Conrad
I am patiently waiting for Maya and Chelsea to come through. I got dismissed from the bedroom to let them get ready for the event tonight. I didn’t mind, though. Maya was nervous about her hair and make-up, but Chelsea said she would do it for her. I have left them to it. Our car will be arriving soon. I am eager to see my girl in her dress.
The sound of heels clicking against the wooden floors grabs my attention. I stand from the sofa, turn around and wait for their entrance. My heart started pounding in my chest when my eyes fell on Maya. I am in complete awe. She looks so beautiful. Breathtaking. She had a gorgeous strapless red knee-length dress on. It has a slit up the right side. Her hair is down in beautiful curls. I swallow hard. I open my mouth to speak, but no words come out. I just continue to stare at her.
“W-w-why are you staring at me like that?” Maya whispers.
“Because you have made him lost for words. He is in complete awe, so much so he is speechless.” Chelsea smiles.
Maya blushes and tucks her hair behind her ear.
“Y-y-you look absolutely stunning, my love.” I finally manage to get out.
“Thank you,” She says nervously, “And you look so handsome.” She adds with a bright smile.
I can’t take my eyes off her. I dance them over her from head to toe. I can’t stop smiling.
“Conrad, come back to us, bro,” Chelsea snickers, “The car is outside.”
I pull it together and motion Maya to me. She comes, and I grip her hips and bring her against me, kissing her softly, “You really do look so beautiful, sweetheart.”
When we part, I place my hand on the small of her back, and the three of us head out to the waiting town car. Maya grips my hand tightly on the journey to the event, which is being held at one of our hotels in Manhattan.
“Relax, beautiful. You will be okay. I will be right by your side.” I smile squeezing her hand, sensing how nervous she is.
“And I will be too. You are going to be fine.” Chelsea encourages.
Maya takes a few deep breaths, “I hope so. Please, try to keep Meredith and Bridget away from me.”
“I promise,” I reply.
I wish I could keep her away from my father too, but it will be hard to do since we are sitting at the same table. I swear to God, if he has made sure Bridget is at our table out of spite, I will not be happy. I will not bite my tongue. I will also move to another table. Tonight is going to be hard enough for Maya, never mind having Bridget at our damn table. I am sure my mom has made sure that doesn’t happen.
“Honestly, forget about them. It will be a good night if you just ignore them. I promise.” Chelsea smiles.
“I hope so,” Maya replies.
“Will you be okay walking the red carpet and with the media? If not, I can take us in the back way?” I ask.
The event is a massive one. It is an auction for charity. It will be full of rich and famous people. It costs ninety thousand dollars for a table of six. Most of the money goes to charity. I did not mention the cost to Maya. The cost was split between me and my parents.
“As long as you keep me close to you, I should be okay.” She smiles.
“I will have your hand the entire time. Just smile as you walk.”
“I will walk in with you, too,” Chelsea says.
It can be overwhelming the first time. I just hope her anxiety doesn’t take over. We all have a glass of champagne on the ride. It will hopefully help calm Maya’s nerves. I will be so proud walking in with her, but my focus is to make sure she is okay.
It doesn’t take long for the car to come to a stop. I am surprised when Maya grabs another glass of champagne and downs it.
“I will go out first.” Chelsea smiles.
The car door opens, and the first thing we see is the flashing lights of the cameras. Chelsea climbs out first and waits for us.
“Are you ready, sweetheart?” I ask.
Maya nods, “As ready as I can be.”
I climb out and offer her my hand. Maya draws in a deep breath, letting it out and takes my hand. I help her out of the car. She is a little taken aback by all the lights flashing. She freezes for a moment.
“I got you, beautiful.” I smile, holding her hand tightly.
“You are going to be fine.” Chelsea encourages.
Maya relaxes. I keep a hold of her hand while Chelsea goes to the other side of her. We walk the red carpet, smiling. I can feel Maya’s handshake and sweat, but no one else would notice. So many people were snapping photos of us and yelling questions at me, wondering who Maya was.
I usually stop for interviews, but not tonight. I want to get Maya inside and away from it all. If the media wants interviews, I will give them later on because so many reporters are allowed in to cover the event and interview the guests. There will be photos of me and Maya on social media tomorrow. They will want to let everyone know that I am no longer single since, according to them, I am one of the most sought-after men in America.
Once we are inside and out of the way of the press, Maya stops in her tracks, her breathing heavy and her hands still shaking.
“Breathe, sweetheart. You did so well. I am so proud of you.”
She glances up at me. I smile and reach into kiss her softly.
“That was scary.” She whispers.
“Yes, the first time always is, but you were great. The worst of it is over.”
“Do you ever get used to it?” she asks.
I nod, “Eventually.”
We head further in, and I give our names to the staff. They checked the list and told us to head inside to the ballroom. I continue to keep her close as we find our table. I noticed it, and we were here before my parents.
Chelsea and I say hello to everyone we pass to get to our table. We take a seat, making sure Maya is between us so she doesn’t need to sit beside my father.
“Drink?” Chelsea asks.
There is a bottle of champagne already on the table.
“Yes, please, but it will probably be my last one. I am not much of a drinker, but tonight, I need it to calm my nerves.” Maya says.
I pour the three of us a glass. My parents should arrive soon. The event doesn’t start for another hour. I place my hand on Maya’s knee under the table.
“This place is beautiful.” She gushes, looking around.
“Yes, it really is. It is one of our first family hotels.” I smile.
Maya admired the place as she sipped on her drink. I smile as I watch her. She seems more relaxed now, but that may change when she sees my father. I want her to have a good time tonight. I will do what I can to make sure that happens and Chelsea will too.