104. Getting Ready 👗

Upstairs, in my bedroom, Cathy and Monica stood on either side of me as I opened the box. Inside was a sheer black, sparkling jumpsuit.

"What is it?" Monica asked me.

"An outfit," I told her.

Monica said, "Before you take it out, take a picture of it with the address label. Always think about the evidence."

Smart. I grabbed my phone from my purse and took a few photos. Then, I removed the outfit from the box. I held it up for all to see.

"He wants you to wear that," Cathy stated. "Did you know he would send you something to wear to the party?" She asked me.

"No. I didn't get a message either."

Monica said, "Don't wear it."

"I'm not. It's way too revealing."

"Do you already have what you're wearing?" Cathy asked me.

I shook my head.

"Follow me," Cathy began, "Even though I'm taller, you should be able to fit some of my clothes. And don't think that because I'm no longer a celebrity stylist that I don't keep up with the latest trends and fashions."

Monica folded her arms. "Can I wear something from your closet, too?"

"I'll find you something. Don't worry."

We followed Cathy to her bedroom. I mean, her closet which was separate from her bedroom. It was basically a bedroom turned into a closet. It resembled a small clothing store. There were racks along the wall, a few chairs and mirrors all around. It was also very organized from colors to styles.

Within a few minutes, Cathy had about four different outfits for me to try on. Of them all, a rose gold jumpsuit as a halter top connected to pants with fringes was the perfect fit. Cathy paired it with a fur shawl and I was happy.

Monica was able to fit a beautiful twinkling tan or nude color, long layered tulle dress with a sweetheart neckline. The loose shoulder straps enhanced the dress, too. She looked gorgeous in it.

"I recommend the both of you wear either white, tan, or silver shoes. Now please tell me you own shoes in those colors."

Monica and I shook our heads. We were putting Cathy to work.

"What size shoes do you wear?" She asked us.

Monica was only able to fit a pair of white fur slides. Her feet were too small for Cathy's heels. I was able to wear silver sequin ankle boots that slightly gave me a fancy cowgirl look. I was comfortable in it, and I was very appreciative of Cathy's help.

I exclaimed, "Thank you for everything!"

Cathy hugged us. "You two have become the daughters I always wanted. Never hesitate to come to me for anything."

"Thank you, Cathy," Monica told her.

"You're welcome. Now go! It's about time you two get ready for the night. I want to hear all about it tomorrow morning over breakfast - a real breakfast."

Monica and I went back to my room and started getting our hygiene together. While I was showering, she was taking out the make-up. While she was showering, I was getting dressed. Once she was out of the shower, she started on my make-up. Soon, she was dressed up and putting on her makeup. I finished my contour and put on my silver wig.

"Cousin, you look so cute!" Monica complimented me.

"And so do you!"

I assisted Monica with her high bun hairstyle. We almost ran out of bobby pins. Finally, Monica and I looked at one another and broke out into a dance.

"We need to take some pictures," Monica grabbed her phone.

"What time is it?" I asked her.

"Umm... it's 9 o'clock."

"Already?" I was in disbelief. We really took our times getting ready. We have to speed it up. "Okay, let's take a few pictures. Then, I'll call Deonte."

"Cool!" Monica and I went from the window to the chair even doing full-on photoshoots in the bed. Something about those purple covers that made it so elegant. I was reminded of a beautiful photo that Dorothy Dandridge took.

We finally took a few photos together, but they were from the shoulders up.

"You got everything?" I asked Monica as we walked out my bedroom.

"We're missing our sunglasses."

I quickly went back into the room to grab our matching sunglasses. I went back into the hall to give one to Monica as I put mine own.

"Now, we're ready." Monica gathered her tulle dress in her hands.

She really needs a pair of heels so she doesn't have to carry that dress everywhere. I closed and locked my bedroom door. Then, my phone rang. It was Deonte.

"I'm on my way to pick you up," he informed me.

"Okay. We're ready."

"Alright. See y--"

I interrupted him, "When you get here, can you come inside the house? Mrs. Rivers said its been a while since she seen you."

