I turned with hope in my step as I walked over to Neal’s and had them take me home.
"Thank you for letting me use you as an alibi," I said, kissing them on the cheek as I leaped out of their car. They leaned over to shout at me.
"How you gonna make it up to me?"
"What are you thinking?" I laughed.
"I don't know, maybe once this is all over, I could take some blocks of gold or something. I've always wanted a Rolls Royce."
"A Rolls Royce? You can barely drive this thing!" I smacked the top of their junk car.
"Oh, sweet Daisy. Do you really think I wouldn't negotiate for a driver, too?"
We laughed and said our goodbyes so I could head inside. I was greeted with a small bouquet of flowers with an apology note from Max. I assumed it meant he wasn't home. I left the note and flowers in the foyer and started up to my room, only to be stopped by Max himself. I nearly leaped out of my skin as he popped out from behind a column.
"Jeez!" I cried out.
"Surprise!" He let out a fake, hearty laugh. "I am so glad you're back. Did you enjoy your night with your cousin?"
I stared at him in shock and confusion. Eventually, I nodded.
"I did. Are you okay?"
"I am. Did you see the flowers? Can we put our little fight last night behind us? There are more important things to discuss."
"Like what?" I lowered my gaze to slits.
"Well, my colleagues are attending a party this weekend at the owner of the Tennant Theater. You remember him, don’t you, Gatsby?”
My eyes lit up, and instantly, I forced my excitement down.
"I do. He's having a party?"
"Yes, he's the one across the lake. He has them every weekend. Who knew?"
I feigned surprise. “Did we get invited?”
“No, I heard it’s an open invitation kind of party. Not exactly my taste, but if it gives me more opportunity to network, so be it. What do you say? You can buy yourself a new dress and get your hair styled. Would you do me the honors?"
My heart was racing so hard I couldn't really hear his words. I stared at him in wonder, and for the first time in along, long time, I felt something other than detest for him. I smiled so wide my cheeks hurt as I nodded and answered him.
He had no clue what he’d just said to me. It was as if he’d handed me a golden ticket, a key to the city. My green light was in sight; all I had to do was stand up just a bit taller and grab it from his hands.
"I'd love to."
Chapter 38
Daisy
"See,this is the woman I proposed to all those months ago," Max called to me as I descended the stairs Saturday night. I forced a tight smile and flipped my hair behind my shoulder. He held his arm out once I reached the floor. "Ready?"
"Yes, dear." I looped my arm through his and together we got into the back of his car and he told the driver where to take us. Max pushed the button to roll up the screen between the driver and us, and then turned to me, placing his hand on my thigh, exposed by the high slit in my dress.
"Seriously, you're gorgeous, Daisy. Green is your color." He ran his hand up, and I forced myself not to shove him away. I'd been on my best behavior this week. I'd laughed at all his jokes, remained by his side at business dinners, and gave him chaste kisses whenever he leaned in. Thankfully, he was still trying to redeem himself from his attack earlier, so he didn't push for intimacy past that.
There was no faking passion, and there'd never been passion with anyone but Gatsby.
We arrived at the party and had to wait in the long line of cars. The moment the car door opened, I pushed Max'shand away and took the hand of whoever was helping me out. I thanked them and paused, staring up at the large mansion. It was lit up like I'd never seen it before. Music blared from it, and a hundred people were outside, dancing and drinking. I could only imagine the inside.
