Free A Memory Unchained by Gloria Graham Page B

it
    off! As she held the beautiful gown in front of her, it gave her a chill! Pamela felt honored to be wearing his beautiful blue chiffon gown.
    She felt like Cinderella going to the ball. She had al-
    ways enjoyed lovely clothes, nice places and fashionable
    affairs, but this was the coupe de grace! She smiled as she remembered how Rex had noticed her admiration of the

    82 __________________Gloria Graham
    dress.
    The ride to the party in the elegant limousine made
    her feel very special again. Rex had a way of doing that
    for her.
    She felt nervous as she walked into the room. The
    party was being held at the most fashionable Ritz Hotel
    with its magnificent stone arches. Its opulence is said to have created the word “ritzy.” Hemingway once hoped
    that heaven would be as good as the Ritz. Pamela smiled
    thinking, “Now I know exactly what he meant.”
    The ballroom was breathtaking, a winding staircase,
    ornately hand carved, had orchids entwined along the
    handrail. A magnificent crystal chandelier graced the center of the lobby glistening brilliantly. Her eyes couldn’t take in everything. The hum of people talking and laughing
    in small groups around the room was different from the
    noisy parties in New York.
    Suddenly, the room became quiet. She felt embarrassed,
    as all eyes seemed to be on her. Pamela swallowed hard and felt her face flush! A familiar voice from the crowd relieved her tension. Rex walked up and affectionately kissed her
    on the cheek, took her by the hand and led her to the
    center of the room. Thank goodness she sighed. He was
    a welcome sight.
    “Why is everyone staring at me?” she whispered!
    “Because, my love, you are the most stunning woman
    in the room, and because you are wearing my creation!”
    he laughed.
    “Now that’s an ego trip!” she teased. But the compli-
    ment was just the right thing to say at that moment.
    Pamela felt like her smile was glued on. Her lips were

    A Memory Unchained___________ 83
    dry, even swallowing seemed to be difficult! Everyone who was anyone in Paris was there. Her limited knowledge of
    French had to be traded for just a smile. She knew a smile meant the same in any language.
    Rex excused himself. “A little business, you know
    Chéri.” She squeezed his hand in an all-knowing way.
    Rex busied himself in the important business of per-
    sonal relations. His special full-throated laugh could be heard all over the room. Pamela watched him in awe. He
    was so very special, so sincere and loving. Everyone loved him.
    “Study their faces, remember them,” she told herself.
    “Someday these people will remember me!”
    Rex called her from across the room. He didn’t leave her
    alone with anyone too long. For that she was grateful!
    “Finally, Chéri,” he smiled, “I want you to meet my
    friend, Grant Mondane!”
    Pamela turned to face a very broad shouldered young
    man. He had to be over six feet tall and his clear baby blue eyes were hypnotizing. There was something about him
    that seemed so familiar.
    She sized him up quickly, along with the conclusion
    he was about the age of her Jill!
    Rex introduced them. Grant smiled faintly and then
    quipped, “So, you are the fabulous American designer Rex
    has been babbling about!” He sounded a little curt and as the evening progressed his remarks became more on the
    rude side. He didn’t like her and she knew it!
    Everyone had excused themselves from the table with
    the exception of Pamela and Grant. The silence between
    them was obviously awkward. She shifted nervously in

    84 __________________Gloria Graham
    her chair.
    “Have I done something to displease you Mr. Mon-
    dane?” she asked, deciding silence would never solve the
    problem.
    Grant was surprised at her question. He stammered,
    finding it difficult to answer.
    “No, not really!” he hesitated.
    She knew he was uncomfortable so she tried to ease
    the tension.
    “Rex has taken much too much time entertaining me.
    I feel guilty that