“Look this way!”
“One more, one more!”
“Here—Natalii’s girl—look over here!”
She groaned inwardly, ignored them all, and headed inside.
The room was opulent. An orchestra played in one corner, a chandelier flowed from the ceiling, and the crowd mingled in fine suits and gowns. Maddie immediately recognised some of the big names in world publishing. These were people she’d followed for years. The head of an international magazine conglomerate wandered by, and Maddie’s eyes grew wide. However, he wasn’t the media boss she was most excited to see. It had been five long weeks after all.
“Oh. My. God,” Felicity said, appearing at her side. “I didn’t believe him.”
Maddie turned to find Perry smirking and Felicity—looking elegant in a forest-green gown, her blonde hair elaborately piled high—eying her in shock.
“Believe what?” Maddie snatched a passing glass of juice off a tray.
“Nothing,” Felicity said in a mumble. “Forget it.”
Perry’s eyes danced with mirth. “I gave her a heads-up about how you’d look.”
Maddie gave an embarrassed laugh. “Ah, right. Thanks. I think.”
A flash of slicked, jet-black hair and pale skin caught Maddie’s eye, and all other thoughts emptied from her mind. “Oh.” Her voice was a reverent whisper. She turned and took in the full effect. “Wow.”
Elena was making her way towards them, nodding to various luminaries as she went, looking a vision in deep violet, her arms and shoulders bare, the dress caressing her every curve. Lucky dress.
It was only when Felicity nodded, seemingly without awareness she had, that Maddie realised she’d even made her breathy comment out loud.
Elena was twenty feet from them before she finally looked over and caught sight of Maddie. Her step slowed briefly before she continued. Cool, blue eyes raked her from hem to the top of her hair. Maddie felt as laid bare as she had the last time she’d seen her.
“Perry,” Elena said, giving him an air kiss. She turned and nodded. “Felicity.”
Her chief of staff nodded stiffly back.
Elena’s eyes fixed on Maddie and darkened. She stepped closer. “And Madeleine,” she said, tone pure socialite, “how nice to see you again”. Elena leaned in for an air kiss. The faintest dusting of lips made contact before she pulled back.
Maddie shivered at the touch. “You too.”
“How lovely you look in Alberta Ferretti.”
“Thanks.” Maddie tried not to get derailed as that all-seeing gaze studied her barely covered breasts, then slid higher, a small smile curling her lips.
“Perry.” Elena turned. “You’ve outdone yourself. Felicity? Where’s that new PA?”
“She’s coming later. She had to—”
“I don’t care.” She waved off the excuse. “I need a wine. White. And find me a vintage older than you are. I am serious. Perry, Samuel from The SMH’s Street Style page wanted to hear your views on the deconstruction of fashion minimalism or some such thing. Go and indulge him. Remind him that Style’s is the only view on any fashion topic that counts.”
Surprise crossed his face at the dismissal, but he merely nodded. Felicity had already gone—not even bothering to argue that she was not a PA. Maybe that was the difference between Maddie and Felicity. Only one of them had ever said no to Elena.
Now alone with the woman, Maddie felt awkward and only too aware of the lack of space between them. “Hey.”
Elena gave her an indifferent look, as though she hadn’t just orchestrated their time alone. “Are you enjoying yourself, Madeleine?”
“I just got here. But it’s been impressive so far.” Her gaze shifted to Elena’s dress. Very impressive.
“I see. And did you wear that just to get a rise out of everyone?” Elena’s tone was taunting.
“Not everyone.” Just you.
“Look at them.” Elena lowered her mouth towards her ear. “The men can’t keep their eyes off you, and the women are all green with envy. You’re the talk of the room.”
Her perfume was intoxicating. Maddie struggled to focus. “Even if that’s true, and I highly doubt it, didn’t you handpick this dress?”
Elena didn’t deny the charge; she merely pressed her lips together and straightened. “So, who would you like to meet first?”
Maddie glanced at her, already missing her nearness. “Meet?”
“As per our arrangement. You wished to be introduced to the publishing world. Here are some of the best of the biggest names. Let’s start with the obvious. Do you plan to remain in Australia for your career?”
“Yes.”
“As I assumed. So, among these publishers, who would you most like to be talking to right now?” She waved her hand at the room.
“You.” That just slipped out. Maddie wanted to groan.
Elena’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Well, that is flattering, Madeleine, but I cannot further your career in Australian publishing the way these people can. Not unless you plan to work in fashion. Follow me.” She led the way. “I’ll introduce you to the publisher for Beyond Magazines Consolidated. Maurice is a man with power, connections, and opportunities.”
Maddie felt a hand at her elbow and glanced down. She was propelled towards a clutch of men in tuxedos.
