Overture (Rain Dance, Book 1) (Rain Dance Series) Read Free Page B

made use of the
one color. This time it consisted of a sleeveless dress with a lightly pleated
skirt and matching pumps. Proper, but simple enough that I wouldn't stand out.
After putting on my stockings, I fixed my hair in a simple half-up, half-down
style. My makeup was kept to a minimum, just enough to highlight certain
features. I was lucky enough to have clear skin, so all I needed was a little
eyeliner, some mascara, and tinted lip balm.
             From
my closet, I pulled out a heavy black coat - originally over two hundred
dollars, but I got it for a steal at only twenty-five dollars while thrifting.
I had to sew a few buttons back on, but it was well worth it. After grabbing a
matching purse, I checked myself over in the mirror to make sure I looked okay
before calling for a cab.
     

     
          My mind was
elsewhere during the ride over, resting quietly while my body moved on its own.
It was easier this way. If I thought too hard, it would lead to panic. But it
was also out of habit that I did this. It was my approach to most things in
life that involved the outside world.
          Elsewhere must
have been really far this time because I didn't even remember walking through
the doors of the Luxadigm. But suddenly I was here, trying to remember what
for.
          Clean. That was my first thought as I studied my surroundings. Even the air I was
breathing seemed fresher than it had outdoors. The ground was made of
cream-colored marble, as were the walls, but in a slightly dark shade. There
was a large staircase to the left of the lobby leading to a second floor that
appeared to be open to the public. Opposite of where I stood, further in the
distance, was a set of turnstiles. A large hallway formed just beyond them, and
I could see that it led to another open area. The decor was mostly colored in
various shades of brown with golden accents. Overall, the inside was somehow
simple yet grand all at once.
          When I realized
I was standing there gawking like a fool, I quickly began making my way to the
information desk towards the right. I almost stopped in my tracks when I saw
the pristine woman who was seated there. She was young, around my age,
probably. Her frizz-free, white-blonde hair was pulled into a tight bun. When
she looked up to smile at me, I had to force myself to keep walking. It
shouldn't have been possible, but her face seemed to be perfectly symmetrical.
With her grey-blue eyes, silky-smooth skin, and glossy pink lips, I had to
wonder if she was a model. If not, she would be once I started painting her.
          Smiling back, I
informed her of who I was.
          "Of
course. One moment, please." Her voice was surprisingly soft, but very
clear and precise.
          A few seconds
later, she stood and began leading me through the turnstiles to the area beyond
the hallway. Even in my heels, this woman towered over me. I sighed inwardly,
feeling very small - in more ways than one.
          She stopped in
front of the elevator that was furthest away. It was different from the others,
which were all situated together. Also, this one happened to be guarded by a
brawny man of some mixed ethnicity. He paid us no mind.
          "Patricia
will be expecting you on the top floor," the young woman informed me with
a slight bow after she hit the call button.
          Top floor?
Whoa. "Thank you," I answered kindly, trying to hide the new bout
of nervousness.
          I entered the
elevator and pressed for the highest floor before checking my phone for the
time. I had seven minutes until five-thirty, and I was in no way prepared. What
kind of questions would they ask? Most of my art-related transactions were done
online, not in person. I didn't know what to expect, especially from a place
like this. Taking a deep breath, I pulled off my coat and folded it into my
arms. I was going to need to cling to something if I was going to get through
this. Just smile and don't look