Dangerous Addiction

The Charity Ball

Three glasses down and I finally shook off my nerves. I have been standing on this podium for over an hour. My seamstress kept mumbling under her breath due to all the alterations that needed to be done. I haven't realized just how much weight I lost these past few months.

"Miss Jade, have your been eating? I have never done this many alterations on you before. I'm not saying you are frail looking, please do not take my words out of turn, but you lost about an inch and a half of your waist! It makes the dress flow very beautifully! what is your secret? All those snobby ladies are going to envy you tonight!" she giggled

"Mary, I have not lost weight on purpose. I suppose my secret would be stress and work overload. And as for those women, they have enough to dramatize at the event than my dress tonight." I said

" Well you look fabulous! If I do say so myself, I have out done it this time! The emerald green just screams beautiful on your porcelain skin! I can't wait to see the pictures of tonight!" Mary said with pure admiration.

" You are too kind Mary. You know you don't have to be so nice because we are friends. I pay you for your honesty, that is why I always go to you. Is it really that grand?" I said unsure.

I have never really loved my body shape. But then again what woman loves their body nowadays. I was short at 5'3" and petite. My waist has always been small and my hips didn't poke out in a way I would like. I was in-between an hourglass shape and petite skinny. I had the right measurements for a lot of dresses but losing weight I am now a 36" bust, 24" waist and 33" hips.

I stared at myself in the wide wall length mirror. I was never use to this kind of glamour. It made me more self conscious of everything I wore to these events. A dress I would only wear once yet cost more than some people's new car. The money could have been better used in the new project I wanted to start. $20,000 was a good enough sum to help start the new jewelry store.

Mary started to talk and pulled me out of my head for a minute. Thankful for her distraction I smiled warmly at my friend.

".....-and I better see you there in those pictures Jade! oh those men aren't going to know what hit them and every woman is going to be so jealous!" I giggled at her enthusiastic demeanor. Leave it to her to make me feel better.

" Your flattery is adorable. Why don't you come with me tonight? You have plenty of dresses you could choose from." I jumped as I heard a high pitched squeal and turned to face Heather.

"Oh Miss Jade! It would be an honor to be your plus one! Should we match? I do have a nice little black dress with the same emerald green trim and detailing?" She was basically jumping in place at her excitement.

Mary was a good friend and no matter how many times I would tell her not to call me Miss Jade she would refuse and say it was unprofessional. As my seamstress, I was Miss Jade but off the job I would be just Jade.

" I think that would be a great idea! We would look amazing together for those pictures you are so adament about! Plus you can help me behave." I said playfully and smiled excitedly as now I wasn't going to be alone.

I really dread these events and she can keep the champagne away from me. Last time I over indulged trying to keep myself calm and less jittery. Mother was absolutely unreasonable that night and made it well aware she was dissatisfied of my dress choice and intoxication.

"So no champagne for you tonight then." she giggled understanding my playful comment.

"Yes, only one glass tonight. Last event mother almost had a cow seeing me so intoxicated."

"She had more than a cow at the last event! She nearly caused a scene at your expense! As poised as your mother is, her age is catching up to her." she said matter of factly.

" Do not tell her that!" I laughed

" Oh no! I'm not going to be her next victim tonight! I'll leave that position for you." she countered.

I looked at the clock on the wall and noticed we had only an hour left before we had to arrive. Mary noticed my grim expression following where my sight landed and realized she still needed to change.

" Oh! Only an hour left! You better go freshen up your makeup and I will meet you downstairs in the lobby." she pushed me towards the master bath and hurried towards the closet filled with all the gowns.

I grabbed my blush and bronzer and applied a little extra. Making my cheeks and face a nice full color. I highlighted just above my cheek bone and under my brow line to help make my eyes pop. Some mascara to lengthen my eyelashes and a tiny amount of eye liner on my top eyelid. Finished, I looked at myself and felt content with my natural look. I usually only wore light eyeliner and mascara. Tonight there were cameras and tons of flashing lights. The extra makeup helped hide any blemishes the photos would show otherwise.

I walked out of the master bath and yelled to Mary I was going down to the lobby. She

yelled her acknowledgement and said she would be down in a minute. I headed down the elevator and reached the lobby. It seemed as tho most of the men were waiting in the lobby for their wives to finish. I noticed their eyes on me, some greeted me and others were stuck staring making my nerves escalate.

