Page 68 of Powerless

I smile as I gently shake my head. “Have you got your phone?”

“No, ma’am, it was taken from me when I arrived.”

“Was it?” She nods. I walk over to the door and open it. I find my Secret Service head of detail, Grayson, standing outside the door. “Grayson.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Can you get Millie’s phone for me please?” His brows crinkle slightly. “Now, please.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Thank you.” I close the door and walk back in. I stand in front of the mirror and look at the long, black, fitted gown with the small train. The scooped neckline shows a hint of cleavage without giving too much away. The silver heels, silver clutch, and white gold diamond hoop earrings, break the gown up perfectly. “I’m totally in love with this entire ensemble.”

“So am I,” Millie giddily replies.

There’s a knock on the door, and I instruct them to enter. Grayson walks in and hands me Millie’s phone. “Thank you.”

Grayson exits the room and closes the door behind him. “Here you go.” I pass the phone onto Millie. “It’s time to call your mom.”

I’ve never seen such a remarkable smile on anyone’s face. Millie dials her mom and waits for her to answer. “Hey, darling, how was it?” her mom lovingly asks.

“I’m still here, Mom.”

“Oh, are you?” I notice the change in her voice. It becomes tenser and more rigid. “Are you leaving soon?”

“Um.” She looks over the phone to me.

I walk around and stand beside Millie. “Hello, ma’am,” I say, once in view. Her eyes widen and her mouth gapes open. “I just wanted to show you this wonderful dress Millie created for me.”

“Oh my goodness! Mrs. Adams...oh my!” She’s at a loss for words as she stares at the screen.

“Millie is an amazing designer, and an even better person. You should be very proud of her. You’ve brought up a simply beautiful human.”

“Oh my,” she repeats as she places her hand on her chest. “There’s no way I can repay you for what you’ve done for my Millie. Thank you.”

“I should be the one thanking you and Millie. But I’m pressed for time, and I wanted to show you before the world sees how perfect your daughter’s creation is.” I look to Millie. “Step back and show your mom.”

Millie takes a step backward and shows her mom. “Darling, I’m so proud of you! Mrs. Adams, you’re breathtaking. Thank you for taking time to call me.”

“I have to go, Mom.”

“Call me when you leave.”

“I will.”

“Love you, Millie.”

“Love you, too.”

It warms my heart to see such an incredible bond between a mother and her daughter. One day, I’m hoping I have the same thing too. When the time is right.

Millie hangs up and slides her phone into her pocket. “One last thing,” I say.

“Of course. What is it, ma’am?”

“Get your phone out again.”

Millie hesitantly reaches into her pocket and retrieves her phone. With a worried look she unlocks her phone. “I didn’t take any pictures, I promise. Look.” She brings her camera roll up and hands it to me.

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