Layla
Neena, Kacey, and I headed to The Smith Center with excitement. Even though I would be working, I was excited to go to something like this for the first time. Neena wasn’t as excited as me and Kacey, but then again, she had gone to at least two of these events. I didn’t know how we managed to fit all of us and our dresses into a cab. We got to The Smith Center with fifteen minutes to spare. After paying for the cab, we walked in and I heard Kacey and Neena’s intake of breath. From the corner of my eye, I saw them staring at the place and decorations with awe. My heart swelled with joy knowing I’d done so well. I had chosen a dark blue and white color scheme, which the tables matched. The walls were decorated elegantly with blue drapes, all the tables had flowers and name cards on them, and up by the makeshift stage and dance floor, a table held expensive pieces to be auctioned off. People had donated a lot of good stuff, and I was hoping they would go for a lot. This benefit gala was for the New York orphanage. There were several spots around the room where guests could write down their donations and put them in the boxes so we could send them to the orphanage.
I glanced around too and saw everything seemed to be the way it should. Guests started to slowly arrive, and I had to leave Kacey and Neena for a while to go make sure security was gone and food was being prepared. I found a hidden place to put down my clutch so I wouldn’t have to carry it all night. Grabbing my phone out of it, I walked to the kitchen, my heels clicking on the floor. I spent the next fifteen minutes making sure everything was set before heading back out to the ballroom.
More and more guests were arriving and were standing around talking to others. I spotted Neena and Kacey in the middle of the room, and Liam was there as well. I weaved through the crowd and made my way to them. I came to a stop beside Kacey and shot Liam a smile. He looked dashing in his black suit, his blonde hair tousled.
“You made it,” I said to him.
“Of course. Pass up free alcohol and pretty ladies? No thanks,” he answered, smirking. I just rolled my eyes at him. “You look very pretty as well, Layla.”
“Thank you.” I shot him a smile.
“You have three sexy ladies surrounding you. You should feel ecstatic. When will this ever happen again?” Neena said to him.
“Hey! I will have you know I can get any girl I want whenever I want,” Liam said, puffing out his chest. I rolled my eyes at him.
“Your grandma doesn’t count,” Neena shot back.
“No, I mean your sister.”
“I don’t have a sister, dumb-ass.” These two bickered like an old married couple, I swear.
From the corner of my eye, I saw the crowd of people around us turn toward the door and stop talking. Wondering what was going on, I turned as well. Just like the Red Sea, everyone parted and in walked a very elegant older couple arm in arm. Something about them seemed familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. As the couple came through the door, another couple walked in. This time there was a buzz around us, mostly from women though. My breath hitched and my heart crumbled just a little bit as I saw Ashton walking in with a beautiful blonde on his arm.
Ashton was wearing the suit I had set out for him, and I had to say I did well. The blue suit looked absolutely great on him. I couldn’t tell what his eyes looked like, but I bet they were shining bright tonight. He had paired the suit with a brownish tie that had small white dots on it. It was weird but fit with the blue. My eyes turned to the blonde on his arm. To say she was beautiful was an understatement; she was beyond stunning. Her blonde hair was done in waves down her back. From here I couldn’t see her eyes either, but I bet they were a pretty light blue as well. She wore a gorgeous deep blue dress that was strapless and fitted, and there was a big slit on the side that showed off one of her long tan legs. Everything about her screamed model, and I knew this was the type of girl Ashton liked. Tall, blonde, beautiful, model, and probably wealthy too.
They walked toward the older couple, smiling and greeting people on the way. When Ashton stood next to the man, I instantly knew that was Mr. Miller, the founder of Miller Industries and Ashton’s father. Shit, I really should have looked at the invitations more seriously.
“Wow, she’s very hot!” Liam exclaimed next to me, his eyes glued to Ashton’s date. He made an “oomph” sound and a “hey.” I knew Neena had elbowed him to shut him up. Since Neena had been over to our apartment quite a bit, I finally told her that I “dated” Ashton before I became his PA. She was shocked, but after hearing everything she wasn’t his biggest fan anymore. She hadn’t really liked him before anyways.
