Page 71 of House of Scarlett
“I oweyou so freaking much. Thank you, Kels.” I lean in to air-kiss my best friend so I don’t mess up the hair and makeup that she came over to apply with only fifteen minutes’ notice.
“You know I’d only do this for you.” Kelsey shoots me a wink as she cleans her brushes and slides them back into her pouch, one by one.
“I know, and I’m so lucky to have you. I finally feel normal again for the first time since the surgery ... and now I need to go beard the lion in her den.”
“Meryl Fosse is a lioness if I’ve ever seen one. But I also think she’d be crazy not to give you an invite to her event, so I don’t think you’re going to have to beg too much.”
Kelsey didn’t see the way Meryl looked at me that time she told me I was too fake. The memory still cuts deep. Along with the fact that my father has zero intentions of leaving the Hamptons to see how I’m doing.Not thinking about that.
I push away the hurt as I disappear into my closet to produce my outfit of choice for the day. A vintage burnt-orange House of Scarlett skirt that hits right below the knees, a cream silk blouse with gold braid edging the collar, and brown-and-cream Italian suede booties.
Kelsey finishes cleaning up as I slip it on, and then she helps me with the final touches and rearranges my hair for the final time.
“You look amazing. Class personified. If Meryl won’t give you an invite, you walk away with your head held high.”
I nod, but in my mind, that’s not even a possible outcome.
It’s hard to explain why I’m so determined to get Meryl Fosse as a client, but I feel the need right down to my bones. It’s not just because she’s the founder and president of a charity or that she comes from money and has plenty to spend. It’s more. She’s practically the embodiment of all the good things I could possibly imagine. Great taste, kind heart, hardworking, and wields massive influence over the more conservative social set.
Also, for some reason, I can’t abide the fact that she called what I dofake.
Maybe I’m out to prove a point. Maybe it’s my ego calling the shots. Either way, when I make my way across town to her charity’s offices, I’m on a mission.
* * *
“Ms. Fosse will be out of her meeting shortly, Ms. Priest. I’m so sorry for the wait. I didn’t realize you were coming this morning.” The receptionist at the front desk frowns with concern, but I smile.
“I didn’t have an appointment. Totally my fault. I don’t mind waiting.”
I take a seat in the lobby area and fish out my phone to keep myself entertained. There’s a message on the screen waiting for me.
Gabriel: Take it easy today, killer. Don’t overdo it.
Scarlett: I took a town car, and I’ve only walked about fifty feet. I promise I’m okay.
Gabriel: Good, because I have plans for you later.
A shiver of excitement ripples through me, ending between my legs. I type out a message before I lose my nerve.
Scarlett: I want you to take me like you did in your office. Hard. Hot. Fast. Dirty.
My nipples peak against my bra, and I know this is a bad idea because my cream silk blouse will provide very little cover.
Gabriel: Fuck. You tempt me. You’ll get what you want. I’ll be lucky if I can make it through the day with any blood left in my brain.
I’m staring down at my phone, trying to come up with a reply, when Meryl Fosse clears her throat. My head jerks up, and there she is, standing three feet away from me, with a slight smile on her face that says this isn’t the first time she’s tried to get my attention.
Well, that’s just great.
Like a guilty kid, I shove the phone in my pocket as I rise. “Ms. Fosse, such a pleasure to see you again.” I reach out and shake her hand.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I didn’t realize I’d have the pleasure of your company today, Ms. Priest. To what do I owe the honor?”
“I’d like to speak to you about your upcoming event.”
She lifts her chin and then waves a hand toward the glass door in front of us. “Come with me. We can chat in my office for a few minutes. I have a call in a half hour, so I’m afraid I don’t have much time to give you.”
“That’s totally fine. I shouldn’t have dropped by without an appointment, but I suppose I let my excitement get the better of me.”
