Page 56 of The Re-Proposal

Our feet plunk up the stairs of the trailer but, when inside, a thick carpet swallows every sound. LED lights illuminate the rows of designer shoes. White benches set further back invite us to recline. The air smells sweet with not even a hint of car exhaust to shatter the illusion. It feels like we’re in a fancy department store instead of a trailer.

Jazz music plays lightly. There’s a side table with cheese platters, fruits and wine.

Everywhere I look dazzles the eyes.

“What’s… going on? Why are you here, Laura?”

“Mr. Bolton’s secretary told me to show up at your apartment and get in this truck.”

“You got in a strange truck just because someone told you to?”

Laura scoffs. “Of course not. I got into the truckafterI met Mimi Roach.”

“Who’s Mimi Roach?”

Laura looks scandalized. “You don’t knowPeople’s Magazinestylist of the century?” She gestures to the other woman. “Mimi’s alegend.She’s dressed celebrities, three generations of First Ladies and actual royalty. She’s got millions of followers online.”

Mimi’s chin tilts up a fraction, gloating in Laura’s praise.

I blink rapidly. “What is a big shot like that doinghere?”

“I was told you need shoes.” Mimi’s voice is dry.

My stare is blank.

Clearly tired of my cluelessness, Mimi gestures. “This way.”

As if they’ve practiced this dance a million times, servers step out of the shadows.

I startle. “Where did they come from?”

Mimi doesn’t answer.

“Would you like a drink?” Someone offers a glass of champagne.

“Um…”

“Try this cheese stick.” Laura shoves something at me.

“I…”

A second worker kneels with a towel. When she starts peeling off my sneakers, I pull back. “What are you doing?”

“Giving you a massage before your shopping session,” she says, eyeing me likeI’mthe one with the problem.

My heart pounding, I shoot to my feet.

Breathing is suddenly difficult and my chest expands with every ragged intake of air.

Laura rises too. She touches my shoulder gently. “Are you okay?”

No, I’m not okay! This is too lavish! Too extravagant.“Too much.”

“Huh?” Laura dips her head in further to hear me.

“This is too much.” I swallow past the lump in my throat. “I’m sorry for wasting your time, Miss Roach. But I can’t accept this.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

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