Chapter 14 (Everett) 

Guilt tugged at my heart, trying to persuade me to stop but this was the only way. Without a contract, I was liable. Tanya could turn around and cheat on me the same way Nettie had. And, I wasn’t going to let that happen. Not again.

Before my mother called, I had nearly fallen for this woman’s charm. She was beautiful, intoxicating, and a pleasure to be around. She made me feel happy, excited, and powerful all at the same time. The same feelings I felt when I had dated Nettie. I had been in such a honeymoon haze that I didn’t even notice her creeping behind my back. It wouldn’t happen again. I would keep things profession – stick to the contract – and everything would run as smooth as silk.

Still, the pain in Tanya’s voice nearly made me reconsider. Maybe, just maybe she would be different.

But, then again, maybe she was just the same.

I wasn’t about to take my chances.

“Dinner is at 5:00. We’ll leave at 4:30. You’re free to do as you wish until then.”

“And, what do you expect me to wear since you destroyed my dress last night. Let me guess, that was strictly business as well.”

I frowned, stung by her words. Tanya had never spoken to me like this. It was clear that she was irritated and she had every right to be. She probably thought I was just using her. And, maybe, I was. But, it truly was for the best.

“Come with me.” I prompted, leading her to a guest bedroom. “I had this room prepared in the case that you agreed to my offer.”

Tanya narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “You had this all planned out, didn’t you?”

I didn’t answer her. 

Toward the back of the room was a white door. I opened it, revealing a large, luxurious walk-in closet filled to the brim with designer clothing, all in Tanya’s size.

Despite the pout still painted on her face, she followed me, eyes widening at the sight of the impressive wardrobe.

“You can wear anything you’d like.”

“I don’t get it… First, you make love to me, then you give me the cold shoulder, and now you’re providing me with all of this.”

“The contract states –”

“I don’t want to hear another word about that stupid contract.” She interrupted. “I’m done trying to make sense of it all.” She turned her back on me, sorting through the dresses. “What kind of dinner is this? Casual? Formal?”

“Formal.”

“Okay.”

“Do you need help picking out an outfit?”

“No.” I took her harsh tone as my cue to leave.

***

When we finally arrived at my parents’ estate, the tension between Tanya and I had only grown worse. She was no longer speaking to me, her lips pressed into a permanent frown.

With a sigh, I got out of the car, thinking that this was going to be worse than spending time with Nettie. This would be a living nightmare.

Still, we walked inside, arms hooked together, acting like the couple we weren’t.

“Everett!” My mother’s voice rang from the top of the stairs. Making her grand entrance, she descended, red dress flowing behind her. “It’s so good to see you.” When she reached the bottom of the steps, she cupped my cheeks in her hands and kissed them, making a fuss.

I put up with it for her sake. After all, we only had dinner together once or twice a year.

Suddenly, my father arrived, dressed in his finest suit. “Everett.” He said with a serious tone, eyes already locked on Tanya. “Who’s this?”

“Tanya.”

“Oh! That lovely little assistant of yours.” My mother cooed. “You’re a blessing, dear.” She took Tanya’s hand, squeezing it. “Everett would have lost his head if it wasn’t for you.”

Tanya blushed ever so slightly. “I do what I can to help.” She said graciously.

“What is she doing here?” My father asked, ever blunt.

“She’s my date,” I said, hoping that would end the conversation.

“You two are dating now?” My mother asked.

“She’s my date,” I repeated my tone even firmer this time.

A grunt of disapproval came from my father.

“Well, there’s no point in us just standing here. Let’s eat!” My mother grabbed my hand, leading me to the dining room.

I noticed, almost instantly, that there were five plates on the table. “Are we expecting someone else?”

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

My mother disappeared to answer it as I pulled out a chair for Tanya.

She sat down, fiddling with the cutlery, avoiding eye contact with my father who was watching her like a hawk.

Just before I could take a seat, he pulled me aside. “What do you think you’re doing? You can’t be serious.”

“What do you mean?”

“Bringing your assistant to the family dinner?”

“What about it?” I challenged, pretending I had no idea what my father was upset about.

“She has no class, and you know it, Everett. Of all the girls you could date, why go for your poor assistant?”

“Because I want to,” I said, teeth clenched. “And, I believe that who I date and don’t date is my own business. So, stay out of it.”

“Let me remind you that you’re in my home and I will not be spoken to in that tone.” He growled, features darkening.

Before I could retaliate, my mother returned.

At her heels was Nettie.

Great, this day was just getting better and better.