Free The Bad Twin by Shelia Goss Page A

was going to be in the red for at least another year.  Before the dancing was to begin, it was Violet’s duty to announce the opening of the dance floor. “Hello everybody. Once again, I would like to thank you all for coming and we at Community Affairs appreciate everything you all have done. Thanks to those who gave their money and to those who have signed up to donate their time.  This was the most successful charity ball yet, so give yourselves a hand and let the party begin.”
    As she walked from the podium, she felt someone’s eyes on her. She ignored the feeling and took the hand Marcus extended towards her. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “May I have the first dance?”
    They danced to the next couple of songs and were leaving the dance floor, when the DJ played the newest version of the electric slide. “I don’t know where you’re going mister, but let me show you how it’s really done,” Violet said grabbing Marcus’ hand.
    When the song ended, Violet excused herself to the ladies room.  She was feeling bubbly from the champagne and from having fun with Marcus. She was applying some more lipstick, when she became startled to see not one, but two exact faces staring at her in the reflection of the mirror. She turned around and instead of her normal reaction of tensing up she gave Rose a hug.
    Rose was stunned and didn’t react immediately to the hug. She found herself hugging Violet back. “You look so gorgeous,” Rose commented.
    “Rose, I didn’t expect you here.”
    “I came with Lance and I didn’t expect such a warm greeting.”
    “Lance. Lance King, the music mogul?”
    “One in the same. His sister works with you.”
    “Yes, his sister and I are good friends.”
    They continued to talk as if they were friends catching up. Violet looked at her watch again as other women started to pile in the bathroom. “I guess I better get out of here, before they send a search party out looking for me. I’m glad you came.”
    “See you later,” Rose responded.
    Violet didn’t respond to Rose’s last comment. She continued to walk out of the door. She surprised herself with her open affections toward Rose.  “Maybe there’s hope for us after all,” she commented to herself.
    The rest of the night went by well and even though Rose and Violet didn’t hold another conversation, they occasionally glanced at one another. Marcus tried to be attentive and noticed a change in Violet. Violet reassured him she was okay. “I’m tired from preparing for the ball.”
    “Baby, we could leave now if you’re ready.”
    “No, I can’t leave until the last person does.”
    Janice overheard them. “Go ahead. You’ve done more than enough of your share of work. Terrence and I can make sure everything closes down properly.”
    “Terrence, are you okay with this?”
    “Yes. You guys go ahead. We got this. Now go.”
    Violet and Janice hugged. Violet whispered in her ear, “Glad to see you’ve finally warmed up to Terrence.”
    Janice stuttered, “I…well, he’s grown on me.”
    “I see,” Violet said, looking in Terrence’s direction.
    Violet and Marcus walked away.
    As they were waiting for the valet to bring their cars around, David walked out with his date and Rose was walking behind him with Lance. Violet saw the scene and felt as if the walls were closing in on her. “Oh no,” she blurted.
    Marcus leaned over and whispered, “What’s wrong baby?”
    “Look,” she said, turning her head towards Rose and David’s direction.
    “There’s your car. You don’t have to acknowledge them. Come on. Let’s just get you in your car.”
    No one had noticed her until the petite woman David was with, pointed and made a statement, “Both of your women are here. I never would have believed it, if I didn’t see it for myself.”
    Rose was standing behind David by now and questioned his date. “Excuse me and you are?”
    Marcus touched Violet’s arm and motioned for her to move.