Chapter 15: The Ball

The ball of the Wolfe was held in memory of Horace Wolfe, his father at the Hensley Hotel. A luxurious hotel that hosted top political figures visiting the city. The hall was lavishly decorated with colorful flowers, chairs and tables coated in gold, before a stage that was set with lightning. Above on high ceilings, tall chandeliers glistened around diamond crystals. The air smelled of power; naked power. The orchestra by the corner that played melodious sounds set the mood for elite informality. To be here was to be among the one percent of the one percent.

Nat’s chauffeur opened the door of his limousine at the entrance. As she stepped out, the air took on a different warmth. She became someone that she was not.

Photographers flashed their cameras at her as they walked hand in hand on the red carpet.

Nat acted indifferent like he was used to it all with an aggressive charm and confidence.

“Wow wow wow”, the interviewer at the red carpet cheered at them.

“Nat Wolfe, just the man of the hour” she said as he bloomed under the glimmer of praise.

“Pleasure to meet you, Sandra,” Nat said warmly.

She was a popular Tv personality known for her popular show on Fox Tv. She was brown skinned with waves of russet hair. She looked like Tyra Banks.

“Mutually the same” she said

“What are you expecting from tonight’s event?”

“Oh certainly a beautiful evening where we get to celebrate the man my dad was, honor him and cherish the unforgettable moments we had with him. I most importantly love this cause my mom’s happy and she’s the woman I love most in the world and also just to lean in and enjoy” he said in high spirits. His enthusiasm set for Tv view.

“Absolutely! To celebrate the legacy of Horace Wolfe” Sarah smiled.

Zara’s eyes danced around. It was glaringly obvious that she was inexperienced with glamour life.

The interviewer glanced at his outfit—A black suit with crystal stones speckled all over it. It was royal and regal.

“And what are you wearing today?” She asked

“Crystal stones Haute Tuxedo by Miles Khalifa” he said proudly.

“Interesting and who’s the woman?” she teased, almost giggling.

He held her hands tighter and looked at her from the side.

“My girlfriend. Zara carter” he said.

Zara looked up, she felt a knowing warmth envelop her. He had just called her his girlfriend. A public declaration of their union. She staggered, her heart pounding hard against her chest.

Now the interviewer was talking to her and so she planted her feet firmly on the ground to save herself from reeling.

“How are you gorgeous?”

“Fantastic” She forced a smile. Nat pressed his hands firmer again. They shared a brief glance where his gentle nod assured her that he was with her.

“And what are you wearing?”

“I—the words didn’t come out. She took a deep breath then went on.

“I’m wearing Pearl green by Zara Carter”.

“Who’s that?” the interviewer didn’t seem to know.

“She’s… me,” she said calmly.

“Oh! a designer too. Nat you bagged a creative” Nat laughed

“Well, enjoy your evening” she gave them a very warm smile.

“Thank you” Nat carried her and walked away. She felt proud of him, her man, her prized possession.

He stopped a sommelier carrying tall glasses of wine in a tray and took one for himself and Zara. They clinked their glasses and sipped it.

“Here comes my mother”

Vivienne Wolfe was a stunning vision in a red dress that had diamond stones speckled on it. It had a dramatic flair at the sides and grazed the floor like a ball gown. Her crown of tiara gleaming above her pretty face. She had aged well.

“Who do we have here?” His mother walked gracefully, giving him a hug.

“Mom” Nat beamed, kissing her on the cheek.

“Always late for the events. Why can’t you even honor your father?”

“Mom, it’s not as if you wanted me to do the decor. Besides, I had to make sure my partner’s here”

She looked at Zara with a grin. Her once smiley face dissolved into a frown

“Mom meet Zara, Zara meet my mom” Nat paid the introductions.

“A pleasure to meet you Ma” Zara said calmly. Your ball, it is exquisite”.

She smiled tightly. “And you are?” she asked

“Zara Carter. I work at the firm” she said

Her expression was now an utter shock. It had better not be what she was thinking. Not a staff of the firm for goodness sake!

“I must say I love your dress,” Zara continued. “It’s quite dramatic but that’s exactly what we signed up for. A touch of flair and elegance”

“Well, standing before you is an empress” The compliment had softened her, massaged her ego.

“Quite the taste and exquisite variety” Zara continued

“You don’t look bad too” she said to Zara

“Thanks. You’re too kind” Zara said.

“Alright, I have some guests to talk to. Catch up with you too” she said and left them. She patted Nat then smiled at Zara. She was impressed.

“Did you rehearse that?” Nat was still recovering from the music that had come out of her mouth.

“What do you mean?”

“They way you flowed with my mom. Came out unexpected” he said

“Are you doubting my ability to have excellent communication skills?” she rolled her eyes and twirled the wine in her glass.

“None at all!” he raised his hand to show he didn’t mean that, all the while looking at her proudly.

The room had eased its atmosphere. The wine was working too. The background sound echoing George Handel’s Fur Litzè steered them.

“Wanna hit the dance floor?” he asked in what was both a beckon and a challenge.

“What? No. I can’t dance to save my life” she cut in briskly

“Neither can I. But just go with the flow. Do whatever I do” he led her to the floor. His charming stare makes him irrefutable.

He led her to the floor

“There are many eyes in the room but I want you to think of only me and you as the only one in there” he whispered to her ear.

And so she took a deep breath. The music came on anew. The couples around them bowed and they promptly joined them. She followed Nat's move of hands and legs and occasionally he would twirl her such that she spun and fell on him. The chemistry is loaded with passion and seriousness. She looked like a haughty butterfly before a Wolf.

Then it happened. Groups of men and women murmuring about them.

A trio of women with poorly done make up and angry bird faces clustered, wine in hand.

“Is that Greg Wolfe I see there”,

one of them said

“Yes! seems he finally found his perfect mate” Mrs. Sternberg who was a rivalry of Vivienne said

“Who’s she?” the former asked sipping her drink

“I don’t know but she sure doesn’t look like the mayor's daughter Vivienne bragged to us about?”

“Mayor?” They almost laughed.

“I hear she works at his firm”

“A staff at his firm?”

“His PA”

“What a scandal!” they echoed at the same time. Their faces shone with shocked disbelief.

“These ladies are so ambitious these days. She certainly wants to scale the corporate

ladder just by sleeping her way up. Just like BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! you’d see she’d be on the board in a few years”. Mrs Sternberg had concluded enviously.

They sipped their glasses and clinked it, giggling loudly as if enjoying the bittersweet savory of gossip.

Meanwhile, the two were oblivious to the murmurs around them.

Vivienne watched from the staircase, relieved that his son was finally getting on but curious to know if she was the right fit.

“I don’t want to be connected with another scandal” she murmured to herself.

“You were fire” Nat complimented her.

“I was?. Well thanks to you for matching the vibe” Zara pressed his arms passionately.

They moved outside for the fireworks display. The cool air mixed with the scent of flowers. The flaring citation of fireworks had a kaleidoscope of glittering colors. She wrapped her body inside Nat’s embrace and felt nostalgic. It made her feel alive and true.