Page 20 of Fake It For Glory

She nodded once and left, closing the door behind her. Merida stood in my office looking very nervous. She was dressed casually in jeans, sneakers, a loose jacket, and a scarf that almost swallowed her whole. I was surprised at how beautiful she was. Her curly brown hair was pulled back from her face in a large clip. Her full lips looked like they were made for kissing. Getting the chance to see her without a big red nose was a totally new experience. I liked what I saw. For the most part. I wasn’t sure why she was dressed like she was headed to Alaska.

“I’m Hattie. Jensen is my big brother. And I’m his assistant. Kind of. It’s nice to meet you. Jensen filled me in a little about how the two of you met. I hope you don’t hold that against him.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Merida said, smiling. “It was an accident. I survived.”

“How is your nose?” I asked.

I could sense the unease rippling off her. She was nervous and it was adorable. Her nerves made me want to pull her in and reassure her that she was in good hands here. I wasn’t a creeper. She wasn’t in danger.

“It’s fine,” she said, smiling nervously. “No real harm done.”

“Good,” I said, nodding. “I really am sorry about that.”

“Have a seat, please.” Hattie directed her to the large sitting area in my office.

I followed them and took a seat in one of the chairs. Hattie sat in another one with us both facing Merida on the couch. Merida’s hands were clasped together. She was squeezing them so tight her knuckles were turning white.

She was nervous. I felt out of place and it was my damn office. I couldn’t imagine how she was feeling.

I cleared my throat and leaned in. “Merida, thank you for coming. I know this must be overwhelming for you, but I promise you’re in good hands. I assume this is your first, uh, date?”

She nodded. “Is it your first?”

“It is,” I said, nodding.

Merida took a deep breath, and she visibly relaxed. We were both a little anxious. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I imagined it was even scarier for her. I was in the position of power. She was the one agreeing to go out with a total stranger.

“I know this is crazy awkward,” Hattie said with her usual smile. “I just wanted to meet you and make sure this arrangement goes smoothly.”

“I understand,” Merida said, nodding.

“I’ve scheduled some time for us to do some shopping together,” Hattie said, getting right down to business. “I know my brother best and I think I can help pick out things that would match him and his sense of style.”

Merida frowned. “Shopping? What for?”

Hattie glanced at Merida’s outfit before snapping back to her eyes. “Clothes.”

Merida shook her head. “That won’t be necessary. Della gave me a five-thousand-dollar allowance to build a wardrobe for the contract. I won’t wear jeans. I just, well, I didn’t think I had to dress up for the meeting today.”

“You didn’t,” I quickly interjected. “You’re fine. Hattie is referring to the events we’ll be attending. Della gave you the list of dates, correct?”

Merida nodded. “She did.”

“Great,” Hattie said, smiling brightly. “But these are some seriously swanky events, and five grand isn’t going to cut it. Not when you’re on my brother’s arm. His everyday suits cost more than five grand. Don’t worry. It will be fun to get to know each other and do a little shopping.”

“I need to spend more than five thousand?” Merida asked with the color draining from her olive skin tone.

“I’m paying,” I added. “You’re welcome to keep the clothes when this is done. I know how Hattie shops. I would never expect you to pay for anything. Consider it a job perk.”

“Are you available tomorrow?” Hattie asked.

“Uh, I can be,” Merida said a little nervously.

“Good. I have to run. Why don’t we meet here tomorrow, same time? We’ll go shopping and make sure you have everything you need. It will be fun. Try not to look like I’m dragging you in front of a firing squad.”

Hattie left the office and it was just the two of us. The fire burned in the gas fireplace in the corner. It was a nice touch to my office. Hattie recommended it. Sitting in the chair with Merida on the couch made it feel like we were relaxing in my living room. It did help make things feel a little more casual.

“I’d like to go over my expectations,” I said, all business.