“Are those his parents?” Kacey asked. I just nodded, my mouth dry because I knew I needed to head over there. From here I was severely intimidated. Ashton’s mother was wearing a pretty black and silver dress that made her look stunning, and I felt almost under dressed from here.
You got this, Layla. Be polite, ignore Ashton and his blonde bimbo, and show off that you know what you’re doing. Don’t be a baby, Layla.
After my little pep talk, I shot all three of them an encouraging smile and headed toward Ashton and his parents. I had read about his father and found out more about his mother. She was a well-known, successful lawyer. Even his sister was a successful lawyer and she was barely my age. The smart gene surely hit this family like a freight train, same with the genetics I saw on display as I got closer. It seemed everyone in his family was very attractive, I hadn’t seen his sister and didn’t know if she was coming, but I knew she would be drop dead gorgeous as well. With clammy hands and the need to throw up, I came to a stop in front of the four. Plastering on a smile, I greeted them.
“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Miller. I am Layla Kingston, Ashton’s assistant,” I said, reaching to shake their hands. I ignored the feeling of Ashton’s eyes roaming down my body.
“Hello, my dear. You look absolutely breathtaking,” Ashton’s father said, shaking my hand and pulling it up to place a kiss on my knuckles. I could feel the blush spreading across my cheeks. “You can just call me John. And this is my lovely wife, Clare,” he said, smiling over at Ashton’s mother. He looked at her with so much love that I felt kind of jealous. Even after being together for years, they are still in love. I couldn’t remember if my parents ever looked at each other like that, but then again, I never was around my parents much once they started to abuse me.
“Lovely to meet you, Layla,” Ashton’s mother, Clare, said, shaking my hand and smiling at me. “Your dress is so pretty. Where did you get it?” she asked.
“You too. I have heard a lot about you guys. Thank you, my friend let me borrow it for tonight.” I looked over at Ashton and found him glaring over at me.
“Good things, I hope,” John said, shooting me a wink.
“Of course.” I was scared that Ashton’s parents would be snobby and stuck up, but they didn’t seem like it. They seemed really nice and friendly. Nice to know there were nice people in Ashton’s family besides him.
“You’re the one keeping him in line nowadays,” Clare said, smiling over at Ashton affectionately. I looked over at him and found him smiling back at his mom. I loved how he looked at her; his eyes were filled with love and he actually seemed to smile. Feeling really out of place, I knew it was time for me to leave, and because I could feel the bimbo glaring at me.
“Sorry, but I better get back. I have a lot to do,” I said politely, smiling at both of them. Sending Ashton a small nod, I turned and left feeling multiple pairs of eyes at my back. Well, so much for seeing Ashton’s reaction to my dress.
For the next thirty minutes or so, I made rounds saying hi to people and thanking them for coming. I also made sure the waiters were handing out food to guests and that the bartender was doing okay. I saw Neena, Kacey, and Liam talking to people and knew they were fine without me for a while. Checking my phone, I saw it was seven thirty-five and that it was time for Ashton’s speech. Excusing myself from a conversation with one of the beneficiaries, I made my way over to Ashton once again. He was in a tight lip-lock battle with his date, and I shoved the hurt I was feeling into the bottom of my heart.
“Mr. Miller,” I said, but he didn’t seem to hear me. “Mr. Miller!” I said louder, and this time he stopped making out with the blonde and looked at me.
“Yes?” he asked in an annoyed tone.
“You have a speech to make.” I tried hard not to sound rude but a little bit slipped out. He sighed and turned to his date.
“I’ll be right back, Natasha. Don’t move.” He sent her a wink and a hard kiss before standing up. I led him to the makeshift stage and stepped back, letting him go up. I let out a sigh and looked out at the crowd as they quieted down, realizing Ashton was about to speak.
“Hello, everyone. Sorry to interrupt your night, but I’d like to say a few things. First off, thank you for coming tonight and making contributions to our cause. I know you all have deep pockets, so don’t be afraid to stop and make a contribution before you leave,” Ashton joked, and the crowd laughed. I could tell he was in his element. He easily got the guests’ attention and flawlessly executed his speech. By the finishing line, people were clapping and almost cheering. I felt proud that I helped with the speech, although I wouldn’t be getting any amends for doing so.
