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“All you’re doing is returning home.”
That was the point. Paul wanted me to return to him.
Ben returned from outside with a garment bag and tote and was about to leave for the night.
“Wait, Ben,” Mom called and returned from the kitchen with a bag full of fruit and drinks, even though Ben was probably booked in a fancy, five-star hotel.
“Thank you, Mrs. Sokol. You’re so kind and lovely.” He accepted her bag graciously, then put it down to kiss the back of her hand.
Mom and I both burst out laughing.
“Thank you, Ben.”
“Just text me where you’ll be, and I’ll pick you up. Have a good evening, ladies. So wonderful to meet you.”
Ben had placed the garment bag on the back of the couch and the tote on the cushion—both Givenchy. I wasn’t going to open it right away, but Mom was standing there, waiting.
I unzipped the garment bag first. It was a black sleeveless dress with a zipper closure that ran up the front. ThePunto Milanofabric was a stretch, light-weight knit, but of the highest quality, with a flawless, smooth finish. The design had a basque and a drapery that extended over the skirt, which was French in origin.
Givenchy and France.Paul was being deliberate. He wanted me to know he knew about the possible summer internship at Givenchy.Had he gotten involved?He promised not to interfere with my design. Paul must know if I accept, I’ll be gone all summer.What would that mean for his arrangement?Oh, but what does that matter when I said I wasn’t doing it any longer? He’ll replace me.My heart ached at the thought of him touching someone else.
“Wow, this dress is stunning.” The words were out of my mom’s mouth before she stopped herself. “But it’s a bit too old for you. You’ve paled. Did he send it to you to upset you?” Her eyes narrowed.
I quickly zipped the garment bag close. “Mom, Paul’s not evil. The dress is beautiful.”
My head dipped lower as I stared inside the tote bag—mainly to avoid Mom reading anything more into my expression.
“Oh, my…” Mom said, lifting the thong from the floor. It must have been on top of the bag so that I wouldn’t miss it.
The fabric was mostly sheer, with a little lace bow in front, like a present. There was a tear-shaped opening below the bow.Big enough for my clit to tease him while he stared or for his finger to slip inside….
My face burned.
“I didn’t know they make undergarments like that.”
Paul would find one that did.He didn’t send a bra.
I quickly put it in the garment bag out of sight.
Mom closed the tote bag and admired the leather stitching. There was a tag on it: Mrs. Sokol.
I smiled and showed Mom. “He sent it foryou.”
She stiffened. “I don’t want it.” Though she gently placed it down.
“It’s a lovely bag.”
“How would I look walking around with something like that?”
“It has a gift receipt. You can trade it in for something you want instead at Nordstrom.”
She pursed her lips. “If I accept his gifts, it’ll mean I accept the way he treats you. I don’t want anything from him, and that includes help with the kidney transplant.”
I frowned. “But your insurance may be a scam, Mom. I read about it online. You’ll have to pay fifty thousand dollars before the coverage starts to pay for anything.”
Mom’s cheeks reddened, but she lifted her chin. “Then we’ll work out a payment plan—”
“They’ll take the house. You’ll end up homeless,” my voice shook. It hurt to go against her wishes, but I couldn’t let her lose the love of her life and all she owned over pride.
