Dark Light (The Dark Light Series)(44)

My expression mirrors hers. “Really? Miguel? Who would’ve thought?”

“Girl, tell me about it. I had no idea he was a pipe layer on the side. Dude had me speaking Spanish by the end of the night!” And with that we have another laugh and turn the music back up.

Luxury vehicles line the parking area reserved for the grand opening of Luxe. The simple yet chic marquee gleams in the dark night, while a banner hangs below it, stating that it’s the Grand Opening. We park around the corner, foregoing the valet parking, as to not draw undue attention to ourselves just in case someone from Posh is spying. However, all eyes are surely on Morgan’s svelte frame as we approach the door, handing our tickets to a young woman dressed in all black, which seems to be the color scheme for the evening. Her asymmetrical cut is sleek and severe and her makeup is dark and smoky with bright red lips. She seems friendly enough though I detect a hint of envy as she spies Morgan’s couture. I tightly grin a warning when she brings her eyes to me.

Luxe is chic and modern, being that it isn’t over the top with ostentatious décor. However, the twinkling chandeliers, marble countertops, and plush black leather couches scream opulence. Even the stylists’ chairs at each work station look more lush and comfortable than what most people have in their homes. The color scheme is simple: white, black and steel grey. It’s clean and almost sterile looking but it’s tranquil. Luxe exudes serenity- a woman’s ultimate haven.

Morgan and I snag champagne glasses from one of the many servers circulating with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Shrimp ceviche in shot glasses, mini crab cake sliders, bacon wrapped scallops, chicken satay with peanut sauce, caramelized onion crostini, lobster stuffed mushrooms, mini Beef Wellingtons, various canapés, dessert shooters, and cake pops- I am in seventh heaven! There’s even a raw oyster bar along with a sushi station with a chef making fresh maki and sashimi. The spread alone makes me glad I decided to come along and I secretly hope my stomach isn’t protruding in my form-fitting dress. Party guests mingle and network over cocktails, aged scotch, wine and, of course, champagne. I stand in the background, nodding, sipping, and grazing as Morgan works the room with ease and grace.

“Morgan!” a silky soprano rings out from across the spacious room.

We both turn our heads to see a tall, buxom young woman in a black body-hugging bandage dress and sparkling red Louboutins covered with gold spikes making her way towards us. Her long dark hair is layered and highlighted with auburn streaks, and her makeup looks as if it’s been airbrushed. She’s flawless. She smiles brightly as she approaches and I notice her eyes are gorgeously blue, like clear waters off a tropical island. Her body is ridiculous- curvaceous yet toned. I feel like a pervert admiring her so intently so I plaster on my own smile, and step back a bit to get out of the way.

“Aurora! You’re here!” Morgan squeals. They embrace and Aurora air kisses each of Morgan’s cheeks.

“Aurora this is my best friend Gabriella. Gabs, Aurora is the client I was telling you about. The one who hooked us up with the tickets.” I smile genuinely at Aurora and extend my hand to her. Aurora meets it with her own perfectly manicured hand and a slight jolt shoots through me from my fingertips crawling up my arm, causing me to retract. Aurora’s expression grows dark just a fraction but she recovers, though she’s looking at me quizzically.

“Oh, sorry, must be the static,” I shrug uncomfortably.

“Yes, must be,” Aurora replies, still gazing at me questioningly. She plasters on a rigid smile and looks back to Morgan. I feel like an idiot.

“I am so glad you came. The owner is here and like I said, I know him personally,” she gushes. “He’s more of an investor, but he has a good amount of influence on the hiring.”

Morgan’s eyes grow wide with delight. “Ooooh, really? That would be amazing. I mean, look at this place! It’s gorgeous!” I can tell Morgan is feeling buzzed from the champagne. I make a mental note to keep her away; she’s our ride home.

“Come on, I think I spot him over there.” Aurora points towards the rear of the salon, which is a lot larger inside than it appears from the outside. “Wait until you meet him; he is drop dead gorgeous. And between us girls, let’s just say our relationship goes a little beyond professional. I really think he’s the one!” she winks.

We weave through the crowd towards the back where there are several doors leading to different spa treatments. I think there’s even a room for Botox and other procedures since the pamphlet we received boasted their on-sight doctor.