He got off the stage and I sent him a smile, but he blew right past me, not even glancing in my direction. I stared after him, forcing myself to get back to work. I couldn’t focus on Ashton and his bipolar attitude right now. I lifted up the side of my dress and headed toward my friends. I was almost to them when I suddenly ran into someone. I waited for the feeling of the person’s drink to land on me, but nothing happened.
“I am so sorry!” I said, looking up. My gray eyes clashed with a pair of familiar green eyes. I would know those eyes from anywhere and I instantly froze.
What is he doing here?
I stared into the face that broke my heart for the first time. My ex-boyfriend Jason stood in front of me with the same surprised expression. Never in a million years did I think I would see him again, but here he stood in front of me dressed in a black suit with his blonde hair longer than his old buzz cut.
“Layla?” His deep voice knocked me out of my daze.
“Jason,” I said back. How could he be here? I really, really should have looked at the guest list a lot closer! “What are you doing here?” Just staring into those green eyes, I was hit with old memories of us.
“I am here with my company. What are you doing here?” he asked.
“I work at Miller Industries.” I had forgotten Jason’s family owned Wells Banks. His father was really close to Ashton’s father, so of course, he would be here. His father must have stepped down and given Jason his position.
“I’m glad to hear you’re doing well,” he said almost awkwardly.
“You too. How have your parents been?”
“They’ve been good. Mom’s been busy with the wedding.” The moment that left his lips his eyes widened, like he didn’t mean for it to slip out.
“Wedding?” I choked out. Great, just another thing to make me feel worse about myself.
“Um, yes. I—” he started to say, but was stopped when an arm wrapped itself through his own. I looked over and saw a very pretty black-hair girl. I glanced down at her dress and groaned inside my head.
Why is everyone dressed so amazing tonight? And why are all the girls so beautiful that they look like they just stepped out of a magazine?
“Layla, this is my fiancée, Tiffany Gilles. Tiffany, this is one of my old…friends from college, Layla Kingston,” Jason said, introducing us. I noticed how he introduced me but I understood. I wouldn’t say he was my ex in front of my fiancé either.
“Hi, nice to meet you. Your dress is amazing,” I said, shaking her hand and shooting her a semi-fake smile.
“Nice to meet you too. Thanks. Your dress is stunning,” she said. Something about her made you like her instantly. She seemed really nice, and I didn’t feel jealous at all.
“Oh, thank you.” From the corner of my eye, I could sense people were getting kind of agitated. “It was nice meeting you, and nice seeing you again,” I said to both of them. “But I have to get going. I’m actually in charge of this gala and have a few things that need to be done. I’m really happy for you guys. You seem perfect for each other.” I sent them a wide smile. “If I don’t see you guys again, I wish you the best and hope you enjoy the party.” With one last goodbye, I quickly walked off.
You handled that pretty well, Layla. I was proud of how I reacted. I could have acted a lot worse, but for some reason seeing Jason here and hearing he was engaged didn’t bother me at all. In fact, I was happy for him; he deserved to be happy even after he hurt me. Plus, it was hard to still have feelings for a past boyfriend when your mind was clouded with another person.
Now was not the time to be thinking of past boyfriends and a certain pain in my ass when I had a job to do. I had to make sure all these people didn’t get bored and leave early. Heading to the person in charge of the auction, I told him it was time and he went to start it off. As the auction went on, I checked with security, Neena and Kacey, and a few other guests. So far, this night had turned out great; there had only been a few hiccups, and I felt like I had done a good job. While everyone was busy either talking to others or at the auction, I went to the bar and got a drink. I think I deserved one after these past two hectic weeks.
“Can I get a beer?” I asked the bartender. He shot me a surprised look but went and poured me one. I was more of a beer person than a fruity drink one. I really shouldn’t be drinking at all, but honestly, could you blame me? I leaned against the bar while looking out at the room, sipping my beer. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, and I smiled. All of this was because of me.
