I cough loudly, “Saks?”
“Yes, Saks. You’re going to be attending openings, galas, and cocktail parties with me. You’ll be rubbing elbows with Chicago’s elite. You’re going to need clothing.” He peers down at his phone and smiles. “I just sent a text to my personal shopper. She’ll meet you there in an hour.”
“What? Why?” I can’t afford to shop at Saks.
“Well, while I disagree with many of the things that our unwanted guest said, she’s right about your clothes.”
“Excuse me?” I squeak. I love my clothes. I’ve worked hard the last few years to build my wardrobe the way I wanted it.
“They are a little, how can I say this nicely? Idiosyncratic.”
“Idiosyncratic? You said you liked my clothes.”
“I do. Just not when you’re on my arm. Take tonight for example; you need to dress the part. Don’t worry; I’ll pay for everything. It’s the least I can do.”
“Tonight? What’s tonight?”
“Nothing too extravagant. Just a gallery opening.”
“Mr. Parker, I haven’t agreed to any of this. I need time.”
“Please, you’ll need to start calling me Gabriel. And, you’ll have time to think about it on your way to Saks. You’re meeting Victoria in the Formal and Eveningwear department.” Gabriel stands up and walks over to the large table in the center of his room.
I look at Cammy. She’s a little pale. “Cammy? I can’t do this. You know I have feelings for…someone else.”
She leans forward and whispers, “It’s only temporary. We just need to get past this deal with, Christine, the psycho woman. After that, you’ll be free to pursue Archie.”
I feel the burn of tears threatening to break free, but I suck in air. I’m not going to cry. No! What I’m going to do is go to Saks and refuse to pick anything out. I love my clothes. They fit my personality. No fancy schmancy ‘personal shopper’ is going to make me buy things I don’t feel comfortable in, no way.
