“Well, then. Let’s get started. What do you need and what does she look like? Is this a special present or for Christmas?” Zia rattled off her questions as she strolled toward a fur coat.
“She needs everything for three events. She’s a few inches shorter than you, brown hair and eyes, curvy.” I pictured Cyndee in her cleaning uniform. The first time I saw her wearing it I thought of that purple dinosaur kids loved. I had no idea how long her hair was since she always wore it in a bun.
“So you’re outfitting her for some events?” My sister took the fur coat off the rack and tried it on.
I noticed some of the saleswomen whispering. They didn’t seem to like Zia handling the fur.
“Can I help you?” one woman had the audacity to ask.
“No. I’ll call you when I need you, Mary.” Zia smiled and went to mirror to admire herself.
I shouldn’t be surprised that my sister knew the employees here. She loved to shop.
“Can you imagine this coat on you new woman?” The way she phrased her question made me feel weird. “It’s gorgeous and perfect for holiday events. Where are you taking her first?”
“To your performance.”
Her eyes went wide. “All the family will be there.”
“I know.”
“Okay, I need more information about this new woman.” She took the coat off and gestured toMaryto take it.
I checked the price tag of one hanging on the rack out of curiosity. I’d suggested a hundred thousand shopping limit and wanted to know if that was realistic or not.Nineteen thousand dollars.Well, that was embarrassing. Cyndee might have only been able to dress for one event. Then again, I doubted she’d ever stepped foot into Valentino’s. She could never afford to shop here.
“You need to promise not to tell another living soul what I’m about to confide in you,” I whispered behind my sister. She was heading toward a wall of handbags.
“Obviously. I’m a Ferrari and know the drill.” She sounded annoyed. “Do you want her to have a big bag or small one? One she used for all the events or a different one for each?”
“Whatever you think.” I moved closer to my sister. “She’s my cleaning lady.”
Zia spun around to face me. “Are you crazy? Don’t joke about such things.”
“I’m not.”
“You’re dating your cleaning lady. I don’t believe it.” Her mouth popped open.
“I’m not for real, but I need us to convince the family that we’re a real couple.”
“Why, Fabio? Why would ask your cleaning lady to be your what…”
“Fake girlfriend.”
“Oh my God. I can’t believe I’m hearing this. Are you too busy that you can’t find an appropriate woman to be your date to our family’s annual events? I hope you’re paying her well.”
“A million per event.”
Zia shook her head. “She’s your hired help. What’s she going to do with that kind of money?”
“Maybe buy a luxury car and retire from cleaning houses.” I snorted, recalling what Celine had said. But the thought of notseeing Cyndee a few times a month didn’t sit well with me. I trusted her in my home, and she was meticulous just as I liked.
“I’m being serious, Fabio. Three million is a lot for an average person. If you didn’t notice, we are the furthest thing from average. She could make a fool of you.”
“She won’t. Have every confidence in her.” Suddenly, I felt a little protective of Cyndee.
Zia arched her perfect brow and considered me a brief second. “Do you have a picture of her? It’ll help me select items for her.”
“Only the one from her business website.” I pulled it up for my sister. “Her hair is always up like that.” Now that I was looking at the photo, she was wearing some makeup and didn’t look so bad.