Soon it was almost nine-thirty and the auction was finished, and people seemed a little more relaxed, as they had more drinks in their system. I stayed clear of Ashton and his family, not wanting to be over there and feel Natasha’s angry glare at me. I kept tabs on both Neena and Kacey. Neena was with Liam the whole time, and it seemed they were in a deep conversation; anyone could see they liked each other, if only they acted on it. Kacey has been with a tall brown-haired guy since Ashton gave his speech. He looked familiar, but I couldn’t remember where I had seen him before. I could see her staring up at him and listening intently to whatever he was saying. Even from here, I could tell she liked him in some way.
As the night wore on, I knew it was time for music. Why have a dance floor if no one would dance? Not wanting to spend money on a band, I found one of the waiters was a DJ as a hobby, so he offered to bring in stuff to play some songs. I just hoped this wouldn’t get me in trouble. Going over to the boy, I had him get his stuff ready. Not even a few minutes later, music rang through the room. Heads looked around and I saw a few start to smile. A night full of business talk was boring, and I could tell people were waiting for something fun to start happening.
Ever so slowly, people trickled onto the dance floor. Couples danced with each other, and a few children who had been forced to come with their parents danced around. I grinned as I saw Judy and her husband dancing as well. It was amazing that a couple that had been together since high school were still madly in love. I honestly thought they were the cutest couple in the entire room.
Just then, one of my favorite songs came on. Slowly, everyone who wasn’t already dancing grabbed their date’s hands and led them onto the dance floor for the slow song. Soon I was literally the only person who wasn’t on the dance floor, and the only one without a date it seemed. Even Neena and Kacey were out there with Liam and the mystery guy, and even the few children were dancing, which was actually really cute.
The song started and I stood in the back watching everyone with envy. I had never slow danced with anyone before. I never did when I was with Jason; we just never went anywhere that we could slow dance. I didn’t even go to my senior prom or any dance during high school for that matter. Instead, I spent the night with a broken rib, a black eye, and my parents telling me I was too worthless and ugly to have anyone ask me to prom. And my parents were right; no one asked me to prom and no one has ever asked me to dance with them. Dancing in a bar while a few guys pressed against you wasn’t considered dancing in my opinion. I guess you could say I was a dance virgin.
My eyes glided over everyone as they danced. Judy and Jack were smiling lovingly at each other, Jason and his fiancée were grinning at each other like love-struck fools, Neena was pressed against Liam, his arm tight around her waist, and with her staring up at him with googly eyes. I felt happy for Neena and hoped Liam would soon ask her out. My eyes next landed on Kacey with her man, and she was laughing at whatever he just said and they each had their arms tight around each other. Staring at them, I realized they seemed to fit each other. Next, I saw Ashton’s parents, John and Clare, dancing together. They seemed to be whispering in each other’s ears and staring into each other’s eyes. My heart ached as I tried to forget I wouldn’t have that with someone. Last but not least, my gray eyes landed on Ashton and Natasha.
My heart instantly crumbled at my feet. He was staring down at her with a genuine smile on his face. I knew I had never made him smile like that before and I never would. He twirled her around before drawing her into him. She stared up at him with a big smile and wrapped her arms around his neck. I watched as he acted so carefree and loving toward Natasha. He never once acted like that with me, and my chest ached when a thought suddenly entered my mind. This is who he was supposed to end up with, not someone like me. He needed someone beautiful, confident, model-looking, wealthy, and someone equal to him. I was none of those things. Even in a fairy-like dream dress, I was nothing compared to her; my light not even close to her burning flame. I was like the dirt on the bottom of his shoe he couldn’t scrape off.
I watched him and everyone else dance as my heart crumpled into a million pieces. Never in a million years would I get something like that. I will never dance with the love of my life, never will I get the chance to stare into a pair of eyes that would look down at me with so much love in them, never will I be worthy of anyone. My parents had always told me I wouldn’t be good enough for anyone, and that if I ever did end up with someone, they would realize I’m not the one and leave me. I believed them, but in this moment, I truly and utterly believed them. They were right. I would always be loveless and worthless.