"Of course. See you soon."

"Okay. Bye," I  hung up.

Monica slid her sunglasses down and batted her lashes.

I shook my head. "Stop those thoughts right now."

She fixed her sunglasses. "Listen, I know A.B. is your knight in shining armor, but Deonte Way is a once in a lifetime. How many people can say they dated their celebrity crush? Oh wait, that's me." Monica pointed to herself.

I sarcastically laughed as we made our way to the grand staircase.

"Perfect timing!" Cathy smiled at us.

There was a red carpet under our feet that led from the top of the stairs to the front door. There was a greenscreen on one side and a black screen on the other side of the red carpet. Two men held cameras. One of the photographers aimed his camera at us.

"What's all this?" I inquired.

"I thought it would be fun and memorable for you two to take professional photos together."

And we spent almost 30 minutes taking bootleg photos upstairs.

Cathy said, "Besides, these photos will capture a time you two will never forget. It's the end of the year, and so many wonderful things have happened to you both."

Monica immediately grabbed the rail and began to pose. "I'm gonna send these to E. He'll catch the wing of the plane just to come back and see me."

"Jamie, I need you to model, too, hun," Cathy told me.

We had done about 100 poses before the doorbell rung. Cathy opened the door and nearly screamed as she hugged who I assumed was Deonte.

Monica whispered to me, "If she does this for you, can you imagine what she'll do for my wedding?"

Deonte walked inside the house.

"He's here!" Cathy announced.

I waved at Deonte as I walked over to him.

"You look great!" Deonte smiled at me.

"Thank you, but I thought I was the one performing. Why are you so dressed up?" I teased him.

Deonte patted his shirt with one hand as he held a small box with his other hand. "This is me every day, baby. And I asked my sisters if they had any white, silver or clear heels and Chanel had these for you."

"You're the best. I have to thank Chanel in-person." I took the shoe box from Deonte and opened it. I walked to the end of the staircase. "Cinderella!" I took one clear high heel out the box and held it as if it were glass. "These are for you."

Monica gasped as she ran down the stairs. She took the shoe from me and quickly put it on her foot. "These are gorgeous!"

"Deonte's sister came through last minute. I just couldn't watch you carry that dress all night," I told her as she put on the second heel.

Monica posed more while Deonte and I watched.

"I swear y'all could be twins," Deonte told me. "And you said she has a boyfriend?"

I slapped his arm. "Stop it, sir."

"It's a question," he chuckled.

Cathy looked at us. "You two look a couple standing next to each other like that. Go take some pictures with Monica."

Somehow, Monica became the star of the photoshoot while Deonte and I were the extras - the props.

Once Cathy was satisfied, we were able to leave the mansion and get into Deonte's--

"Maserati?" Monica snapped her fingers. "Deonte, I like the way you move!" She got in the backseat.

Before I could get in the back, Deonte whispered in my ear. "Is she Zeke's girl?"

I hesitated.

Deonte said, "I won't say anything about it, but between Zeke and A.B., I'm confused. If I was them, I could never let either one of you go to a Hollywood party without me."

I placed my hand on his shoulder. "That's because they know we're in good hands."

Deonte smiled at me. "Technically, you're still single."

Monica called my name.

"You're trying to get me in trouble," I joked.

Deonte shook his head, "Welcome to my perspective."

I shook my head before getting in the backseat with Monica. Deonte closed the door before getting in the passenger's seat.

Even with her sunglasses on, I knew Monica was staring a hole into my face.

"What?" I asked her.

"Flirting isn't innocent. It's just like kissing. Then, boom! Pregnant!"

Earplugs. I need to get some earplugs. "Is your phone charged so you can record my performance?" I asked her.

"I got two phones. One for the performance, and one for A.B. It's a good thing I haven't started recording. I'll wait until you hit the stage."

I looked straight ahead. Now, I really need some space. She is getting back on the plane to East Grove after New Year's day.

As we drove to the party, all I could think about was singing the last note of my song. God, I want this to be over so bad. Please get me through this.