Off Limits, Brother's Best Friend Chapter 65

Chapter 65: I Just Want To Make A Good Impression 

Brianna

I knew this was a rare and unique opportunity to get a glimpse into the lives of the elites and network with people I could potentially work for some days. Or who could befriend me and lead me to the kind of people I want to work with. Callan told me he knew some people, though he hasn't specified on who, I have never been so nervous to attend a party before. He was doing me a huge favor and I am glad my brother agreed to it. It shows me he takes my dreams of a career in fashion seriously, something our father didn't do.

I had chosen this gown because it was elegant but had small details like the slit in my leg and the cut out back that made it less stuffy. The sparkle of the white fabric was mainly to make me stand out in a well lit venue, just the location, I knew the place would be impressive and it was. Upon arriving, you would think you were walking into a wedding or something. Everything was so elegant and over done, it was a white tie event so the outfit was immaculate and the peo held their heads high with confidence. They laughed and partied the way I envisioned socialites do, everyone felt self important and you can tell when you scan the room. The girl who party this is named Ava Ibrahim, she is the daughter of Callan's associate. The girl has a pointed nose, small chin and carried herself with poise. Poise was my nice way of putting it, she looked bitchy. She greeted him too comfortably which made me wonder the nature of their actual relationship.

Of course, I said nothing about it, I was barely even tajin in the details of this part. I was so focused on scanning faces to see if I recognized anyone of importance and I know the room hosted a lot of elegant decorum. I know friends of friends would come say hello to Callan and the men  would try to impress him and the women would try to touch him. It all blurred into another as I waited for the networking to begin. I want this so bad, I want to be in the fashion world.

“Brianna?” I felt Callan's warm hand at the small of my back and when I glanced up at him from my perfectly curled lashes that I spent a good amount of time on, he scanned my face with those beautiful eyes of his.

“Relax,” he reminded me.

“I just want to make a good impression.” I said with a sigh.

“And you will, but not if you are zoned out and nervous. You haven't looked at a single thing in here.” He pointed out, I blushed, though it can't be seen through my perfectly placed makeup.

“Let's get you a drink.” He said, leading me to the side of the room that has a very long mahogany bar. The liquor behind the bartender almost glowed with the way the light was set to illuminate from beneath them.

“One of my friends is a woman, she is a stylist and as far as I know she worked with some designers and magazines. I think you would find it impressive, I know you have an infatuation with Vogue and her name or Elizabeth.” He said and my eyes snapped up at him. 

How does he even know that? I guess when he took me to dinner that one time I was rambling about a lot of things. I had mentioned my dream of working as a vogue stylist and eventually becoming a designer to make my own clothing. I guess he listened. For some reason, I was sure he had. He always appears so disinterested that you would think he wasn't absorbing the information in the slightest.

“Elizabeth Addams?” I repeated quietly to myself.

“You should have told me, you didn't mention her so I didn't look a single thing up about her.” I got nervous again.

He grabbed my chin, forcing my eyes to focus on him and my hands to stop fidgeting.

“I didn't know she would be here but I just spotted her across the room. You don't need to know anything about her, this isn't an interview. I am going to talk you up and let her get curious about you, not the other way around, alright?” 

He was so calm and stoic, I can see why he was good in the world of business. The way he carries himself makes you want to know him and impress him without knowing why you even want to do that. He said he wants her to be intrigued about me, not the other way around. How can he manage that when I have no credentials? When the bartender handed me my drink, I took a pretty large gulp of it. He was studying me which didn't help my nerves in any way. I do see him in suits often, but he has outdone himself. He is in an exquisite tailored suit, and his five o'clock shadow is well kept and his cologne caresses me each time he leans close to me. He even smells expensive and refined, his hair is combed and he looks like he was meant to be here while I feel like a fraud. Bryce bought me this dress, he knew I wanted to look good and not embarrassed myself. He knew if I didn't show up in a designer gown that I wouldn't look impressive.

Bryce has been more than generous to me and I appreciate it so much. The dress is from a designer and I know it cost more than I should have let him pay but I will pay him back one day. When I looked down at myself, Callan noticed and leaned into me until his lips were beside the shell of my ear.

“They don't even come close.” He whispered to me, eyeing some women in the distance who stood in a semi-circle laughing. They stood as though they were on display, and my insides fluttered at his words. I glanced up at him to see if he was being serious, the little girl in me never believes anyone who says so.

“Here she comes.” He redirected my attention.

A woman who appeared to be in her late forties came walking over in a lovely gown, her earrings were chunky and definitely real gold and her hair was shoulder length and professionally blown out. Her lips were thin which made her look serious as she approached us. I could already sense her aura, a classy high fashion woman with an urban and sophisticated disposition.

“Callan, hello?” She came and gave a double cheeks kiss to the man standing so self assured in front of me.

“Elizabeth, I didn't know you would be here. It has been a long time.” He greeted her back politely. Her eyes took in his appearance and the woman patted his arm.

“Always dressed so sharp.” She whispered.

“Elizabeth, this is Brianna. I think you two would get along nicely. She is a recent fashion school graduate and she is quite talented.” He said to her, though he doesn't even know if that was true. The woman's eyes snapped over to me as though she only just noticed I was here.

Sure enough, her eyes took in my full appearance and it is in her nature to want to see how a person is dressed. It is her job and if she isn't impressed then I am already failing.

“A friend of Callan Harold wouldn't be anything less than impressive I am sure.” She held her hand out to shake mine.

“Mrs. Addams, it is lovely to meet you.” I smiled, she noted that I had used her last name when Callan hadn't introduced her that way.

“Do we know each other?” She asked.

“No, ma'am, I know briefly that you have a style for vogue. I am an avid follower of the magazine and the styles featured.” I replied, she hummed in agreement.

“Where did you graduate from?” She asked.

I began telling her about it in brief bullet points to keep her interested and not bored with me. I mentioned the school I attended and she asked how my grades were, I graduated as one of the top of my class and that seems to impress her. She asked if I have styled anyone of significance. I told her about the time I won my classes competition and got to attend a runway show where they let me in on the stylist work. I don't have much credentials to post all that. Once she was done asking questions, Callan stepped in. He saw I was still nervous and unsure how to go about networking to the point of mentioning wanting to find work.

“Brianna is looking to enter the field here in Port Harcourt. If you hear of anyone looking for an intern, you let me know, Elizabeth. I know you are still top of the line here.” He winked at her.