Page 52 of Strings

He smiles. “Beautiful and feisty. I can see why Sebastian likes you. Do you need a few minutes to change?” he asks, pointing to my skirt and blouse.

Bella is wearing a short black dress with sequins. She looks like she’s going to a club. I do a quick inventory of the guys and they’re in jeans. They’re nice, pressed, expensive jeans, but jeans nonetheless. Why do girls have to dress up and guys can just be comfortable? Who made that rule?

Sebastian answers. “I think you two should go ahead without us. We’ll have to reschedule for another night.”

“See? I told you. She can’t even do one thing for him. She’s selfish and self- absorbed. It’s obvious she doesn’t care about him.”

Who is this bitch that she thinks she can speak for me or knows me at all? Now I’m pissed. She wants us to go on a double date? I’m going to show her exactly how much Iamdating him.

“I was supposed to meet a colleague, but I can see how important this night is, so if you’ll give me a second, I’ll be right back. Sebastian, could you help me for a moment?” I ask sweetly.

Sebastian puts his glasses back on and follows me into my bedroom. I close the door behind him.

I push my finger into his chest. “If I get fired for not getting my work done, this is on you. I’m giving you dinner and that’s it, do you understand?”

He nods.

“You fucking owe me so fucking much!”

“I know.”

“Now get out so I can get dressed.”

As Sebastian leaves, I go into my closet and smirk. If Bella wants a fight, she’s going to get one.

I get what I want, but do I want what I get?

I take notice of how all mouths drop when I exit my bedroom. I’m wearing a fitted red one-piece that shows massive cleavage and scoops so low down my back that it almost touches the crack of my ass. The black heels with ties that twist up my defined calves are a bonus touch, along with dark eyeliner and pale lips. This dress is lucky. I can get anything I want when I wear it, and right now, what I want more than anything is for Bella to turn green.

I’m surprised when Sebastian’s reaction makes me even more pleased than Bella’s envy. I’ve been hiding my body under loose blouses and appropriate business attire, but if she wants a fight, then that’s what she’s going to get.

“You look…” Sebastian stammers, and I stare at him and try not to laugh. If I were cake he’d be a fork.

“You look fucking hot!” Michael adds. Bella elbows him and he cringes. “I mean you look really nice. Everyone ready?”

“We need a minute, please,” Sebastian says. “We’ll meet you downstairs.”

Bella hesitates for a moment and Michael pulls her out the door.

Sebastian turns to face me as he closes it behind them. His eyes fall over my body and I sense he’s about to worship at my feet.

“What in the hell are you wearing?” he asks.

I turn in a circle as I smile. “You like it?”

“We’re going to dinner at a respectable establishment, not a Detroit night club. You need to change.”

My arms drop to my sides. Is he embarrassed? He shakes his head as he looks at me and I want to cover myself.

Oh my God, how could I have been so wrong? My old life flashes before my eyes. I thought he thought I looked good, but I made a mistake. I swallow hard and feel tears threaten my eyes. “You think I’m trash?”

His face sinks. “That’s not what I meant.”

My defenses shoot up and I want to protect what’s left of my pride. “Fuck you, Sebastian. Get out!”

“Wait.” He grabs hold of my arm. “I’m sorry. That came out all wrong.”

“You’re an asshole. I didn’t even want to go to this and you made me.” A single tear spills down my cheek and I brush it away quickly. I need to be mad, not hurt. Why am I allowing myself to feel this way?