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“We believe in you,” she said, squeezing my hands. “Now, let’s get out of the way so it can get to her in time.”
The assistant followed my directions on the labels and helped me recheck my digital images before adding a directory to the file and list. When she finished, I silently prayed and watched her walk out the door with my package and potential future.
Cassidy hugged me. “I’m here at a serendipitous moment. We must have planned this before we came to this world.”
I laughed. “You’re sounding spiritual.”
“I am.” She squeezed my shoulders. “Too much L.A. But honestly, I feel positive about this for you.”
I hugged her and saw she had some papers on a chair. “What did you bring with you?”
“Just some research. Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”
I paused. “Are you sure?”
Cassidy scoffed. “I am. And I’m not missing out on dressing up and attending a movie premiere. Come on.” She linked arms with me, and half dragged me out the door laughing.
We went into the bedroom and tried on the dresses for Isla, who had unzipped the garment bags for us. I loved the gothicblack lace gown and heels. There was a pale pink chiffon beaded dress that Cassidy was already stripping down to put on. She turned around and did a spin. “This dress was made for me.”
“You’re right,” I said approvingly. “I can’t see anyone else wearing it now.”
She looked beautiful with her white, blonde curls, and Isla gave her two different-strap sandals to try on and then killer stilettos.
“My, you look stunning,” Isla gushed.
Cassidy did a turn and posed with her hands on her hips. “Yes, these are the best shoes and so comfortable. How are they not killing my feet?”
Isla gave her a sheepish grin. “We have people around to help break them in before clients have to walk in them for hours.”
“That’s it. I’m stealing you,” Cassidy joked as Isla adjusted her dress and the seamstress pinned it.
When Isla finished with both our dresses, she checked her watch. “All right. I’m going, and Zane’s waiting to take you both for a manicure-pedicure. The makeup artist will be here when you get back. I’ll return later tonight so that we can all go together.”
We both thanked her a few more times before she finally left.
I always wanted to go to an event with Cassidy, and tonight was a dream come true.
She held out her arm for me to take, her eyes shining. “Shall we?”
I took her arm. “Yes, gorgeous.”
I couldn’t sleep when we returned from the festival. For hours, I immersed myself in sketching scenes from The Sky Fairy and The Shadow Prince, anticipating hearing from Lily Crane about her verdict on my sketches. I explored other aspects of the story not included in the brief, particularly about the Shadow Prince being a guardian to Brenna in her childhood. I created a new set of illustrations featuring a handsome, translucent figure with a crown of shadows draped in regal, billowy robes and iridescent raven wings. He stood in the shadow of a tree, using his fae powers to raise the earth and cushion the fall of the little girl who had tumbled from a branch in her backyard.
Cassidy had been my muse for the little girl. She had the same strong will and beauty, and that was captured at the premiere last night. Even I couldn’t take my eyes off her on the red carpet last night. Cassidy had the look of a Hollywood female lead with beautiful large eyes, strong cheekbones, and full, pillowy lips. The photographers took more photos of her than of some of the cast members next to us. They also took excessive pictures of me while simultaneously throwing out questions.
“The Age of Sin could sweep the Oscars. Are you excited for Rocco?”
“It’s an outstanding film, and I’m as hopeful as everyone who’s seen it.”
My answer had been paired with an exorbitant smile because I felt happy about it and Rocco’s success. He always seemed to give everything one hundred percent.
“How does it feel to marry the most sought-after man in the world?”
“I’m happily married to Rocco.”
There weren’t enough words to share how I felt about Rocco. For everyone, he was truly a striking, fascinating man, and thatstill affected me. However, I knew another Rocco—the man who held me against his heart all night. He was the man who believed we could build something real together beyond our arranged marriage. He chose me, even when it was hard for him. He fell in love with me, even when I pushed him away. I never knew I could have that kind of warmth, compassion, and tenderness. His heart was immense, but God, his passion was all-consuming. He mastered my pleasure and left his imprint on my skin that even a chaste touch from him awakened a desire that would bring me to my knees. He believed in me before I did and reshaped my worldview to see fewer limits. Not only did he do all those things, he moved heaven and earth to make me happy. He was bold in his love confession because he believed he’d win my heart with absolute certainty. Rocco was better than Superman; he was the best man I knew, and I loved him with every part of my being.
“Are Rocco and George Caruso partnering on the movie studio?”