THE BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS

TWENTY-THREE (RUBY POV)

"What's wrong? I ask for the second time while we wait in line, our hosts have hung a massive fake magazine cover from a wall and all guests have to pose in front of it, they're supposed to choose the best pic to be the real cover of the next month issue. If we win this context, it'll be a great opportunity for me and a good promotion for my modeling career but I don't think Iselen will be happy seeing her face in every news stand in this country.

"I'm sorry, you look beautiful tonight, I can't stop looking at you," she admits smiling and I stare at her in disbelief, blushing.

"It's me, the usual Ruby, Bluma is the one who has good taste. She's done a great job with my hair and makeup this evening. This Halston dress is wonderful..."

"Bluma is a very talented artist but she had a good canvas to work with," Iselen replies putting her hand on my lower back and touching me through the silk fabric. Her touch and the warmth of her skin send a shiver down my spine as usual. "Did you have fun?"

"My ribs hurt because I laughed for hours," I answer smiling too. "That woman can tell you thousands of funny stories, her life was so interesting and intense... she should write a book." Suddenly, I bite my lower lip when I realize what I've said... I don't know if Bluma has enough time to write a biography; damn it, I don't want to cry again. We're supposed to have fun tonight.

"I told her the same years ago and she answered she'd think about it... It's our turn." Iselen smooths out the wrinkles on her mint green pantsuit carefully and poses with confidence standing right next to me while photographers yell at us to draw our attention, she's not wearing a shirt but has picked out her most gorgeous bra, embroidered with gold thread, and sometimes I catch a glimpse of the cream lace when she moves. And other guests can see it too... I noticed some of them were looking at her out of the corner of their eyes admiringly.

Most of people here know who she is and what she does for a living, of course, Iselen arouses morbid curiosity and gets lot of criticism, some of these idiots still believe she's some kind of high-class prostitute for kinky clients looking for excitement in their boring lives. Fortunately, she's helped lot of powerful people and they like her, they're grateful and protect the Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Additionally, her critics aren't brave and talk shit about her behind her back but they'll never dare do the same to her face and say what they think about her openly. Madame would destroy them with a grin of contempt and a witty comment, that's for sure, they'd be publicly shamed.

"Well, it wasn't that bad, it's over already," my girlfriend admits smiling and nodding nonstop because some people we know are greeting us scattered around the room. "Do you want a drink?"

"Yes, I think I need a drink to swallow this canape," I answer scrunching my nose while chewing. "The bread is soggy and the eggplant too mushy."

"You're right, this food doesn't look appetizing at all." Iselen looks at the trays suspiciously and shakes her head when a waitress offers us small shrimp pies. "Belmont would die from a heart attack before serving food like this. White wine?" I take the glass and drink gratefully, sighing relieved.

"Do you have news about... you know who?" I whisper and she nods.

"Gustav has been in touch with her agent, they got to Switzerland without incident and the woman is already in the clinic. Doctors told the family she'll be there for at least six months... Maybe I should've done more things for her and help her somehow, you know. I didn't realize she was that bad. I thought she was just another Hollywood spoiled brat, that her bad attitude was part of her personality but it was her way of seeking attention and asking for help, probably. The atmosphere in this city is too frivolous and competitive at the same time and celebs like you are under a lot of pressure... I shouldn't take anything for granted concerning my clients' problems... but my mind was too busy thinking about other things..."