𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫 | 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐢

She Knows

Later, I met up with Veronica for our day of shopping.

She dragged me from place to place, never breaking stride. "I've got an appointment for eyelash extensions, but you can quiz me while you watch."

I slouched against the wall. "I thought we already went over small talk topics at the nail salon."

"Nonsense. We're just getting started. Here, take these flashcards."

I tried to stay focused on the card as a woman started doing... something to Veronica's face. "Uh.. a potential investor just walked up and asked about Blossom Enterprises. What do you say?"

"My wife is the soon-to-be CEO of the third-largest biotech company in the world. We're here because we're dedicated to resolving the complications surrounding healthcare and disease with technology and innovation. How was that?"

I hesitated. "It's.. a bit long. Remember it's an elevator pitch. You only have like, thirty seconds to make a good impression. Let's go again."

Veronica groaned but thankfully agreed. I made her redo it until I was satisfied, or it tired her out, whichever came first.

. . .

Soon after, Veronica began searching through racks of fancy clothes while I drilled her on photos of the guest list.

"Okay? Who's this guy?" I showed her a picture of a tall man, in a neat dark blue and black tux.

"Miles Houston, entrepreneur and tech mogul. Vegan, likes meditation. Dislikes pollution and irresponsible spending. Too easy. Another."

"Alright, how about.. this one?" A beautiful woman with long curly hair. She wore a gorgeous purple dress, and a silver necklace with the initial S.

"Selene d'Torte, heiress and philanthropist. Has a degree in philosophy. Burned by a bad investment with now-bankrupt MediShade Corp."

I held up picture after picture, and Veronica aced everyone without hesitation. "Wow. I have to say, I'm impressed. You're really dedicated to seeing Cheryl's company succeed."

Veronica smiled broadly. "Of course, I am. Once we're married, Cheryl's success with be my success too. If you watch and listen you might learn something. It's obvious you could use a role model, and I'm right here."

And just like that, she's back to herself again. "Thanks, but I'm not really in the market for a role model."

And you'd be the last person I'd want to model my life after.

She shrugged. "Your loss. You know where to find me when you realise you do, in fact, need someone to look up to."

I sighed internally but held my tongue, knowing that my silence would make the rest of the afternoon easier.

"What do you think of this one? Won't it bring out my eyes?"

I glanced up to see Veronica holding a green gown. I offered a tight-lipped smile. "Sure."

She tucked the dress under her arm, giving me a suspicious look. "Am I making you tired? I don't know how you manage to keep up with the twins if you're already worn out. I know! You should start coming to the gym with me to get that stamina up."

I laughed despite myself. "Yeah.."

"Anyway, one more stop and then I'm afraid I'll have to drop you off back at the penthouse. I've got a coffee date." She said.

My eyebrows raised. "I thought Cheryl was staying with the kids all day? Are they meeting you?"

Veronica shook her head. "Oh, no, it's a business thing. Cheryl won't be there."

Before I could think about it too much, she pulled me onto the next task. "Toni, ugh keep up!"

. . .

In Veronica's private dressing room.

I sat perched on a couch as she sorted through the outfits in her 'maybe' pile.

It's almost over, Toni. You can do this.

"What do you think? Won't Cheryl love me in this?" Veronica held up a garment bag, barely giving me a peek of what's inside.

I glanced at the dress, then back at her as she strutted around in her underwear. "I mean, I can't really see the gown like this."

She rolled her eyes. "Use your imagination, Toni. You have one of those, right?"

I huffed. "Yes, I have an imagination. You'll look.. gorgeous as always."

Veronica looked at herself in the mirror. Posing and angling her body to her likeness. "I do look good in anything."

She pulled the dress out of the garment bag and stepped into it, motioning to me at the fabric that pooled at her feet. "Why don't you come zip me up?"

I nodded. "Sure."

"Of course, Cheryl will be the one zipping me up on the big night.. and the rest of my life, for that matter. For now though, you're going to have to play the role of Cheryl.. just like you sometimes play the role of Veronica."

I stopped dead in my tracks, the gown still at Veronica's hips, as her words dawned on me. "Wha- what do you mean?"

"Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean." She casually fluffed her hair in the mirror, not even caring that the dress had fallen back to her feet.

"It's easy to get confused when you live with such an attractive woman, get close to her children, and spend your free time together."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing pulse. "The only thing confusing me right now is you, Veronica."

She turned to me with an annoyed expression. "Then I'll say it plainly. I know all about you and Cheryl."

- one of my fave chapters xd