The Darker Exterior

Chapter 3

His reaction was going to scare me. I know, no matter what Ford's reaction is to the dress I chose, I'm probably going to feel like I'm going to cry.

I slipped it over my frame again, sighing gently. I had gone to the spa at the resort today and got a massage, which I booked in advance. I even drank the anti-bloat tea they offered, which tasted so terrible, that I washed it down with a coconut redbull, which may have defeated the purpose. They were also kind enough to paint my nails a silvery color with glitter that sparkled brightly and differently in various lighting.

I thought I looked nice. I had even curled my hair, which took me a whopping hour and a half. I missed when my hair was short. It was so easy to take care of. But my hair reached just below my waist now. Taking care of it was one of my few passions. I secretly loved it when people asked me how my hair looked so good.

I had glossed some subtle eyeshadow over my eyes, mascara, and lipstick. I tried to stick with a more natural look, but I felt almost out of place. Maybe it was just the anxiety taking. I had been to a few events before, but none like this. this was the kind of thing rich businessmen did to brag to each other about how rich they were. I was definitely not rich enough to fit in if that was the case tonight.

With one last clasp of a dainty silver necklace, I looked in the mirror, standing back, practicing a few poses. The dress was still as stunning as ever, but the more I looked at myself in it, the more I thought about how it looked on me, picking out various flaws.

That's enough mirror for today, I think, grabbing my bag, plopping my lipstick, makeup wipes, tissues, and bandaids- the heels weren't that long but I wasn't taking a risk on the blisters-  and grab my phone to check the time. He should be here at any-

And there was a knock on my door. I opened the door hesitantly to see Ford and Ernie standing awkwardly. Ernie was wearing his standard suit, but Ford was wearing a blue suit near the same color as my dress, a matching tie, and even silver cufflinks. He smelled like expensive cologne. I think I recognized it as Dior Sauvage. The only thing that threw off his look was the displaced frown. 

His eyes glossed over me for a moment, stopping at the details lining the bust.

"You look presentable," he finally said, clearing his throat, "we should get going. Ernesto, go start the car," he commanded. Ernie gave me a thumbs up from behind Ford's back and waltzed don't the hall.

"Curl your hair more," Ford then said, grabbing a piece that was astray. I wanted to slap his hand away from me but restrained myself. I had to be good tonight. I could very well lose my job with one mistake. 

"If anyone asks you tonight, you are my secretary. My plus-one canceled on me last minute, and you were gracious enough to accompany me. If anyone uses the word date, you turn it down immediately, do you understand?" he demands, his eyes trailing over the dress one more time. His tone had softened slightly, despite his harsh words. He sounded what I would call, just barely insincere, which for him, was a big improvement. 

I nod and take a deep breath, starting down the hall, not wanting to listen to any more demands, no matter their tone.

As I went to grab the front seat like normal, Ford grabbed my lower arm and gave me a look, "In the back with me. When we get there," he opened the door and motioned for me to get inside, "wait for me to open the door so you can get out. If I remember to offer you my hand when you are exiting, take it."

I nodded yet again, shaking my arm from his grasp. He was so lucky he was my boss, or I would have slapped him across his stupidly-attractive clean-shaven face.

The ride there was awkwardly silent. At least three times, Ford had removed a small silver flask from his pocket and downed a large shot of what smelled like whiskey.