Page 34 of Fake Rocks
I sat at the dressing table in the bedroom, the lights around the mirror switched on to give me more clarity while I applied my makeup.
My outfit was hanging up on the wardrobe door. There was a simple black satin slip dress that finished mid-thigh, embellished with black sequins which would be teamed with a longer black and gold embroidered velvet coat which skimmed just below my knees. A pair of killer heels also in black and gold would probably cripple me, but it would be worth it. I had a black leather choker with a gold lock and gold hoop earrings as jewellery, plus a small black crushed velvet clutch. Rosie had helped me to pick the outfit, knowing I wanted to go for sexy and bad-assy at the same time. And I think it hit the mark.
I heard the door to the room open.
“Saff? You nearly ready?” Tris called up the stairs. “The Uber will be here in ten.”
“Sure, give me five,” I called back.
True to form, it was closer to twenty by the time I was actually ready. I could hear Tris placating the driver as I fussed about making sure I looked perfect. Finally, I headed downstairs.
Tris’ jaw hung slack as I reached the bottom step, his eyes growing wide. I stumbled slightly and he rushed to make sure I didn’t fall. Crushed against his chest, I got a faint waft of his aftershave and almost swooned.
Stepping back, I remembered the picture he’d sent me of him in his suit and it was even better in the flesh. The cut of the dark, charcoal grey suit fitted his body perfectly and complimented my outfit as well.
“You look…” He couldn’t finish his sentence, looking somewhat like a fish out of water as he struggled to find the right words.
“As do you.” I quirked a smile at him. “We should go before the Uber driver disappears.”
He extended a hand and I took it, the warmth of his skin brushing against mine.
I had a feeling it was going to be a good night.
“Saff! Saff! Over here!”
“Who’s your new boyfriend?”
“Are you and Troy Carson still seeing each other?”
I ignored the catcalls and questions from the small group of paparazzi waiting outside The Monastery Manchester. I figured smiling and being polite would get me less column inches. Or at least keep me out of trouble. Mentally, I shook my head at the questions. As if I’d be seeing Troy if I was at an event with another man.
Tris clutched my hand tightly as we walked in. I figured he must be nervous, having probably never been to an event like this before, let alone with someone like me.
A waitress approached us, holding a tray of champagne with one hand. “Can I interest you in a drink?” she asked. “Table plans are over there and the lots for the auction are at the back of the Great Nave.” She gestured with her free hand.
I took two glasses from her. “That’s great, thank you.”
The venue was amazing. With stunning gothic architecture, the former church and priory was unique, and had been faithfully restored to close to its former glory.Rocciahad done well.
“Saff Barnes, I heard you were on the guest list tonight.”
I turned to see Joel,Roccia’s Features Editor grinning at me, a beer in his hand. “Joel, good to see you.”
Rocciawere one of the publications who had supported TheSB right from the very start and I’d known Joel a long time. He was someone I trusted to give an honest review of our music and he also hadn’t been one of the publications who used my love life to sell copies or boost online views. He was one of the reasons I’d agreed to come along.
“Who’s this?” He turned to Tris, a hand extended.
The two of them shook hands. I could see Tris look unsurely at me, perhaps wondering what to do or say.
“Joel, this is Tris Judd. He’s my new boyfriend.” I snuggled into Tris’ body—not exactly a hardship—keeping up the pretence. “We met at uni a while ago and recently bumped into each other again. One thing led to another and…”
“We started seeing each other,” Tris finished, pulling me closer and placing a kiss on my temple.
God, he’s good.
“I’d heard the rumours, wasn’t sure if they were true.” Joel nodded before someone called his name. “Gotta go, need to get this dinner underway, we’re on a curfew here. If we don’t leave at midnight, we’ll all turn into pumpkins.”
Once Joel was far enough away, Tris released me, much to my disappointment. I’d been enjoying being pressed up against him like that.
