Chapter 7 Party

Miss Sterling was sitting in the makeup chair, scrolling through her phone with a look of profound boredom. She was beautiful in a sharp, icy way.

"You're the photographer?" she asked without looking up. "You look like an intern."

"I'm Everleigh," Evie said, checking the light meter. "And I'm going to take the best photo of you you've ever had."

Miss Sterling looked up then, raising an eyebrow. "Bold."

Evie walked over to the lighting rig. She noticed a cable was loose-Kerry had kicked it on her way out. She plugged it back in, shooting a glare at Kerry, who was watching from the shadows with a smirk.

Evie turned back to Miss Sterling. "The light is too harsh for your bone structure. We need to soften it."

Evie moved the softbox. She didn't ask for permission. She just worked.

"Chin down," she instructed. "Turn to the left. No, too much. There."

Evie stepped closer. She reached out and tucked a stray hair behind Miss Sterling's ear. Her fingers brushed her skin.

"Relax," Evie whispered. "Stop posing. Stop trying to look rich."

"Excuse me?" Miss Sterling bristled.

"I want you to think about someone," Evie said, lifting the camera. "Someone you want to impress. Not with your money, but with your soul."

Miss Sterling's expression changed. The ice melted. A softness entered her eyes, a vulnerability that transformed her face.

Click.

Evie took the shot.

"Got it," she said.

Ten minutes later, they were looking at the monitor. The photo was stunning. It wasn't just a portrait; it was a confession.

Miss Sterling stared at it. "I look... human."

"You look beautiful," Evie said.

"You're hired," Miss Sterling said, turning to Henderson. "She's my photographer now. Only her."

Henderson beamed, patting Evie on the back. Kerry looked like she had swallowed a lemon.

As Miss Sterling was leaving, she paused. "Do you know why I needed this photo?"

"Magazine cover?" Evie guessed.

"No," Miss Sterling sighed. "Matchmaking. My mother is trying to set me up with the Williams heir. Agustus Williams."

Evie's stomach dropped. That name again.

"The... tyrant?" she asked.

"The very one," Miss Sterling laughed. "Apparently, his mother, Victoria, loves art. She thinks a soulful portrait will convince her son to meet me. He's impossible. Picky. Cold."

"Good luck," Evie said, forcing a smile. Thank god I have Gus, she thought. My Gus is warm. My Gus buys me diamonds and protects me.

"Anyway," Sterling said. "I'm hosting a party tonight at the Obsidian Club. You should come. Bring a friend."

She handed Evie an invite and left.

Evie texted Illa. Party tonight?

Yes! Illa replied. Celebration!

Evie texted Gus. Can I go to a party tonight?

Obsidian Club? he replied.

How did you know?

I have eyes everywhere, he wrote. Go. Have fun. But behave.

Are you in London? she asked. Yes. But I'll be watching.

Evie touched the ring under her shirt. It felt like he was there with her.