CHAPTER 25:
Steam hovered in the air before disappearing as the curling wand burned my hair. My palms were clammy from nerves, but Harry reassured me that everything would go smoothly. I had to be prepared to talk with the journalists, famous people, and his mom and sister. It was the ladder I was worried about the most. Journalists seemed the least of my worries when I found out his family would be there, I can't say I'm surprised but it just didn't even cross my mind. Harry hasn't really talked about his mom or sister, it was odd. The beautiful red dress reflected the sunlight and I was so glad I splurged on it. I let my hair sit in tight curls while I started my makeup.
Sitting at my vanity, I was prepared to do the neatest, full on makeup I have ever cared to do. Most people probably will have their makeup professionally done, therefore I have to look perfect. I gently dabbed my beauty blender covered with foundation all over my face, relishing in the satisfaction it brought me covering up my redness and uneven skin tone. With my new laptop, I found myself exploring the beauty community on youtube, so I did everything I'd imagine Jaclyn Hill or Jeffree Star doing. I also had to cover up a couple marks on my chest because the dress didn't come up very high. I throughly applied concealer with the stick applicator under my eyes allowing the dark circles to vanish. Smoothing it all out, I set everything with the Chanel setting powder. I heavily bronzed my face and neck so I didn't look like a ghost, then moved on to eyes, saving blush and highlighter for later.
Filling in my eyebrows, I was new at this since I already had darker hair and eyebrows. I only fixed the shape, not wanting to look like I used a sharpie. I brushed them in place then searched for my new eyeshadow palette. It still smelled so new and sterile. I tried my best to end with a flawlessly blended smoky eye and it wasn't bad actually. I glossed over my eyelids with a light shimmery shade. The silence in my room accompanied by sole focus on my makeup was therapeutic and I felt myself growing more confident. Whatever happens happens and hopefully Harry will accept me, no matter what other people think of me. The time was already 5:30 and I had been getting ready since 3.
Last time I was downstairs, Harry and I were watching Polar Express while chefs and bar tenders came in and out of the house smuggling bottles of liquor and different food items. Harry was surprisingly involved in making sure the house looked perfect. Last night I went around cleaning the floors and furniture making sure everything was spectacular. I lit about four candles around the house, each with a different holiday smell. Guests would start arriving at 6, I needed to hurry but I couldn't rush liquid eyeliner. The black paint terrified me and I worked so hard on my eyeshadow, but I carefully drew two thin lines above my eyelashes. I decided not to do a wing, not wanting to risk a mistake. The simple lines were so small they weren't even noticeable, but they did wonders for dragging out the blue in my eyes. I carefully applied mascara then received a text.
You're taking forever the party starts soon.
Harry was getting impatient, but people are fashionably late anyway. It was 5:46 now and I quickly applied blush then a dash of highlight. Last was lipstick. I usually don't apply dark colored lipstick, but I wanted to be bold and go with a red that would match my dress. I was cautious about how bright it would be or if it would clash too much, so I tried it yesterday just in case. Gently lining my lips with a pencil, I reminded myself of my mother. As a child, I always wondered why she used a pencil on her face. She always looked perfect. Her bone structure could have made her a model and her skin glowed even when she was sick. My phone buzzed again snapping me out of the memory.
Skylarrrr I can't face the people alone.
I'll be down in a minute they won't get here right at 6.
People are already pulling up.
I ran to the window and saw limos lined one after another. I swallowed the lump in my throat and took a deep breath. Sitting back at my vanity, I completed my makeup with a few swipes of the glossy and intense red lipstick. I sprayed my face with setting spray, quickly fanning myself to dry it. I ran a comb gently through my curls tugging them to form waves. Running through my hair with my fingers I fluffed it up, proud of myself for working so hard on my hair and makeup. I looked the best I think I ever have. Definitely needed to take pictures tonight. Checking the window again, people were walking out of the limo. Many were covered in coats as it was getting colder with the sunset.
Peeling off my robe, I took the plastic covering off the red dress and stepped into it, feeling empowered with the satin hugging me. Carefully latching the black straps of the heels around my ankles I heard voices accumulate downstairs. Staring at myself in the full body mirror, I was hoping for the best. Before going downstairs I showered myself in perfume and rubbed lotion on my arms. People will like me more if I smell good. Keep telling yourself that. Grabbing a small black clutch, I shoved my phone in there. So what are people going to think when you come downstairs? Shit I didn't think of that. I shouldn't worry since it's normal for couples live together, but at the same time I didn't want people to know Harry basically took me in.
Bitch hurry up and get downstairs before more people witness it. I quietly shut my bedroom door behind me, and saw only a few people were in the living room. I practically fell down the stairs since I was walking so quickly and ungracefully. The slimming fit of the dress didn't allow me to take big steps. I made it downstairs without many people noticing. I blended in with a crowd that was entering the doors. Security guards blocked the entrance checking to make sure people were on the invite list. I didn't see Harry anywhere. Guests gathered in the living room around the bar tables. Soft Christmas tunes played on the surround sound speakers and the house looked great.
My heels tapped at the marble floors as I scanned the kitchen for Harry. The beginnings of parties were always awkward, and I realized I was holding my breath studying each person that walked in the door. Gentlemen in tuxes walked around with trays of champagne and appetizers. Suddenly getting overwhelmed, I walked outside to the backyard. No one had made their way there except for Harry. He didn't see me, as he was facing away with his phone up to his ear. I watched as he hastily hung it up and placed it in the inside pocket of his tux. Harry abruptly turned around not expecting to see me. His eyes locked on me as if he was trying to recognize me. His hair was perfectly groomed and appeared shorter. Did he get a hair cut?
