Page 10 of Ruthless Financier
“You won’t miss family being here?”
If I wasn’t so focused, maybe. They’d been there for my graduation, but that was the last time. “You’re family,” I said. “I’ll be happy with you here.”
She brightened as we left the elevator and headed into the lobby.
“I’m always here to help,” she said. Using an app on her phone, she soon directed us outside and toward Neiman Marcus.
We walked in silence for a few minutes but then she asked, “Now, what kind of dress are we looking for?”
“Something I can walk in.”
The moment we entered the store I saw white dresses everywhere. I pinched my nose as we passed the traditional styles. “I hate long trains. And besides, the dress is just for pictures, so something that photographs well.”
I also shook my head at the simple white suits. I motioned with my hands around my waist. “Honestly, a fit and flare would be best for me.”
Mermaid explosion at the bottom was other people’s style—though I’d bet even money that my youngest sister, Olivia, the teacher, would choose that kind of dress.
Jasmine went through one rack and I disapproved of everything she held up while she said, “I agree.” I moved on to the next row, but then she held out a white satin dress and asked, “How about this one?”
Maybe. It was better than anything else I’d seen. I took it and sailed past the salesclerk as I said, “I’ll try it on.”
For a moment, I wondered what Jacob might look like if I walked toward him in this dress. I even imagined him lighting up like he approved of me.
The image was so clear in my mind. But I shook it off fast. I was a fool. I blinked the fantasy away and tightened the dress the best I could.
It had laces so I’d need help, but this was good enough.
As I stopped, I caught sight of myself in the mirror and paused.
I was pretty. This wasn’t how I’d ever imagined myself—in a wedding dress.
Yet I blinked and there I was, in living color, about to marry Jacob Donovan. It was crazy to think this vision of myself was possible, but I guess I should enjoy this moment. I’d never have another wedding.
I walked outside and twirled.
Jasmine whistled and said, “Damn, girl. You look breathtaking.”
“Thanks. Guess this is it.” I twirled again, like we were still in school, dressing for some stupid dance. I was done browsing. This was the dress. No time to shop around and second-guess.
I charged it as he requested and took the dress “as is” since there was no time for a fitting.
Today, I married.
The thought hit me hard, but I shoved it out of my mind.
Jasmine reached for my bags to carry them. As we headed out of the store, Ajax ran toward us at breakneck speed, his sneakers squeaking, as he shouted, “I have the contract!”
He was panting as he handed a manila envelope to me. I pointed him to the nearby café to get himself a water on the business account. He was still breathing heavily when he left.
I scanned the area. The hotel lobby had plenty of small places to sit and I needed to read fast. I waved the envelope and said, “Let me read this on my own. Can you put the dress in my room?”
“Sure,” Jasmine said.
I went toward a seat, but added, “Go and join Ajax first. Get yourself a coffee on me while I read this.”
“No problem.” She backed away, still holding the bags.
My back was to the wall as I sat in a plush gold and white chair. Some knock-off da Vinci painting stared at me as I read the contract.
