Page 46 of Desired By you (Always & Forever #3)
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Gabriella
“… do you agree?” The stylist’s words startle me as I had zoned out while she was doing my hair.
“I’m sorry. Could you repeat the question?”
“I suggested we leave your hair down. It’s so beautiful, it feels a shame to hide it all in an updo.”
I nod. “Sure, whatever you think is best.”
My mom is in the chair beside me, her hair in rollers, having her makeup done. Mine has been done—minimal, just the way my mother likes it.
“Oh, please put it up. It will get in her way,” my mother chimes in.
My mouth flattens and I want to scream that it’s my hair. But, of course, I don’t. The stylist matches my expression in the mirror.
“How about we go half and half?” she says quietly, pulling back pieces and creating a style that I really like. I glance over at my mother, who gives me the nod of approval, so I signal for the stylist to continue.
I didn’t like leaving Ali earlier. She still hasn’t got out of bed and it’s been five days now.
She’s not been in work all week and that’s so unlike her.
We have Brad’s birthday this weekend and Ria called earlier, asking if Ali was well enough to go.
I’m torn between wanting to go and not. I want to see him, yet I don’t.
I reach for my phone and send a text to Ali and then Ria.
Gabriella
Hey, babe, are you feeling okay? I’m going to try and leave this event early and come home. xx
Gabriella
Hey, Ri, I hope that little bump has eased up and stopped making you feel so sick. I’m worried about Ali, and I’m at this stupid dinner with my parents. Could you check in on her? xx
My message to Ali still hasn’t been seen, but I breathe a sigh of relief when Ria texts back.
Ria
Hey, sure thing. I’ll stop by later and bring her some soup, so don’t worry, I got her G enjoy your night, and no, baby Lawson will not let me eat anything except graham crackers and apples. xx
“Okay, all done,” the stylist chimes. I look into the mirror as she holds a smaller one so I can see the back of my hair, she’s twisted pieces and curled them and they hang down my back like a vine of wild ivy.
“I love it, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. You have the most amazing hair, and your makeup turned out flawless. Your date is a lucky guy. Did he get you that bracelet? Those things are pricey. You’re a lucky girl.”
Her words leave me with a pit in my stomach as I twist the bracelet Brad gave me. “It was a gift from a friend,” I say.
“I need better friends,” she jokes. “Come on, let’s get you into your dress.”
We ride the limo to the MET. Patrick and my dad are in a black tux, my mother wears a silver gown with a high neck, and I’m in a strapless black satin gown. Patrick has spent the entire ride ignoring me and sucking up to my dad and my dad annoyingly has been eating up his crap.
I want to be anywhere but here. Ria called before and said Ali ate the soup and seemed to be doing a little better. Maybe it was the flu, and I’ve been worrying over nothing.
Our limo stops, the door opens, my dad and Patrick get out first, and I follow after my mother, taking Patrick’s waiting meaty hand that makes me shudder every time I touch it.
These events always blow my mind. We are here to raise money and awareness and resources for local charities, yet hundreds of thousands have gone in to hosting it when it could have gone straight to the charities.
It’s just another opportunity for the rich to flaunt their wealth and status, and my mother lives for these things.
We are offered glasses of Champagne as we enter the main hall, and Patrick wastes no time inserting himself right up my dad’s ass crack. We make small talk and are introduced to some of my dad’s friends and colleagues and I do my part; I slip on my mask and play the dutiful daughter and girlfriend.
“Oh, what a beautiful couple,” a tall woman with old money blonde hair who’s clearly a fan of the filler swoons.
Patrick wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me into him. I smile through gritted teeth.
“She’s a keeper. Imagine how good looking our children will be.” My jaw nearly hits the floor.
My mom’s smile is so wide she looks ready to explode. “I didn’t know things were getting this serious between you two.” She fans her face with her clutch.
It’s news to be too, Mom.
“I think your daughter could be the one, if you get my drift.” I turn my head and see Patrick wink at my mom, and she holds her hand to her chest, clutching her necklace.
Is he joking? No, this is going too far.
“Patrick, can I steal you for a moment?” I say, tugging his hand.
“Aah, young love,” someone calls from behind, but I’m too busy seeing red and storming to a quieter corner to have it out with Patrick.
I glance around, making sure no one is in earshot. “What the heck are you doing, implying marriage, babies? I didn’t agree to that. I got you here. You can butter up my dad’s friends and then we can call it quits.”
His jaw ticks and I get the sense he didn’t appreciate my tone.
“I think you are forgetting who has the power here, Gabby. If you want to dissolve this agreement, sure, we can do that. One email to your daddy and this will all be over for you.” I gulp, shrinking under his gaze. “So this,” he gestures between us, “will go as far as I say it does, got it?”
I blink back tears that threaten to fall. I’m trapped with no out. I can’t have my world crumble again, so I nod in agreement.
“Good girl.” Pressing a kiss to my forehead, he walks off without me, and I shudder at the words he used. They feel wrong coming from him. I don’t want his praise. I want him to leave me alone.