Chapter 16

The dress that's been chosen for me tonight is ethereal. The thin wispy layers of tulle are divine. A single sheet would be see-through, but the layers give it opacity. Plus, it's lined on the bust. The dark raspberry color makes my skin glow, especially as it dips into a low ‘v' between my boobs.

I twirl a little, watching the sparkles shift in the light. I'm waiting in the lobby to my building, yet again. I feel like whenever I have the team to get me ready, I'm always done way too early. But maybe that has more to do with the fact that my clothes are chosen for me.

When the car finally arrives, I get in quickly. I want to chat to Sebastian quickly about what happened yesterday, put it all behind us. Except it's not just Sebastian in the car, Matilda is back.

"Oh, hi Matilda!" I sit next to Sebastian. Surprisingly noting that he is sat next to where I normally do. Clearly, the days of sitting as far away from me as possible are gone.

"Hey," I say, just for him.

"Hello, Sunshine." He smiles and it's incandescent. "You look great. I really like this dress on you."

I'm sorry, who is this male? I blush at his words. He looks great too, in his usual red carpet tux.

"So!" Matilda interrupts our intimate vibe with her chirpy voice. "We're going to need another shot for socials today."

She directs us through the motions, like before. This time round, Sebastian is cupping my face and leaning down like he's about to kiss me. I'm gripping his lapel lightly, my breath heaving, just waiting for the moment to be over.

"Perfect!" Matilda scoots away, scrolling on my phone and making the edits for the post.

Sebastian delicately extracts himself from me. "Sorry about that." He gives me a little space, but still stays on the same seat as me.

"So," I clear my throat a little. "My manager told me that you're nominated for an award tonight?"

"Oh, yeah." He runs a hand through his hair. "It's for ‘Album of the Year', but I don't think I'm going to win it though."

I blink at him slowly. "This is only for Monsters?"

He nods, resting an arm on the back of our seat.

"Have you won it before?" I ask, realizing that he has five albums. This might not be his first time winning this award.

"Umm… yeah, I have."

I roll my eyes, "How many times?"

"Three." He smiles, bashfully. "I didn't get it for my debut album."

I slap him lightly on his shoulder. "Then you deserve to win it for this album too. It's arguably better than your first four, in my opinion."

He smiles to himself, preening under my compliment. I can't help but join him in the smile too.

"So, are y'all dating for real, now?" Matilda quips, staring at us from the other end of the car. I had sort of forgotten she was there for a moment.

I freeze, not sure what to say. Sebastian steps in and saves the day, though.

"That's hardly an appropriate question, Matilda."

She hangs her head a little and goes silent. Normally I would feel a little sorry for her. But Sebastian was right, it was an inappropriate question for her to ask. It also ruined the easy going tone we had.

We pull up to the venue at last. Sebastian climbs around me to be the first one to leave the car. He holds out a hand for me and gracefully assists me in getting my dress free.

We pause for photos before making our way into line for the red carpet. I think it's expected now that if Sebastian is invited to an event, that I will be joining him. The initial shock from our first two appearances are long gone. It all feels kind of normal.

Sebastian keeps his usual hand on my lower back as we move through the line. But he's also a bit more handsy than normal. He's quick to fix a stray hair back into place, or smooth down my dress when the breeze gets under it.

When we get to our markers on the carpet, he bends down fluffing out my skirt for me before we pose. He's so attentive throughout the evening, doting on me and making sure that I have everything I could possibly need.

He wins his award, and my heart is full while I watch him give his acceptance speech. Addison joins him for the acceptance, a stunning navy blue gown draped over her lithe form.

Sebastian insists that he doesn't want to go to an after party, award or not. He just wants to see me home and then go to bed.

I must doze off on the car journey back to my place. Because I am woken by Sebastian gently nudging me.

"Hey, Sunshine. You're home."

I nod absently, getting up and making it into my building. In the elevator up I have a thought, did I fall asleep on him? I don't think I even really noticed in my sleepy state.

I'm in my apartment for a couple minutes when my phone dings with a text:

Did you get into your apartment OK? You were very sleepy…

I send him a quick reply letting him know I'm home safe and sound. I take off my dress and climb into bed with my makeup still on.