Chapter 3 Dance

• ~ SIERRA's POV ~
• “Oh my God! I’m not seriously walking out there in front of all those people, am I?”
• Sierra was freaking out behind the curtains as she watched the hundreds and thousands of people standing at her party. Everyone who was anyone was in attendance. There were politicians, celebrities, and prominent families from all over the state. Everyone was so beautifully and impeccably dressed, holding glasses of champagne, and talking about their last trip to the south of France.
• Sierra was definitely overwhelmed by all of this. Her cousin Rose’s coming out party wasn’t even half this extravagant. Her dad went completely extra with this one. Crystal chandeliers were hanging on the ceiling, beautiful flowers and linen adorned the room, and a full orchestra band was playing music on stage.
• “Don’t worry, sweetheart, it’s gonna be fine,” Sierra’s dad smiled reassuringly, holding onto her hand. “I’ll be walking right with you,”
• “But—“
• “Smile, sweetie. It’s time,”
• Before Sierra could protest some more, the tall curtains pulled open and revealed the entire crowd before her eyes. The paparazzi were snapping pictures left and right while her dad took her hand and led her to the stage. Sierra couldn’t do anything but follow her dad under these blinding lights. She forced out a smile and took careful steps, her only mission was not to fall in front of all these people as she walked in her heels and golden satin dress.
• “Please put your hands together for Miss Sierra Adeline Ascott, escorted by her father, Henri Maximillian Ascott!” the emcee announced and the whole room erupted in claps and cheers.
• The smile on Sierra’s face grew wider as she got a little more accustomed to her surroundings. She smiled and waved her hand gracefully, just like her father told her to. Amongst the crowd, Sierra spotted Rosie and her boyfriend, Ethan, and they were waving happily at her. Sierra was full-on smiling now. Rosie mouthed that she looked beautiful and it made her more confident. From early in the morning today, she had a whole team of hairdressers and make-up artists working with her. Though she never thought that she was beautiful, she definitely felt it right now. Her long blonde hair was loosely curled and her golden dress cascaded down her body perfectly. Sierra’s steps became bolder as she neared the center of the stage. Her heart was still beating like crazy, but she must admit, it felt nice to be celebrated like this.
• Sierra threw her gaze across the room and saw all the people that were looking back at her. There were definitely some cute guys in the crowd, and they were smiling at her. This made her blush instinctively and looked down. Her cheeks went rosy pink and her perfectly curled hair fell to cover her face.
• “Look up, sweetheart,” her dad whispered to her ear, tucking the strand of hair away. “You look beautiful. You have to let the world see it,”
• “Oh my God, dad,” Sierra blushed even more.
• “Just smile and wave,” Henri chuckled. “Smile and wave,”
• Sierra took a deep breath and followed her dad’s command. She looked up to see the crowd of people, smiled at the cameras, and waved.
• “And now, please clear the dance floor for the father and daughter dance,” the emcee called and people began making room in the middle of the grand ballroom.
• Henri took her daughter’s hand and led her to the dance floor. The slow music began to play and Sierra danced with her father. They had practiced this dance several times before. Ballroom dancing wasn’t a difficult thing for Sierra to do, but since everyone’s eyes were on them, she couldn’t help but feel nervous.
• “Don’t be nervous,” her dad said as if he could read her mind. “You’re doing great,”
• “Really?” she looked up at him.
• “Yes,” he smiled reassuringly. “I mean look at all the guys here, they’re all here admiring you,”
• “Oh, stop,” Sierra rolled her eyes and laughed. There were actresses and models in the room. Surely, she couldn’t be the center of attention.
• “You don’t believe me?” her dad asked challengingly. “Look over there,”
• Sierra whipped her head around to see a guy walking over to her. He was probably in his early twenties, he had dark curly hair, and he was wearing a navy three-piece suit. For some reason, he reminded her of Andy Samberg in his younger days.
• “Hi, good evening, Mr. Ascott, Miss Ascott,” the guy greeted them.
• “Greg, how are you, how’s your dad?” Sierra’s dad stretched out his hand and smiled. They seemed friendly with each other. He must’ve known him well.
• “He’s doing well, sir. He’s in a business meeting in Dubai as of right now,” Greg answered.
• “Great, well, tell him I said hi,”
• “I will. But in the meantime, I was wondering if I can have a dance with your daughter?”
• Sierra’s eyes jolted open and she threw her dad a look.
• “It’s up to you,” her dad said.
• Sierra glanced back at Greg and he was smiling at her. Sierra could feel her heart rate quickening.
• “Uh, sure, okay,” she said.
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• - - - - - To be continued - - - - -