Page 128 of From Rivals to I Do

“Rayne,” he interjects. “It’s already allotted by the company. You look great already. I mean, you dress fine anyway,” he finishes with a stammer.

“It just feels uncomfortable to me,” I repeat.

“It’s just a sizing today,” he says, placing a hand softly on my shoulder. “Monica is already here, so let her do that. Then we can talk about the clothes later.” He looks at his hand on my shoulder for a moment and quickly removes it, resting it by his side.

I nod at him and make my way back out to Monica, who is back sitting in the chair, tapping her foot. I smile at her, and she stands up, not returning the gesture.

She begins by taking my measurements and jotting down what she finds in a notebook she brought with her. I hadn’t even realized that there were so

many separate places she had to measure me. I never had roles important enough to be fitted like this when I was acting. They would ask me for my size and

then hand me a pile of clothes to try on.

Monica held pallets of colors to my face and sighed when she looked at me. Then, before I realize what is happening, she snaps a picture of me holding two

pallets on either side of my face, blinding me with the camera flash.

“What’s that for?” I ask her nervously.

“This lighting is terrible. I can’t tell if you’re a spring or a summer,” she replies calmly.

I have no idea what that means, but she is the professional, so I stop asking questions. She pulls out a tablet and opens a screen with several models

wearing various outfits, and sets it down in front of me. I click through them and choose the outfits I would be the most comfortable wearing every day.

As soon as I finish, she starts packing up her things and preparing to leave. I thank her, and she coldly leaves the office without any further comment.

“She’s a joy,” I mutter to myself, getting back to work.

By the early afternoon, I find a document on the computer detailing the day-to-day job functions as well as manuals for all of the technology in the office. I

read through all of the documents and practiced using each to get a good hang of everything. Unfortunately, I don’t see Leonard during that whole time.

I try not to let my mind wander too much. It’s easy to get bogged down with negative thoughts. But I thought yesterday left us on friendly terms, but now

everything feels off. Was he upset that I questioned the wardrobe change? Part of me wanted to find and ask him, but I decided against it to avoid risking my

job.

He walks through the doors to reach the elevator a few minutes before five, ready to leave for the day.

“Did you want a ride again today?” he offers when he sees me packing my things.

“Thank you, but I can’t put you out again like that,” I reply, quickly brushing his offer aside. “Besides, it’s very nice outside, and I’d love the fresh air right now.”

He nods at me and calls the elevator for us. We stand in silence for a moment before he turns to me with a sigh.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you Monica was coming today,” he says apologetically.

I smiled back and shook my head. “Don’t worry about it,” I reply, waiting a moment before speaking again. “You two seemed to know each other pretty

well,” I add with a nervous smile.

“She’s been my personal stylist and shopper for years. So I guess I’ve gotten to know her pretty well,” he replies, shrugging off the statement.

“It’s not really my place to say it, but I think she was flirting with you,” I laugh, and he turns to me with a bashful smile.

“Monica? No,” he blushes. “She’s a friend, and that’s all there is.”

---