Marry the Night

Chapter 4

The flickering of the TV was what woke me up the next morning. I looked around, dazed, suddenly remembering the events of that afternoon. I pushed down to lump that threatened to form as I remembered Caleb. Missy. Even my father. But the most prominent memory was that of Grayson Sinclair's proposal.

I'd stared at him unblinking for a full ten seconds "What?"

"I said" Grayson repeated firmly "Marry me"

"Is this a joke" I looked around expecting TV cameras to pop out of nowhere "Because it ain't funny"

Grayson ran a hand through his hair irritated "I can't explain this to you at the back of a dingy cafe"

I bristled, but remained quiet.

"But" he continued "If you want a way out of this lifetime debt I'll make reservations at Peligroso tommorow night at 7pm".

I couldn't deny I was curious. But the thought of marrying someone as cold as Grayson Sinclair was so off putting I was tempted to say nothing but a resounding no. But I simply nodded, willing to at least hear him out.

I remembered vaguely telling Randy I had a headache, something he reacted kindly to by offering me a full days pay anyway, before quickly walking Millie back to campus where I found Finn and Shelley Ann leaning aginst his car sharing kisses now and again. Millie had squealed and shut her eyes, and I had managed a small smile despite my saddened state. I didnt stay for long after that, ignoring a few calls from Rosie and eventually falling alseep during re-runs of How I Met Your Mother.

As I stood peering around the flat, I didnt have the energy for another lecture so I decided to call in sick. I knew it would come back to bite me in the back but at that point in time I didnt care. I padded to the kitchen, flicking on the kettle and hopping onto the counter whilst staring straight ahead.

There were two sharp knocks on the door. I knew it couldn't be Rosie as she usually either banged the door until I came, or simply came in using the spare key I'd given her when she begged to have one. Curious, I headed for the door not even bothering to peer through the peephole before I swung it open.

Before me stood one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. She had blonde waves tumbling past her shoulders, immaculate make-up and the longest legs I had ever seen. She was dressed to kill, the off shoulder number she wore probably more expensive than my entire flat.

"Can I help you?" I was a little nervous, she was probably judging my un brushed hair which was in desperate need of a nice cut.

"Hello" she greeted cheerily "I'm Dana"

I was enjoying meeting British people and I smiled before noticing her eyes for the first time "Do you by any chance know a Dustin?"

She didn't even seem offended that I hadn't responded to her greeting "Why yes, he's my older brother"

I allowed myself a moment of smugness before remembering the British burst of joy that stood before me "Is there something I can help you with?"'

"I was sent here by Sir Sinclair" It was then I noticed the huge box by her feet "I'm your stylist from now on?"

"Stylist?"

She nodded giddily "Isn't it exciting? Mr Sinclair never told us he was dating! And he was so adamant on ensuring you looked nothing less than perfect tonight! I would be very excited"

I blinked. Dating? Through gritted teeth I managed to smile. Grayson would be hearing about this.

"Anyway" Dana continued "In here are the dress you'll wear, some shoes, lingerie..."