ene

ly yet." Elinor's voice from yesterday keeps echoing in my head and I'm un

ld I put this George W. Bush terrier

ows so much about art when he only has a degree

he gives me a long look before walking

e God ran out of decent personality, felt bad about it, and overcompensated by giving him a gorgeous f

s a huge turn off, but I had to hire h

th purpose. The chair and tables are being arranged out front since the event will be

ing about what Elinor said to me about Damien. Damien knows I'm in town but he doesn't kno

ly away from me? Maybe it's not too late to give it all up and return to West Virginia? Bu

heartbreak. I've left this all behind me. For my happiness, for Lily. I'm not goi

I quickly reach for it. The screen flashes with Elinor

holding the phone

ng great. We're having a lot of fun," Elinor's voice is war

ut you," I reply, my eyes scanning the gallery, no

not in place, i

easy. It's your big night

d. I glance at the clock on the wall and realize I've been so caught up in the

ourself. You deserve it," El

ut a dress for tonight. I've been so engrossed in making sure everything

out and he soon a

and waiting for me to try on in the showroom. I furrow my eyebrows, I'm not sure I heard r

dress for me? Of course,

towards the showroom, which is nestled further inside the gallery. As I enter t

rs subtly under the light. The fabric looks rich, luxurious, and I can't help but run my fingers o

rtlessly over my skin. It fits perfectly, hugging my curves in all the

When she's finished, I open my eyes and take in the final result. The dress, the makeup, everything comes t

it off. I take one last look at myself in the mirror, adjusting a st

d the air is charged. The main event will be held outside, under the

thumps in my chest with every ste

a living from your art." Mrs Steele, one of my maj

r is cool against my skin. I've spent half the night talking to my

me. "That's pretty enterprising. Most people quit bef

starts playing in the background, Mrs

loor. My heart aches for them, but in a good way. H

stretched out. I've never met him before but he's incredibly gorgeous in a black suit and crisp white sh

too. Okay, where the he

his dance, Miss Scott?"

floor and the spotlight follows us. We dance to "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran. He tries to start a c

walking in. They're all looking in the same direction. Our danc

en, I

mi

tops, my breath catches in my throat, and for a moment, the world around

spreads across his face, and it's the kind of smile that used to

d look good on you," h

out of my chest. Damien bought the dress? I glance down at the gown, at the fa

g, but he cuts me off, leaning in cl

have impeccable style," he murmurs, and I can hear the am

throat, choking me. All I can do is stand there, frozen, as the memories come rushing back

my life, back in my world, an