"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." E.E. Cummings

Veronica

The blush pink gown shimmered under the soft lights of the dressing room, the delicate lace whispering against my skin. It felt like a dream, this transformation from a woman constantly looking over her shoulder to someone about to step into a world of glittering gowns and flashing cameras. Tonight was a chance to breathe, to forget, even if just for a few hours, the weight of the past week. Tonight was about celebrating, about allowing myself a moment of joy. And, if I was honest with myself, about seeing Saint.

He’d been quiet since we picked up the dress, his usual playful banter replaced with a focused intensity. I’d caught him glancing in the rearview mirror a few times, a frown creasing his brow. When I’d asked him about it, he’d simply said he was being cautious, that it was his job. But I sensed there was more to it, a tension that radiated from him, a silent unease that I couldn’t quite place.

I pushed the worry aside, focusing on the moment. Tonight was about me, about feeling beautiful, about allowing myself to simply *be*. I deserved this, a night free of fear, a night where I could just be Veronica.

As I slipped into the dress, the cool silk caressing my skin, I felt a sense of confidence I hadn’t felt in a long time. The gown was exquisite, a perfect fit, accentuating my curves in all the right places. It was everything I’d dreamed of and more. Looking in the mirror, I barely recognized myself. The woman staring back at me was poised, elegant, almost… regal.

A knock on the door interrupted my reverie. "Ready?" Saint's voice came from the other side.

I took one last look in the mirror, smoothing down the skirt of the dress. "Almost," I replied, taking a deep breath. "Just give me a minute."

I applied a touch of lip gloss, a subtle shimmer to my eyelids, and then, with a final check, I opened the door. Saint was waiting for me, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. His breath hitched slightly, and a slow smile spread across his face.

"Wow," he breathed, his voice husky. "You're… breathtaking."

I blushed, pleased by his reaction. "Thank you," I murmured, feeling my cheeks flush. "You look very handsome yourself."

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He chuckled, extending his hand. "Shall we?"

I took his hand, his touch warm and reassuring. As we walked towards the car, I couldn't shake the feeling that his eyes were constantly scanning our surroundings, his focus sharp and alert. He was on edge, I could feel it, and it made me uneasy.

The gala was a whirlwind of lights, music, and unfamiliar faces. I stayed close to Saint, his presence a comforting anchor in the sea of unfamiliarity. He introduced me to a few people, his colleagues, his friends, but mostly, he kept to himself, his gaze constantly moving, assessing, protecting.

I tried to enjoy myself, to immerse myself in the festive atmosphere, but the feeling of being watched lingered. It was a subtle thing, a prickling sensation at the back of my neck, the sense of eyes on me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.

As the night wore on, Saint’s unease seemed to grow. He was less talkative, more withdrawn, his eyes constantly scanning the room. I could feel the tension radiating from him, and it made me anxious.

“Saint,” I whispered, pulling him aside. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

He hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “Everything’s okay,” he said, his voice reassuring. “Just a busy night, lots of people. My job is to be aware.” He gave me a gentle smile. “Don’t worry. Just enjoy the party.”

His words, though simple, calmed my nerves. I trusted him. And as I looked around, I realized he was right. It *was* a busy night, a sea of faces, all caught up in the festive atmosphere. I was probably just being paranoid.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called my name. “Veronica! There you are!”

I turned to see Hayley, my best friend, weaving her way through the crowd, a bright smile on her face. She looked stunning in a shimmering silver dress.

“Hayley!” I exclaimed, delighted to see her. We embraced warmly. “I didn’t know you were coming!”

“Surprise!” she said, grinning. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. You look incredible!”

“You look amazing too!” I replied, admiring her dress.

“So,” Hayley said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Tell me everything! How’s it been? What’s Saint like? Is he as brooding and mysterious as he seems?”

I laughed. “He’s… complicated,” I said, glancing at Saint, who was watching us from a distance, a slight smile on his face. “But he’s… he’s good. Really good.”

“And this whole security detail thing?” Hayley asked, lowering her voice. “Is it still… scary?”

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Sometimes,” I admitted. “But it’s also… reassuring. Knowing that someone is always there, watching out for me… it makes a difference.”

“Well,” Hayley said, raising her glass. “I’m glad you’re safe. And I’m glad you’re finally getting a chance to enjoy yourself. You deserve it.”

“Thanks, Hayley,” I said, feeling a warmth spread through me. “It means a lot.”

We chatted for a while longer, gossiping about mutual friends, laughing about silly memories, and just generally enjoying each other’s company. Hayley’s presence was a welcome distraction, her infectious energy lifting my spirits. I found myself relaxing, genuinely enjoying the party. Saint, ever watchful, stayed close by, but he seemed to have relaxed as well, engaging in conversation with some of Hayley’s friends.

Hayley and I made our way to the bar, where we indulged in a few cocktails. With each sip, the tension I'd been carrying seemed to melt away, replaced by a bubbly lightness. We laughed, we danced, we even managed to drag Saint onto the dance floor for a brief, unforgettable whirl. The music swirled around us, the lights blurred, and for a few precious moments, I forgot about everything except the joy of the moment.

As the night drew to a close, and the last strains of music faded, I felt a pang of regret. It had been a perfect evening, a much-needed escape from the reality that awaited me. But as I looked at Saint, his eyes filled with warmth and a hint of something more, I knew that even though the night was ending, this was just the beginning of something new. Something exciting. Something… promising.