Although I usually wore flats to dress up in and sneakers or cowboy boots on an everyday basis, I knew how to carry myself in heels. However, I was pretty sure I’d never worn a pair that would probably cost more than two months’ worth of Ellie burgers. If I sat, I was unsure whether or not I could stand back up again in the tight outfit, so I appreciated my new best friend allowing me to use her to keep myself upright while I slipped on the heels.
I wobbled a bit when I stood but found my footing enough to take a few paces back and forth.
“I’ll almost match Luke’s height now,” I beamed. “But I don’t think I can wear them forever. I hope whatever’s planned won’t take hours.”
Lady Eveline continued to fuss over me, straightening the fall of my skirt and trying to correct my posture. “Damiana and I are old acquaintances. No doubt she’s planned this soiree in order to intimidate you a bit.”
I smirked. “You mean, gain the home court advantage.”
The vampire woman smiled enough to show fang. “Precisely. I thought it best for me to be there to help smooth your introduction with her.”
“That is so nice of you,” I gushed, wanting to reach out and hold her hand. But something about her demeanor told me she’d prefer to stay less familiar.
Lady Eveline took a step back to inspect her work. “Almost there. I think you should keep your hair wild like it is rather than putting it up.” She tapped her mouth as she scrutinized my appearance. “It makes you look a little dangerous.”
“That doesn’t sound particularly good when I’m trying to downplay my true nature,” I worried.
“No, it’s exactly how you should present yourself. Don’t hide. Be upfront and embrace who you are.” Lady Eveline frowned as she fussed with some strands of hair that refused to be tamed on any level. “Damiana’s focus will mainly be on her son, but if you stand up to her by his side, she will see you as a force to be reckoned with.”
“Which might be a temporary fix while others observe us. However, behind closed doors, I wonder what tricks she might use to try and get rid of this witch?” No amount of fine clothes would change that possible outcome.
Lady Eveline reached out a cold hand to touch my bare shoulder in a gesture I doubted she did very often. “I live in a town amongst some of the better beings on this planet, and many of my friends are witches. Let her see your true self, and you will have the best chance at showing her why her son picked you out of all the women in the world.”
When I got back home, I’d have to find something special to give to Charli for encouraging her friend to come here to support me.
The vampire pointed at her neck. “I think the whole look would be better without that necklace.”
Tugging on the chain, I pulled out the coin hidden just under the edge of the dress. “I’m not supposed to take it off.”
“But a bare décolletage would be far more fetching. And also show Damiana and Lorenzo that you have no fear of their vampiric nature,” she explained.
I held the token by my fingers, staring at it in indecision. On the one hand, I could use the presence of my ghostly great-grandmother to help bolster me. But it would be nice to find another way to confound Luke’s parents’ expectations of me.
“One moment,” Lady Eveline said, staring at the metal. “May I have a closer look?”
I slipped the necklace over my head and settled the token into her palm. She let the gold chain slip through her fingers and dangle while she turned the medallion over.
“This is in remarkable condition. Almost like it is brand new. Wherever did you get it?” she asked.
A part of me wanted to keep my family secrets, but since Charli had vouched for the vampire, I put my trust in her. “It’s been handed down for generations.”
“I see.” Her lips pursed a bit as she examined it. “Perhaps it would be good to let Damiana see this on you at some point.”
“Why?” I asked, my fingers itching to take the token back.
As if sensing my unease, Lady Eveline handed the heirloom to me. “Because of what carrying a coin such as this a long, long time ago meant. If she recognizes it, the memory may help you earn her esteem.”
“I’ll be honest, I don’t know how far back in my lineage it goes. All I know is that my first ancestor who settled in the United States carried it with him from England.” My thumb rubbed over the relief of the elephant.
“Its origins may not matter. Only the symbolism,” she said.
With a little irritation at the games I had to play adding up, I tried not to sulk. “So, should I wear it or not?”
She considered my question by looking at my ensemble. “I think not for tonight. But wear it the rest of the time you are here in plain sight until both Lorenzo and Damiana take notice.”
With a pang of regret, I settled the necklace onto the smooth surface of the fancy dresser. “Is that it?”
Lady Eveline walked around me. “Nearly there. Here, you should use these.”
She unhooked the dangling earrings from her ears and handed them to me. The crystals twinkled in the light.
“Tell me these aren’t diamonds,” I choked out, knowing the answer.
“Of course. Since the evening festivities are outside, they will provide a nice surprise whenever the wind blows your hair back.” The kind woman waited for me to put on her earrings and clasped her hands together. “There. I’d say you are more than ready.”
I strode back to the full-length mirror and checked out the new Ruby. Turning a little to the left and right, I couldn’t help
