Page 59 of Last First Date

I understood this was ultimately her choice to make.

We finished the meeting and left the office without saying anything. I could feel her hesitation. Once in the car, I turned to her, trying to gauge her response.

“I’m sorry about that,” I said.

“About what?”

“Them putting you on the spot like that,” I said. “I told them you can’t do it. If you’re not comfortable telling them no, I will. I don’t want you to feel obligated. You’re a damn good employee and I know you would do anything to make my grandfather happy, but this is not necessary.”

“Actually, I’m thinking about doing it.”

“You are?” I asked with astonishment.

“Yes.”

“But I told them no,” I said.

“It’s not your place to tell them,” she shot back. “They asked me. I’m an adult.”

“But you’re my assistant and you don’t need to do it.”

“And perhaps that’s the precise reason why I should,” she retorted, her eyes flashing with defiance.

“But, Waverly—” I tried to protest but she cut me off.

“I’ve spent my entire life living in the shadows, feeling like I never quite fit in. This might not seem like a big deal to you, but for me, it feels like an opportunity. An opportunity to prove to myself that I can do anything I set my mind to. That maybe I might actually be pretty enough to do something like a fashion show.”

Her jaw was set, and I could see her determination. The small-town girl had grown up and was ready to take on the world. I sat there quietly and let her words sink in.

“You are pretty enough,” I said.

“Maybe, but I know I don’t look like the others.”

I met her eyes, acknowledging this meant a lot to her. “Look, I understand that it was a hasty decision on my part. I thought I was protecting you. I didn’t consider your opinion, and for that, I apologize.”

“Just don’t count me out. I know I’m not quite like the women you’re used to and maybe not as worldly as them, but I can try new things. I need to try new things.”

I nodded, her words resonating within me. She was undeniably beautiful, and she deserved to know it.

“Alright,” I said, my voice soft. “It’s your decision. But promise me one thing.”

“What?”

“Promise me you won’t let it change you.” I looked into her eyes earnestly, trying to convey how much I meant it. “You are perfect just as you are, Waverly. I’ve been in the modeling world. It’s pretty harsh. “

“I’m not going to be in the modeling world,” she corrected. “Just this one thing. I don’t want to be a model and I have no illusions I would ever be a model. But I think I want to do this.”

“For the money?”

She scowled at me. “No. I don’t care about the money. I just want to know I did something that terrifies me.”

I absorbed her words. It was a moment of vulnerability and I was glad she’d been able to trust me with it. “You’re right, Waverly. I shouldn’t have assumed. From now on, I promise to consult you before making decisions that affect you directly.”

“Thank you,” she said without meeting my eyes.

She was angry. I had crossed a line.

“I’m sorry, Waverly,” I said again, my regret evident in my tone.