AllFreeNovel
Share Us
That question rubs me the wrong way and I get defensive fast. “That’s none of your business. Lizzie isn’t some conquest that I’m after. She’s the one. Just like dad said to us when we were younger, I know in my soul that she is it for me,” I hiss as I look him straight in the eyes.
He pauses a beat and apologizes, “Dude, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know all that. I mean I knew you liked her, but I didn’t know it was already this serious. I’m happy for you, man. But you can’t let her come between work. We have to keep this company running, and the board is breathing down our necks to publish something extraordinary. We can’t drop the ball right now.”
I nod because I know he’s right. I am the CEO of this company, and everyone depends on me. I must figure out a way to balance my work and social life. That’s not something I have ever had to do, but now that I have Lizzie, I’ve got to find a way to make this work.
Sebastian comes around to my side of the desk and slaps me on the back. “I truly am happy for you. When do I get to meet her, officially? The club meeting doesn’t count.”
“You will meet her soon. I’m cooking for her tonight, but we will plan something in the near future. Oh, I forgot to tell you that I’m bringing her and her friend to the gala next week. It’s actually on her birthday, so I have a few surprises for her that day.” I grin.
He just laughs and declares, “Man, you have it bad! You’re smitten with this woman. I can’t wait to meet her again. I’m heading out for lunch, want to join me?” he inquires.
“No, I have plans with Mia; it’s part of the surprise forLizzie. I’ll be back in the office later this afternoon. How about we do lunch this week sometime? I’ll let you know when I’m free,” I respond, hoping he’s not upset that I don’t have time for him. It’s always been just us, especially when we started working here. I don’t want our dynamic to change.
“Cool. No worries. Tell Mia hello from her favorite Knight,” he jokes with a wink and walks out of my office. Geez, I don’t even want to know what that meant. I shut down my laptop. Grabbing my suit jacket, keys, and phone, I head out of the office.
As I get to the boutique where we’re scheduled to meet, I see that Mia is already here talking a mile a minute to the sales associate. Chuckling, I kiss her on the cheek. I’ve known Mia for years and she’s dressed me for all kinds of occasions. She even organized my closet when I bought my new apartment. She certainly knows what she is doing. I pull out my phone and send a text off to Lizzie, while I wait on Mia to finish her conversation. I don't like her ex sniffing around her like he was last night.What if I hadn't been there? What if I hadn't insisted that she allow me to pick her up?My mind starts to swirl with all the possibilities that could have transpired last night, and I feel a tightening in my chest. I can't have anything happen to her. She is the one for me and the fuck if I'm going to lose her.
Miles:Just checking on you. I’m out running some errands, but I wanted to make sure you got to work safely.
I pocket my phone and glance at Mia to see if she finished her conversation. I was able to get back in touch with Sarah and she’s available to meet today, as well. That gives me some comfort because she knows everything about Lizzie in order to pick out a dress she would love.
Mia spots me from across the store and runs over squealing. She jumps up and down when she reaches me and starts talking so fast, I can barely keep up. “I am so excitedfor this, Miles. I never thought you would be the type to go all out for a woman, but here we are. Ah, I can’t wait to find something spectacular for her. What’s her name?”
I smile and reply, “Her name is Elizabeth. I called her best friend, Sarah, and she is meeting us here as well.” Speaking of Sarah, she walks in just as I say her name. She sees us right away and walks over.
“Hi, Sarah, thank you for meeting us. This is Mia. She’s been my stylist for years and is eager to help us find something for Lizzie,” I explain.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mia. Thank you both for including me,” Sarah says cordially.
“Girl, you do not have to thank me. I have been waiting for this day forever.” She laughs.
The girls shake hands, complimenting one another’s outfits. I can’t help but chuckle. I guess they have made new friends in each other. Casually walking around the store, I look at all the different dresses. I honestly don’t know what I’m looking for; that’s why I insisted on help. I hear Mia clap her hands as she comes over to me.
“Okay. I have her size. Also, Sarah showed me a picture of Lizzie, so I could see what her coloring is, and O.M.G! I love, love, love her hair! It’s gorgeous!” Mia exclaims.
They peruse the racks of beautiful dresses in the store, and Sarah selects various articles and shoes, then reserves them in the back. The theme of the gala is Winter Wonderland, which I believe Lizzie will love. Suddenly, Mia squeals with surprise as she pulls out a stunning silver, floor-length gown. Sarah quickly scurries over to her, and both girls ogle the dress. They both exclaim, almost in unison, “Perfect! Just perfect!”
Quite awestruck with the gown, Sarah exclaims, “This would fit her perfectly, and it would look fabulous with herhair! Plus, it so complements the theme of the gala. What do you think, Miles?”
I slide the material through my hands; the silk exudes luxury, so soft and cool to the touch. I can’t help but imagine Lizzie in this dress. The gown, absolutely stunning and unique, is just like my Lizzie, Perfect! “It’s perfect. Do you have shoes to match?” I grin and chuckle.
Mia runs over to the shoe department and selects some tall, strappy, silver heels that are the same color as the dress. “These will be perfect! She is going to be breathtaking!” she cries.
“Okay, I’ll go purchase the dress and shoes. Is there anything else that she needs? I’m already going to Tiffany’s after this, to get her something special to wear with this dress.” I say.
"Wait," Mia shouts. "She needs a shawl. I'm sure it will be cold, and we don't want her freezing to death, even if she will look fabulous doing it!" She runs over to the other side of the store and chooses a classic, elegant shawl, styled with flecks of shimmering metallic, to add the finishing touch. "This is the one! Everything is going to go beautifully together!" The girls look at each other and both start clapping their hands. I laugh along with them.
“You are like the perfect man, Miles! Lizzie is one lucky woman,” Mia coos.
?“I assure you that I’m the lucky one,” I tell her. “Mia, while I have you here, I need you to make two appointments for the 5th at the best spa and salon in town. It’s for Lizzie and Sarah to enjoy before the gala. Send me the details as soon as you have them. Thank you both so much for your help today. I’m sure I will be needing you again soon.” I half-way apologize. The sales associate comes over to take the items from me and wraps them up. I give her my card and turn back to Mia.
“By the way, Mia, Sebastian wants me to tell you 'hello'.” She instantly blushes, and I definitely don’t want to know what’s going on there. Man, my brother is all over the place. He just can’t help himself with a beautiful woman. She giggles, and we all say our goodbyes.
As I walk back out onto the streets of New York, Sarah comes up beside me, and says, “I really think this is such a kind gesture. Lizzie has never wanted to celebrate her birthday before, and I wrangle her into something every year by forcing her to celebrate. But I think this year will take the cake. I’m excited to see her face when she finds out everything. You’re a good man, Miles.”
I smile because I genuinely want to make her happy, but something that Sarah said doesn’t sit well with me. “Can I ask you why she doesn’t like to celebrate her birthday? Did something happen?” I ask.
Sarah looks at me for a beat, then says, “Her parents divorced when she was twelve, and after that, they would fight over who she spent her birthday with. She would have to have two separate parties because her parents couldn’t be cordial toward each other for just a few hours, for her sake. I guess it got to where she would rather not even celebrate because it was too much for her. I was with her through all that time, and it hit her very hard.” Sarah has sadness in her eyes after she finishes explaining. I can’t even imagine what Lizzie had to go through. I grew up in a traditional house, so I never had to worry about separated parents. It sounds terrible, and I hate that she had to experience that, especially how much it has affected her adult life. I’m going to try and erase those bad memories by replacing them with happy and loving ones.
