Page 68 of Hating the Boss

I made my way to her, and she just got better and better with each step I took toward her. Rosy blush adorned her cheeks, matching the lipstick on her lips, and her eyes were shimmery with eyeshadow that matched the champagne of her dress.

“Wow,” I said as I stepped in front of her, my eyes taking her in.

Her cheeks darkened as she nervously looked down at the floor. I lifted my hand and tilted her chin up. I shook my head.

“Don’t do that,” I said softly.

“What?”

“Think that you’re not the most beautiful thing in this room.”

She smiled up at me, but there was something behind her eyes that I couldn’t quite read. I tilted my head curiously.

“I need to talk to you about something,” she said, a wariness in her voice that made my stomach drop. “Later.”

She reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze, giving me a little reassurance.

“I need to talk to you, too.” I nodded, squeezing her hand back.

“Brad!” I heard my name called from across the room. I looked up to see my father motioning me over.

“I’ll be right back, okay?” I said, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek.

Sarah nodded and as I reluctantly walked away from her, I was left with the scent of vanilla that I loved so much.

Chapter 27 Sarah

I watched as Brad maneuvered his way through the crowd, not getting lost in it in the burgundy tuxedo that was literally made for him, in a sea of black tuxedos. I could still feel his kiss warm against my cheek, enveloped in the familiar scent of sandalwood and citrus, only heightened by the orange trees that surrounded me.

This gala was unlike anything I had ever seen in a magazine, let alone been to in my life. Whoever had planned this event was an expert at his or her craft because, although I was in The Plaza Hotel, for the first time in my life, I was transported to an orange grove. A magical one, adorned with white orange blossoms that fell from the sky in soft kisses, along with crystals that glimmered under the ornate chandeliers.

I listened to the band play a slow rendition of a Top 40 hit I couldn’t quite remember the name of, although I preferred this jazzy version. It would be the perfect song to dance to, yet my date had disappeared somewhere. I frowned slightly as I scanned the room for him. Burgundy suit or not, I had lost sight of him.

For a moment, I wondered if I should have even come at all. There had been several times throughout the day where I had picked up the phone to cancel, but I backed out every single time because I wanted this night with Brad. I wanted this fairytale evening of wearing this stunning gown he had picked out, while talking and dancing the night away, before I dropped a bomb on him.

A lump formed in my throat as I gently ran my hand over my midsection, remembering the secret I carried with me. The one that had made me text Brad earlier, telling him I would meet him here at the hotel. I figured the less time we had alone together before the event, the better. I wasn’t sure I could trust myself to hold in this secret if it were just us two on a romantic limo ride.

I still got a limo ride, but it had been solo. A bucket of champagne staring at me as if it were taunting me. I only accepted Brad’s offer of having one of his drivers pick me up because I wasn’t sure this dress would fit in a cab and I sure as hell wasn’t going to traipse around in it in the subway station. It was too beautiful.

When Brad saw me this evening, he seemed pleased with his shopping selection. Seeing that smile spread across his lips as he made his way toward me made me feel like I was the only woman in the room. Just as it had felt like he was the only man. I just wished the moment had lasted longer before he was pulled away.

Not wanting to look more out of place than I felt, I made my way to the bar, which was a decoration itself. Its marble waterfall countertop encased in branches twinkled, the oranges and blossoms aglow in the golden light. The sweet smell of citrus filled my nose as I waited in line, desperately wishing I could have a glass of wine to calm my nerves. I settled for sparkling juice, the bubbles convincing enough to be champagne in case Brad asked, but not convincing enough to trick my mind into being slightly buzzed.

“Well, well, well…” said a familiar, friendly voice.

I turned and saw Trent Page grinning at me with his hands on his hips.

“Trent. It’s wonderful to see you,” I said, giving him a warm smile.

“And you,” he said. “I must say the gown suits you more than a flight suit.”

I laughed and shook my head. “I still can’t believe you somehow convinced Brad to skydive, and that I was just collateral damage in it.”

“Oh, come now. You secretly loved it.”

“I did,” I said triumphantly.

I had conquered a fear I never thought I would, and it was all thanks to this eccentric man in front of me. Now, if I could just conquer this whole pregnancy thing. I could still see the positive pregnancy tests in my mind, the words bold as they stared up at me from the ledge of my sink. My stomach roiled slightly.