Page 79 of Power Play

“I know people.”

“You absolutely don’t know those people.”

Ryan laughed.

I leaned back against the pillows and looked at the dress.

“So?”

“So what?”

“Did you find one?”

“Yeah.”

“You sound thrilled.”

“I’m tired.”

“That wasn’t what I asked.”

I closed my eyes.

He was becoming unbearable.

“It’s navy.”

“Helpful.”

“It’s long.”

“I’m seeing it clearly now.”

I smiled despite myself. “Very funny.”

“You like it?”

The question silenced me.

I looked toward the dress again.

My mother liked it. Gabriella liked it. The color photographed well. The neckline worked. The shoes matched. My father would approve.

Ryan waited.

“I don’t know.”

His voice changed slightly. “You bought a dress and don’t know if you like it?”

“My mother likes it.”

“I didn’t ask if Crystal likes it.”

“I know.”

“What do you like about it?”

I rubbed my thumb slowly over the edge of my phone. “The color.”