Batter, Up

21|Dinner Party

"I don't like that one, it's too drafty looking."
"That one has too long of a train in the back."
"Too many ruffles."
"I don't like the shoulder pads."

Eugéne had a dress designer come to the house so Veronica could pick out her dress without the paparazzi swarming her as they both wanted to keep the engagement and wedding quiet

The lady brought pictures of two full racks of her most popular dresses as Veronica seemed to not have liked any of them.

"I don't want anything too extravagant, just something simple."

"I do have a dress coming in from Milan that's a straight cut floor-length dress, it has a small train and it's very minimal." She said showing Veronica a picture of the dress and immediately she smiled

"It's perfect, I'll take it."

"Excellent! The dress should get here sometime next week, I'll come back to see if it fits."

"Alright I shall see you next week." Veronica said as the lady got up to leave

"Have we decided on a dress yet?" Eugéne asked walking inside of the living room, sat down on the couch with her and gave her a kiss on the cheek

"Yes, it's from Milan. It'll be here next week."

"Milan? I thought you said you wanted something simple?"

"The dress is simple, I promise you'll like it."

"Alright, so how much is this costing me?"

"Not too much, I promise." Veronica said with a smile

"Uh oh, that means I better watch my account."

"Tonight is the annual studio ball and I would hope to have you be my date." He said putting an arm around her shoulder

"Since you asked nicely, I guess."

"This will also give Zariah the chance to meet everyone and if she wants, she could do some film work."

"No, no. I told Zariah that I didn't want her in the film business." Veronica opposed

"Everything will be fine, I'll make sure nothing happens and besides it'll only be small stuff like extras."

"She will have no involvement at all, I don't even wanna entice her like that," She said as Zariah was coming down the stairs and walked into the living room

"Hey mom, would it be okay if Kelsey spent the night?"

"Sure darling, that would be fine with me."

"Zariah, tonight your mom and I are going to the annual studio ball and we wanted to know if you cared to join us?" He asked as Veronica gave him a sideways look

"Sweet, I'd love to go!" She beamed

"And see if your friend wants to come as well, the more the merrier."

"Thanks! I'll go call her right now!" Zariah said happily as she rushed up the stairs while Veronica was still boring a hole on the side of Eugéne's head

"What did I just say?"

"Come on honey, it's just a party. Nothing will happen because you and I will keep a close eye on her, besides this is a family business now and what's a family business without family." He shrugged

"I'm not gonna sacrifice my daughter's happiness and well-being for a paycheck, she deserves more than that. She's been through enough as is, I will not bring her into a harmful environment just for fame and money."