Winter's Arrangement

Chapter 5 Shopping and Gala

Chapter 5 Shopping and Gala

Saturday came and Angie, Katie, and I went to our favorite boutique for the perfect gala dress. I am going to cave and attempt to wear something bold and daring yet classy. We searched through dresses and I tried on dress after dress and nothing stuck out. Then I found it. It was a chocolate colored satin dress that draped over my body. It was comfortable yet hugged all the right places. It was a spaghetti strap top with a v-neckline and a plunging back side. I could not wear a bra with this dress, thank goodness that there was one built in. My blue eyes popped out more. I was dazzling in this dress. 

“Yes, that's it!” Angie said. 

“Mmhmm, that one is perfect, get some matching shoes and wear your hair in loose curls. Yup. Perfection!” Katie said and Angie nodded. Angie was going to do my hair and make-up for the gala. 

“Thanks girls. I think mom would approve. And I still feel covered enough and comfortable. Plus it has pockets!!! I might need an SOS when the night arrives.” I confess to my friends. They both know who is all going. I received the list this morning to go over. As part of the Host family I was obligated to greet everyone and engage with different people all night. Last year was exhausting. I am more prepared now. And Like I predicted, mother invited all the eligible bachelors in the states including Justin and Kent. 

It was finally the night of the Annual Winter’s Gala. ironically it was held in the middle of summer. I got to the resort that my family owns and headed to my suite. Angie was there and started to do my hair and then my makeup. She helped me put on my dress and final touch ups. I had to be at the entrance greeting guests exactly at 6pm. My father and mother were already there waiting for me. Father had on a perfectly tailored armani tux. Mother was wearing a tight red lace long sleeve dress. She was covered, but you could see all the curves of her body. I hate how my mom is the one that objectifies a woman's body. I was glad to see that they both gave me their look of approval. 

“Good to see you took my advice, but the front should be more exposing.” My mother whispered to me as I took her side. I just rolled my eyes and composed myself. I was about to shake hands with hundreds of people. Most of whom I will forget instantly. 

After about two hours of greeting guests and getting my hand kissed by every bachelor including Justin and Kent I was finally done and ready for food. Our entrance would be announced before taking our seats and eating. I sat next to my mother on the table and an empty seat next to me. My father’s best friend, Lord Ian O'Donnell Earl of Westmeath, and his wife Marry were with us. I guess it was his son that was supposed to sit next to me but he had a last minute issue at one of their job sites. Lucky him, I wish I had an emergency that called me from attending this charade. After Dinner and the dance floor opened up I was Immediately whisked away by Justin. 

“Aria, you look absolutely stunning tonight. I am glad that I am having the first dance with the belle of the ball.” He said and I nodded. 

“Thanks Justin. So how's life treating you?” I tried to talk about anything but my relationship status. 

“Good. I just got promoted so you are looking at the new CEO of Adams Coal Industries.” He said proudly. 

“Well congratulations. That is definitely something to celebrate.” I said. 

“It would be better if I had someone special to celebrate with. Now that I am at the top I want to settle down now. Go domestic.” He said and I gulped. He was really laying it out there thick. 

“Wow, well you are much more mature than I am. I am barely 22 and still feel like I have so much to live before settling down.” I say back hoping he catches my hint. Before he could respond we were interrupted by Kent asking for a dance. Justin reluctantly let go of me and took my hand to kiss it again. 

“We will talk later, ok beautiful.” Justin said and winked at me. I nodded my head before entering into Kent's embrace. He was more gentle than Justin. Justin's grasp was more possessive while Kent was caring and loving. 

“Is it me or are you the center of attention tonight?” Kent said and I chuckled. 

“I am sure my mom made a spectacle. I am barely 22 and she is already nagging at me for grandkids. I still want to be free for a little longer before I decide to finally settle down.” I vented to Kent. Kent was such a sweetheart and listened well. We would talk and text for hours. He has become a good friend in the short time I have known him. I still don’t completely trust him, but again, all I ask for is time. 

“I understand. My parents are begging me for the same. I honestly want to settle down, I just want to wait for that one special lady.” He said looking deep into my eyes. I think I got the hint when he said that. I feel like I am walking on eggshells right now. The song ends and another man asks me for a dance. I nod and let go of Kent and he also takes my hand and kisses it wishing me a goodnight. 

An hour or so later I was glad I got the urge to use the ladies room. I was dancing with bachelor after bachelor all asking the same thing. Can I please get a huge sign on me that says I am not ready to settle. Coming out I spot my parents talking to a group with Lord O’Donnell with them. 

“So finally decided it was enough?” I heard a strong Irish female accent beside me. I was slightly startled but loved her cute accent. Lady O’Donnell was so nice and approachable. I almost felt that motherly vibe coming off her. 

“Yes, I don’t know how much more I can take. It seems my parents are offering me up like a lamb to a slaughter.” I said. She laughed and squeezed my shoulder. 

“O young one, you are a hoot. I am sure they are just looking out for what’s best for you. When they come to visit us they talk about nothing but you. You are their pride and joy. When that bastard ex of yours cheated on you your father wanted to reign hell fire on that lad. They both love you and just want to see you happy and taken care of.” She said and I nodded. 

“Thank you, sometimes I wished they could tell me these things in person instead of meddling.” 

“Cheer up young one. I wish my son was here, he would know how a woman like you should be treated.” I stood frozen still by her words. She walked back to the group with her husband like nothing happened. I needed some air, I guess that she is not the only one that is trying to meddle into my affairs. I was feeling suffocated by all this pressure for me to marry. I walked out of the hall and went into the elevator towards my suite. I was done for the night. I felt like the world was against me. Can I not enjoy my young adult life before settling down? Plus I am not some prize pony everyone is bidding over.