Liliana-
Angry. Pissed off. Murderous.
These were just a few of the words that perfectly described just how I felt at this moment. And while majority of my anger was pointed that the rich handsome bastard I called a boss, the other was personally directed at me.
I mean how dare he? How dare he say these things and expected me to be okay with them? I mean he wasn't entirely wrong, but still that was uncalled for. There's a reason why they said, to never mix business with pleasure.
How the other hand, how could I be so foolish? I already knew that nothing good was going to come of me going to his suite, and if anything based on his actions, I could only imagine that it was his plan all along, and I played right into it. Now I had to call Carlos back and tell him that I won't be in the states for our date. Talk about awkward.
I knew that it was the truth, however I wasn't sure how Carlos would receive it. What if he didn't believe me? That would be even worse.
By the time I made it to my room, I still hadn't figure out how I was going to tell Carlos that I wouldn't be able to make it to our date. At some point I figured that it might be best to not say anything to him at all but standing someone up was a lot worse than just telling them that you weren't going to make it. So, after taking a deep breath to calm myself, I picked up the phone to dial Carlos's number, when a soft knock came from the door.
Suspicious due to recent encounters with my boss, I calmly called out "who is it?" Except I received no response.
Curious, but slightly apprehensive I remained quiet just to see if the person would knock again, and a few moments later, they did.
Shrugging and preparing myself for a another face off with the man I loathed at this moment, I unlocked the door and opened it with a "What?" But was super shocked when the driver's wide eyes met mine.
I sighed, embarrassed.
Of course... of course I would choose to be rude to the one person I thought was Mr. Cavalier. Sighing with flushed cheeks I began to move my lips in hopes that an apology would come out eventually.
"Hi, I am so sorry for my rude greeting." I finally managed to get out, though by then the awkward silence was ready to swallow my flimsy apology.
The driver smiled softly and simply nodded, then he spoke with a very heavy European accent "Signora, Signore Cavalier has requested that you prepare for a charity ball this evening. He is to attend and has requested that you accompany him."
"What? A ball? He never told me anything about a ball. A-and I don't even have a dress." I stated, confused, and completely caught off guard. What was Mr. Cavalier up to?
"Yes, the Signore already has a team arriving in ten minutes to help you prepare. Good evening." Then with that, the driver turned and left without another word, leaving me and my gaping mouth at the door.
A ball? At what extent was Mr. Cavalier planning to go just to get in my pants? This seemed extreme.
Shaking my head while closing the door and blowing some air from my puffed cheeks, I plopped down on the sofa in the sitting area and closed my eyes for a moment. It seems I couldn't get away from this man, not that I wanted to... but of course I couldn't seem to excited to be spending the evening with my boss.
Holy cow.
I was spending the evening with my boss! Oh this was definitely going to be the next topic of the day back in the office, I already felt it. But before I could imagine just how the gossip was going to go, another set of knocks erupted from the door. Those knocks were a bit more excited if not urgent.
Making sure to not repeat my earlier outburst, I swung the door open to reveal a short woman with a hairdo similar to Edna from the Incredibles, and a man which reminding me of Jay Manuel with his ice blond hair and brown eyes.
"Are you Liliana Chavez?" The woman asked, as she chewed a piece of gum in a very vigorous manner.
"Yes I am." I replied, and next thing I knew, they made their way into the suite, and I couldn't help but mutter a stale "please come in" under my breath, as they both shoved past me.
The Edna lookalike carried a huge black bag which covered several dresses due to the number of hangers I noticed. And Jay Manuel's twin carried a huge bag over his shoulder, and from what he carried in that bag, the living room in the suite was quickly transformed into the perfect makeover studio.
Once Edna and Jay were set up, she turned to me and opened her arms as she said, "darling, come, let's see, give me a little twirl so we can see what we're working with here." Her instructions were so friendly, I almost forgot her actions at the door.
After I performed a few twirls, Edna already had an inspiration.
