I did my own hair and makeup. Natural, regular. I looked at myself in the mirror and barely recognized the girl staring back.
She looked normal, ordinary, exactly what I wanted. Brandon picked me up, looking handsome in his tailored suit.
When he saw me, something flickered across his face, disappointment, concern, but he smiled and said I looked beautiful.
The drive to the hotel was filled with his nervous chatter about his family. His mother, Clarissa, was particular about things, he said.
His father, Kenneth, was serious and traditional. His sister Natasha could be a bit much, but she meant well.
His cousin Jessica was fun, but had a sharp tongue. All of these should have been red flags.
But I was in love, and love, as I would learn, can make you blind to the truth. We arrived at the Grand View Hotel. The ballroom was spectacular.
Crystal chandeliers, silk drapes, tables covered in white linens, and gold accents. There were easily 200 people there, all dripping in designer labels and expensive jewelry.
The women wore gowns that cost more than most people’s monthly rent.
The men had watches that could buy cars. And then there was me in my pale yellow dress from a regular department store. The stairs started immediately.