BUTTERFLIES FLY AWAY (22 page)

“You okay?”  Monique mouthed as they walked
over to the parlour door.  Carrie nodded her head.

“Wow Carrie girl let’s get this party started then!”
Monique bellowed as Robin opened the doors.

Carrie raised her head, determined not to look a
fool in front of everyone.

“I have found a fabulous dress Carrie, it is
the
dress,
now let’s get you out of those clothes and into this divine creation!”

Carrie retreated to the changing area and gasped
when she saw the dress hanging.  It was breath taking and in an instant
she knew perfect for tonight. 

The dress was strapless in navy almost black
coloured tulle.  Gold threads were embroidered throughout the front and
back with tiny sequins, beads and jewels.  Without hesitation she picked
it from the hanger. 

“It’s beautiful Carrie, I thought it perfect for
you”

“I love it D’von.  Lets just hope it fits, give
me a couple of minutes and I will give you a shout to zip me up”

The dress had an internal bustier built into it in a
soft satin to match the colour of the tulle.  No need for a bra
then.  She pulled the dress on removing her own bra.  The dress was
fishtail in design and fitted Carries every curve to perfection with a small
train at the back.

Yes, this was the one.  She knew even before
D’von secured the back or she attempted to walk to the others. 

“Amazing, amazing!” he cried out.  The zipper
slowly closed and Carrie stepped into the Jimmy Choo black suede sandals that
he had brought.

Carrie walked back into the open area of the
parlour.

A wolf whistle broke out.

“Oh Carrie, you look fabulous!  I told you that
you needed a little of the Monique and Tanise luck”

“I love it, but you don’t think it’s a bit much do
you?”

“Carrie that’s the one, now let’s celebrate. 
Do we have any champagne?”

Within minutes the sound of a bottle popping could
be heard then the chink of glasses.

Carrie carefully removed the dress.  They were
back on schedule.  She was even going to stick with the Jimmy Choos that
she wore with the dress.  All that remained was to pick a bag.  From
the table she was drawn to a champagne coloured clutch bag that was embellished
with faux pearls and gold beads.  She opened the clasp that was topped
with Swarovski crystals.  Perfect.  It matched the gold thread of the
embroidery on the dress.  

A few hours later and Carries makeover was almost
complete.  She had a manicure and pedicure.  The first beauty
treatments she had since Rob had died.  She tried not to feel guilty about
this parking it in the back of her mind for now and chatted away with Monique
about the upcoming evening. 

Carrie insisted that Monique also have manicure and
pedicure in preparation as she had derailed her plans for that afternoon. 

“Well I will be looking all that and a bag of chips
tonight!” she exclaimed in delight and clicked her fingers.

“You will be looking fabulous Monique”

She said her good byes returning to her room for a
shower and a bite to eat.  Thanked Tansie and Monique for their
support.  Terri had arranged for some sandwiches for her as all she had
eaten since breakfast was the gooey cookie that Tansie had made.  A few of
those cookies were also on the tray.  Robin made her promise to return at
six pm for her hair and make-up, ever aware of the 7.45pm deadline. 

In the solace of her room she sat on the sofa trying
to take in all the events of the day.  Another rollercoaster.  She
had felt so hurt thinking that she was just another number in virtual black
book for Nico.   Once again she had turned to her big sister for
support and sounding board for her woes.  Grateful for the food and flask
of coffee that Terri provided Carrie tucked in.  Her appetite not diminished. 
There was a knock on the door and she replaced her coffee cup back on the
table.

Opening the door she was surprised to see Robin
again.

“Hi Carrie, Nico asked me to give you this out of
sight of everyone.”

She handed over a large flat box.  The
distinctive pink box and black bow of agent provocateur needed no further
explanation. 

“Thanks Robin”

No way was she opening this in front of anyone.

Robin checked her watch.  “See you in an hour
Carrie”

Carrie nodded and closed the door.  She laid the
box on the bed and untied the black ribbon.  Layers and layers of tissue
concealed the most delicate array of lingerie.  Panties, bras, suspender
belts, stockings in an assortment of colours.  Her phone beeped.  It
was Nico.  Robin must have confirmed that she had delivered the box.

“Hi I hope you are enjoying the day so far. 
Please accept this latest gift to complete your outfit of choice. X”

There’s a tricky one.  The intimacy of
accepting such a gift.  But she really didn’t have anything suitable to wear
under the dress.  Somehow her sensible big pants just wouldn’t do.

