Behind the Mask

Chapter 9

Marissa's POV

I had wandered around the pier after leaving the bakery. Luke and Gabriel had been just what I needed to distract me for a while. Of course, Luke was right. I needed to talk with Chloe and Jackson, and I needed to do it sooner rather than later. Things could get very awkward if there were hard feelings since we work together. I can't exactly fire them after having a year-long relationship. The press would have a field day with that. My phone pinged and I groaned as I looked at the message.

The car will pick you up at six for the gala. Our table is in the front, don't be late Marissa. - Mother.

Damn. I'd completely forgotten about the charity gala. Okay, maybe I'd intentionally blocked it from my mind since my parents were flying in for it. My mother was obsessed with Victor Morgan. Ever since he officially retired she traveled to the city each year to see his performance. If it were just my mom coming, then it wouldn't be so bad, but father wouldn't let her go anywhere unattended. So I had a night of questions and off-handed barbs to look forward to. I picked myself up off the bench and glanced at the time. Ugh, four-thirty. I'd have to rush if I wanted to be ready in time. "Tony, yeah, can you send the car to this location," I asked and waited as the black car finally arrived.

I was just putting in my earrings when the doorman called to say my parent's car had arrived. I grabbed my shawl and clutch, then headed down the elevator. Tony opened the door and I took the hand he extended to help me inside. "Oh, Marissa, darling you look lovely," my mother gushed.

"Thank you, mother. You look fabulous as well," I said. She really did look better than the last time I'd seen her. Either dad doesn't have a current mistress or he's doing a better job hiding it from the press this time. "Father, you look dashing as ever," I told him. He simply grunted in response. Well, fuck, I tried.

"Still playing office help?" he gruffed and I hung my head. "I didn't raise you to be a wallflower, girlie."

"Sorry sir," I said quickly slipping into my safe space, "I just wanted to keep your names out of the papers when Winston died. There was so much scandal, sir."

Mother patted my hand, "You did such a good job dealing with it all, sweetheart. Maybe it's time to take your place again, hmm?"

"Yes mother, I'm sure you and father are right," I said, still bowing my head. Before the conversation could continue, the car pulled up to the main entrance. I took a deep breath and kept my eyes down as the flashes went off all around us as I accepted Tony's hand and stepped out of the car. Gods I hate the fucking press. I gave my best fake smile and walked to the right of my father as my mother walked to his left. Once we made it inside, I was greeted by a server with a flute of champagne which I quickly accepted. The usher quickly escorted my parents to the table while I made an excuse for needing the ladies' room. I was trying to weave through the crowd when suddenly I bumped into what felt like a solid wall, but this wall had really nice hands that steadied me.

I looked up to see the same stormy almost black eyes I'd seen in the conference room. "Sorry, Mr. Taylor. I wasn't looking where I was going very well."

He looked at me as if he couldn't quite place me, then recognition passed over his eyes, "Oh, Ms. Ryland. I'm sorry, it was my fault. I tend to walk first, look later," he chuckled. "I didn't even recognize you out of office wear. You look stunning," he said, making my cheeks flush crimson. Good grief, how many times can I blush in a single day, I thought.

"Thank you, um well, I must be going," I said, "I wouldn't want to miss the performance." He smiled and kissed my hand before letting me go. I missed his touch instantly.