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Coffee was finished up soon after as the world finally woke up and the reality of work-life dragged all three of us back to reality. Scarlett didn’t leave my thoughts the entire day and I replayed our night together over and over in my mind. It wasn’t like me to get caught up on someone, but there was something so sweetly endearing about her that I found myself wanting more.
I got that two days later when out of the blue, Scarlett texted me.
“Hey, you’re rich, right? That hotel room was insane. Any chance you can get me into a Gala?”
I’d never said yes so fast in my life.
8
SCARLETT
Reaching out to Lucas was a gamble, but he was the only person in the city I knew, and judging by the Penthouse we ended up in, he definitely had the money to splash.
All rich people knew each other, right? That was how this world seemed to work, at least.
Toby continued to ignore my texts and when I resorted to calls, he ignored those too. For someone eager for me to sign some documents, he was terribly difficult to get a hold of. His silence hadn’t swayed my decision though; I was still more than happy to sign everything away, but I was keeping my house. That was my only stipulation.
And that had to be the reason Toby was refusing to answer me.
If I knew where he lived, I’d turn up on his doorstep and confront him face to face, but his actual address was well hidden online. There were so many Townhouses and homes in the Ashbluff name, there was no way I could work out where exactly he lived.
The only piece of information I was able to secure was Toby Ashbluff’s attendance at a reputable Gala for a children’s charity. Apparently, the Ashbluff’s had been beneficiaries of that Charity since the late Francis – my father – had been alive and it was a well-honored tradition for the head of the family to attend.
Toby would be there. Perhaps the only chance I would have to talk to him face to face. A late-night Google into past Gala’s, however, had shown me that there was no way I was getting in there on my own merit, so reaching out to Lucas was my only chance.
The relief I felt when Lucas agreed immediately, without even asking which Gala or why, was indescribable, and I went to sleep that night with a small smile on my face. Seeing Lucas again wouldn’t be entirely unpleasant.
The next day, a little after lunch, Lucas texted again to let me know he was sending me a car to pick me up. When I asked why, he replied with a cryptic smile emoji, followed by lipstick and the high heel.
Maybe it was a rich guy thing?
Either way, when the car arrived, I was greeted by the driver. He was a tall man dressed in a black and white suit, a light blue bow tie, and a driver’s cap whose brim was polished so finely that I could almost see my reflection.
“Miss Parker?”
“That’s me,” I replied with a polite smile, pulling my tan coat tighter around my body against the bracing chill.
“I’ve been instructed to take you to Lucas Monroe, if that’s alright with you?” His pleasant smile was so soft that I was completely at ease and I nodded.
“Yes, of course.”
To add flair, the driver took my hand and held open the rear door of the town car, guiding me inside. Butter soft tan leather seats greeted me, and I sank into them with a pleased sigh. I ran my fingertips over the seat next to me, admiring the softness and the fine stitching that was merely a whisper against the leather. Gleaming wooden slats decorated the inside of the car; above and below, a gold trim wove its way around every detail, almost like a gilded cage. I admired it all, even the small drinks bar tucked between the two seats braced against the driver’s seat.
If it wasn’t still the afternoon, I’d definitely be tempted.
The drive was unbelievably smooth, nothing compared to the rickety jolts I was used to from my own car. This vehicle moved like a knife cutting its way effortlessly through water, and even the New York City traffic didn’t seem to deter the driver. We barely stopped at all, giving me some time to relax and admire the city as it passed the windows. The car's warmth was enough for me to undo my coat and relax fully.
Eventually, the car came to a stop outside a large department store that sat in darkness. Odd, considering it was in the middle of the city and the middle of the day. The driver appeared at the door and opened it for me, once again offering his hand.
I giggled slightly as I accepted his hand and climbed out of the car.
“I feel like a lady,” I grinned.
“Quite.” The driver ducked his head slightly and then melted from thought as a young woman in a black pencil skirt and peach-ruffled blouse came scurrying out of the store, heading straight for me.
“Miss Parker?”
“Uh, yes?” I frowned briefly, trying to button up my coat. “That’s me.”
