The oversized sunglasses taunt me from their display, with their ultra-dark frames and their potential to hide what lies underneath.
I got little to no sleep last night and the bags under my eyes show it. I so wish I could just slip a pair of those gorgeous black frames on and fly incognito for the rest of the day but unfortunately that isn’t on my schedule.
Instead I swing by the complimentary coffee bar and pick up a double shot of espresso, tipping Marcus on the way up to the top floor of our flagship store in downtown Dallas. I have a big client coming in today and I can’t afford to mess this up. I need all the money I can get my hands on since it looks like I’ll be needing to front some of Mom’s bills again.
Dad has yet to rear his ugly head and I’m pretty certain he isn’t going to until he’s blown through all of Mom’s money.
My phone buzzes as I make my way past the designer gowns and into the private dressing rooms. Looking down I notice it’s an unknown number. Hmmm. I hit unlock and what I see makes my breath hitch.
UNKNOWN NUMBER: We should talk. – Ren
I shut my eyes as if doing so will somehow make the message disappear. Ren. My best friend’s uncle, Ren. The man I can’t seem to get out of my head, Ren. The man I have no business talking to, Ren.
Luckily I don’t have much time to drown in my thoughts as my client, Blair, calls my name bringing me back to the here and now.
“Daaarling, it’s been too long.” She brings her hands to mine, blowing an air kiss on either cheek before retreating to her personal space. “We’re going on vacation next week and we need new everything.”
“Wonderful!” I muster a smile at the promise of a big pay out. “Will the family be coming in for a fitting or shall we go based on their sizes from their last visit?”
“Neither.” Blair twirls a short lock of hair as she purses her lips and squints. “Well I was sort of hoping you could stop by the house with your options for the family. And now that we’re discussing you stopping by the house, I was also wondering if there was a way I could entice you to be our own personal stylist.”
My brows scrunch together in confusion, “Personal stylist?”
Blair’s face lights up as she steps closer before whispering, “Yes. As in you’d only be working for me and my family.” Her cold hand slips a card into mine. “Here’s the figure we’d be willing to pay. Don’t give me an answer now. Think about it and then get back to me.” She cocks a brow before resuming her distance once more.
I’m pretty certain she knows it’s against store policy to poach a personal shopper for herself, but she doesn’t seem to care about the ramifications. Me, on the other hand, I could get blacklisted. It’s a pretty big risk to put all of your eggs in one basket.
I discreetly look down at the card and my eyes bug out at the number—it’s almost double the amount I make at the department store. That makes it extremely tempting but I can’t afford to take the risk. If for some reason things don’t work out, I’d not only be out of a job, but no department store would hire me after wronging Louvier’s.
Turning to face the very blond, and very hopeful Blair, I smile and give her a small nod. “I’ll think about it.” My words are short but offer her a sliver of hope, no sense in destroying today’s chances for a sale, right?
“Perfect. That’s all that I ask.” Blair runs her fingers along a beautiful wrap dress I’ve pulled for her. “Let’s start with this one, shall we?”
Back at my loft, I’m greeted by Bruce. His massive paws reach up to my shoulders as he stands on his hind legs, giving me extra kisses and affection. He always seems to know when I need cheering up.
“Hey, buddy. Did you miss Mommy?” I scratch behind his ears before pulling his paws off me and heading toward his treat jar. “What will it be today, biscuit or jerky?”
My purse begins to vibrate as Bruce contemplates his choices. Reaching in to pull my phone out I see it’s a message from my sister, Aria.
ARIA: Hey, stopped by Mom’s this afternoon and saw the eviction notice her landlord was serving her as I left. She’s too proud to take money from us directly, but if we all pull together, we can pay the landlord ourselves. You in?
CASSIE: Of course. Count me in.
ARIA: Awesome. I’ll be by your place in the morning.
Tallying up all of Mom’s bills, my stomach churns. I have a little in savings but helping out will eat right through it and then some. There’s no question that I’m going to help with all that I have, but it doesn’t take away the sting and anger rolling through me.
My fucking father… Well, more like my mother falling for my fucking father.
And this is exactly why I won’t be answering Ren’s text message. Men make women stupid. An adage as sure as time itself. At least I think it’s an adage? Well, if it isn’t, it definitely needs to be.
I roll my eyes as I slump against the kitchen counter, reaching across and opening the freezer to pull out the vodka. It’s martini time.
Tossing my phone back into my purse, it lands on the card Blair handed me earlier today. The figure stares back at me, mocking me with the promise of financial security—something I’ve never had.
Fuck it. If there was ever a reason to risk everything it would be for my family. Picking up the card and phone, I shoot a message to Blair.
CASSIE: I accept.
Two dangerous little words, with so much potential. Potential that isn’t all good.
Not a moment later, I see the telltale little dots bouncing across the screen letting me know a response is coming.
BLAIR: Fantastic! Please stop by the house tomorrow. We’ll have your contract ready and waiting.
1111 Sheridan Ct.
Highland Park, Texas 75205
As I read over her message, I decide to pour myself a double, needing the liquid courage to seal this deal with the devil.
The devil wears Prada, indeed.