Mr. Ginnes came up to me and politely greeted me. He was a friend of my father's from the country club they were always seen at.

" Well", he nodded in approval. "Your mother should have nothing but praise for your chosen gown tonight." He knew of her constant bickering of my wardrobe. His wife and my mother were best friends so he heard all the tea. He was always in my corner like my father, telling them to leave the poor girl be as I last recalled.

" Thank you Uncle Tom." I said appreciatively.

" Are you going alone again? I would have thought you would of snatched up a man by now?" I flinched at his words.

They were constantly trying to set me up with some doctor or lawyer within our social circle. I had no interest in the frat boy stereotype they all held. If Uncle Tom had a son I am sure they would have been throwing him in my face every chance they got. They believed in keeping the circle untainted. Just as I was about to reply, Mary spoke up.

" I am ready to go Jade! Shall we make our way to the ball before your mother thinks we are fashionably late on purpose?" she eyed my uncle with a disapproving frown, obviously overhearing his questions.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Thankful she came when she did.

" Yes we should be on our way. It was nice to see you Uncle Tom, I will see you later, I am sure."

We parted ways and I whispered my gratitude for her timely arrival. She always had impeccable timing during situations.

" That old man is always trying to shove the next golden boy at you! He really ruffles my feathers to put it nicely. Not every woman needs a man by her side telling her what to do!" she said exasperated

I giggled at my protective friend but nodded in agreement. I was about to be 25, still a bit young in my opinion to get married. Everyone else says otherwise. Most of my friends or colleagues were already married. It was a social norm to sign your life away to someone you barely knew when young, just so you could produce heirs or not be labeled as the old one. I don't mind my independence and certainly do not want to marry someone I barely know. My parents have not forced any relationship so far. At least I knew they were okay with my independence. Or so I thought.

Riding in the limo, it only took a mere 15 minutes before we arrived. The venue was amazing! They really went all out for this event I'm sure after my mother gave them a stern talking to of her expectations. The theme was golden empire. Every possible inch was detailed with as much gold the eye could see. Mary was enthralled by the glamour and said this was the event of the year. She couldn't believe she was here. I even caught her pinching herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. I couldn't help but laugh at her childish behaviour. I would bring her to every event if she wasn't working so much like me.

Our turn finally came to exit the limo into the rich and snobby abyss of the high social class. It really is a lavish lifestyle and way more stressful than others think. Money can bring comfortability but once you enter the posh high circles, it was nothing more than a cliche of inner circles and gossip mongers. I tried to stay out of the limelight, the less people could see the less they would assume and gossip. Jade giggled next to me.

" Are you ready?" she asked knowingly

I stared out the window a second more before replying "yeah, let's get this night over with."

Mary laughed at my comment and pushed me towards the door. I opened the door and stepped out into an instant mass of flashes, questions about my dress and who I was with. Mary held herself well under the spotlight and I couldn't have been more pleased with my best friend.

"Miss Stone! Who made your dress!"

"Who is your plus one! Is that your girlfriend!"

"Miss Stone! Over here!"

The barrage of comments and questions were easy to decipher and answer back. After years of dealing with paparazzi it becomes second nature.

Smile. Nod. Answer. Don't stop moving.

We reached the entrance up the staircase and finally made our way into the venue. I greeted everyone I saw and introduced them to Mary. They all complimented my gown and in turn I respectively said it was all Mary. She was a very talented seamstress, so giving her praise was easy. I'm sure she will have many new clients after tonight. It was well deserved and I loved when my friends felt successful.

Walking further inside, we entered the ballroom. My mother saw us instantly and flagged us over to her.

" The she-devil has spotted you." Mary said amused.

I laughed at her comment as she always called my mother that. Not ever in person, you never wanted to make her mad on purpose.

"Jade!" My mother called leaning in to kiss my cheeks in greeting.

"Mary? It is nice to see you, no work tonight?" my mother said.

Mary shot me a look knowing she wasn't particularly happy about our friendship. Like I said money means everything to the high class.

"Not tonight Miss Stone. Lucky chance I guess." she said sarcastically.

I smiled at her response and greeted my father to break the unneeded tension.

" Hello father. You look handsome tonight." Leaning in to kiss his cheeks he replied that mom chose his outfit as always. They matched with a black and gold ensemble. My mother was in a glittery black gown with gold trim and gold bow just above her bottom. The open back and high collar assentuated her figure nicely.

