“I…I just have a lot of things going on right now. And my sister is my problem. I’ll take care of her. Thank you for lunch, it was wonderful.”
“Next time, I’ll get you to eat a crawfish,” he teased, pulling his hand away.
“Next time, I just might be brave enough,” I retorted as I opened my door.
As I suspected, Carter was waiting on me when I arrived back at my desk.
“Since when do you go to lunch at 12:00? I’ve been waiting on you for an hour. You know I don’t go to lunch until 1:00. I need for you to go over something for me and fax it to Mrs. Leighton and the caterers.” He handed me a hand-scratched list of wines.
“I wasn’t aware there was a rule as to when I could go to lunch,” I retorted as the door opened behind him. “Mrs. Leighton and I have already given a wine list to the caterers. You should have checked with me first, Dan.”
“Then you’d better check it again, and make sure the following wines are on it. Some of the VP’s are picky about what they drink,” he replied smugly. “As a matter-of-fact, you need to run everything by me from now on. I’ll forward your budget to Stuart when you’re finished. And be prepared to stay a while after work today. You’ll have to stay the extra hour we lost.” He turned in a huff, and ran right into Liam.
“Is everything all right?” Liam asked as he continued to stare at my boss. Carter began to squirm under his direct gaze.
“Yes, everything is fine, Liam.”
Dan’s eyebrows shot up at my casual use of Liam’s name.
“If I’m not mistaken, I heard Dan’s voice raised in anger. I hope that’s not the case. We’ve all got a lot to do before the gala…oh, and about that, Stuart wants you to report directly to him tomorrow morning with the budget and all the final arrangements.” He then turned to Dan. “Kelly will be going to lunch with me from twelve to one from now on, so you might need to change your lunch if you need her so much,” he finished as he pushed around him. Dan’s mouth hung open as if he was waiting for someone to shut it.
Liam continued down the corridor, followed by a silent Carter. I shook my head. It was so easy learning to love Liam Covington.
* * *
The weekend passed quickly, full of small details and hand-making decorations to save money for the gala. I spent Saturday afternoon scouring every Goodwill and second-hand shop in Austin for a dress. Liam and I continued to go to lunch every day, but we never really had another chance to be alone. He was so attentive, and seemed to have fallen back into getting-to-know each other. I fell a bit harder for him every time we were together. At lunch on Thursday I swung by a new resale shop, my last hope for a dress. I had forty-five minutes to spare, and I ransacked every rack in the store. There was nothing I could use or remake for the gala. My heart sank. The hours were ticking down to the gala and my first real date with Liam, and I had no dress. There was no way I was going to the most extravagant affair in Austin in years without the proper dress if I was going with a date as hot as Liam Covington. I silently wished I’d taken Tana up on her offer to use her dad’s credit card. I could have paid her back, but it was too late for that now.
Between phone calls, I called one of my friends at UT. He finally answered his cell after the third try.
“Hey, Cat! Are you nervous about the big event?” Crawford Jones droned in his ridiculous East Texas accent.
“Only if I don’t find something to wear! Crawford, I know this is asking a lot, but do you have anything in that prop bag for me? I don’t have a dress to wear,” I admitted in a whisper.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Cat. The girls have already picked everything we had. All I have are some gangster-looking pinstripe suits some of us were going to wear in the casino lounge. Do you want one of those?”
My heart sank. The only thing to do now was go as a worker, and oversee the bartenders and caterers as part of the staff. At least I’d be there to make sure everything came off without a hitch. Everyone would think I’d planned it from the start, except Liam and my roommates. Liam! What would I tell him?
“Sure. Pick something out you think will fit, and hold it back for me. I’ll come and get it this afternoon.”
“No need, I’ll bring it to you. I have to come downtown in a little while,” he replied.
“Crawford, you’re a doll! Thanks,” I said, before hanging up.
I looked at my phone, and then dropped it back into my purse. I was wishing I had another option, but without any money there just wasn’t any. I was so broke I couldn’t even fill my gas tank in my car. I would have had to walk to work or bum rides with Tana if Liam hadn’t insisted he drive me. It had been enjoyable…it was the only time together we’d managed to squeeze in these last two days. Sighing, I picked the phone up and dialed his extension.
