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Dad
Remember your manners tonight. Everything you do reflects back on us and the company. If the deal with Montgomery Enterprises falls through because of bad press, there will be consequences.
Thanks for the concern and the love, Dad. Much appreciated.
I send him a thumbs-up emoji and open the group chat next. A smile spreads across my face when I see the picture of Ruby, Mason, and Tyler squished together to fit in the frame.
Ruby
Wish you were here. Even you, homebody, would enjoy this party. We miss you!
Me
Miss you too. Looks like fun!
There’s a knock on the door, and I put my phone on the table.
“Come in,” I call out and cross the room for a drink.
The door swings open, and a tall woman walks in. She glances around until her gaze zooms in on me, openly assessing me.
Once she’s done with her perusal, she locks eyes with me. “Evangeline, right?”
I nod, still taking all of her in because there’s a lot. The colorful hair, the tattoos peeking out from under her T-shirt, the piercings. It’s a whole vibe, and I love it.
“I’m Jo.” She strides over to me with a large aluminum trolley behind her.
My brain finally catches up with my vision, and I plaster on a smile. “You’re my hair and makeup artist?”
She returns my smile and gives me a salute. “In the flesh.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
I grab my diet soda and go to the table, where she’s opening up her cases, and sit in the chair she points at.
The moment my butt hits the cushion, she pulls out one for herself in front of me, sits, and stares at my face.
A few beats later, she nods and jumps up to dig in her bags.
She spreads out a large microfiber towel on the table and places several makeup items on it. She picks an eyeliner and pauses halfway in the air to examine me. “What color is your dress?”
I pause for a moment and cringe, quickly trying to cover it up with a laugh.
It’s time to play your role, dummy.
“I haven’t even checked yet.” My laugh turns awkward. Damn it.Keep it together.“Sorry, Phoenix took care of my wardrobe for me. Let me get it.”
The memory of him telling me at dinner last night that my dresses for our events are in my closet swirls around in my head. And the smirk he wore when he informed me that the dates and event names are written on the garment bags.
Control freak.
Jo doesn’t say anything. I take the opportunity and rush into the walk-in closet.
The rack on the right side is filled with large garment bags, and I grab the one with today’s date. I probably should have checked out the wardrobe when I got home, but Phoenix mentioned a personal shopper, and if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that Phoenix would never let me accompany him to events in anything less than beautiful haute couture. This is important to him, and he wouldn’t risk his image by having me look anything but well put-together.
I tug down the zipper and push the garment bag out of the way.