Her Wolf

Chapter 2

The lights outside of the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art could be seen in the sky from miles away. They danced the waltz together as the stars acted as their audience and helped to create the perfect atmosphere for what was sure to be a perfect night.

Catherine’s gifted dress fit her like a glove. There wasn’t a single curve that wasn’t addressed and it acted like a woman’s best friend. Much like the brightening concealer that Glacial Cosmetics produces, the dress worked to hide any areas that she didn’t want to show off and like a highlighter, the dress amplified the assets she knew would work in her favor.

“It’s a beautiful night, Miss Goldberry, and we’ve arrived at the Museum,” the sound of her limo driver’s voice bellowed from the back speaker. “Are you ready to head inside?”

There was a coy smile that stayed etched on her face as she peered through the tinted glass to assess those who were standing on the grand steps of one of Denver’s most sought after buildings of the twenty first century.

“I think I will wait a few moments, Henry,” she replied smoothly. “I always like my entrance to be fashionably late. It garners attention.”

“I don’t think you need to be fashionably late to get attention in that dress, Miss Goldberry,” Henry said. “And I’m not just saying this because I’ve been your driver for three years, but you do look quite beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you, Henry,” Catherine laughed. “I think I’m ready now.”

A short silence filled the limo until the sound of the door opening and a mix of broken chatter caught Catherine’s attention. Like the gentleman that Henry was, he offered his hand generously to help her from her seat and respectfully tilted his hat towards her.

“I’ll be here in the parking lot in case something happens and you need to get on out of dodge,” he joked. “I hope you find what you’re looking for. I know your parents would be proud of you looking out for the animals. I miss them too.”

A large lump formed in the back of Catherine’s throat as she listened to Henry talk about her parents. He was the only one who spent time with the both of them before their accident and she pushed to the tips of her toes to kiss his cheek.

“Thanks, Henry,” she said quietly.

The walk to the main entrance of the museum was short and Catherine could feel the eyes of everyone on her. “This is a feeling I didn’t miss,” she thought to herself as she watched as a look of lust crossed over one man’s features and a look of contempt crossed a woman’s. “It’s just jealousy, that’s all. They don’t dislike you as a person, they don’t know you. They want to be you and if they knew you were the one that created the lipstick on their lips, the way they looked at you would be closer to the way a man does.”

Catherine managed to catch the wandering eye of people wherever she went. Some knew her face from marketing, others had no idea who she was, but each time she repeated the same mantra. “A life of positivity is what I want,” she said to herself more often than not. “They can only tear me down if I let them.”

She didn’t believe in women being looked at as simply objects of desire, but she knew that most times that’s how she was perceived and that very perception brought negativity.

*****

The main hall of the Museum of Contemporary Art was bigger than Catherine had expected. The room was decorated in white, black and gold while the tiled floor beneath her designer heels practically sparkled. Each table was numbered and adorned with tall centerpieces made of what looked to be black feathers.

“They most certainly are fake, they would have to be, given the fundraiser,” she mused, her piercing blues moving effortlessly around the room to assess the décor further. “Whoever designed this knew what they were doing.”

Music bellowed lightly from the stage where a small jazz band stood on display and Catherine watched the way one of the musician’s fingers tapped elegantly along his saxophone. The gentleman behind the grand piano tossed a wink towards her and she dipped her head in polite acknowledgment.

More of the guests were beginning to file in, each person looking more elaborate than the next. The gold balloons that were hanging at the ceiling caused smiles to brighten and eyes to turn towards the ceiling. It became a magical moment, one that people felt all too honored to be a part of.

“All of Colorado’s most persuasive and powerful society must be here tonight,” Catherine thought as her eyes rested on the serene face of a middle-aged woman. “Even the Congresswoman of the first district.”

Catherine followed the lead of the other guests and found her way to a massive table that was hard to miss. Her elegantly manicured finger scrolled down a guest list that indicated she was at table number three.

Her brow furrowed.

“Table number three?” She murmured quietly. “It’s like I’ve been personally invited by the host. It’s a wonder I’m not at a double digit table.”

“Maybe you were invited personally,” a husky voice resonated and Catherine veered on her toes. “I can see why someone would want you on their guest list.”

“Is he chatting me up?” Catherine thought and she breathed in a deep breath of air and exhaled slowly, giving herself a moment to gather her thoughts. “You heard that? You must have good hearing.”

“Like a wolf,” the man answered with a smug tone. “My name is Ryan Metcalfe.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ryan Metcalfe,” Catherine broadcasted one of her famous smiles and brushed her finger across her forearm. “You’re very striking,” she thought to herself as she left Ryan hanging for more words. His hair was a sandy brown and folded over to the side, while his eyes were a fiery green that held a perfect amount of mischief. The tuxedo he wore showed the definition of his muscles just enough to cause Catherine to think about what might be hidden beneath. She gave him credit for that, it’s the exact reason why she wore the dress she did. “I’m Catherine Goldberry.”