“It’s all been a little bit overwhelming but thank
you for today and this last gift x”

She selected a black wisp of lace to wear under the
dress from the large box, not needing anything else as the dress was very
secure.   Time for her shower as it was getting closer to when she
was due to return to the parlour.  Firstly, she charged her mobile as it
was running low on the battery.  She found a little bag to take downstairs
with her and popped in some essentials.  The miniscule panties, her
perfume, lipstick for later as she would not be back in the room until after
the dance.  They had agreed Carrie would return for her hair and make-up
then she would be helped into the dress again. 

After her shower she added a liberal amount of the
new moisturiser once again mentally making a note to buy some more before she
returned home.  Then she sprayed the Tom Ford Black Orchid perfume as a
finishing touch.  She left her hair unwashed as they advised that it would
be easier to style.  Putting on the bathrobe and slippers provided in her
room it was time to leave.  She picked up the bag and her phone.

This time when Carrie returned to the parlour she
was without the support of Monique and Tansie.  Naked beneath the robe as
she walked downstairs hoping that she didn’t trip and flash to the other
guests.  

“Hi,” she greeted Robin trying to curb the
nervousness that was beginning to creep in.

“Hi Carrie, on time, great let’s get started”

Sitting in the chair she was slowly transformed as
the team worked their magic.  The make-up applied with a skill to create
smoky eyes that Carrie would never be able to achieve on her own.  Carrie
had opted to use her own blush coloured mac lipstick and it was a perfect match
to the smoky eyes.  The lip crayon blending in with the pencil that the
stylist had used to define her lips.  Carrie felt the biggest
transformation was her hair.  They really did work a miracle with her
neglected locks.  It was old Hollywood glamour all the way.  In a
Veronica Lake style parting with a tumble of perfect waves.  The sun had
added natural highlights to her dark brown hair which was now glossy and
unrecognisable to her.

“Thank you, I don’t believe it is me in the mirror!”

It had taken longer to do Carrie’s hair than they
thought and she caught Robin glancing several times at her watch, making
calls.  Carrie sipped at her glass of champagne.  Her second of the
day and she had to admit it was giving her a nice glow, soothing her growing
nerves. 

D’von appeared.  “Now, now Carrie its time to
get you into that dress!  Wow great job girls she looks fabulous.”

Back in the changing area and all alone Carrie
contemplated the evening ahead.  Nerves were beginning to kick in although
slightly numbed from the champagne.  She removed her own watch and added
it to her bag as it didn’t match the outfit.  Checking the time it was
7.30pm.  No wonder Robin was trying to conceal her panic.  She
stepped into the strappy Jimmy Choo sandals.  Located the tiny black
panties in the bag which she did wonder what they concealed at all but they did
protect her modesty.  A spray of her perfume and she was ready to step
back into the dress.  Carefully trying not to smudge her make up or mess
her hair.  A few minutes later once she had shuffled her body into a
comfortable position in the form fitting dress she called out to D’von to zip
and button her in.

“Carrie, you look divine.  I just knew that
dress was going to be flawless!”

Carrie looked in the mirror and it was like looking
at a stranger.  Her Cinderella moment. Earlier she thought the dress
beautiful when she tried it on but now with her make-up and hair it was indeed
perfect for tonight’s event.

She reached over and hugged him.  Surprising them
both!

“Thank you D’von it really is the perfect
dress.  I love it”

“Before we go out, I want you to sit in that
chair.  Just in case I need to loosen the dress a little.”

Carrie walked over and slowly sat down.

“Phew D’von.  I think it’s okay.”

“Now before Robin has a heart attack waiting we had
better get you ready to go”

Carrie picked up the bathrobe and her bag. 
“Give me those; I will get them returned to your room.  We don’t want to
spoil the effect of your big reveal if you are holding those things!”

“I trust your judgement!”  Carrie took a deep
breath.  “Okay I’m ready”

Applause greeted her. 

Carrie tried to hide her embarrassment by joking
with Robin was the applause a signal they were back on schedule.  “We did
it Carrie,”

“Thank you everyone for today, I really do
appreciate it”

Carrie picked up the little clutch bag and added her
lipstick.  She passed her mobile to Robin.

