Chapter 17

 

Lexie

 

When I get back to my desk after lunch, Kim looks harried. “What’s going on today, Lexie? The phones are going crazy, and most of them are for poor Cammy.”

“I know. I haven’t talked to her today. I bet she hasn’t been able to take a break with all the calls going to P.R.”

“Is this about you and Gabriel,” she whispers Gabriel’s name like she’s afraid it’ll conjure up the devil himself. Heck, it might.

“Probably.” I roll my eyes.

“I had no idea, Lex. You played it so cool.”

“Oh, well, yeah, I…”

“Here!” snaps an angry Katya.

I startle at the sound of her voice. I had no idea she’d crept up behind me like a Ninja. “What’s this?”

“Your event agenda with Gabriel,” she snaps. 

“Oh, okay. Thank you.”

She doesn’t reply she just stomps back to her desk in a huff.

“What crawled up her ass?” whispers Kim. “She’s always so mean to you.”

“I know.” I know. I’m used to it, though. I look down at the crumpled, torn piece of notebook paper and frown. At least her handwriting is neat.

“Well, now that you’re with the boss, you can tell on her.”

“No. I’m not going to do that. I like my job. Getting Katya even angrier at me is not a good idea.” Because when this is all over, it’s just going to be me here at the front desk and Katya breathing down my neck. Just like old times.

After Kim heads off to lunch, I slip on the headset and peer down at the events I’m supposed to attend with Gabriel.

“Tonight at six o’clock is dinner with a potential client. Dress for fine dining,” I read aloud.  “Wednesday night dinner with a former client. Dress for fine dining. Thursday night is an awards banquet. Dress is cocktail attire.” I assume that means a cocktail dress. “Friday night is a dinner with Victoria, dress casually.” So far, the only thing I’m excited about is dinner with Victoria.  But things are looking up when I read about Saturday night’s event. ‘Christmas Gala. Festive Gown. This is your chance to show your true colors.’ At least for this event I get to wear something I like.  I don’t have a ‘festive gown’. The one that Victoria insisted I buy is white. It’s pretty but a little plain.  So maybe I’ll splurge and shop at Maybelle’s.  I’m sure she’ll have something reasonably priced there.

Re-reading the list, I groan internally. It’s a lot of events for one week.  It cuts into my cozy home time with my little animal friends.  I don’t mind going out once in a while, but I’m a homebody. I’d much prefer to sit at home and watch a movie or read a book while nibbling on popcorn.

By the end of the day, I’m worn out.  All I want to do is slip into a bath and go to bed, but instead, I have to race home and change for a fancy dinner.  Ugh.  The driver is waiting at the curb for me as I exit the building.  I feel stupid, getting into the car, as I pass fellow employees.  I need to cancel the car. It’s too conspicuous for me. 

At home, I greet my animal friends, feed them, and chitchat with Cy as I undress. I take a quick shower making sure not to get my hair wet. I roll that up into a twist at the back of my head and slip on one of my new dresses.  This one is a black 1950s wiggle flared dress in a heavy cotton fabric. The fabric is so heavy and stiff; it holds it’s shape perfectly. The bodice has a deep V-neck while the straps sit on the edge of my shoulders. 

I search my closet for my favorite cardigan. It’s baby blue and adorned with tiny white pearl beads in a swirling pattern down the front. I think it might be cashmere. It’s so soft I want to hug myself. I slip it on and peek in the mirror.  “Not bad, Lexie.”

I refresh my makeup and slip on some nude nylons. I decide on a pair of black and white Mary Jane style pumps with a moderate heel.  I walk to the full-length mirror I have on the back of the bathroom door and smile. “This’ll have to do, Cy.”

When the knock sounds on the door, I ask, “Who is it?”

“Gabriel.”

I unlock the deadbolt and slide off the chain opening it to a dapper man in a dark suit. I think it’s black, but I can’t be sure.  “Come in.”

I watch him step into my apartment and continue the trek to my little living room. He’s so big and broad he seems to fill the space. Cy starts to chirp and squawk at the new visitor. “Shh, Cy. It’s just Gabriel.” I say walking up to his cage. I place my finger through one of the bars so he can tap it with his beak. It’s our thing.

“That is the ugliest bird I’ve ever seen,” chuckles Gabriel.

I feel my face heat. I’m not embarrassed I just don’t like to hear someone talk about Cy like that. It’s not his fault his first owner was evil. I shrug attempting to act casual. “Looks aren’t everything.”

“Obviously,” he mutters as he scans my tiny home. 

I could be offended and refuse to go to dinner but I’m hungry, and I’ve got no food in my cupboards.  Besides, I need to choose my battles with him. I also need to remember that I’m doing this for Cammy.  This is her brainchild, and she’s my best friend. I’ll keep up with the charade for as long as she needs me or until I can’t perform my duties to the best of my abilities. Geesh, now I sound like I’ve just been sworn into the presidency.  Heck, it’d probably be less frustrating being POTUS than dating Gabriel Parker.

“Well,” I say grabbing my parka. “Are you ready to go?”

“You’re wearing that coat again?”

“I am.” Jeez, can’t the guy let it go?

“Let’s leave it in the car again tonight.”

Gritting my teeth, I nod. Choose your battles, Lexie. Choose your battles.