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“Don't give me that look or attitude, young lady, sit your ass back down.”
Fine. “Look, I was out with a friend, okay? I lost track of time and couldn't make it home. Sorry, I didn't tell you.”
“That doesn't sound like you, Ivy. I remember the last time you partied; it was at my high school graduation, and you spent most of the evening trying to get me home early by lecturing me about the importance of a good night’s sleep.”
“So?"
“So you were out all night without telling me, and I was here, worried out of my mind! That's unlike you. You wouldn't have spent the night if you weren't comfortable with the person; at least, that's what I had to tell myself to remain calm.”
Sighing, I move close and get her to sit with me. Taking her hand in mine, I decided to give her half the truth. “I started seeing someone recently.”
“I knew it!” She squeals, her arms wrapping around my neck in excitement. “Oh my God, Ivy, I'm so happy for you. Finally, you're living again.”
Her words have me getting defensive. “Are you saying I haven't been living all this time because I didn't have a man in my life?”
She pulls back away from me and sits, her smile still broad. “Tell me everything,” she says, ignoring my questions.
Fine.
Instead of soaking myself in a bath like I'd planned, I spend the rest of the day visiting with my sister. I can’t tell her the details of my relationship with Rafael or that he's my boss. I tell her everything else—the sex, the dinner, the breakfast, the oral sex afterward.
She’s excited. And I’m happy too, we have something to discuss after a long time.
Our relationship isn’t bad, but it's not at its best either. I'd let the weight of my responsibilities wane out my high spirit. However, with the new assurance that comes with my relationship with Rafael, I feel better.
Maybe there's nothing to worry about after all.
***
When I get to work the next morning, I'm surprised to find Rafael still in. The moment I open the door, he catches me by the waist and lifts me into the air for a twirl. I giggle, slapping at his shoulder to let me down after a while.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
“Hello to you, too.”
He kisses me, and I let myself savor the beautiful feeling he's invoking. Soon, the kiss is over as fast as it started. “I have to go,” he murmurs against my lips.
I sigh, wanting more than anything to lock the door behind us and never to leave again. Being with him gives me a new sense of peace I've never had before. “Okay,” I mumble.
“You don't want me to go?” he asks.
“No,” I say, not bothering to hide my feelings.
“I don't want to go either, baby. But I've got work. We can see each other tonight, though. I have an event I'm attending tonight, and I'd be beyond happy if you'd honor me as my plus one.”
More than anything, I want to say no. I've never been to any charity event in my life. I don't even have an idea of what to wear. But the eager look on his face makes me say yes. “All right. See you tonight.” He kisses me quickly, then rushes out of the house.
He hasn't been gone for an hour when the doorbell rings. I go to answer it, wondering who it could be. The house is invaded by strings of people the moment I open the door. It turns out that Rafael hired a personal stylist and makeup artist to help me get ready for the gala.
I tell them I'm not due to get dressed for another few hours. They just smile and whisk me into Rafael's room, where they have me spend the better part of the day changing into different clothes.
By the time the day rolls into the evening, I have more clothes that I may never get to wear. I've been put through a full body makeover, and the woman I'm looking at in the mirror looks nothing like me.
“Wow,” Rafael says from behind me.
He returned from work early but wasn't allowed to enter his room until I was ready. I had to tell him what I’d like to wear to the overzealous stylist.
“You're too beautiful to remain in my arms for one night. Stay with me forever.”