“Robin, would you do me another favour and take a
picture?  I promised my sister I would take a photograph for her”

“No problem but we have one more thing to do first”
and opened the door.

“Hi Jay”

“Good Evening Carrie, you look amazing.  I have
this from Nico”  He opened a large black velvet jewellery box.

“Wow,” Carrie exclaimed dazzled at the diamonds
resting on the black velvet.  A diamond necklace, earrings and tennis
style bracelet.  The single strand of both the necklace and bracelet
stunning in their simplicity.

“I can’t wear these!  They must cost a fortune
and I would need a bodyguard,” she joked.

“It’s okay Carrie, Nico has borrowed them for the
evening.  No bodyguard required” 

Robin helped secure the necklace and bracelet whilst
Carrie put the earrings on.  Yes it was the finishing touches.

“Time for your photo Carrie, smile!”

“Thank you Robin,” Much to Robin’s surprise too
Carrie hugged her.

“Sorry, I am a hugger!” and Robin laughed.

“Hope to see you again soon Carrie”

“Oh you will when I am returning everything”

“No need for that Carrie, Nico was very explicit in
his instructions, the dress, bag, shoes that’s all yours.  It’s only the
jewellery that’s on loan”

“What?  I thought it was hired or something.”

“No way, Carrie, it’s all for you”

“Time to go Carrie,” Jay instructed.

She gave a wave and a final hug to D’von.  “You
are a miracle worker” she told him.  “You have made me feel very special
today, thanks again.”

“Shush, you will have me tearing up, now go before
Jay wears away the carpet”

Jay took her arm and helped her downstairs to the
car. 

“Just a few minutes and we will be at the
house”  Carrie nodded nervously. 

A quick text to her sister.

“Hi Sis, on my way to the dance.  Will text you
later when I get a chance, sending you a pic as promised x”  Within
seconds she had a reply.

“Is that really you???????? Go get them sis you look
fabulous!  Like a million dollars.  Have fun x”

Carrie returned her phone to her bag just as the car
pulled up in front of the Devanti home.  A large driveway which was
already busy with cars and limos dropping people off. 

“Nico is waiting for you Carrie, you just have to
walk through the main doors and he will be there”  Jay had stopped the car
in front of the red carpet that lead up a dozen or so steps before large open
double doors.  He helped her out of the car whilst she pulled the small
train of the dress into its position.

“Okay, thanks Jay”

On the outside Carrie was graceful and the picture
of elegance to the many that’s eyes that were drawn to her.  But within
the nerves were beginning to take hold.

“Just think of it as another business dinner, one
you’ve been to many times, you can do it” she coached herself.

With slow steady steps she took the stairs her body
poised and head held high.  To her relief she could see Nico at the
doorway.  Those extra steps gave her a chance to stare at him and soak in
the sight of his handsome face dressed in a black tuxedo.  He wore a white
shirt and the customary bow tie.  Although she had only known him a few
days she thought he had never looked as sexy as he did at that moment to
her.  He was talking with an older couple.  When the woman brushed a
hand over his lapel she recognised from the magazine article it was his
parents.  The touch only one a mother who was fussing over a child would
give.  At that moment he looked up and their eyes caught.  Was it
possible to feel like a bolt of lightning had just gone through her?  She
felt a physical jolt of attraction as she looked at him and was completely
mystified feeling like this.  She had never experienced this before. 
He walked forward away from his parents.  Within seconds he was standing
in front of her.  He reached out and took her hand and brushed his lips
against her knuckle.  Wow again.  Then he pulled her slightly forward
into his arms.

“Hello you,” he greeted and kissed her gently on the
lips in the briefest of touches.

“Hello you,”

“Carrie, you look incredible, after the events of
today I didn’t think you were going to come, But I’m glad you did.”

“I nearly didn’t Nico but thank you for today. 
Everyone was amazing.  Robin and D’von were fantastic”

“If we didn’t have to go into a room with over three
hundred people, nothing would stop me from showing you exactly what my reaction
is to you.”

“Me too” Carrie whispered.  “I think you look
very hot Mr Devanti”

“Carrie” he warned.  “This is not helping me”
he joked.

“That’s okay, I think we are quits”

“Come on, let me introduce you to my parents before
all my good intentions abandon me” He took her hand and they walked towards his
parents.  Carrie was completely unaware that Nico was acting out of
character to his parents and those who knew him well.  With girlfriends in
the past he wasn’t particularly demonstrative at times appearing aloof and
indifferent but with Carrie it appeared that he couldn’t keep his hands off
her.  They walked towards his parents and Carrie quickly observed that
Nico was visually a carbon copy of his father. 

