Chapter 006

This is going way worse than I thought.

Who knew that lying, and keeping up with the lie would be this difficult?

“Grace, Taylor, Amber, meet Elizabeth. She’s new in town and she’s Clara’s niece,” Elsie chirped as she pulled me into a circle.

Three perfectly styled heads turned toward me, two blondes and a redhead, each one looking like they stepped out of a luxury perfume ad.

Great. Just great.

“I never knew Clara had family who visited often,” one of the blondes said with a sharp little snort. Amber. Definitely Amber. She looked at me like she’d already decided I didn’t belong here.

“Yes!” I forced out a laugh. “I’m just here for a few weeks, then I’ll be on my way. It took a lot of convincing for Clara to let me stay, though.”

God, could I sound any more fake?

“If you are her niece you shouldn’t have to be on the same uniform as the other girls.” Amber pointed out.

Obviously. I mentally rolled my eyes at the girl that is most likely not going to be as welcoming as Elise.

“You know Clara, she’s a rule follower, and I wouldn’t want to be kicked out on the street just yet.”

“Don’t be snobby, Amber,” Elsie cut in, rolling her eyes. “You don’t have to point out everything.”

Before I could cling to my tray like a lifeline, she plucked it from my hands and passed it to one of the servers walking by.

Now I had nothing to hide behind.

“So, tell us, Elizabeth,” the other blonde — Grace asked, her tone warm, but curious. “What brought you into town?”

My palms started sweating again. I curled my fingers against my thigh and prayed no one noticed.

“Um… just a break,” I said lightly. “Needed a change scenery.”

Simple. Safe. Rich people do that all the time so hopefully it’s believable.

Grace smiled. Amber didn’t. Taylor just sipped her champagne like this was the most entertaining thing she’d seen all night.

“If you are seeking for a change of scenery, why don’t you just leave the country. Go on a vacation. Have your daddy pay for everything. Sounds better than whatever this is you’re doing here.” Amber, of course Amber said, playin with the sleeves of her dress

Well horseshit.

Don’t have a rich daddy like you Amber, and I have never left the country , so here I am lying and pretending to be who am not.

Then Elsie gasped and grabbed my hand. “Speaking of new scenery, my brother and his friends are hosting a party on his yacht tomorrow evening. Would you like to come?”

My heart stopped.

The other girls looked at me expectantly, waiting for my answer.

A yacht party. Just like that. An open door into the exact world I wanted.

One wrong word… and they’d see right through me.

One right word… and I’d be a step closer to everything I wanted.

I swallowed, meeting Elsie’s bright, trusting eyes.

“Well…” I said, steadying my voice. “I’d love to. But I have something planned.”

Elsie’s face fell for half a second before she caught herself. “Oh! Of course. No problem at all.”

Amber raised a brow, like she was silently calling my bluff.

Grace only nodded politely.

Taylor didn’t look up from her drink.

I kept my smile soft, controlled. “Maybe next time?”

“Oh, definitely,” Elsie said immediately, her excitement returning. “My brother host parties, auctions and balls all the time. If you’re still around, I’ll bring you along.”

I exhaled quietly, relieved. That gave me time, time to figure out how to keep this lie alive without stepping into something I wasn’t ready for.

I didn’t want to look too desperate, which was why I declined. But at least now I know that Elise will be willing to invite me somewhere Else.

Step Four: Get access/invited to another event. DONE!

I did a little happy dance in my head, mentally patting my back. You are doing great Mara! An absolutely amazing lier.

A server passed holding a tray of sparkling water, and I reached for one, more for something to hold.

This shit tasted like depression in a bottle.

Is this really what the rich people spend hundreds of dollars on?!

“Are you okay?” Elise asked me, concern lacing her voice.

I guess my face said more than it intended to.

“Oh, yeah I’m fine, just need to get back to business before aunt Clara comes looking.”

“Yeah! Okay. Don’t wanna keep you, Clara can be a bit scary sometimes. Don’t tell her I said that.” Elsie said laughing.

I gave her a small smile back, before glancing around the hall.

I could practically feel her eyes scanning the room, checking for me, wondering why I wasn’t at the bar. And the last thing I needed was her calling me out in front of them.

“Excuse me,” I murmured softly, giving a small smile as if everything was normal. “I should… get back.”

“Sure. Bye Elizabeth. I hope to see you soon.” Elise called out to me as I walked back to the back door.

Shit. That was fucking close.

I rested my head, on the wall trying to calm my racing heart.

“Where the hell have you been?” Stella, I think her name is Stella or along the lines of Sarah, half yelled at me. She was one of the other servers but more like a personal assistant to Clara. Short and well figured, she could make for a good cuddle buddy.

“I, um, I had to use the bathroom. Stomach flu.”

“You left your tables unattended, and Clara is going to have my head if any complains were made about her staff tonight.”

“I’m sorry, I’ll get right back out there.”

“You better!” She snorted, and stumped her very healthy looking feet away.

I smiled. Still very giddy about my progress in one night.

Maybe I might get a man on my arm by the end of the week!

Haha hilarious.