I sunk against the wall, trying to be invisible as tears streamed down my face. I had never felt so jealous of everyone than I did in that instant. As the song started to end, I quickly turned and headed to the bathroom. I wiped my face clean so no trace of crying could be seen. Giving myself one pained smile in the mirror, I left the bathroom and headed back to the ballroom. I got there just in time as everyone was heading away from the dance floor. Everyone started leaving and I looked at the clock seeing it was 10:15. I plastered on the fakest smile I have ever put on and turned to her.
“Layla!” I heard Kacey’s voice yell my name. I turned and saw her weaving her way toward me. “There you are. I wanted to tell you I’m going to be home late tonight, or maybe tomorrow morning.”
“Oh, okay. Where are you going?” I asked.
“Well, do you remember that guy I was with at that club a few weeks ago when you met Ashton?” I thought back to that night and briefly remembered what she was talking about.
“Yeah?”
“That guy is Nick! I didn’t know he would be here, and we’ve been talking all night and even just danced together. He invited me to hang out with him for a few more hours!” she said excitedly. I looked behind her and saw that mystery guy, Nick, staring at us, waiting patiently for Kacey.
“Okay. But be careful, okay? And if you’re not coming home, just let me know. I’ll be late too,” I said, and gave her a quick hug. “He likes you. He can’t keep his eyes off of you,” I whispered in her ear and pulled away. Her cheeks flushed as she glanced over her shoulder at Nick. “Have fun. And don’t do anything I wouldn’t!” She shot me a smile and a wink before leaving with Nick.
“Hey,” Neena’s voice said behind me suddenly. I jumped and gripped my chest.
“Neena, you scared me!”
“Sorry. I just wanted to tell you I’m going to go as well. It was a fun night, and you did a great job tonight,” she said, giving me a quick hug.
“Thank you. Let me know when you get home, okay?” I said.
“Well…” She looked down at the ground and I saw a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
“You’re not going home.”
“Uh, I, um, no. Me and Liam are going to go get a cup of coffee first,” she said shyly. I raised an eyebrow, surprised that Neena was embarrassed. She looked up at me and I grinned widely at her.
“Sounds like a date!”
“It is not! It’s just two friends getting a cup of coffee together.” I just rolled my eyes at her.
“Whatever. You like him and he likes you. It’s a date,” I said.
“He likes me?” she asked, excitement clear in her voice.
“Duh. He wouldn’t have stuck by your side the entire night if he didn’t, and he asked you to dance and to get coffee. Plus, he is staring at you right now.” Over her shoulder, I could see Liam trying to discreetly look at Neena, not wanting to be caught. I chuckled under my breath before grabbing Neena’s shoulders and steering her toward Liam. “Have fun. Use protection, and let me know when you get home safe.” With that, I gave her a soft push into Liam. Winking at both of them, I watched them leave together. Such a cute couple.
I said goodbye to the last few people, relieved I didn’t see Ashton again. I don’t know if I could have looked at him without bursting into tears. Once all the guests were gone, I slipped off my heels and took a seat in an empty chair. Tonight seemed like a success, and I was glad. I leaned back and closed my eyes, emotionally and physically drained. Glancing around, I saw waiters and the other helpers starting to clean up. The waitress in me knew I had to help, instead of sit here and watch. With that, I stood up, lifting up my dress, and got to work cleaning with the others.
Two hours later, almost everything was cleaned up. The clock struck midnight and I sent everyone home. The rest could be cleaned up tomorrow when I came in, after sleeping in of course. I was exhausted as I grabbed my clutch and slipped back on my heels. I was ready to take off this dress and slip into my regular comfy PJs. My night as a princess was a fail, and I was more than ready to just go home and forget it all. Leaving the building, I locked the door and headed to get a taxi. That was the best thing about New York; you could find a taxi at any time of the day or night. Perks of living in the city that never slept. As I walked down the walkway and onto the street, a heavy hand landed on my shoulder and I let out a scream.