“Carrie, let me introduce you to my parents. 
This is my father Gino and my mother Dorothea Devanti.  Mom and Dad I’d
like to introduce you to my friend Carrie Reynolds-Davies.”

They exchanged handshakes.  Nico was as tall as
his father but they had natural differences.  Gino’s hair was salt and
pepper with grey whilst Nicos remained jet black.  They had the same
determined look in their eyes that she guessed suffered no fools.  His
eyes swept across her and she knew that both his parents were wondering who she
was. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both”

“You are Scottish Carrie?” Nicos father enquired.

“Yes I am; well spotted”

“Not at all Carrie, my mother is from Scotland too,
I recognise the lilt in your voice”

“What brings you to the Cape Carrie?”  His
mother asked.

“I’m just a tourist Mrs Devanti, taking in the
beautiful sights and lighthouses” 

“It is a stunning part of the world.  You must
excuse us Carrie, have a lovely evening” and left them before Carrie could
reply.  She felt almost dismissed for a moment.

“She is always like that, don’t take any
offence.  But it was rude of my mother to leave abruptly.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t intentional, I think your
parents are very busy hosting this evening’s event” she excused.  “Come on
let’s get some champagne”

With his hand on the small of her back he guided her
into the open reception room.  People were mingling drinking champagne
with their canapés.  Carrie took the offered glass of champagne from Nico
and tried not to stare as she looked around the room.

“So talk me through this evening’s event,”

“It’s a cocktail hour in here before we go through
to the ballroom for the supper.  Unfortunately I won’t be at your table,
but I have requested for you to be seated with Monique if that’s okay?”

“Yes, that’s fine, as long as I have a familiar face
to talk to,”

“I did want you with me but I have to sit with the
benefit committee”

“Nico, its fine, I’m sure I can manage for a while
on my own.  Now what happens after the supper?”

“It’s the charity auction, then dancing until
carriages at 1.30am”

Yikes, it was only 8pm.

They walked through the throng of people.  Nico
was stopped frequently and she was introduced as his friend Carrie. 

“Who is that man over there?  The one whose
eyes are on every woman’s ass in the room?”

“That is Richard Worth, an acquaintance of my fathers. 
He’s a banker and very influential.  Tonight though, once he secures his
eyes, he will make a large donation.  His good deed.”

“And the woman next to him?  Let me guess his
‘understanding’ wife?”

“Oh Carrie, how did you become so cynical? 
Yes, that’s his wife”

Carrie laughed, “I’m not cynical I guess you would
have to be ‘understanding’ if he was your husband!”

The diamonds of the drop earrings sparkled drawing
attention to the arc of her neck and the ‘y’ shape necklace.  The last
diamond nestled in the curve between her breasts. 

“You are staring Nico, hello is there anybody
there?”

Now it was Nico’s turn to laugh.  “You look
incredible Carrie, I can’t take my eyes off you.”

“Oh”  Carrie blushed.  Not used to male
attention after so long.  “I thought I was boring you”

“I don’t think you would ever bore me Carrie, you
fascinate me.  I want to know everything about you.”

She tucked a strand of perfectly curled hair behind
her ear in a nervous gesture.  He leaned forward and whispered to her, “I
want to see you naked wearing only those jewels”  She could feel is breath
as he whispered the words and shiver wracked through her as he nipped his teeth
on her ear.  Out of sight of anyone.  “I want to fuck you Carrie”
Both hands on her hips pulling her closer.  To anyone else it looked as
though they were deep in conversation.

“Nico I - ”  before she could respond, the
moment was gone as a passing couple bumped into them.  Then the MC
announced that the supper would be served shortly and could everyone make their
way to the ballroom. 

“Saved by the bell Carrie?”

“For now,”

“Let’s find Monique and find your table, I’m
surprised she hasn’t already been on the lookout for you”

The ballroom was modelled on an Italian renaissance
design.  Lots of gold, marble and intricate carvings.  It had been
set out in circular banquet tables with 10 to 12 guests per table.  She
found her table number.  Number twenty three almost at the rear of the
room.  Nico was enraged as she was also not seated with Monique. 

