"That's too little makeup" whines Clarisse. She's sharing my new apartment currently after I moved out from Brendan's place. Jason had offered me to stay at their mansion on more than one occasions but I figured it was better we keep some distance. Familiarity blunts the edge of curiosity and once that is done, the spark is lost at times.

"You should edge up that smoky effect a bit more. I'd propose that you add a whiff of silver or a touch of bronze maybe?" she studies my face, her forehead scrunched in concentration.

Clarisse is working in Media and Marketing and has a fair idea of all things acceptable in the glam world. The bolder the better is always the motto. But this isn't a ramp walk, just a formal ceremony.

"I guess it's okay." I mumble, rummaging through my jewelery box for some moderately decent stuff to go with the dress. I take out a beautiful 2 piece silver plated necklace set in a deep burgundy colour.

"Glass pearls...rhinestones..." she studies the necklace minutely while clasping the delicate thing around my neck.

"Wait, are they Swarovski crystals?" she squeals.

"Hundred percent genuine!" I exclaim. This kind of a necklace is really a luxury for middle class working women like us. I get up and twirl around in front of the mirror and do a quick curtesy.

"Just lo-o-o-ve it. Beautiful and classy. Not overwhelming, but, makes a statement." Clarisse hands me the small clutch, just as the doorbell rings. My heart flutters in nervousness.

It is almost time to prove myself in polite company. Time to be the Princess my mum jokingly named me.

"And here he comes! " Clarisse gives a dramatic bow, opening the door.

"Pat, are you ready-" he stops midway at my threshold.

Shit! My room must have repulsed him. I look around quickly, hoping to see a pair of smelly panties hanging from the bedpost or some stockings stuffed under the bed sheet but everything is quite fine. It's then I realise that his gaze is locked on me.

I quickly straighten my dress, suddenly self-conscious.

"Wait. Don't move." he commands.

I stand quite still as he strides up to me. The world around us melts into a puddle for a minute and it's just me and him. His hands move to my hair. He tugs at one pin on my chignon and a lock of hair escapes from my bun, wrapping around the side of my face like a wave.

"Much better," his hands linger on the side of my face for a second too long and then he is back in his composure.

"Ready?" he announces cheerfully. I nod.

He offers his arm.

"Nervous?" he whispers in my ear.

I manage a small smile linking my hand through his.

"Me too." he winks, ushering me into his black limousine.

The noise of music floats up to us as we wheel in and Jason stops the car in front of the gracefully lit porticos. He waves to the valet who jumps in to park our car at the right place as he offers me a hand and I use it to climb onto the first stone step of the grand house.

"Are these marble?" I exclaim looking in awe at the gorgeous white stones lining the stairs going up.

"I bet they are." he says. "Only the best of the best!" he adds with a sigh.

The lights and shadows dance around us, forming tenuous patterns on the walls as we make our way to the top of the stairs. Every moment looks like I can lose myself in those walls. Chandeliers hang above our head, the expensive crystal tinkering in the mellow breeze. Red carpets soft as roses line our feet and the steps seem to be going up to a throne, ushering us to take our rightful place at the top.

Everything is so regal, so glamorous and so different from the life I have led so far that I begin to feel a bit nervous about what I am doing at this place. I don't belong here and all this sudden display of grandeur is too much to take in and my eyes begin to sting. I force back tears which will ruin everything.

"What happened?" he asks

I sniff in response.

"Are you nervous?"

I am afraid of what to say. If I fail at the last moment all the practice and everything is in vain. Today is the ultimate showdown for Princess Patty-Cake. I have to impress his parents and the royal company he always has. It's the only way I can even hope to get accepted into the life he lives and the life he wants to take me into, if ever there is a chance of a 'us' to happen.

I sigh loudly, calming my heart and muster a smile.

"Let's kick some ass, " I say cheerily, grabbing his hand.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️