Shattered Illusions

VALERIE

Roman protests about ruining my perfect makeup.

I ignore his token resistance. "Good thing I keep my compact in my purse."

I grab the small clutch, extract the mirror, and toss the rectangular object onto the leather side table. My bare legs shake a little as I stand up straight, but I push through the lingering tremors. I let my heavy, expensive red dress slip from my shoulders. The r