“What is it with incompetent people?  I
specifically gave the location where I wanted you to be seated.  Wait a
moment and I will get this sorted.”

“Nico, it’s okay, I’m a big girl.  Don’t make
any changes, okay?  Let me find Monique to say Hello.  We have plenty
of time later”

Yes, she felt uncomfortable at the prospect of
sitting with eleven strangers but maybe they felt the same too?  She heard
the bellowing laugh of Monique.  How could she have missed that?

“Wow, wow, wow child.  You look like a sex
bomb!  Where is my Carrie?  What have you done with her?” 
Another of Moniques hugs in greeting.

“It’s the same old me.  Just smoke and
mirrors.  Monique you look incredible.”

“Thank you Carrie, I think I scrubbed up well.”

She was dressed in a one shoulder citrus lime dress
that looked amazing on her voluptuous but tall body.  A chunky silver
necklace contrasting with the dress and matching bracelets.  Only Monique
could carry off a strong look against her mocha skin. 

“Where is your table?  I thought we would have
been seated together.”

“There’s been a mix up, oops yes another one.”

“Let me see who is at your table” and dragged Carrie
off to look again at the list of names.

“Nope, don’t know anyone!”

The MC again made a discreet announcement for
everyone to make their way to the ballroom.

With an air kiss, no hug this time Monique retreated
to her table.  It wasn’t that far away and she waved to Carrie across the
room.

She found her own table and sat down.  Placing
the napkin across her lap and making a show of looking at the menu even though
her appetite was reducing by the second.

In gold script it thanked those for attending this
evening and listed the charities that would benefit along with the order of
events for the evening.  The supper, some speeches, a silent auction and
finally a word from the main sponsor the Devanti Group.  Most of which she
already knew from talking with Nico.  Her gaze was drawn back to the menu.

For the appetizer a lobster and lobster mousse. 
She didn’t know any of the accompanying wines for each course but would have a
go at trying them.  The menu had described in mouth-watering detail a
poached chicken with champagne and truffle sauce as the entrée.  The
dessert was a white chocolate fondant.  The waiters were quick to serve
the first course and the paired wine.  As she spooned a mouthful of the
delicious lobster mousse her mind was on repeat of those last minutes with
Nico. 

Rob had never talked like that to her in the five
years they had been together.  Yes they had a great physical and very
loving relationship but never any dirty talk.  She knew she should be
appalled or shocked but instead those words by Nico had excited her.  The
other guests chatted and asked the appropriate questions of what brought her to
the Cape etc.  She used her standard reply just a tourist and the
lighthouses.  From her position she could see Nico and even though they
were separated by a distance she knew he was watching her. 

After the entrée the MC returned to introduce some
guest speakers who spoke eloquently about their charitable causes. Inviting
those to review the silent auction and make their bids via the collectors who
were wandering amongst tables.  A list of the prizes was tucked in with
the programme of events for the evening.  A car, a holiday to an
oceanfront Mexican resort – Devanti group of course, a weekend in Las Vegas,
the list went on and on.

The man sitting on her right was telling her about
his mountaineering experiences and she could only nod in interest offering the
occasional word of encouragement to keep the flow of conversation.  He was
an architect and helped with the habitat homes project.  Finding a common
interest Carrie asked if he was involved in Moniques home.  He was and
Carrie complimented him on the design having seen it in person.  “It is a
lovely family home”

She excused herself from the table and began her
search for the ladies room.  Glad that D’von had insisted earlier that she
practise sitting down in the elegant dress but nature was calling.  From
across the room Nico who was watching Carrie intently observed her leaving the
table.  A few minutes later he too excused himself and went in search of
her.

Carrie had finally found the ladies room after
making an enquiry with one of the catering staff.  She found it and after
a few minutes of twisting her body she managed to use the loo without needing
someone to help her out of the dress.  This was a new experience for
her.  How did the rich and famous manage at red carpet events she could
only wonder?  They probably had staff to help with that too!  It
didn’t take long to repair her lipstick and her hair had stayed perfectly in
style.  Not a curl out of place.  Was that really her in the
mirror?  She didn’t recognise herself.  The diamonds twinkling in the
soft light of the bathroom.  With a nervous bite of her lip it was time to
return to the ballroom.  As she opened the door way she stumbled forward
into the chest of a man.

“Oops sorry!” she apologised and looked straight into
the eyes of Nico.