“Hey, baby…what’s up?” he answered on the first ring.
“Hey. Um, something’s come up, and I’m going to need to be more hands-on at the gala than I’d first thought. I’m not going to be able to go as your date. I’m sorry,” I said. My heart was so heavy. I didn’t realize how much I’d been looking forward to going with him.
“What are you talking about? I know you need to mingle, and I plan to help you with that,” he began.
“No, it’s more than that. I’m going to oversee some of the art show and auction, and I might be helping in the Casino lounge. I’m sorry,” I lied. The silence on the other end was heavy.
There was a long pause as if he was trying to figure out my ulterior motives. I could sense he felt I was blowing him off, just giving him excuses why I couldn’t go with him.
He cleared his throat. “Well, then I guess if it can’t be avoided,” he said, his tone angry.
“No, it can’t. I’m…really sorry.”
“Alright then, Kelly, bye,” he said, hanging up. My eyes watered, and I wiped at them angrily. I absolutely would not feel sorry for myself over not having a dress for the stupid gala! There were much greater tragedies in the world. I took a deep breath and tried loosing myself in a stack of last minute details on my desk.
“Kel, I overheard part of that,” Tana startled me from behind.
“Tana! Why do you always do that to me?” I exclaimed, my hand over my heart.
“Well, it’s the only way I ever get any information out of you. You’ve worked so late the last couple of days, and we’ve barely seen each other. “What’s this about you breaking your date with Liam?”
“It’s nothing, really. I just have too much to do to be on a date, that’s all. I’m sure he’ll be much happier just going by himself.”
“Oh, Kelly, I kind of doubt it,” she retorted as she flipped through my calendar, one hip hitched up on the desk. “Do you want to tell me the real reason you’re ditching him?”
“I’m not ditching him, Tana! I’m just…something came up, that’s all. It’s complicated, and I’m not happy about it, either. I hope I can make it up to him,” I worried as I tapped the keys on my keyboard absent-mindedly.
“Keep your little secrets, Sanger. Just remember, sometimes everyone needs to lean on their friends. It’s not a weakness. That’s why God gave us friends. I’m here if you need me,” she finished as she trotted back to her side of the building. I’d barely gotten through a list on my desk when the elevator doors opened to reveal my friend Crawford and a hanging suit bag.
“Cat-woman, if you aren’t looking great! Just look at you,” he said, taking in my body-hugging shift dress and peep-toe pumps. “It’s good to see you…kiss, kiss,” he drawled, kissing me on both cheeks as I met him in front of my desk.
“Crawford, you too! Thank you so much for bringing this down for me,” I answered as he handed me the bag.
“I’m so sorry we didn’t have any dresses left for you. You would have made a beautiful flapper! I can’t believe you’re going to try to blend in with the staff,” he admonished.
“Well, beggars can’t be choosers. I just don’t have the time or the money for anything else. This suit
will be fine, and this way maybe I can slip out early.”
“Smuggle me out of that place away from all the Austin glitterati, and I’ll be your boyfriend forever!” he gushed with fake excitement.
“Now that’s a date,” I agreed as we kissed again.
“See ya at the gala, cowgirl,” he waived over his shoulder as he retreated to the elevator.
I dropped the bag down by my purse, and tried to push the image of me in a gangster suit in the middle of a room full of beaded dresses to the back of my mind.
My night didn’t get much better. Liam left the office an hour before I did, muttering something about having to go to San Antonio tonight to see his dad. I never heard from him before I went to bed. He never said he would call, but he’d been distant since I’d broken our date. It didn’t take a crystal ball to figure out things were pretty much over between us. Maybe he’d finally realized we just came from two different worlds, or perhaps his father had finally put enough pressure on him to make him forget me and focus on his job. Whatever the reason, I resigned myself to the fact it was over. Practical Kelly was fine with it. I didn’t need a man in my life screwing everything up. Romantic Kelly was silently heartbroken.
