"Jo! You're back!"
Gushed Ronny Bean, assistant to billionaire, Mr Ralph Esta.
I groaned inwardly at yet another bungle. It has been as awkward from the start. Eric was being greeted by his billionaire friends and I, by their assistants. Nevermind that Eric's real assistant was also in tow. She was not as familiar with this crowd. Infact they probably think she was his date rather than me.
I fingered my fine skin toned chiffon embroidered with sequins and lace. Bare back and floor length. It was meant to be sexy and be spelling. What a waste of a day pampering myself silly trying to rise above the glamour of my paycheck. All that money of Eric's wasted for nothing. I should have just worn that creation of grey tule, twine and god knows what else, that I already had on hand. Instead of this uselessly slinky number.
Eric hadn't even batted an eyelid over it. He was just too used to glamorous escorts. Hotter looking ones too. With the perfect features and form.
I looked stunning to my eyes. The best I have ever looked. But I had witness Eric's past first hand right along his sode and I knew I didn't hold a candle with the best of them.
But groaning in despair wasn't to be a failing. Not one I allowed myself to wallow in at least. I straightened my spine, unfortunately drawing several eyes to the unfortunate snap to my bustier and then resolutely wandered around with an amicable smile fixed in place as I mingled with society. Not quite withc ream of the crop themselves but certainly with rest of the lavishly attired guests.
Old habits died hard and I found myself working the crowd once again fluttering from one to the other in the arms of my many dance partners. I talked to lawyers, accountants, technology experts and indeed experts from every field but never with the business tycoons themselves. My own included.
It was with hidden embers that I trailed my gaze over Eric's every move. Surreptitiously tracking him with my eyes. Even as I collated information that may be of use to be relayed back to Eric later.
It was how we operated in the past. It was how I operated again. I didn't know if it had been his intention in bringing me here in the furst place. But I owed him for the dress at least and this was the best repayment I could come up with.
The night was almost over when I was spun out in a twirl only to have smoothly cut in for the last dance of the night. The slow and dreamy number had my arms reaching up till they entwined helplessly about Eric's neck.
I sighed into his embrace. An unexpectedly warm homecoming I couldn't deny myself, and melted in his arms as he led me expertly about the dance floor. The urge to tighten my arms about him warred with the need to cling helplessly. I was torn between empowering and weakening needs. Both mutually exclusive and yet equally detrimental to my mental wellbeing. I shouldn't still want him let alone pine for him.
But I shamelessly, did both.
The music drifted to an end and I found myself escorted off the dance floor still shrouded in the fog of my lusts for him.
