Page 96 of The October Arrangement

“There is no but, Bella. You didn’t ask me to buy your dress, did you?”

“No.”

“You fought me about the fucking credit card.”

“I still think it’s ridiculous that you made me take it.”

“You didn’t ask me to pay Devon, did you?”

“No.”

“You have never asked me to buy you anything. You don’t expect anything from me. So don’t turn something I wanted to do into something that isn’t. I invited you tonight.”

“I know.” I softly smiled.

“This is my event. You’re going because of me. I wanted you to have whatever you needed to enjoy getting ready for it without worrying about what it cost.”

“But I wasn’t worried, Simon.”

“I know you weren’t. But sometimes I just want to do something for you.”

His statement shut me up quickly.

“You make it really hard to argue with you when you say things like that,” I said.

“I know,” he smirked.

“There you are. That’s more like you and your arrogant shit.”

He chuckled. “Anyway, every cent I spent on you was well worth it. Now, get out of here so I can finish shaving.”

We arrived at the Waldorf and stepped into the grand ballroom. It was beautiful and unlike anything I’d ever seen. It still felt like a dream, and I was afraid I would wake up in my bed in Massachusetts.

“I’ll go get us some drinks,” Simon said. “I’ll be right back.”

I stood there, waiting for Simon to return, when William walked over.

“Look at you. You are gorgeous.” He hugged me.

“Thank you, William. Where’s Mary?”

“She had to make a stop in the bathroom.”

“I’m glad we’re alone. I want to thank you for the position at MDG. You have no idea how much it means to me.”

“You’re welcome, darling. Now, Simon won’t be kicking you out come October 31st.”

“Is that the only reason you did it?” I furrowed my brows.

“Absolutely not. You’ve more than proven your talents to me. Our company needs some fresh new blood. Your ideas are great, and you’re one hell of a talented woman.”

“Thank you. I appreciate you saying that.”

“Besides, even if we didn’t create a new division and offer you the job, Simon still wouldn’t have kicked you out.”

“I don’t know about that.” I laughed.

“Listen, Bella. Simon had it hard growing up. Things in our household weren’t exactly good.”