Picture Perfect

Chapter Twenty-Three: Double Trouble

Sabrina Daniels
I lingered to observe my reflection. The green summer dress was a perfect fit on my body but I couldn't stop overthinking on the way my figure reflected on the mirror. For the past hour all the dresses I've tried on seemed simple and unattractive. I had to dress uniquely today for this date yet I am not successful. The only choice I have is not to proceed or wear this green dress that was apparently the only good choice of clothing I have. I rummaged through my drawer for my makeup bag- perhaps the makeup would make me look more presentable at the very least.

Once I finished, I heard a knock coming from the living room. I slip into my beige heels and try not to fall as I looked around the next room. Francis was outside the window in a tuxedo- which made him definitely hot. I unlocked the latch yet he was just there stalling outside.

"What are you waiting for?" He chuckled, taking my hand

I glanced at the steel steps. "I can't go down those steps with heels on Francis."

Instead of him coming inside and we'd take the elevator to the foyer as I expected, he persuaded me that he would carry me all the way down.

"No," I hesitated yet it was too late.

Francis held me tight in his arms, carrying me like his bride, and into the limo waiting exactly by the exit of the fire escape.

The limo driver maneuvered the car toward our eating place. Francis was focused on the scenes of the city before him to even perceive the screen of his phone light up. I peeked at the message sent to him.

Olivia: Date 4:00, I have a really important thing to discuss with you about Sabrina, this is not going to end well.

My mouth was wide open. I didn't know if she was threatening me or this had something to do with the media but all my attention was enticed to the first thing the message said. So Olivia and Francis were actually dating. After all the fights I thought we understood each other. I was furious but since there was another person present I decided to keep quiet and act normal, but after this car ride, I'm hauling a cab back to my apartment.

**

Francis Payne
On the drive to central park, Sabrina was strangely quiet. Every time I spoke she just shrugged. I held her hand but she pulled hers away quickly as if she was terrified or irritated. By the time we reached our destination, Sabrina begun to walk away as if nothing was going on.

"Sab, where are you going?" I question, blocking her way.

"Look, I'm not feeling up for this anymore, I'm going home." She responded

"Wait why? Did I do something wrong?"

Before she could answer, a cab halted beside us and she got in, leaving me stranded. I was eager to go after her but my phone vibrated continuously in my pocket.

"Hello?"

"Head over to the studio right now or I swear Francis," Terrence growled, ending the call.

This is not going to end well.