Nine
The day of the gala dawned bright and sunny. Too busy to dwell on Liam, I visited the grounds of the museum at least a dozen times during the course of the day, making sure the tents were up, the caterers arrived, and the sound system was in place. I’d cut it so close I had less than an hour to jump in the shower and get ready. It was an ugly twist of fate I arrived back at our apartment just in time to see my roommates in their new dresses.
“Kelly, you barely have time to get ready, and we wanted you to come with us! We’re going for drinks on 6th before the gala!” Sunni admonished as she checked her hat in the mirror by the front door. She’d chosen a turquoise beaded dress with peacock feathers in her lace headband. Against her dark skin, the dress seemed to glow.
“Sunni, you look beautiful! Where did y’all find those dresses?”
“At the shop where I work part-time. Aren’t they great?” Jen gushed, twirling into the room. She had on a fire-red dress with tear-drop crystals down the front, and a red lace cap drawn over her brow with an antique broach.
Tana was the last to enter the room. To compliment her olive complexion, she’d chosen a sunny yellow chiffon dress cut daringly low, finished by yellow high-heeled Mary Jane’s. Layers of pearls hung around her neck, and she sported a lace and chiffon derby-cap that matched the dress.
“All three of you look like you just stepped off a 1920’s movie set. You look great,” I exclaimed. I was dying inside. I wanted to be as far away from them at the gala as possible. I was suddenly hoping Liam wouldn’t show up.
“Hurry up and get dressed! We’ll wait on you,” Tana offered.
“Absolutely not. You three go on ahead. I’ll meet you all there,” I urged. After I’d ushered them out, I showered hurriedly, touched-up my make-up, and then rolled my hair into a low side-bun. As I donned the men’s clothes, I had to give myself a pep-talk. I stood back, and studied myself in the mirror. It was a little too “Annie-Hall” for me, but it would have to do. I rolled the sleeves up, buttoned the vest, and then checked my makeup one last time in the mirror before I left. I prayed all the way to the museum parking lot I wouldn’t run out of gas.
Luck was on my side, and my little car made it the ten blocks. I hurried through the service entrance to the tent, avoiding the guests who were already making an appearance. I buried myself in details, checking the wine, making sure the college students were strategically placed around the room. Some were stationed to help with table assignments, others to help with the auction and dance. A few would assist the wait staff.
“My dear, you look adorable in those men’s clothes, but what are you doing back here? You should have dressed as a guest tonight,” Mrs. Leighton scolded me. “You’ve worked so hard to make this happen, I was hoping you would join us at our table.”
“I was afraid I’d be needed more back here,” I assured her with a smile. I really liked Mrs. Leighton. She seemed genuinely appreciative and treated me with respect through the entire project.
“Well, I have to say, you’ve outdone yourself. I hope your bosses take notice.” She gestured around the room. Each round table was set for ten guests, draped in yards of sheer white gossamer. Lights strung under the tables made them glow. Large arrangements of white roses and sprays of delicate white flowers topping black candelabras centered each table, and massive black chandeliers were draped with faux diamond ropes and pearls. The center of the room held a large champagne fountain flowing into crystal glasses. I was proud of the way the venue turned out. I could hear murmurs of appreciation with each group entering.
Mrs. Leighton already had a glass of champagne in her gloved hand. She wore a deep blue organza dress and hat. As she continued to chatter away about the decorations, I spotted Liam over her right shoulder. My heart sputtered to a stop, and I was sure it wouldn’t start again. He was registering at the entrance to the main tent, chatting with a beautiful blonde in a black beaded gown. She rested her hand intimately on his arm.
He had a date--a beautiful blonde date. He certainly didn’t waste any time replacing me. Tears threatened again as I watched them. Liam stood, his eyes scanning the room until they settled on me. The blood rushed to my cheeks, and I hoped a hole would open up for me to fall through as he nodded to me. His eyes scanned down my masculine attire and then back to rest on my face. I hastily turned to busy myself at the table in front of me. What did I expect? I’m the one who broke the date, and I had no reason to be irritated he’d brought another girl.
I wanted to slink away and cry, but I swallowed my feelings. I was too busy to give in to my self-pity. Anger welled up inside…anger at myself. I’d never been this girl! Shake it off, Sanger. You’re working your dream job, and this is your dream project. Focus!
