lies lies lies || book three

chapter four

Laney flushed the toilet as Morgan walked in, "Babe are you sure you don't want to cancel this meeting? She can wait. I think-".

"Morgan I'm fine, it's just food poisoning. Mia is sick too," lied Laney as she fixed up her appearance one last time.

Today was the day. Just one more hour until Laney was going to meet Anna Wintour.

"I arranged for the jet to take you back today," he said to her making her frown.

"What?" she harshly asked.

"Laney you're sick-"

"Morgan you should've asked," she replied upset, "I wanted to stay. I'm fine".

He walked away in silence as she began fixing her eyeliner. Putting on her Uggs and having her heels in her other hand, she was ready to go. Walking out of the bathroom and into the hotel room she stood in front of Morgan who immediately redirected his attention towards her, "Hot damn".

She blushed as he got off the bed and pulled her close by the jumpsuit pocket making her fall lightly into him. She grinned as he kissed her lips passionately before she pulled away, "I'll be back I love you".

Once she had gotten in the car, she switched into her heels and felt her stomach churn more and more. Her office building was so close that Laney felt faint. As she got out the car, she had the driver take the painting and follow her up. The walls were a beige color and the glass offices made everyone's gazes evident to her. As she walked through the halls, she followed the assistant to Anna's office.

Anna rarely smiled but she smiled at Laney as she got up from her chair, "Laney, it's a pleasure to meet you".

"Anna, the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for having me," Laney shook her hand before stepping backwards.

"So tell me about the painting," Anna spoke with elegance. Her voice radiated a natural elegance that Laney felt intimidated by.

"It's inspired by your Long Island garden with a mix of your love for the countryside based on your roots. U-um I-. Sorry, I am excited to reveal the Wintour Wild Garden," Laney stuttered as she flipped around the painting for Anna.

Examining Anna, Laney was immediately relieved by the sight of Anna smiling once again and stepping up to observe the painting. She had pointed out the peonies and Tuscany roses as well as the rose arch over the gate while complimenting Laney.

When painting the canvas, she drew from inspiration from her Long Island home as well as her countryside garden she grew up near which Laney reached out to Anna's personal assistant for help with details. Laney made sure to mention that she wanted Anna to feel grounded in her workplace and always have a taste of both of her homes in the area.

"Thank you so much Laney," Anna said to Laney.

"Miss Wintour thank you. This was an absolute honor," Laney told Anna.

The pair took a few photos with the painting and a few pictures together before Anna walked her to the door of her office.

She nodded before speaking again, "I will see you soon Laney".

Laney nearly screamed out of excitement from that alone when she turned around to walk out of the building, what a success. Following the assistant out, Laney hopped back in the car and exchanged her shoes for her Uggs. When she had arrived at the hotel, Morgan was getting out of bed with his hair slightly tossed around.

"Did you take a nap?" she asked.

He yawned answering her question before asking about her meeting with Anna. Laney gushed about the experience from Anna smiling to her saying that she would be seeing her again soon. Morgan's intently listened as she began to take off her shoes and her jumpsuit. His eyes widened before he smirked making Laney stop in her tracks and laugh, "What?".