In The Shadows ✔

[84] Hot and Powerful

 Scorpia walks into her own office and Manon says: "My sister says she found the perfect dress for you. She sent you some pictures of it. And Dani and Ricardo are on their way over."

Scorpia nods and sits down at her desk.

Bart turns her way and says: "The foundation pays for all of the expenses of the trip to the tournament. Dino and I will drive a van full of boys to the location. We'll stay the night at two holiday homes afterward and we'll drive back on Sunday."

Scorpia holds her thumb up to Bart and checks her phone to look at the pictures Margot sent her.

"My God Manon! Did you see the dress?"

The girl shakes her head and walks up to her.

Scorpia shows the pictures to her and Manon whispers: "Wow, Scorpia. It's perfect for you."

Scorpia nods and stares at the long, black dress. Part of the top is leather and has two thin straps, the other half is velvet and has a thick strap that hangs off the shoulder. The dress reaches the floor and has a high split at the front.

She opens the other photo's to look at a black clutch with spikes on the outside and black stilettoes with red bottom and spikes scattered all over the outside. Scorpia can already imagine herself on the red carpet. She calls Margot, who answers enthusiastically.

"Scorpia! And? What do you think?"

"I absolutely love it! I couldn't have done it better myself. Thank you so much!"

Dani walks into the office and stands in front of Manon's desk, looking a little tense. Scorpia gets up from behind her desk and pushes the french doors to the terrace open. Dani follows her and sits down next to her on the lounge sofa.

Manon starts preparing everything and Scorpia says: "Dani? Thanks. For everything you've pulled off in a short time. You're the hardest worker I know."

Dani looks at her and nods shyly.

Manon clears her throat and starts talking about her plan. She wants to set up a beauty day for the girls. Where they can have their hair and nails done and pick out a nice outfit. All paid by the foundation of course.

Scorpia smiles and says: "Excellent plan. Start working out the details. Maybe we could have a high tea with all of the girls too. What do you think Dani?"

Dani softly says: "I think the girls are going to love that. Maybe we can rent one of those photo booths? I would love to be there honestly. But..."

Scorpia cuts her off and says: "Me too. So put us on the guest list. You can talk to Lexy about hair and nails, to Margot about the clothes, and the chef about the high tea. Let me know if there's anything I can do. But it's your idea. I'm not stealing your thunder."

Manon gets up and says happily: "Thank you, boss! I'm starting on it all right now!" She runs inside and Scorpia chuckles at her antics. She studies Dani who is avoiding her gaze,

"Dani? How are you doing?"

Dani carefully makes eye contact and asks: "Why?"

Scorpia frowns and says: "I would like to know how you're doing because I have the feeling you are uncomfortable around me. And we haven't talked since..., since the talk in Ciro's office and the pizza disaster. Let's not beat around the bush here."

Dani looks at her and says: "I was afraid to mention it because I have no clue what you think about me now. Even though I told Logan he was a jerk that pizza night."

Scorpia laughs and says: "He told me."

Dani shoots her a surprised look and knows Scorpia is still waiting for an answer to her first question. "I'm okay. I'm trying to live my life differently and feel very stupid. Because I realize I only have power over men with my clothes off."