The ballroom opened up before me as I tried with all my composure to not stare stupidly with my mouth wide open like a girl. Crystal chandeliers hung like twinkling stars in the night sky, the guests prancing about like merry little fireflies in their glittering gowns and crisp tuxedos. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest, so I took a glass of champagne offered by a waiter.
Mama would feel awful nervous for me right about now…
Hollywood was nothing like Savannah, Georgia with its dizzying and fast-paced glamor. I took a deep breath and sipped my drink, doing my best to appear as poised as the pretty ladies here were. Lively jazz music swelled.
“Ms. Dawson,” a voice called out. My eyes found Vivienne Devereux with her wavy, dark hair tossed to one side of her bare shoulders. She was wearing a sparkling, satin gown of a rich black that draped over her slender frame.
“Hello, Ma’am. Thank you again for the invitation, it was most kind,” I bowed my head slightly, feeling like a humble farm girl before a great Duchess.
“Of course, darling.” She smiled devilishly at me, “And don’t you look ravishing,” she grabbed my hand and twirled me around, my ivory gown spinning like an opened flower. I blushed as I fiddled with the pearls around my neck, feeling simple next to her. “I am so glad the dress fits you. I made sure of it,” Vivienne added.
“I cannot thank you enough for all of your kindness, Mrs. Devereux.”
“Don’t be silly. I do admit to having an ulterior motive, though. I was hoping you would sing.”
I blinked. “If…If they would have me. I would be obliged.”
“Wonderful.” Before she could finish her celebration, a man approached us. Vivienne turned to him like an elegant, black swan.
“Charles, hello! Why, I haven’t seen you for what feels like a cruel eternity!”
He was handsome, I couldn’t help but stare a little bit too long. He glanced at me and I looked away in a panic.
“It is quite good to see you in your usual high spirits, Vivienne,” he said.
“Oh, do forgive me,” Vivienne faced me again. “This is my guest, Lily Dawson. She’s a singer from Georgia with a voice like silk.”
“Like silk? Is that so?” I couldn’t bear his fixed gaze on me. Even though Vivienne was generous enough to give me a dress and some jewelry, I felt like a little lost lamb.
“You do flatter me…” I shifted awkwardly. For a moment, they both went silent.
“Isn’t she just adorable, Charles?” Vivienne said.
“Yes, she is. I dare say she will do quite nicely,” he devoured me with his once-over.
Becoming nervous again, I drank from my bubbly champagne as the glitz of the ballroom swirled around me. I could never hold my liquor.
My vision began to blurred and the music screeched to a halt.
All eyes were on me.
“You’ll be a star…”