Father wore a matching black suit with a gold tie and gold trim detailing. They looked rich to anyone observing them.

" Hello princess. You really did exquisite this time around. The place looks immaculate." he nodded in approval.

"Thanks dad. I was hoping it would be a great night."

My father nudged my mother and she begrudgingly agreed. That was the most I would get out of her for an approval. So I was content with her agreement.

Mary once again saved me from further conversation saying we should go check on the rest of the participants.

After we were ear shot away she huffed her annoyance with my mother.

" She could have at least said something nice instead of being forced by your father. The nerve of that woman sometimes. I don't know how you stay so calm and level headed with her. I would have disowned her by now if she was my mother. She never appreciates anything you do. ugh." she let out another annoyed sigh.

" She will never change Mary. It is easier to just let her be her and not take so much offence to her words and actions. She is still so old school with traditions and her expectations." I know I didn't need to explain that to my friend. She may not be from money but the elite lifestyle she was aware of thanks to high school.

"Who is that!" Mary said bringing me out of my thoughts.

I followed her motion and glanced at a gentleman near the bar. He was taller than me but average height for a man. I could only see his side profile of dark brown hair and tanned skin. He wore a simple black tuxedo with a gold tie and kerchief.

" I'm not sure" I said confused. I knew about everyone here beside a few of the plus ones. I wonder who he came with?

" He is def dreamy and swoon worthy for sure." she said like she was entranced.

I laughed at her silly little school girl crush mentality.

"You have some drool on your chin Mary." I said mockingly. She wiped her chin then looked over at me and smacked my arm in a playful way knowing I was making fun of her oogling.

" Oh don't ruin my fun! There are plenty of men I will be commenting about. It's like a party filled with eligible heir bachelors!"

I giggled at her point but she was right. Everyone and anyone in the high circles were here tonight. I had an idea for another event to help fund the villages we had our stone mines in. Thanks to Mary and her oogling a nice auction of a date with an heir would commence soon.

" Well that gives me an idea for another event! Which you will be coordinating for me." I intrigued her interest and she shot me a 'really?' look.

I laughed at her expression.

" Your the one who gave me the idea! Don't look at me like that! It won't be so bad. You can help auction off the heir bachelors for a date night! "

She laughed at my statement.

" Well if I am coordinating then I get first dibs on the one I want!"

We both laughed and didn't notice the gentleman from the bar start walking towards us.

" Hello ladies. You both look lovely tonight. I couldn't help but overhear. Are you going to do an auction of our elite bachelor's?"

Mary almost choked on her champagne and let out a giddy laugh.

I looked at the gentleman more clearly and noticed his bright copper eyes. They were shiny just like a new penny but had so much depth to them they pulled you in. I grabbed my composure and took a sip from my glass.

"Thank you sir. Yes you did hear right. Seems like a nice charity to offer a lavish date experience. Not everyone gets that chance. Plus with the bachelor's being known heirs to popular and sought after companies, it is a win for everyone." I said a little amused that he heard our banter.

Mary stared at him longingly and it was the first time I have seen her utterly speechless. I glanced back at the gentleman as he began to reply.

"How do the gentlemen win exactly? Does it not seem that they lose being auctioned off like old furniture?" he questioned playfully.

Oh he was one of those men. What do I get in return type.

"Well you see Sir" I emphasized sir to let him know my annoyance of his question. " The gentlemen will be going on a date for one night free of charge knowing they are making a wish come true for a woman while giving to a great cause to help support villagers in a poverty stricken land. Also while gaining free exposure as advertisement of their companies through our event" I tilted my head to the side seeing if he would counter that. His eyes gleamed in amusement at my response. The gentleman nodded and gestured his approval.

"Well Lady Stone, it seems you have thought it all out in the few minutes of conjuring up the idea. Your an ambitious one aren't you."

Mary finally piped in gaining her composure.

" She really is, all work for this lady. I barely get to bring her out these days." She said with a pout.

I scoffed at her response.

" I don't live under a rock, Mary. I just enjoy my solitude and familiar surroundings."

" You mean that you live in the office and we see you once in a few months for a visit. Usually for holidays and birthdays." she countered before the gentleman could speak.

" I do not. I see you every month for these events."

