Page 56 of The Client
Love.
Stop it, Izabela.
Hunger is making me delusional.
At least, that’s what I’m telling myself. I try to hide my grin. He doesn’t take my hand, but we walk close enough that our bodies touch, all the way to the waiting car.
21
IZABELA
I’ve never beento the opera before.
At first, I was incredibly excited about the whole thing. When Rhys called me on his way home from work to tell me that some executives from McConnell Enterprises were hosting a bunch of clients from out of town tonight, and that we had tickets to attend, my heart soared. This would be the kind of performance I’d be talking about for the rest of my life.
…and then I realized I didn’t have anything to wear.
Which is why, for the past forty minutes, I’ve been frantically trying on of every piece of evening wear I have, trying to accessorize my way into looking as elegant and classy as possible.
So far, I’m failing.
I scowl at my reflection in the walk-in closet’s dressing mirror. My hair is in a sophisticated knot and my makeup looks good, but this outfit is a disaster. I’m in a black strapless dress, satin, with an A-line and a mid-calf length. It’s not bad, but it’s definitely more appropriate for a cocktail party or a night out than an opera house. I tried to dress it up with a black crocheted shawl and my gold cross necklace, but the effect just isn’t formal enough.
A knock at my bedroom door startles me from my despair.
“Izabela.”
At the sound of Rhys’s voice, my stomach drops. It’s time.
“I’m ready!” I call out in a panic.
When I fling open the door, I find him standing in the hallway in a tux, andmy God. The man could have a modeling career himself if he wanted to. And his cologne is different than what he usually wears. This one is smokier, with something caramel-sweet underneath. I practically have to dab the drool off my chin.
“You’re not wearing that, are you?” he says, instantly crushing that urge.
“This—this is the nicest thing I have,” I sputter. “Unless you want me to wear the navy dress again? I thought we’d be seeing some of the same people, so I didn’t think it would do—”
“It won’t do. But never mind.” He checks his watch. “Get your shoes on and let’s go.”
I grab my heels and clutch and follow him down the hall. I feel so stupid. I should have known I wouldn’t have anything nice enough for this event. And if I had told Rhys sooner, maybe he could have invited someone else to be his date tonight.
The thought sends a bolt of jealousy through me. Jealousy I have no right to feel. I repeat that to myself as I follow him out of the house and into the waiting car. The second we slide into the back seat, he takes out his phone and starts texting.
We don’t speak as his driver takes us downtown to the address Rhys gave. He’s tense, and so am I. We’re not even at the venue yet, and I feel like I ruined the entire night already. The last thing I want to do is embarrass him.
Suddenly, the car whips into an alleyway, making the tires squeal. At first I think it must be a shortcut, but then the driver pulls to a stop and parks.
I turn to Rhys, confused. “This is…the Lyric Opera House?”
“This is a boutique. The stylist knows my taste well and will dress you appropriately.”
We get out of the car and Rhys leads me to one of the nondescript doors on the backside of the huge brick building. He’s just about to ring the bell when a silver-haired woman pulls open the door and smiles at us.
“Rhys!” she croons, leaning in to kiss him on each cheek, her voice rich and melodic. “It’s been too long. I’m so glad you reached out. Come, come.”
I’m awed as I follow Rhys into the shop, my footsteps slowing as the huge space opens all around us. Exquisite clothes are hanging left and right, so gorgeous that I can’t help staring. Tiered skirts of pleated chiffon, silk bustier tops that look like folded origami, jewel-toned gowns with beaded straps or necklines that plunge to the waist. The air smells like rosewater and there’s nothing but marble and gold as far as the eye can see. Eva would be in heaven here.
As for me, I’m mostly just intimidated. Everything in here must cost a fortune.
