Chapter 7 - 11
I switch each hanger, taking turns to hold each dress to my chest, clothed in a robe with a white towel still wrapped around my head. I analyze the reflection in my standing mirror, critiquing each dress—all of which are outdated and I have worn too often. I really need to go shopping.
A hard knock on the door. "Are you decent in there?"
I smile to myself. "Come on in, pops."
My dad peeks inside before he enters. "I come bearing gifts." He enters with a black garment bag.
"That’s sweet, but I need to choose a dress for this gala. And I still haven’t decided."
He takes a brief moment to evaluate each dress. He points to the rose-gold one. "Didn’t you wear that at my dinner party? And the other at the press conference a week ago? There are pictures of that. You can’t be caught wearing the same digs twice. Do remind me to take you shopping myself."
"Ha, ha," I say dryly. "You’re not helping."
"No." He lifts the garment bag in emphasis. "But this can." He unzips it until it flaps open to showcase what’s inside. "Apparently, you told Vance that you will be getting there on your own. So I suppose he sent this as a peace offering? Is he in the doghouse or something?"
I give him a wry look. "We just don’t need to be with each other twenty-four-seven."
He nods understandingly, then moves to hook the hanger on the handle of my wardrobe.
"Well, if it pleases you. Frank can obviously take you and I can accompany you there?"
My brows climb my forehead. "You want to attend the corporate gala? You do know that Colton is likely to be there. You can smile all you want at him. I know you don’t like him. Or perhaps it’s not about him, but about gaining a foothold by acquainting yourself with top-level executives in his company."