Fish Out of Water

I was wearing a silk dress that was too tight, too sparkly, and much too costly for me when I stood in front of the mirror the following morning. With the makeup artist's efforts changing my face into something I hardly knew, my reflection gazed back at me. Despite the gown's glittering beneath the gentle lighting, my stomach twisted too much to conceal it.

I whispered to myself, "This isn't me."

From behind, Cole's silky voice cut in, "It doesn't have to be you." "It must simply appear to be you."

Startled, I turned around. His well-tailored suit was as perfect as ever as he stood in the walk-in closet doorway. For a brief time, I believed I saw something melt in his eyes as his glance swept over me.

With a faint smile pulling at his lips, he remarked, "You clean up well."

"I'm glad you approve," I said, attempting to conceal my uneasiness.

"Are you ready?" he inquired in a more solemn tone.

No, I wasn't. Nevertheless, I nodded.

---

The expensive country club where the luncheon was held virtually shouted money. The tables were decked up with ornate floral arrangements that likely cost more than my rent each month, and crystal chandeliers glistened above.

Feeling like a fraud, I followed Cole inside the room. The floor felt unstable under my borrowed heels as if it would collapse at any second.

As we walked in, the photoshopped grins and flawless hair of the socialites turned to stare at us. I could tell they were referring to me without hearing the words as whispers echoed through the room.

Cole spoke softly in my ear as he leaned down. "Have your chin up. They can detect fear.

It was simple for him to say. This was where he belonged. The outsider was me.

Cole pulled out a chair for me as we walked to the table. The motion seemed improvised as if it were a component of the performance we were performing. I took a seat with my hands firmly clenched in my lap and my back straight.

A sweet voice called out, "Cole."

Kaitlyn emerged, her body clothed in a high-end gown that fit her like it was custom-made. Before focusing on me, she flashed him a brilliant smile.

"And Aria," she added in a soft, syrupy voice. "It's great to see you again."

My flesh crawled as she whispered my name.

"Likewise," I said, feigning a kind grin.

She sat in the seat across from me and looked at me as if I were a work of art that needed to be critiqued. "That clothing has a wonderful quality. Is it a local thing?

I took a bite out of my cheek. Indeed. from a downtown boutique.

Her eyes did not meet her widening smile. "How charming."

Like nails on a chalkboard, the other women at the table laughed gently. Even though my face was burning, I remained calm.

In a little but surprising motion, Cole's palm touched mine beneath the table. He gave me an almost imperceptible nod as I looked at him.

His voice pierced the tension as he added, "It's refreshing." "Aria's style is distinct." It fits her.

Kaitlyn's smile wavered, but she soon got it back. "Obviously. It's always pleasant to see something new.

The discussion continued, but I couldn't get rid of the sensation that I was being evaluated and judged to be deficient.

---

I excused myself to take a breather as the luncheon continued to drag on. With their well-kept hedges and sun-glinting fountains, the grounds outside were breathtaking. I rested against the stone railing in a peaceful corner and released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

Kaitlyn's voice broke the silence, "You're holding up better than I expected."

She was standing a few steps away with a glass of champagne in her hand when I turned around.

"Kaitlyn, is there anything you need?" With a firm voice, I asked.

Her shoes clicked against the stone as she stepped closer. "I just wanted to offer you some helpful guidance."

I crossed my arms and said, "Let me guess." "You're going to warn me about Cole's potential for difficulty."

A smile curved her lips, but it stopped short of her eyes. "Oh, no. You're probably already working that out. You should be aware, though. Not everyone is meant for this planet. Before you even realize it, it can eat you up and spit you out.

"I appreciate your concern," I said sourly. "But I'm capable of managing myself."

"Can you?" she tilted her head in question. "Because you look like a fish out of water from where I'm standing."

I didn't want her to see how hurtful her remarks were. I looked into her eyes and responded, "Maybe I am." A fish can learn to swim, though.

For an instant, I thought I saw something like astonishment in Kaitlyn's eyes as her smile wavered. However, it vanished as swiftly as it appeared.

She turned to go, saying, "We'll see." "Good luck, Aria. It will be necessary.

---

After spending some time in the garden attempting to gather myself, I went back inside. The mood had changed by the time I made it back to the table.

Cole was standing there talking to a man I didn't recognize, his face strained. Whatever the man was saying wasn't good, and his voice was low but frantic.

I overheard the finish of their chat as I got closer.

The man remarked, "... already in the papers." "It's no longer just conjecture."

Cole's mouth clenched. "I'll take care of it."

"What should I handle?" I moved closer and asked.

Cole's face softened a little as both men turned to face me. "There's nothing to be concerned about," he stated in a calm yet authoritative tone.

After giving Cole a suspicious look, the man left us alone and left.

"What was that about?" I pushed.

Cole paused, looking into my eyes. "It's... complex."

I crossed my arms and muttered, "That's not an answer."

Kaitlyn reappeared before he could reply, her face smug. "Is there already trouble in paradise?"

I put Cole first and disregarded her. "What's happening?"

He gave me a look, and I briefly believed he was going to dismiss me once more. However, he moved in closer as his shoulders began to droop a little.

"We must depart," he murmured. "Now."

I felt my spine tingle at the desperation in his voice. "Why? What is going on?

Taking my hand, he continued, "I'll explain later." "Just have faith in me."