Crown of Lies
The heavy weight I’d been carrying for years slowly chipped off my shoulders, becoming manageable instead of mountainous. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. I just want you to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted, Bell Button.”
He stood and headed for the door. He smiled sadly. “I know you want answers about who Penn is before you give him a chance, but if I’ve learned anything, it’s that love is the biggest truth there is.” He shrugged. “All the rest—the questions and worries—it’s all just noise.”
He closed the door before I could reply, leaving me to my lunch.
* * * * *
By the time six p.m. rolled around, my back ached from spending the afternoon hunched over my laptop, and my eyes hurt even after wearing my glasses.
Fleur barged into my office with yet another dress wrapped in a clear protective bag. “Time to get ready, remember?”
I tugged my glasses down my nose, pinching the bridge. “Huh? I thought I was finished for the day.”
“You are. You have that seven p.m. thing with your fiancé, remember?”
I groaned. “Ugh, don’t call him my fiancé.”
“He is, though, right?” Her face slipped with doubt. I wanted to be the one to fill her with truth, but I was tired and cranky, and I’d had enough for the day. I decided to take the more diplomatic approach and ignore her question.
Vague memories of Penn’s invite—or command—about me joining him tonight came back. I’d stupidly mentioned it to Fleur when I’d arrived this morning.
I stood up, nerves joining my blood to stream around my heart. I didn’t want to go. I was mentally exhausted.
Draping the dress over the couch, she placed a Belle Elle shopping bag beside it. “Inside are some heels, hair accessories, and a shawl. I also took the liberties of bringing up some lingerie for you too.”
I rolled my eyes. “You know way too much about me. I don’t know if I’m comfortable with you knowing my bra size.”
She waved it away. “You know all your secrets are mine to keep.” Marching to the door, she added, “Give me a call if you need help with your makeup and hair. I’m just finishing the spring catalog mock-up before heading home. Jack is taking me out to Mexican, and I can’t be late.”
It wasn’t the first time she’d mentioned her boyfriend or life outside of Belle Elle, but for some reason, tonight it hit home. She had a life. She had someone to share it with. Was it so wrong of me to sample that? What made Penn Everett such a bad choice? And was he bad or was it all in my head? Why was I trying to twist him into another? Nameless was gone.
It’s time I grew up and gave him a chance.
“Thank you for the dress.”
“No problem.” She smiled and disappeared.
Striding to the couch, I unzipped the bag, pulled out the softest silver gown I’d ever seen, and headed into my private bathroom to shower and prepare.
* * * * *
Penn (06:55 p.m.): I’m downstairs. I won’t come up because if I do, I’ll fuck you in your office and then we’ll be late. Come down.
I slammed my phone down—partly because of the sudden shakes at seeing him again and partly because of his rudeness.
Staring at myself in the mirror, I second-guessed keeping my hair loose even though I’d secured it to the side with a clip in the shape of a crescent moon decorated with mirrored mosaics.
Fleur had once again chosen a stunning dress. The silver and white lingerie beneath the dress added secrecy to my outfit that I may or may not show Penn. The thick satin gown covered my body with sleeves draping like wings down my arms with the off-the-shoulder style. The length came to mid-calf with acres of material ready to flare out at the slightest movement.
I looked as if I’d stepped into the moon and come out wearing its metallic essence.
Penn (07:00 p.m.): You’re late.
My teeth ground together as I scooped my phone into the little silver beaded bag and left my bathroom. Sage looked up from her spot on the couch, meowing softly. I padded over to her where my heels were. I kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to miss you, but you can’t come.”
She pouted as if to say there’d been multiple events she wasn’t invited to these past few weeks.
Scratching her under the chin, I promised, “Dad will come and pick you up. You can spend the night at the brownstone and explore the garden rather than be stuck in the top floor apartment. How about that?”
She gently bit my finger in grudging agreement.
“See you later, kitty.” Stepping from my office, I locked my door and double-checked I had what I needed. I’d done my own makeup and was pleased when one of the janitors did a double take at my smoky eyes and nude glossed lips.
I’m late, am I?
I’d show him I wouldn’t simper and apologize. I was worth waiting for.
Taking the elevator down, I spotted the black limousine before I saw him.
Penn stood with his arms crossed and back reclining against the luxury vehicle. He didn’t move as I swiped my keycard to exit the locked sliding doors, and my heels clipped elegantly across the sidewalk.
Belle Elle glittered behind me with window displays, rich red awnings, and the biggest sign on the block blazing our brand and promise.
Penn pressed his lips together the closer I got, his body stiffening. He didn’t reach out and touch me. He merely stepped sideways, opened the car door, and inclined his head for me to hop in.