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CHAPTER 5
SAM
I swirl my foundation brush across my face to coat my makeup with finishing dust. I click my compact mirror shut and look into the wider mirror before me. The sight before me reminds me of the verse in the Bible: God looked at what he had done and saw it was good.
But should you have gone for this neckline, though? These boobs look droopy.
I promptly pull up the peekaboo-style neckline farther up. They slide right back where they’re meant to be.
Maybe I'm doing too much. I turn around and the tail of my sequined blue gown dazzles with the light. I look like a princess yet feel like a criminal about to face a jury. Thoughts flash through my mind as I think about worst-case scenarios. What if I suddenly lose seams at the bust area and my breasts fall out? What if someone steps on my train? Does my makeup look too cakey at this angle?
My internal turmoil is interrupted by a soft rasp on the door. It’s too late to change now. I look around in the heap of anxious mess for my purse and quickly loop it across my shoulder. I’ll battle with the long chain on our way to the red carpet. After one more look in the mirror, I smack my lips and stretch them into a practiced smile. Perfect! Somewhat.
I take a deep breath before yanking the door open. There Chris is, stunning me speechless with the suave black ensemble. A bow tie perches on this throat, framed by the tux shirt which matches the pearly whites of his teeth. I realize he is as stunned as I am, beaming and looking goofy with a helpless smile.
"This is…You’re gorgeous," Chris whispers, stretching both hands and laying them tenderly on my shoulders. He catches himself and drops them almost immediately, his throat bobbing as he swallows. I miss the touch instantly. I want to reach for his fluffy brown hair and stick my hands in nicely.
"You look amazing as well," I say. Chris nods, still smiling.
"Are you ready?"
"Sure, sure. Let's go."
After feeling like a celebrity on the red carpet, we proceed into the ballroom where we meet with several of Chris' rivals. The crowd is even bigger than the seminars as the awards night is the main event.
"My man!" Someone hails Chris as we make our way to our designated table.
"Oh goodness," Chris shakes his head in exasperation. "That's Carson, such a loud man." He quickly holds my hand before I manage to slink back and marches toward his friend. The latter hugs him tightly and slaps him on the back a few times. Other men at the table also stand to hug him while the ladies go for air kisses.
"So, is that who we think it is?" Carson says, turning his gaze to me. I immediately notice envious looks from the ladies.
"I don't know who you think it is, but guys, meet my new secretary, Sam Parker."
"Parker? Wait, Parker…are you related to The Donald Parker?"
"The very daughter," Chris says.
"Oh wow, hi there." And the greetings and fawning begin.
We’re seated quickly and the award night starts in earnest. We’re serenaded by Hulda Kennedy, a Grammy award-winning pop star who is obviously managed by someone in the group of Elitist PR agencies.
The awards soon started rolling up. While chit-chatting with one of the ladies regarding my skincare routine, I hear my dad's name called on the podium to present an award. I tap Chris a few times to get his attention.
"Dad’s here?"
"Oh yeah, he changed his mind at the last minute about attending. Seems like a free space came up in his schedule." He shrugs.
"I see. Dad's looking dapper." I nod proudly.
"You know what they say — the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."
"Are you guys expecting to get any awards today?"
"Not at all. We sponsored a couple of awards today. The rule is that if your company is sponsoring an award, you don't get to be one of those getting an award," he explains.
"Makes sense. You all are the big guns now."
"All thanks to your dad."