"Precisely, you deserve a night out without it having to do with work or family obligations." I couldn't argue with her there. She was always right. I never went out just because. I always had a purpose or obligation that needed to be handled.

"Your right." I stated to Mary, which made her smile.

"I know" We laughed and almost forgot the gentleman was standing there watching us banter back and forth. I blushed realizing our disrespect and apologized to him.

"I'm sorry. We tend to banter a bit. We didn't intend to leave you out and be rude." I glanced at his face looking for any disdain he might have felt toward our rudeness. He held his hands up stating he wasn't.

"Not at all, it is rather amusing the bond you two share. Most of these ladies are more rude and snobby with their friends. It is actually refreshing to witness." He chuckled at us.

" If you like that then you might want to stick around. We just started the night." Mary chimed in.

" oh we have not, you make it seem like we are a lively bunch of gossipers." I took a sip of my champagne and looked over to Mary.

" I am tempted by the offer.. but I am afraid I have to leave you ladies to the auction planning and idea conjuring for the moment. Perhaps I will see you at some point before the ball ends." He stated with a bow and left us standing there watching him walk away.

Mary let out a low whistle. I snapped my head towards her and smacked her shoulder. My cheeks were on fire at the thought of him hearing her.

" Mary!"…. I whisper yelled " He will hear you!"

" What? I don't mind if he hears me.....I'd take that man tonight if he asks. " She wriggled her eyebrows in a seductive comedic way. I couldn't help but giggle. I really did miss my friend and her bluntness. She was a fireball in looks and personality.

The remainder of the night we did the usual routine. Necessary mingling of stockholders, customers, celebrities and the like. Naturally the Charity event was a social call for everyone to come together and spend money on their charity of choice. It was the biggest charity event of the year and most charities banked on having a successful night. Each director or coordinator for the charities were seen conversing with other patrons. Making deals and exchanging information pertinent to their own. It was crucial to meet and greet everyone throughout the night. By the time the ball was coming to a close, each charity held a decent amount of funds. I was happy how smooth it all went.There was only a half hour left until people started to part ways and I felt it was appropriate to grab another glass of champagne.

Each time we would part from a group, Mary would point out who would do well for our auction. I could not believe this girl. She just said earlier that I was all work and no fun and yet here she was; scouting her victims.

"You know that mystery man from the bar never gave us his name...." Mary stated.

" huh... He didn't, did he. I wonder if he did that on purpose?" I never realized until Mary pointed it out, but he did not even introduce himself. He just started to talk to us then parted just as fast as he came over.

" He definitely did it on purpose. He planned on seeing us again or he probably just wanted to keep the mystery. Some guys thrive on being mysterious." Mary replied.

" Well the ball is almost over, we can head home if you want. I know my social bar is overflowing." I sighed ready to go home to my warm bed. My feet were numb from the heels and it was already almost midnight.

" We should go say goodbye to your parents first. knowing your mother she would comment for a month about you leaving early without saying your goodbyes." Mary chuckled.

" Of course, we don't want mother to think we left to cause trouble or that we are skirting our responsibilities. Her imagination would get the best of her." I laughed thinking of all the things my mother would say in regards to our early departure.

We walked around until we found them over by the entrance. They were talking to some old friends from their country club, saying their goodbyes for the night. Looks like we are not the only ones ready to part ways. As Mary and I got closer to my parents, I noticed the guy from earlier was one among them. Mary nudged my arm confirming she saw what I was seeing.

"Mother. Father." I said respectfully grabbing their attention. Mary stayed silent next to me, waving her acknowledgement of them to not be rude.

"Jade! Oh the night has been wonderful! A real success this year my dear!" She said a little too loudly and happily. I giggled at her happiness and gave her a hug as she reached for contact. She was definitely tipsy. Mother was a fun drinker. It was almost like she had multiple personalities. She had a smile on her face and was bubbling with excitement. It was always amusing to see her like this. Sometimes as a kid I would hope she was drinking as she was much nicer with a little intoxication. Weird, I know. Most kids hated their parents drinking for obvious reasons but mother was quite the opposite. Mary smiled next to me noticing her uplifting mood. I gave her a look to behave and not draw attention to it and she just rolled her eyes.

" Hello Jade. Did you ladies have a nice night?" My father asked.

