"Where's your suitcase?" I asked. "Grace, what the hell is going on?"
"Follow me," she said.
I grumbled under my breath and started toward a modern style house which was at least as big as my entire apartment building.
She pushed open the huge front door and walked in.
"Grace," I hissed. "You can't just walk into his home."
"I just did," she said over her shoulder. "Come on."
"I—" I stopped on the threshold, then stepped inside. "Oh. My. God."
Hawk's home looked like something out of a magazine. Not just any magazine, but the ones which showed how good your house could look if you had a crap ton of money. Here and there was a photo on the wall, or a sock on the floor, but otherwise it looked barely lived in. It didn't reflect him at all. It reflected a designer with impeccable taste.
From the front door, I could see all the way through to a spectacular view of the lake.
"Nice," Grace said.
"Nice?" I echoed. "It's incredible."
"There should be a room… Ah, there." Grace seemed immune to the opulence of the home. I was speechless.
I followed her into a room the size of my apartment. It held a wide bed and a view of the street, which was still incredible.
Across the bed lay a bag, the kind which held suits and dresses.
"That's for you," Grace said. "Get changed and then keep an eye on your phone."
"What? Why?" I shook my head. "We shouldn't be here."
She placed her hands on my shoulders and looked me in the eyes. "Yes, you should. Now get changed and I'll do your makeup." When I gave her a confused and slightly stubborn look, she said, "Trust me, okay?"
My tongue darted over my lips. "I do. I will. If I'm being punked…"
"You're not, I promise." She picked up the bag and laid it across my arms. "You can change in there."
The bathroom was insanely opulent, with marble everywhere. Two sinks, a double shower and a massive bath with jets. Incredible considering I was sure this was a spare room.
I closed the door behind me and unzipped the bag.
The dress would have cost a year's wages, but it had no swing tag with the price on it.
I fingered the fabric. I swear it was silk. In my favourite colour too, the shade of red Hawk liked on me.
The zip slid down like butter. I held my breath as I stepped inside and pulled the dress up to my chest. It fit like someone knew my exact measurements.
Grace.
I looked back at the door, but it stayed shut.
I managed to work the zip up and looked at myself in the mirror.
The dress was low in the front. The sleeves were short, but sheer. The sleeves and bodice were embellished with more beads than I could count. The skirt fell to the floor, at precisely the right length to cover my feet.
"I look like a princess," I told my reflection. I admired myself for a while longer, then opened the door to let Grace in.
"Wow," she breathed. "You look beautiful." While I blushed, she pulled makeup out of her handbag and started to work on my face.
