Page 52 of Summer Ever After
“It is,” Mrs. Graham’s eyes sparkled. “It was Mrs. Starling’s dress. Jessica thought it suited you.”
“Can I do this?” I said to no one and everyone.
“This might help with your decision.” Mrs. Graham zipped open a compartment on the garment bag and removed a mask in the same shade as the dress, adorned with blue and silver feathers. She handed it to me and as soon as I slipped it onto my face, I knew I was going to say yes.
“I’ll do it.”
Mrs. Graham gave a satisfied nod. She unclipped her radio and clicked on the button. “Send over the makeup artist.” She pointed to Tara. “It’s time for you to get to work. You’ll see the finished product when Trey brings her to the ball.”
“I’m so excited for you.” Tara rushed to me and gave me a peck on the cheek.
“Trey.” Mrs. Graham pointed to the door. “We’ll radio for you when Rosie is ready.”
Trey gave a salute and disappeared, leaving me with Faye Graham. She pulled a needle and thread from the sewing case. “Well, come on now, it’s time to get Cinderella ready for the ball.”
FOURTEEN
MAX
Once the peacockshad been captured, everything else went smoothly. The fleet of helicopters buzzed around the island like giant metal mosquitoes. Every five minutes a seaplane landed, its occupants delivered to the end of the dock that was covered in our version of the red carpet, a lush white one.
The highest profile guests were slated to arrive last, and as cocktail hour started, the pontoon boat had made several trips across the bay, delivering the local guests. Official photographers lined the dock, and our tuxedoed dock hands helped all of the guests out of their boats as they arrived.
My father greeted every guest. My role was a little more behind the scenes. I wore a headset and kept in touch with Tracy. So far, the floating venue seemed stable. I had woken up in a sweat that morning, imagining it going down like the Titanic – taking all of society’s who’s who with it to the bottom of Windswan Lake.
Tracy’s voice crackled through my headset. “Your cousin has arrived. Helipad One.” The helipad was on top of the boathouse, so the VIPs had their own entrance. I wove through the crowd of people, up and over one of the bridges, and jogged to the helipad.
“Bronwyn,” I shouted.
“Max!” she was holding a baby in one arm and waving the other wildly. A good-looking man with wide shoulders and a goofy smile helped her down the stairs from the helipad. When she reached me I kissed both her cheeks.
“Who is this?” I let the baby grab my finger with his chubby hand.
Bronwyn smiled. “This is Mikey – he’s named after Dylan’s father.”
“And you must be Dylan.” I shook the man’s hand. It was rough and calloused, and one of the strongest handshakes I’d felt in a while. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Same. This party has all Bronwyn’s been able to talk about this summer.”
Bronwyn winked. “Maybe we will get you to plan our wedding.”
I shook my head. “I’m retiring from the event business after this is over.”
Tracy called through my headset. “You’ll have to excuse me.” I pointed to the earpiece. “I’ll catch up with you at dinner.” I pointed at them as I ran back to the tent.
“What is it?” I was out of breath when I reached Tracy.
She pointed to the Starling seaplane. “Your special guest is arriving.”
“Perfect.” I jogged to the end of the dock to meet Hank and his daughter. She stepped out of the plane, a daisy crown on her head. Hank was wearing a three-piece suit that looked like it was straight out of the seventies.
“Hank!” I extended my hand. “I’m so glad you could make it.” I wanted to tell him that everyone had been asking me about the flowers, but I wanted his daughter to feel like a guest, not like one of the help.
“We wouldn’t have missed this for the world. Can you say thank you to Max?” He nudged his daughter. Her beautiful grin was missing two teeth. “Thank you, Max.”
“You’ll find your names on the seating chart. I hope that you enjoy your night. There are a few items in the auction that might be of interest to you.”
Hank’s laugh was gravelly. “I doubt that, but thank you. We’ll go get some Shirley Temples. Would you like that, Melissa?” She nodded, then touched her flowers, ensuring that her vigorous nod hadn’t dislodged her crown.