" Yes we did. I am happy the night turned out so well for everyone." I replied honestly.

My father nodded his head in agreement.

" Yes everything went very smoothly and everyone seemed to have a great time tonight." My father glanced over to the man standing next to him. " I was hoping to see you before the night was up. I wanted to introduce you to Mr. Rhodes. " My father gestured his hand towards the mystery man from earlier. The shock must have shown on my face as the man smiled. That's why he didn't introduce himself. He was seeing if I would recognize him. I failed at that tremendously. I composed myself and greeted him properly this time.

" Hello, Mr. Rhodes. It is nice to see you again. It has been a long time. " I smiled warmly.

The past memories of our childhood rushed to my mind as I thought of all the things we used to do. Mary knew of him but she never met him. We met after he left for boarding school in junior high. She stayed on the side lines watching our every move in amusement. I shot her another look and she just smiled loving the awkward situation.

I told her almost everything, leaving out the part where we use to hold pretend weddings to one another.

" Hello again Miss Stone. Did you finalize the details for your auction event?" He recollected from earlier.

" Auction? Did you two speak earlier?" My father interjected raising his eyebrow.

I sighed and told him about Mary's idea. Mary chimed in that it was I who worked out the kinks but she was just trying to direct the attention off of her. She was self conscious in that way. Too much attention made her nervous which is why we got along so well. Neither of us was the look at me type. It made for nice relaxing days out together where there was no pressure to be the 'it' girl.

Mother was absolutely hyped about the auction.

" ooh that reminds me of when I was younger! My mother use to go to a charity auction every year! She would gossip with her friends about all the eligible bachelor's in the area. It used to do so well for charities, I do not remember why they stopped the event. It was almost as successful as our yearly charity ball. " My mother pondered for a moment. Mr. Rhodes quickly answered her thought.

" If I remember correctly Mrs. Stone, They stopped the charity auction as it was rumored to become involved with vulgar activity of selling someone's time for a night. Almost like prostitution, is what my mother had said. " He stated matter of factly. My mothers face started to show a little more color than the wine provided.

The nerve of him. Why didn't he say that earlier when we were having fun conjuring up the idea. I don't see how someone going on a date was compared to prostitution. That was absurd. Before anyone could say anything to him I quickly replied.

" And where, Mr. Rhodes was that information when we were discussing the idea earlier? A date with a bachelor is not prostitution. What happens due to the date after the event is on the two people who are on the said date. We do not get to stop them from being human and finding a connection." I countered. Mary and my parents glanced to one another feeling the tension rise. Mr. Rhodes leaned forward a bit before speaking.

" Money spent on a human being for the selfish needs of others is not morally correct. Miss Stone. " He said

Oh so he feels it morally incorrect?! Who is this guy? He certainly is not the same Damon I grew up with.

" We are not going to prostitute the men off, Mr. Rhodes. It is one night of a few hours to get wined and dined as a lavish socialite. Anyone not within the high social circles would love a chance to see what that is like. The men are all volunteers not being kidnapped and coerced into anything they do not want to do." I said a little heated. He was testing my patience and before I could loose my composure anymore I started my goodbyes and grabbed Mary's hand.

" I believe it is time to say goodnight. Mother I do enjoy seeing you happy tonight." I said genuinely while giving her a kiss on her cheek and then doing the same to my father. "Father, I will see you in the morning." I glanced over to Mr. Rhodes and gave a courtesy nod. " Mr. Rhodes" I said flatly.

Not waiting for a response, I quickly pulled Mary towards the valet outside and gave him the card for our vehicle. Mary looked at me contemplating on saying something but nothing came out of her mouth. After about a minute the driver pulled up with our limo and we climbed into the back in silence. I didn't even wait for the valet to open the door, I just reached over and got in.

As we drove down the road towards her apartment complex, Mary finally broke the silence with a whistle. "Now that was an awkward change in the night." She looked over at me waiting for me to respond. When I stayed looking out the window she nudged my arm moving it from under my chin.

I sighed and looked over to Mary. "I know. I'm not proud how he made me so mad. It really shouldn't have but after praising a good idea and then comparing it to prostitution! What was his problem?! He even made mom blush ashamed from remembering her past. She didn't even counter him with a smart come-back." I sighed again but noticed Mary agreed with what I said by nodding her head while I was talking.

Damon Rhodes is not the guy he used to be.