Chapter 44
Lexie
As soon as I breach the flow of people attempting to get into the gala, I move straight to the row of hedges next to the steps. When I’m close enough, I lean over the railing and vomit. The tears and snot from my nose are now mixed with the remnants of the bile I just eliminated into the bushes.
Wiping my face with the back of my hand, I then wipe my hand on the skirt of my beautiful dress. I’ll have to figure out a way home since the only thing I have in my bag is my phone and lipstick. I figured I’d be okay without having any money with me. After all, Gabriel assured me I’d have the time of my life.
Remember when I told you about Prom and Randy Mathis? Well, now I can safely say that tonight is worse than that night. How did I come to that conclusion? The main reason is that I can’t turn to my mom right now. The one person who could make everything better is gone from my life. Forever. Second, I spent nearly five hundred dollars on this dress. Since I just vomited all over the skirt, I don’t think Maybelle is going to accept a return. Third, and the least of my worries is now I need to find a new job because I never want to see Gabriel Parker again.Ever.
Just as I start the long walk home, I hear a voice. “Lexie?”
Please don’t be Gabriel. I turn and see Ken. The man from the restaurant. He looks dapper dressed in a gorgeous tuxedo. “Mr. Griffin?”
“My dear, didn’t I ask you to call me Ken?”
Sniffling, I nod. “I’m sorry.”
“What happened? Why are you upset?”
I pull up the skirt of my dress. “I wore green.”
“And you look lovely.”
“But, it’s the-the Black and White Gala. I was su-supposed to wear white. I di-didn’t know. The note said to ‘show my true colors’.”
He steps closer to me and takes my hand in his. “I don’t know what note you’re referring to, but you chose a beautiful color. It was my Sheila’s favorite color. She would have loved your dress.”
I start to sob all over again. “Ga-Gabriel hated it. He thinks I w-wore it to embarrass him. But, I didn’t. I fell in love with the dress. Hell, it cost me fi-five hu-hundred dollars. I do-don’t have that kind of money. I di-did it so I’d look nice. F-For him.”
Mr. Ken pulls me closer to him and wraps his arms around me, dropping his cane as he does. “Oh, my sweet darling. I’m very sorry your young man is such a jackass.”
I giggle at his words. “He is. He’s a big jackass.”
Ken chuckles as he runs his hand over the top of my head. “You’re one of a kind, aren’t you Lexie?”
“No.”
“Yes. Yes, I believe you are. I’ve only met you twice, and I feel as though I could trust you with all of my secrets.”
I giggle. “I’m good at keeping secrets.”
“I thought so. Now, if you’d be so kind as to get my cane. I’ll take you in the back way so you can get cleaned up.”
“Oh, I’m not going back in there.”
“Yes. Of course, you are. You’re going to be my date for the night.”
“Your date? What about Sheila?”’
“Well, my beloved passed away several years ago. I hold this Gala every year in her honor and to raise money for the disease that took her from me.”
“Y-You? You hold this Gala?”
“I do. This is my home.”
I turn to face the massive building. “I thought this was a museum or something.”
Chuckling, Ken holds his elbow out for me. I slide my arm through his and let him lead me to the back entrance. “It’s a monstrosity, that’s for sure. I need to downsize.”
