Page 287 of The Bonus

Tight sleeves…ugh, they won’t go over my plaster. I hang it back up. I pull out another dress, pink and pretty, short sleeves…I could get this one on, I guess. I hold it up to my body and look in the mirror…meh.

I put it back on the hanger.

My phone rings, and the name Deb lights up the screen. “Hi there.”

“Hello, this is jet-setter babysitter extraordinaire speaking.”

I giggle.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m in the overpriced wardrobe, trying to find something to wear to our date. Did he tell you where we were going?”

“No, but I think it’s somewhere exotic.”

“Why?”

“Because he said he was using another jet because there wasn’t time to refuel the one that I am coming in on.”

My eyes widen. “So we’re flying somewhere?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Like where?” I really begin to panic, I am not swimsuit ready…fuck, maybe I should fake tan too. I can’t do it with one hand…maybe the kids could…no. I push that pea brain idea straight out of my head.

“I don’t know.”

“Should I wear a dress or a skirt and top or…”

“Dress. Definitely a dress.”

“But then I can’t wear high heels because of my stupid ankle.”

“Babe…relax. He’s only going to be looking at your lingerie.”

“Probably.”

“And to be honest, I’m thinking you could wear a garbage bag and he’d still be impressed.”

Nerves dance in my stomach at the thought. “I’ve waited so long for this date. I want it to be perfect.”

“It will be.”

“Thank you so much for coming and doing this for us.”

“Oh…because flying in a private jet to come stay in a penthouse in New York is so fucking hard…you owe me big-time, bitch.”

I smile down at the phone. “I love you.”

“See you tomorrow.”

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“For the hundredth time, it’s a surprise.” Gabriel rolls his eyes as he packs his bag.

“But like…I can’t wear high heels; you remember that, don’t you? So if we go somewhere swanky, I’ll be like a hobo in flip-flops.”

“You won’t need high heels.” He puts a pair of boardshorts into the bag.

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