Illusions

9. dress

Roman's POV

We just barely made it to the Dior store on time, I always forget how bad the traffic is here.

Arguably even worse than New York.

Amira was mad when we pulled up because she didn't want me to spend too much on her. 

I brushed it off because she was just being difficult for no reason. 

I want the world to know that I treat my girlfriend well, and if she goes to the gala in a random dress, then they would think I'm stingy. 

She looks nice in anything, but I just want her to feel extra special tonight; Amira gets in her head a lot, and I just want her to be confident.

"Mr. and Mrs. Sokolov?"

I look up and see a sales associate, and then I watch Amira's face go red.

"Come on, wife."

I hold a hand out for Amira, which she reluctantly takes.

"We're not married," she tells the associate as she gets up, "he's just insane."

The sales associate laughs and leads us to our private dressing room.

"My name's Antonella," the associate smiles at both of us, "I'll be helping you both today."

"Nice to meet you," Amira smiles and holds a hand out, "I'm Amira."

They shake hands and I also introduce myself.

"Now it says that you're looking for a black tie-appropriate dress," Antonella says, reading off of her phone, "for Miss Amira, I presume."

Amira nods.

"Now what are you looking for," she asks, "color, cut, style, any ideas?"

Amira ponders the question.

"I'm not really sure," she says, "what do you think I would look good in, based on my look and stuff?"

"I think you would look stunning in anything," Antonella responds, "you're a model right?"

Amira nods.

"Mr. Roman," Antonella turns to me, "what color is your tie?"

I try and remember.

"It's dark green."

"Let me pull a few options for you."

She walks away and I turn to Amira.

"Are you okay?"

She faces me and shakes her head.

"My mom's been on my back and now I can't even enjoy this trip you've so graciously taken me on."

I nod understanding, not missing the sarcasm in her voice.

"If when we get back, she's still there, you can stay with me," I shrug, "how does that sound?"

Her eyes widen with surprise at my gesture.

"That's not in the contract," she whispers, moving closer so I can hear, "why are you being nice?"

"Because I'm a decent human being," I bite back, "I have three empty bedrooms, take any of them."

She rolls her eyes.

"I appreciate the offer, I might take you up on it."

"Okay, so I have three dresses for you to try on."

We both look over and see Antonella with a rack of three green dresses on it.

Amira gets up and follows her into a dressing room, and I respond to emails for work.