Dante's Love (18+)

Chapter 10

I stared at the gorgeous dress as Rhonda ran the brush through my hair.

Dante has picked out my outfit for the fundraiser tonight. It was a gorgeous blood red satin dress that flowed to the floor. I sighed, appreciating the heels beside it as well.

It was a breathtaking black Chanel heels with dark, gold snakes adorning the back.

I stayed silent as Rhonda continued to brush my hair. I was always awkward in front of new company. Especially if they are what Forbes declared - New York's most famous stylist.

His expert hands left my hair in soft curls.

"How are you feeling, honey?" His soft gaze met mine through the mirror on the dresser.

"Nervous." I replied, still a little tense.

"Don't be. You will be the most alluring siren in there, darling."

I paled in comparison. That was not what I was aiming for.

"Could you maybe not make me stand out too much?" I nervously stuttered.

Rhonda fell silent as he pursed his lips.

"You want me to make you look average?" He broke the silence, looking bewildered.

"Its just, I'm not very good at being in the public's eye." I laughed nervously, wanting to avoid the stylist's gaze.

The silence stretched out between us before he broke it.

"You know, most customers of mine would ask me to go bigger and bigger to make them the talk of the party." He commented.

I stayed silent.

"Oh well, customer is always right." Rhonda gave me a dimpled smile and I couldn't help but smile with him.

As he started on my makeup, I found myself growing more and more exasperated. Maybe Rhonda has a point. Maybe, I should be putting myself out there, living the best life. I was always the cautious girl. And maybe for tonight, I didn't want to be her anymore.

"Hey, Rhonda? Maybe we can go for something a bit more attracting this time." I quickly said before I had the chance to change my mind.

Rhonda beamed brightly before bouncing over to pick up another makeup bag. I felt slightly nervous as he picked up a bold, red lip gloss.

"Trust the process, trust the process." I mumbled to myself.

Rhonda would not let me see myself in the mirror after that. He told me to relax and let him handle stuff. I nervously glanced at the clock. It was almost 7. Surely, I had to be ready to leave by now, right?

There was a sharp knock at the door, making me snap my head towards the sound. Rhonda tutted in annoyance and guided my head back to face him.

"Go away, De Luca. My masterpiece is not ready yet!" Rhonda yelled back.

I heard a deep sigh at the other side of the door before loud, departing footsteps. Rhonda swiped the gloss over my lips for the last time before guiding me into my dress.

He held my hand as I wobbled into the gorgeous heels. Finally, he unveiled the covered mirror. I tried not to gasp as I saw my reflection.

Rhonda has certainly made me unforgettable. The blush on my cheeks are rosy red, blending perfectly to bring my complexion to life. My soft, wavy locks falling on my back while he left some strands in front, framing my face. Minimal eyeshadow, however red, glossy lips seemed to make up for that.

Rhonda came behind me, squeezing my arm gently.

"I know you are nervous. But I know you can do this."