"I know I was shocked I could look this good too" I laughed breaking him out of his trance. His lips curled into a smile and he continued staring.
"Wow you look- where did you- who are you?" His words fumbled and I felt adored, which was unusual. I hugged him as he walked over to me, throwing my arms over his shoulders and letting him wrap around my torso.
"Do I look famous?" I giggled taking in the scent of his cologne.
"You look like the most beautiful woman I have ever seen" My inner goddess melted and I pulled away taking in his gorgeous features.
"Harry stop you'll make me blush" I bit my lip to conceal how big my smile was growing.
"Wait sorry you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen" Harry corrected himself. I was to preoccupied to realize how freezing the air was outside. The tux fit his broad shoulders and lean figure snuggly, and a bowtie nicely complimented it.
"Did you get a hair cut?" The sides were shorter, accentuating his prominent cheek bones. The top was still long, but his curls were defeated by gel in a clean cut fashion. It was a different look for him, giving me a sleek 1920's vibe, but not as dramatic.
"Yeah while you took five hours to get ready" He nodded scolding me playfully.
"I think it was worth it, the goal is to stand out but in a good way" Chatter was growing inside and I was apprehensive about reentering, but we couldn't hide out here all night, especially not the host.
"Oh you'll definitely stand out. I'll have to make sure John Krasinski doesn't steal you away from me" I sensed some jealousy, but not in a real sense. I squealed like a fangirl with excitement at the thought.
"Yeah you'd definitely lose that one" I winked. His hand defensively grabbed my waist so I was clinging to him.
"Oh really? We'll see about that" Harry whispered deviously knowing I couldn't ever leave him.
"Come on you're missing your party" I held his hand pulling him towards the door.
"Can I kiss you first?" I turned around and saw the boyish grin that gave me butterflies. There was a sense of longing in his sparkling green eyes.
"No you can't have red lipstick on you're face" I sternly smiled dragging him inside.
"Fine I'll wait till after" He winked hinting at something and I smirked ignoring the comment as we entered the living room. The amount of people that were here a couple minutes ago doubled and everyone rushed to Harry for his attention. I cocked my head to the side signaling to him I would leave and let him chat while I got a drink. Lord knows I'd need the extra courage. I felt eyes on me now that everyone saw us walk in together holding hands.
Everyone was making small talk with each other, taking in the view of the decorations and beginning to get food and drinks. The women were dressed in diamonds, pearls, and expensive gowns. All the men had tuxes on and I recognized a few people from minor roles on tv shows. Some women were 5'10" with slim figures, models I assumed. I wondered when the guys would get here. I sipped my champagne observing Harry greet all of his guests. A tall man wearing glasses approached me.
"I noticed you were by yourself and any girl who looked like she just walked out of a magazine shouldn't be alone at a party" He smiled flattering me. The man's chocolate eyes locked with mine and I tried to be polite, but wasn't used to being flirted with or complimented from a stranger.
"Well thank you" A light laughed slipped out of me awkwardly.
"John West" He held out his hand and I shook it gently. "And you are?"
"Skylar Autumn, nice to meet you" I nodded. His expression twitched and his eyes slightly widened then remained normal. Uneasiness struck me and I felt uncomfortable. I peeked to the side to see if Eleanor had showed up, but didn't see her.
"And you as well, so how do you know Harry?" He raised his short circular glass to his lips, sipping what I assumed was some type of liquor. I hesitated before answering, not wanting to tell him, but no one would ever find out if I didn't tell them. Actually they would find out one way or another but this way he'll hear it from you.
"Um I'm Harry's girlfriend" I tried smiling to distract him from the fact I was awful at making small talk.
"Ahh I understand, I didn't realize he had a girlfriend" His eyes dropped to the floor then met mine again. There was something off about his boy language I couldn't put my finger on it. Before I could ask a question, he beat me to it. "How long have you two been seeing each other?"
"Oh just a little under a month" It feels like it's been so much longer than that though.
"So you must be a model or something, you're gorgeous" John confidently smiled and I caught Harry intently watching us. I shook my head shrugging off the comment.
"Thanks, but actually I work for Tarte Cosmetics" The lie left my mouth before I could stop it and I debated regretting it, but eventually stopped thinking about it to focus on the conversation.
"Oh really? What do you do there?" He took interest in me easily and I pushed the thoughts of being uncomfortable away.
"I uh work in management so I visit the retail stores and check up on things then report back to headquarters" Just kidding I don't have a job.
"That's interesting! How did you and Harry meet?" The commotion momentarily took my attention away, so many people were here it was insane.
"At a club actually and yeah we just became friends I guess" I was curious as to why he was so curious, I mean it's not too in depth questions but we just met a few minutes ago. I don't know how to feel about it. I decided to quickly change the subject and take the heat off me. "So how did you end up here?" I asked enjoying another sip of the cool crisp drink.
"Um I'm a journalist for Cosmopolitan actually" I gasped inhaling the wine after hearing that. Trying not to cause a scene I did my best to stop coughing. Harry was by my side in an instant.
"Are you okay?" He looked worried and I gained my composure nodding.
"Harry nice to meet you, I'm John West with Cosmopolitan" The two shook hands and Harry rubbed my upper back holding me close.
"So was this an interview?" My eyes narrowed at the man and I didn't want to scare him away so I faked a smile, pretending not to care.
"No not at all, just making small talk!" John nervously laughed taking a step back. "Nice meeting you both, I'm going to get some dinner"
"What was that all about?" Harry asked after he fled. I sighed with relief and was glad that went smoothly except for the coughing fit.
"Nothing everything's fine" I smiled at him trying to make the serious expression disappear from his face.