She gasped dramatically then turned to Jay as she said, "I want elegance. I want her hair in a bun, I'm thinking dark around the eyes, red lips, and eye popping mascara. Let's accentuate her cheekbones and making her so f*cking gorgeous that Frantz would lose his cool. Sexy but definitely elegant." At Edna's words I almost chocked on my saliva. I didn't want that. I didn't want Mr. Cavalier to lose his cool when he saw me. I didn't know how he would react if he lost his cool, but I sure did not want to witness it, however, I chose to keep my mouth shut.
The situation overall was as unexpected as it was overwhelming. One moment I was debating on calling and canceling a date, next I was being pampered from head to toe. Jay worked quickly, and the way he handled my long hair and massaged my scalp made me feel so relaxed and sleepy, that was until he started pulling and tugging at my long locks.
By the time he had managed to pin my thick hair in a beautifully complicated looking bun, my scalp was ready begging for mercy. And the torture didn't stop there.
I was not a makeup kind of girl. Yes I do like a little mascara, and you can't go wrong with a shade of red on your lips, but that was the extent of it. And now here I was, getting my face caked and beaten with products I barely knew existed. I felt like a drama queen, but I almost cried when he began applying the eyeliner. By the time Jay had unblocked my reflection in the mirror, I could barely recognize myself. It was me, but a much hotter, more sophisticated and mature looking version of me.
"Oh bless me darling you're looking like a meal." Edna complimented in her diva designer tone, and I did a little happy dance on the inside.
Edna held onto my hand and led me to the couch where a beautiful dark teal green gown was laid out. It was an A-line design and had the off shoulder sleeves, with a sweetheart neckline, and a split to expose my left leg all the way to my upper thigh. The flower lace pattern was embellished with a small amount of sequins around the waist, and that brought attention to the outline of my breasts and my stomach. Just looking at the dress, I was amazed.
I could only imagine just how much all this cost.
Edna and Jay helped me into the gown, as well as my teal heels, then they sprayed perfume and stood a few feet away just admiring their handiwork.
Edna had a bright smile on her face the entire time she studied me, and when she had enough, she sighed and said, "alright my darling, you look gorgeous. You go out there tonight, and you stun that crowd." She pepped, then she performed two air kisses, each on each side of my face, then Jay did the same with a smile.
As soon as Jay pulled away, a knock came from the door. At the sound, my heart skipped a beat, and when I caught my reflection in the mirror, my heart skipped another beat. I was nervous, and I felt extremely anxious looking forward to Mr. Cavalier's reaction. I didn't know what he would.
"Look alive darling, your Prince charming awaits." Edna encouraged, then she headed towards the door and opened it to reveal the driver once again.
"Erm the Signore has asked, that I escort you downstairs. Please," the driver invited as he held out his elbow, and I gladly looped my elbow with his, grateful that I had something to hold on to, so I didn't fear tripping on the high heels and possibly breaking my neck in the process.
When we entered the elevator, for every floor that we passed on the way down, my heart accelerated, and by the time we reached the lobby, I was beginning to forget how to breathe.
The driver offered his elbow once again, and this time I was glad to have it because of all the eyes that stared my way. Some children pointed, a few men did doubletakes, older women smiled kindly, but a few of the younger ones, including Delia, scowled.
I tried to not visibly gulp. I wasn't fazed by the reactions I received around me, but instead my brain just couldn't fathom what Mr. Cavalier's reaction was going to be.
When we made it outside, I thanked the heavens for allowing me to walk without tripping and breaking my neck. The driver had me stand alone for a moment, as he opened the door. The moment he did so, Mr. Cavalier stepped out in a beautiful black suit, white dress shirt, and teal tie to match my dress. His hair was combed and slicked back, and he appeared as handsome as the first time I laid eyes on him.
At first he seemed shocked at my transformation, but then he made a show in appreciate every detail about me, then he extended his hand, and ushered me towards the car. As I prepared to lower myself into the seat, he placed a hand on my back and whispered in my ear "you look beautiful."
My heart fluttered, my stomach flipped, and the pleased heat enveloped my face as I smiled and said, "thank you."