Vivienne's phone buzzed with text messages from Claire throughout the day. She had kept it mum about just whose party she was going to, but her new friend was obviously curious. Since the meeting, she had met with Claire a few times in the city for lunch or drinks after work. It was nice to have someone to talk to about the new found portion of her life that she wasn't quite able to talk to anyone else about. "You better be careful and text me when you get home so I know you're okay!" Claire texted back. Vivienne smiled. A woman stood behind her, curling her hair carefully for her as she sat in a black leather chair, legs crossed. She didn't always hire a stylist or makeup artist for events but she wanted to look her absolute best tonight. She was going to his house... a black tie affair at a vampire's home. Considering how gorgeous he was she could only imagine what vampire women may look like. She didn't want to show up looking anything less than she could. She wanted to walk in feeling beautiful and confident and she didn't want to give Piers an opportunity to look at anyone else.
As she responded to Claire's text message another text pinged through, from Piers. "I'm sending a driver to pick you up at 6pm. I apologize that I can't escort you myself but there are a few things here that need my attention." Vivienne smiled at his formality even through a simple text message and she quickly texted him back. "I completely understand and it's no problem at all. I'll see you soon."
When the stylist was finished curling her hair and setting everything in place, Vivienne stood to look at herself in the mirror. She thanked the stylist multiple times before taking one last look. She'd chosen a maroon gown that was off the shoulders with a sweetheart neckline and a very high slit that went all the way up past her hip bone. She'd chosen simple nude heels and a delicate diamond necklace with large, diamond earrings. The stylist had curled her hair and pinned one side so that most of the long, brown curls fell down her left side and her back. She felt her heart beating faster, fluttering as she looked at herself in the mirror, thinking about what was going to happen tonight. "I feel so nervous." She said quietly, honestly. "You look absolutely stunning, Miss Westing."
Vivienne spun around, not even having heard the door open and Oliver enter. "Really, Oliver? You think so? It's not too much, is it?" She asked, smoothing her hands over the front of her dress. She was starting to feel nauseous at the thought of not measuring up to whatever standards were to be upheld. Oliver smiled warmly and nodded. "Radiant, Miss Westing." His smile and voice were so soothing and genuine that it set her at ease and she heaved a sigh of relief. She couldn't explain it but anytime Oliver told her something, she knew it to be true. She could trust him and anything h told her. There was never a doubt for Vivienne.
A bell rang through the house and Vivienne knew the visitor must be the driver, ready to take her to the soiree. "It's time, Vivienne." Vivienne flicked her eyes quickly to Oliver. Finally he called her by her first name. She smiled and walked towards him, giving him a small hug. Oliver stiffened, unfamiliar with such close contact. "Thank you, Oliver. For everything. Always." She said softly in his ear and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. Oliver was her protector. He was the one that was always there for her, no matter what. Tonight was no exception. He always knew what to say when she needed it the most. Oliver turned to gaze at her before nodding stiffly and adjusting his glasses. "I... Yes, Miss Westing." He said, trying to compose himself.
Vivienne carefully descended the large marble staircase towards the foyer and the front door. The maids smiled approvingly as she approached and opened the large double wooden doors. "Hello Miss Vivienne Westing. I'm Carlo, I'm here to escort you to Mr. Volta's residence." Vivienne stared at him for a moment. It was the first time hearing Piers' last name. "Yes... thank you." She finally said with a smile. He lent his hand and she took it as she walked down the stone steps outside of the house to enter the black SUV waiting for her a few steps away.