“Well, I will leave you to your work, then. Perhaps we will have a chance to speak after the auction. I do so want to introduce you to my husband.”
“I look forward to it, thank you, Mrs. Leighton.”
As I watched her leave, Liam worked his way through the gathering crowd, stopping to join a group of men in tuxedos gathered around a 1939 cream and navy Bugatti. As they all studied the car soon to be auctioned, I studied him. He wore a retro fitted black pinstripe tux with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. He was by far the most handsome man in the room. His unruly wavy hair had been slicked back, and he looked every bit the wealthy gangster. I finally broke free of my gaze, and glanced about the room. Every female within one hundred yards was fixated on Liam….and almost every male, too. I was suddenly jealous beyond words. Wheeling around, I ran right into his blonde bombshell. Coming face to face with his date, in her beaded black gown, me dressed like a man -- was the ultimate humiliation.
“Miss Sanger, is that right?”
“Yes, I’m Kelly Sanger.” Why would she approach me, of all people?
“Well, I couldn’t be sure, the rest of the help have on nametags.” I detected a bit of condescension in her tone.
“Can I help you with something?”
“Oh, yes…please! Liam pointed you out as a friend as we came in, and I thought you might help me,” she replied coyly, batting her long eyelashes. “Would you be a dear, and fetch me some bottled water? I can’t drink champagne. Sparkling, if you have it, in a champagne glass. I don’t want to be obvious,” she threw out as she gestured toward the champagne fountain.
“Sure, I’d be glad to,” I murmured as I turned to go into the service tent. “I’d be glad to pull you bald-headed in a good-ole Texas girl bitch-slapping fight,” I murmured to myself. I located some sparkling water, and for one split-second, considered doing something vile to it. I shook my head. My aunt raised me better than to behave like trailer-trash. I hurriedly returned to her and handed her the glass with a napkin.
“Thank you, Kayla.�
� She turned without another word and drifted back toward Liam and the other men.
“It’s Kelly, darlin’,” I muttered under my breath.
“Excuse me, are you Kelly Sanger?” a female voice interrupted me.
“Yes, may I help you?”
“This is for you, I have instructions to escort you inside the museum to the ladies room,” the tiny brown-haired girl informed me as she held a dress bag up.
“Instructions from whom?”
“Please. There is a note inside. All I know is I am to help you dress.”
I returned the clipboard I’d been studying to the waiter station and in a state of confusion, followed her to the entrance of the museum. She motioned me through the corridor to the ladies room. As I watched her, she unzipped the bag and removed a dress, stockings, pumps and a jewelry box.
“All of this is for me?” I asked, stunned.
“Yes. You’re to open the jewelry first.” She offered me the red leather box. I read the name “Cartier’s” on the lid as I opened it. There was a neatly folded note on top of the most beautiful strands of pearls I’d ever seen. Five strands, held together with a diamond clasp. My hands shook as I read the note.
I bought these for you when you
agreed to come with me
I was angry you broke
our date…then I found there
was the matter of a dress.
You should have told me.
I want to see you in this
more than anything…
Well, you with nothing
on but the pearls
would be nice too.
I’ll be waiting,
L
I couldn’t stand Liam felt he had to buy me a dress. But the thought of going back in the tent in the men’s suit was much more repugnant. Somehow, he’d found out I didn’t have a dress. I felt sick. My pride stung, and the thought of donning the dress was almost painful. I took a deep breath, and then I smiled as I re-read the last sentence. The young girl waited patiently as I made my decision. I shrugged out of the jacket and pants and she pulled the dress out of the garment bag. When I’d slipped out of the shirt and tie, she handed me the dress and placed my clothes on the hangers. She hurriedly zipped the side zipper up as I picked up the sheer pale pink silk stockings. I’d never worn thigh-high stockings. I sat down in a chair, carefully pulling them on. Slipping the matching pumps on, I stood to look in the floor length mirror. I hardly recognized the girl staring back at me. As I hooked the pearls around my neck, the messenger opened another box containing a headband fashioned out of the same pale-pink fabric as the dress, adorned with small marabou feathers and a diamond broach. Two clips fashioned to match were slipped onto my shoes.
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