I’m so happy for you.
To find a dress, I decided to close the office early today. I’m glad we did; otherwise, Mistee wouldn’t have bumped into a hot guy. At least she’s been successful, while I, on the other hand have been unsuccessful in my wardrobe hunt. Any hope of finding a miracle dress for tomorrow is gone. There is nothing. Nada. I’m all out of options.
I want to feel good tomorrow. Sexy? Nope. Not sexy. Professional? Yes, because there will be a lot of high-powered business types there, some potential clients, maybe even current ones. But sexy? Still no. Who am I kidding? Of course I want to look sexy. For Eli. I want to wear something so irresistibly figure-hugging that he can’t help but notice me and won’t be able to take his eyes off me, maybe even something that makes him forget about work and perhaps even how to behave. Yes! That’s the dress I need. I check the time and my heart jumps in my chest when I read that it’s five o’clock. Goddammit. I’m running out of time.
Me
Would Coral keep her boutique open for me tonight? I need a dress for tomorrow.
Mistee
Let me text her.
Confident that Coral will help me out in my hour of need, I undress and redress faster than I ever have before, leaving a mountain of clothes on top of my bed to rehang later. “Don’t get any ideas. Your bed is there.” I point to Ghost’s bed and see that he’s transfixed on the screen, not paying any attention to me. “You’re such a strange cat, Ghost.” I pet his head then bop his nose. “Enjoy the movie.” He’s seen it at least a dozen times. Mistee thinks it’s the music and all the bright colors he’s hypnotized by. Whatever it is, he loves it.
I grab my bag off my chair as I dash out of my bedroom. Even if Coral doesn’t get back to Mistee, I’ll have to make do with whatever’s open at the mall and be forced to wear an off-the-rack dress to one of the fanciest weddings I’ve ever attended. This is a disaster. On the other hand, I’m excited and can’t wait to see how the other half live. More importantly, I want to see what Eli is like with his family. Does the guy ever relax?
I can’t deny how much I loved watching his grumpy ass squirm when I invited myself to the wedding. It’s hilarious, really, and daring of me, considering I barely know the family. But screw it, I want to spend the day with Eli, and I can mix that with some networking while having a good time. It’s just one day. I can still be professional and behave properly. It won’t hurt my career; it’s an opportunity. Billionaires, high society, everyone important. Attending this wedding puts me in the room with the state’s most influential people, and more connections could catapult my business to the next level. That’s all it is.
That’s another lie to add to the pile I keep telling myself since I met Eli.
Although I would really like to speak with Adrian Price, whom I know is attending, because Eli mentioned that the other day when I asked who was invited. Adrian is a green-energy influencer, and I would love to get him involved with the build of my new facility and bring him on as an advisor on how to make my business more sustainable and energy-efficient.
My cell vibrates in my hand when I receive a message.
Mistee
You’re in luck. She’s open until eight tonight.
I raise my hands to the Gods. “Hallelujah.”
Me
I’m on my way. Enjoy your date. You deserve all the happiness *heart emoji*
Mistee
And enjoy the wedding tomorrow. Send me a photo of your dress.
Me
Will do. Now get back to your date!
“Bye, Ghost, I won’t be long,” I shout as I run down the stairs and order a cab through the only app I know you can select an electric cab. Everything falls into place, and the information on the screen informs me a driver is just a minute away from my house.
I knew wearing my heart-shaped lapis lazuli crystal in my bra was for a reason. It’s bringing all the high vibes.
Earlier this morning I also booked three more keynote speaker events. My schedule for hosting events is fully booked for the next two years, and now my keynote speaker slots are full too. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I say out loud to the universe. “I’m very grateful.” On Monday, I plan to suggest we hire two new facilitators so Mistee can focus on more keynote events and travel to places she’s never been before. I mentally note she needs an assistant too; oh, and I need to speak to Eli about all the legal stuff in making Mistee an official partner. There’s so much to do.
Sometimes I have to pinch myself to remember that this is all real and how successful I am. I can afford to buy things my parents never could. Sometimes we didn’t even have electricity in the trailer we lived in during my school years. Those days were tough, and I promised myself that when I started college, I would never let that happen again. I carved my own path, worked hard to get to where I am. I financially support my parents by sending them money every month, too. They might not like it, but the thought of them living without running water or electricity twists my guts. I will never see them without.
I push my feet into my espadrilles lying by the door and tie the cream ribbons around my ankles to keep them in place.
With my keys in hand, I’m ready to go and head out into the beautiful San Francisco day that’s finally started to drop in temperature, not much, but enough to feel more comfortable.
Then I’m locking my front door, jumping in the cab, and driving to a life-saving boutique.
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