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"I sure did. Miles called me about the gala and asked me to come help pick out a gown for you. I met with him and his personal shopper, then we found this gem. Miles' eyes were glowing when we showed it to him, and he said he couldn't wait to see it on you."
I'm speechless. My mind is completely blown away! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be going to a ball, or a gala rather, but still. Holy shit, this just got intense. There will be so many people. Everyone will see us together and know I’m just a plain Jane, whereas Miles is like prince charming around here. Everyone knows who he is. Ironically, I didn't know it was him when we met, but I don't keep up with things like that.
"Sarah, I can't do this." I shake my head and look down at the beautiful dress in my hands.
She hops up from the couch and clasps my shoulders with her hands. "Listen to me, Lizzie Brighton! You are brilliant and gorgeous and outgoing! You deserve this! Yes, there will be tons of people there, but guess what?"
"What?" I ask, quietly.
"I'm going with you! Miles didn't want you to feel uncomfortable, and he knew with me there that I would have your back. And I do. He has thought of everything and has gone above and beyond to show you how much you mean tohim. It's pretty incredible, if you ask me."
"You’re coming too!" I squeal.
"You bet I am. I have my own dress that will be here any minute, along with our very own makeup and hair stylists. We are going to be the talk of the gala!"
"Wow. I think I might be in shock right now. Sarah, Miles really did all this for me?"
?“He did. Lizzie, that man has it bad for you! And I know you feel the same. Take this chance. I know it's scary, but a good scary, right? I mean, this is fairytale, once-in-a-lifetime shit." We both start laughing. This is absolutely crazy, and yet, I am so excited I feel like I could jump out of my skin. I can't wait to get all dressed up. I mean, secretly, what girl doesn't want this magical experience?
I lay the dress over the sofa, and then grab Sarah in the tightest hug, expressing to her everything I need to say with just our embrace. And she understands. When we pull apart, there is a knock on the door. We glance at it, then back at each other. Unable to contain our excitement, we jump and dance, making our way to the door. Let the fun begin.
Chapter 25
Miles
Thomas calls to let me know that Lizzie and Sarah made it back to their apartment safely and that the last package and personal stylists have just arrived. I know Lizzie is probably overwhelmed with everything going on right now. However, I am hoping that she is excited about tonight. I can't wait to see her. I know I went a bit overboard with everything that I planned for her today, but I am hoping that it shows her how much she means to me. I just want to spoil her like she deserves to be.
?I have been itching to call her all day. I want to know how everything is going, but I wanted to give her the day to spend with Sarah and not have me interfere. With everything taken care of ahead of time, I have had a lot of spare time on my hands today. I went down to my gym to work off some nervous energy I had built up over the events of tonight. I just want everything to be perfect for my Lizzie.My Lizzie. She truly is mine, and I will never let her go.
?Sebastian has been here all day since he spent the night last night. His tuxedo was already sent here because he knew he would be getting dressed here. It's a bit of a tradition that he comes to my place before a large event like this. We usually sit down together and enjoy a whiskey before we are swept away to endure a night of entertaining guests and being the center of attention. We enjoy setting these charities up but attending them is a different story. When my father was alive, at least most of the attention was on him and my mother. But since hispassing, unfortunately, the press has shifted their attention to Sebastian and me.
?I’m in my living room, looking out the windows, imagining what Lizzie is doing right this moment. Is she enjoying being pampered? I take a sip of my whiskey and swirl it around in my glass, as I look out across the Hudson. Sebastian sneaks up behind me and claps me on the back.
?"Starting the pregame without me, bro?" he asks with one eyebrow raised.
?"I didn't know when your lazy ass would get down here and join me. Besides, I just poured this. You aren't that far behind."
?"I'm sorry I don't wake up at the ass crack of dawn on the weekends. I don't know how you do it, man. We even went to bed after three last night. How are you even functioning right now?" he questions as he pours himself two fingers of whiskey from my mini bar beside the windows.
?"Well, for one, I went back to sleep this morning for a bit after I took care of some things. And then when I got back up, I went down to the gym for several hours, working off some extra tension that I had. That gave me an extra boost. Maybe you should get back to the gym; you're looking a bit soft," I say chuckling as I take another sip of my drink.
?"Oh, is that right, old man?" he fires back.
?"I am only two years older than you, and you’re just jealous I’m in better shape than you. It's probably all that junk you eat." I love getting a rise out of him. I know he works out just as hard as I do. However, he does have a penchant for junk food and beer.
?He laughs and bumps me with his shoulder, then walks past and plops down on my couch. "So, what has you so engrossed that you take to gazing out at the scenery?" he givesme a quizzical look.
?"Just thinking about Lizzie and wondering how her day is going. I arranged for her and her friend to go to an exclusive spa this morning and sent Mia and Liam over to her apartment to help them get ready for the gala," I inform him, not even sparing a glance his way. I know the incredulous facial expression I would see. I smile to myself. I can't wait to see him go through this love shit. It's intense. Not that I would trade it for anything, but it’s unlike anything I have ever experienced. I feel like I am constantly questioning my actions because I don't want to fuck up and lose her, whereas I am a man that has always been sure of my actions inside and out of business. I have always been confident, but Lizzie has me all tied up from the inside out, and I don't know which way is up. I am just hoping that I’m enough.
?"Fuck, man. I can't wait to meet my future sister-in-law. Does mom know about her?" he asks, genuinely curious.
?"I spoke to her a few days ago and mentioned Lizzie. She is excited to meet her tonight. What do you mean, your 'future sister-in-law'?" I know he can see right through me. I just want to know what he sees. Does he see the lovesick fool I feel I’ve become?
?"You know exactly what I mean. I'm surprised you don't already have a ring. I mean you don't, do you? That’s the kind of thing you must tell me first man. We have to shop for a ring together or some shit, right?" I burst out laughing, turning away from the window and joining him on the couch.
?“I could never doiI don't have a ring, yet. And I think I will make you come with me. You’ll need the practice," I smile, draining the last bit out of my glass.
?"First of all, stop jinxing me with that shit. It isn't going to happen. I enjoy my playboy status. By the way, did you mention that Lizzie has a friend coming with her tonight? Isshe hot?" I glare at him, standing to refill my glass.
