ESTHER

Chapter eight

     "Vashti has always been a proud person. Having grown up in a rich background, I'm kinda not surprised. Plus she was the only daughter, so she was spoilt rotten." Kingsley started.

     "What happened?" I asked, curious.

     "You know how extravagant Jack can be. He threw a huge party just to talk business. While the men talked business In a room, the women talked in another. Although their spouses or partners are rich, they also have huge assets of their own. So I think she was also talking business with them." Duke explained.

     "But, " Kinsley continued for him. "Jack got a little drunk and started boasting of how beautiful his fiancée is.  He even went as far as to call her out just to showcase her beauty. All most everyone was drunk by then."

     "Even you guys?"

     "Especially us. But we still remember most of what happened that night." Kingsley said. "When Vashti heard of what took place where the men where meeting, she decided to ignore him, calling his act of boasting as disgraceful. To be very honest, I suspect she did it to prove something to her fellow women, but whatever it was, we will never know who gave her that idea."

     "Yeah." Duke chipped in. "Even if she was a proud Lady, wherever Jack was, she always humbled herself. It came as a very huge surprise that she had the guts to stand him up in his party."

     "And that caused their break up?" I asked, perplexed.

     "Haven't you learnt anything at all about Jack Rhodes? Apart from all his extravagance, he has a very huge ego. He felt insulted in front of his business partners. So he ended the relationship that day, immediately after the party was over."

     "Wow. I kinda was expecting him to break up with her in front of everyone. He seems like someone who will do such a thing." I said.

    "You think so too right?" Kingsley said laughing.

     "You know, you're actually in her place right  now." Duke suddenly said.

     "What do you mean?"

     "She has worked as Jack's PA ever since he took over the company." I gasped in surprise.

     "Really? No wonder he went all out to look for another one." I said.

     "Yeah, one more pretty than Vashti," Kingsley concluded.

     "Please. Don't lie to me. Even I know where my limit is." I said, laughing. Duke and Kingsley just looked at themselves and continued eating.

     We made small talk over the remaining course of our lunch break, and when it was time, we made our way back to our different offices after bidding each other a goodbye. By the time I arrived at the office I shared with Jack Rhodes, it was empty. I figured he must have gone somewhere, so I completed the job I had left to do.

     Time flew by so fast, and evening came. The time was six when I decided to call it a day. Rising from my table, I submitted the files I was done with on Jack Rhodes desk. I went over to my desk to arrange the files on it. When I  finished, I took my bag and started to leave the office. I opened the door, only to see Jack Rhodes standing by it.

     I made way for him to come inside while telling him all that I had done that day.

     "Hmm. Good work." He said, skimming over the files I had placed on his desk.

     "Not bad for a first day." He said.  I blushed appreciatively.

     "I am going for a gala tomorrow evening. I need you to accompany me." He suddenly said. I looked at him, surprised.

     "A gala?" I asked, not understanding what he was saying.

     "Yeah. A celebrity friend of mine is throwing a party. I need you as my assistant to be with me. You need to prepare the gift I would give and then help me in any situation that may come up. The gala is by eight. I'll text you the details." I gulped nervously and nodded. I wished him goodbye as I made my way out of the office.

     "Goodbye to you too, miss Esther."

                                   
                                     **********

     I was panicking. Parties were never my thing. Expensive parties were also not my thing. I had nothing good to wear. Jack Rhodes had already sent me the details of the party. It was for the famous singer, Amy mackerel, who was celebrating her fiftieth birthday. How they became friends, is still a mystery to me. I guess that is something between all rich people.

     My phone rang. I went over to my bed to pick it up. It was under the pile of clothes I had thrown on my bed. I looked at the ID caller and saw that it was my uncle.

     "Hello?"

     "Hey, Esther. I'm gonna be home late. In case you're hungry, leftovers are remaining in the fridge."

     "No worries uncle. I'm not even going to be around. I have an errand to run for my boss."

     "Okay. Do be careful."

     "Okay. Be safe uncle."

     "Yeah, you too." I hung up and went straight back to my wardrobe to ransack it again. I finally settled for a black lacy like dress, with thin straps as sleeves. It was lacy all through my chest area and leaves a bit for imagination. The rest of the gown was dark and lacy, and a small slit was by the side of the dress. It was a knee-length dress given to me by a former colleague when she had forced me to go on a blind date. Fortunately, she hasn't asked me for it yet. I even think she might have forgotten about it, just like I did.

     The dress did well to bring out my curves, which I was extremely proud of.  I placed the dress on my bed and went to take a bath. When I was done, I brushed my teeth and shaved my legs, applied perfume and a little bit of makeup. I was never a fan of it, but thanks to the lessons I received before I was hired by GOULDERS, I knew how to apply it without making it to obvious, to make it look more natural.

     I used my curling iron to make my hair in waves. I loved my waist-length hair. It was thick and shiny. The waves helped to accentuate my curves. I gently put on my dress and zipped it up nicely at the back. I removed my hair and brought it to the side as I zipped the dress. When it was done, I let it fall straight at my back. I picked up my heels and wore them, praying that the gala won't be long and that I won't have to stand so much. Just in case though, I put a pair of cute sandals in my purse so I can wear them when I'm tired of the heels, though I won't wear it in public. I would put it on when I start to leave for home. I looked at myself in the mirror and I smiled proudly. I looked, perfect.