AllFreeNovel
Share Us
That makes sense. “But I’m going as your plus one?” I reach out and stroke the satin sash of one of the dresses in front of me, and try to think of how to ask what I really want to ask.Am I going as your assistant or your date?
In my mind’s eye, I see myself in this dress, waltzing with Blackthroat in front of a glamorous crowd. My heart squeezes so tight, I can’t breathe.
“It's easier to slip you in that way,” he says, and my Cinderella fantasy pops, even as my breathing comes easier.
What does he mean,slip me in?
He means I don’t belong in a room full of billionaires. I don’t belong with the uppercrust of Manhattan society.
Well, screw him. I’m going to fool every last person there. “You’re paying for my dress?” I ask coolly.
“Company policy.” He sounds bored.
Good. I will go designer, all the way.
“I need you to memorize the guest list while they’re doing your hair and makeup.”
Hair and makeup? That explains the appointment at the spa.
“Understood, sir.” I roll with it, like I’m totally accustomed to getting my hair and makeup done before I go to charity balls.
“This is a public event. I need you looking your best. You’ll be on my arm the whole night.”
“As your assistant,” I clarify because this is sounding more and more like a date.
“Yes,” he clips. “Unless you’re angling to get fired.”
“So my choices are to come to the ball as your plus one or get fired?” We’re dancing close to the edge of what HR will find inappropriate again.
“I’ll pick you up at the boutique.” He hangs up.
The mirror opposite me shows a Cinderella in a very nice coat, two seconds away from steam coming out of her ears.
You’ll never believe this,I text Aubrey.Tonight I’m going to the BFFB.
She calls me a second later. “Really?” Sounds of the espresso maker and chattering coffee-shop customers muffle her voice, but she sounds breathless.
She hates pomp and circumstance, but we used to drool over the photos of the BFFB. The foundation is primarily about environmentalism and land preservation, but each year they sponsor a few promising young artists–and rumor has it Aubrey is on the shortlist for the next grant.
“Last minute notice. Apparently my boss thinks my presence is necessary.” I drop my voice. “I’m accompanying him on his plus one ticket.”
“No way,” Aubrey sounds as shocked as I feel. “As his employee? Or his…” She doesn’t saydate,but a quiver runs through me. Brick Blackthroat’s date. I like the sound of that. Too much.
“He said I would be there to act as his assistant, but… he’s paying for my dress. And hair. And makeup.”
“Huh.”
“Yeah. I’m at the boutique now.” I name one of the designer labels I saw.
“Are you serious? I love that designer! They did the costumes for the new jukebox musical, the one with all eighties bands. Maybe you can score some go-go boots for our act.”
“We already have go-go boots. I’ve got to go. Big Bad Boss requires me to pick a dress.” I’ve found a slash of red satin in the sea of jewel tones, and when I pull out the dress, I see it’s perfect. When I describe it to Aubrey, she cackles. “Do it. My God. I wish I could see his face.”
I walk out carrying the ball gown. Damien whirls to greet me and raises his brows when I hold up my choice. “I want this one.”
“Red? The theme is black and white.”
“Then I’ll stand out.” Blackthroat wants toslip me in.He can forget it.I’ll be there like I own the place. And I won’t let him forget it.
