It was an unseasonably warm spring evening; the perfume of roses from the gardens below wafting through the open window into Eva's personal staff quarters.
She'd always loved the view from her room, and would often sit on the window seat with a book when she'd work the late shift and decide to stay over, rather than endure the long arduous train journey back to her flat. It was so peaceful; there she could almost forget that her world was both secretly falling apart, and being blown wide open.
She stood in front of the mirror, noticing that her evening gown seemed to sort of match the night sky; a dark blue silk faintly scattered with subtle glitter like faded stars.
The neckline plunged daringly to reveal just a little of her cleavage but covered most of her breasts modestly; this was a work function after all. The skirt clung to her hips and thighs stopping just a couple of inches above the knee, and a black lace train flowed from the back, down to her floor behind her. Her makeup was expertly applied to match and her long hair was pinned loosely into a tousled side updo. Although she failed to see it, she really was a true beauty.
She let out a long sigh and picked up the mask she'd had made to match the dress, made of navy lace in the shape of a butterfly; its large delicate wings outstretched in flight. She poured herself a stiff double shot of vodka and took it in one gulp, coughing instantly as it fired its way down her throat.
"Right," she breathed, shaking it off, "let's do this." And with one last application of lipstick and a quick pout, she twirled towards the door and out to the elevator.
"Wow," Billy gasped as the doors opened and she stepped inside , "you look beautiful Miss Winter! Like those actresses you see in old Hollywood films." Eva flushed a little and smiled shyly.
"Thank you, Billy," she said warmly, and made her way out of the elevator and into the large lobby, leaving him to stare longingly after her before the doors closed in front of him.
The lobby was heaving with guests, dressed in their finery along with expertly crafted colourful masquerade masks, decorated with crystals and brightly coloured jewels. She watched as a tall, dark haired woman wiggled past her with a man who was likely more than twice her age, wearing a mask formed of several colourful feathers, like a parrot. It was almost more like a menagerie of exotic creatures rather than a hotel fundraiser, all headed towards the ballroom in a flurry of colour.
Kirsty was waiting at the front desk to meet her, dressed in a long pink gown. Eva giggled internally to herself as she secretly compared her to a life size Barbie doll; platinum blonde hair, and dressed head to toe in pink satin. They hadn't spoken since earlier in the afternoon after she fled Tom's suite, humiliated, and she felt a little sorry for her. She smiled awkwardly at Eva as she stepped towards her.
"Hey, Evie," she mumbled, "I'm really sorry about earlier, I-I don't know what came over me! He's just so charming isn't he? And - and, oh Evie, what's wrong with me?!" Eva rolled her eyes and placed a hand on her slumped shoulder. Kirsty had always been a flirt, and definitely had a flair for dramatics.
"Honestly sweetie," she interrupted, "it's fine. Let's just forget about it and enjoy the party, shall we? After all we deserve it, we've been looking forward to this for the best part of six months!" She smiled a friendly grin and looped her arm through hers as she felt Kirsty instantly relax and smile sweetly, and led her towards the grand hall.
As the doors opened before them, they both let out a simultaneous gasp; the hall was breath taking, it had taken over a week for it to be fully decorated and it showed; there were giant Greek ice sculptures spouting champagne, and black and gold curtains draped across the hall, all of which were covered in tiny gold lights that twinkled like stardust.
There was a table along the length of the room with what seemed like hundreds of silver platters full of canapés, a huge chocolate fountain and platefuls of bright fruit and tiny square cakes on skewers circled around it. There were delicate champagne flutes piled into a 4 foot high triangular shape alongside several large crystal bowls of colourful drinks, being served by the young and very attractive waiting staff dressed in velvet crimson waistcoats and crisp white shirts with matching bow ties. It really was breathtakingly beautiful.
Eva stared in awe, attempting to take it all in, before the sound of Benjamin Darlington whistling loudly across the room shook her back to reality.
"My word, my girls certainly
scrub up nicely!" He exclaimed, his eyes admiring her, slowly moving their way up and down her whole body, which made her a little uncomfortable. Kirsty gave a flirty giggle in gratitude as he handed them both a glass of champagne, Eva rolled her eyes at her once more, and turned to face him; her expertly practiced bright smile painted onto her face.
"It really is beautiful, Mr Darlington," she said in approval, looking up at the chandeliers that were now adorned in black and gold. Kirsty nodded eagerly in agreement as she took a large glug from her glass.
"Come on now, Eva," he chimed, "this is a party! Strictly no work talk allowed so it's Ben to you; but I'm very glad you're impressed girls, it's taken a lot of work, and a hell of a lot of my money might I add," he winked, "but I'm sure every man in the room would agree that it all pales in comparison to you, my dear." He took her hand in his and kissed it gently; she could see he was drunk as his face was a little red and his eyes were slightly glazed. Kirsty gave a not so subtle scowl in envy at the attention he was giving her, and Eva timidly withdrew her hand with a smile.
"Now ladies you'll have to excuse me, what with this being my party and all I must go and mingle with my guests and see how much money I can squeeze out of these old boys; enjoy the ball!" He gave a little bow and turned to head back into the crowd.
