot different from seeing her through that red haze of hatred.

Yet here she is in New York City at her mother’s film premiere. Of course she’s here. I knew she would be, but I brought my arsenal of BFFs and intended on staying away from anywhere she might lurk. The red carpet is the only place we could bump into each other. Here we are!

Now, here’s Lorde, offering her hand to me while my group of friends skedaddle on ahead. There’s something in her demeanor that’s making my heart thump so loudly that I’m afraid thewhole world can hear it. I don’t want to admit it, but I think it’s the idea that she wants me so badly. Whether that’s true or not… I have no idea. A part of me doesn’t want to find out. Another part of me can’t wait to be alone with her.

Plus, she’s scorching hot! Especially in this pink suit that totally matches my dress… and I remember what her chest looks like beneath it. The rest of her? Oh, I’m game to find out…

No, Daisy, no. Focus. Just because you accepted her invitation doesn’t mean you have to follow through. Or, if you do, it doesn’t mean you have to sleep with her!

I take Lorde’s hand and let her guide me into the theater. Damn, her hands are fine but strong. I wouldn’t say that I have small hands, but they’re definitely contained by hers. Yet they’re so soft. A woman who has never had to do a day of manual labor in her life, although she obviously spends a lot of time at the gym.

What are you doing?That voice in my head won’t leave me alone.Now the whole world is going to see these pics of you two together like you’re dating! What is Daddy going to say? What about Mama? Oh, girl, you’re in deep shit when they find out you’re out with a love interest who isn’t your…

I stop those thoughts. No. Not going there. Happy place. Right here. Never thought my happy place would be with Lorde Sheen, but that’s how the world spins sometimes.

She occasionally waves at someone she knows. I know no one now. I am so out of place. My place is in fashion shows and up-and-coming venues, not movie premiers like this one. Yet when my friend said she had extra tickets through her father the producer, I jumped at the chance, long before I found out what movie and who was starring in it.

Now I’m at Camilla Sheen’s movie premier, paraded around by her daughter. We’re in the dark theater with fewer photographers, but there are a ton of important people comingup, shaking hands, and saying hello. Clearly, Lorde knows them. Enough to call some of them by name and feel confident enough to introduce me. I don’t meet any of the big stars, but I meet the director and some of the producers. The most interesting guy is the cinematographer, a man with frizzy hair and a blue polka dot bowtie.

We reach our box seats. We’re the only ones here. Occasionally, this man or that woman comes in and out, but it looks like the only other people who showed up for their assigned seats are another young couple I don’t recognize. They’re sitting on the other far side. The one light shining above us dims the moment Lorde and I take our seats, my hand still in hers. Or at least until I struggle with the hem of my skirt and need her assistance detangling it from my heel.

Her hand brushes against my ankle. How can such a thing feel so scandalous?

The stage below is dim as well. Applause breaks out as the stars of the movie stand in a single line across the stage. They bow in unison. Up here I can’t see them well… until the projector kicks in, and suddenly Camilla Sheen is smiling on the giant movie screen.

She may be over fifty, but she’s still one of the most stunning women in Hollywood. The press says it all the time. They also say she’s remained a natural beauty. Ha. As someone who has been deeply entrenched in the world of plastic surgery for all her life, I can tell you that Camilla has had some work done. I can also tell you the name of her doctor from the curve of her nose. He’s one of the best in the business, so I’m not surprised the press can’t tell she’s familiar with rhinoplasty.

The rest of her is pretty natural, though. She’s wearing a bright, sparkling gold dress that accentuates her tanned skin and the fluffy blond locks sprouting from her round head. She has a million-dollar smile that instantly reminds me of her daughter’s.

Camilla Sheen is the kind of woman I want to look like when I’m her age. I may be young now, but I’m fully aware that this beauty is fleeting. My goal is to hopefully not have a total meltdown when I’m twenty-eight and get so much work done that I no longer recognize myself in the mirror.

Lorde’s mother begins the opening speech by thanking everyone who came out to watch her new movie. One of her costars reminds her that it’s not her movie, and the whole theater laughs, including Lorde and me. We exchange fast glances. Did I mention that my hand is still in hers? Well, not anymore. I politely take it out and curl it in my lap. I may be on a private balcony with Lorde Sheen, but I will retain some tier of ladylike qualities.

The stars vacate the stage as the movie begins.

It’s a series of vignettes about the different kinds of romantic love people can experience. The first one features Camilla as a woman going through a midlife crisis… and her young, college-aged daughter. They both fall in love with the daughter’s professor. Shenanigans ensue.

“Did you know…” Lorde’s whisper startles me, “that Stephanie May was originally supposed to play the daughter? Not kidding. The contract had been signed and everything when her scandal broke out.”

“Really?” I remember that. Stephanie May was one of the biggest up-and-coming actresses around. I had met her a few times at some functions. Even exchanged numbers with her. Then it came out that she had lied about her age and had a secret baby somewhere. I don’t remember all the details, but I do remember it annihilating her career. I don’t recognize the new actress in the movie at all.

The vignette ends with both mother and daughter deciding they don’t need the professor who was leading them both on. They drive off into the sunset in Camilla’s Thunderbird,laughing and talking about California. Applause ripples through the theater.

As the second vignette starts, a hand reaches for mine in my lap.

Why am I surprised when I look down and see that it’s Lorde’s? I shouldn’t be surprised. This is a woman who has been seriously flirting with me since I went to her apartment. She came up to me on the red carpet, in front of every pap in America, and asked me to sit with her. People are already going to be gossiping.

Not to mention, this was the woman I was making out with and thinking about fucking. In fact, we were so close to doing that nasty deed that I still tremble thinking about it.

Like right now. So many trembles.

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