“It was,” Kara said, reluctant to say anything more.
“What did he want?”
“He needed a date for his parents’ Christmas party,” Kara said.
“I’m surprised he’s not engaged already. His family is kind of a dynasty.”
Kara shrugged. She was curious to know more but she also didn’t want her boss asking any inconvenient questions about how she knew Rob or how serious their “relationship” was.
“You be careful with him,” Ms. Woo said. “He’s got a reputation as a player.”
“How do you know?” Kara asked.
“Bernie knows him,” Ms. Woo said. She looked out the window. It was starting to snow again. “You should probably get going before the snow gets any thicker.”
“Okay,” Kara said. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Most likely,” Ms. Woo said, crushing out her cigarette.
The next two days passed by in a blur. There was constant coming and going as people came in to pick up their special orders of Christmas cupcakes and specialty cakes. They were so busy on Wednesday afternoon that Bernie put on one of the pink aprons with the Good Wish logo in black and served patrons himself while Kara helped in the basement, washing out pans and bowls and utensils so Ms. Woo could keep up her assembly-line production of sweets.
She’d tried not to watch the clock on Wednesday, but it was nearly 6:30 by the time she got home. She jumped in the shower, lathering up with the peppermint-scented soap that always made her feel fresh.
Her hair curled in the damp but rather than wear it down, she braided it and then pinned the braid in a crown circling her head. With only ten minutes remaining until she expected Rob, she had to decide whether to dress or do her makeup first. She decided on dressing, cursing under her breath as she got a run in the sheer black nylons she intended to wear under her dress, a simple black frock that hit her below her knees. It was long enough it covered up the scab on the gash she’d gotten falling earlier in the week. Grabbing the only other pair of stockings she had—nude and semi-opaque—Kara rolled them up her legs, slid the dress on over her head, and stepped into the shoes she was wearing, the only pair of heels she possessed.
She had just finished slicking on some mascara when she heard a car horn honk outside.
Kara didn’t know whether to be relieved or annoyed. In one way she didn’t want him to see the tiny apartment she lived in, the space she’d arranged with as much flair as she could manage from watching Refinery 29’s “My Sweet Digs” videos on YouTube and combing through decorating blogs.
But on the other hand, it might have been nice if he’d come to her door like a “real date.” She shook off her annoyance and opened her door, signaling that she’d be right out with a wave.
Inside the car is was almost uncomfortably warm. Kara thought about asking Rob to turn the heat down, but she could tell from the tension in his shoulders that he was on edge, so she just settled back in her seat and let the warmth wash over her. He was wearing some kind of cologne, citrus and spice and leather notes combining with leather and a hint of patchouli.
“You smell good,” she commented.
He glanced at her, surprised. “Thanks.”
Having broken the ice, Kara decided it was okay to start asking some questions. “What are you going to tell people about me? Won’t they be a little skeptical that we’re a couple if you never mentioned me before?”
Rob looked sheepish. “They’ll think you’re my most recent “experiment,” he said.
“Experiment?”
“Yeah, that’s what they call my relationships because they don’t usually last very long.”
Kara was about to say something snarky, but Rob’s tension was almost as palpable as the cologne he was wearing. He wasn’t looking forward to the evening, she could tell, and wondered what there was about the gathering he hadn’t told her.
“What do I need to know about tonight in order not to put my foot in it?” she asked.
“The venue is my father’s country club,” he said, “and most of the guests will be people he does business with.”
“So an upscale crowd,” Kara said.
“Fur coats and diamonds,” Rob affirmed.
“I didn’t think anyone wore fur coats anymore,” Kara said but changed the subject.
“Your father is a longtime member?”
“It’s his home away from home,” Rob said, “and lately he’s been spending more time there than at home.”
“Tell me about your father.”
“My father is a widower,” he said.
Wicked stepmother, Kara thought immediately.
“He married a woman he met on a plane flying from Los Angeles to Denver.”
“What was he doing in L.A.?” Kara asked.
“He owns part of a production company,” Rob said. “They make movies for Netflix.”
That was interesting, Kara thought, but beside the point at the moment. “And what’s your stepmother’s name?”
“Eleanor Rance. If you google her name, she’s the first Eleanor Rance who comes up.”
Too bad he didn’t tell me this before now, Kara thought. It might have been nice to have some background knowledge.
“What’s she like?”
Rob thought about it for a minute. “I thought she was a good person when she first married my father but now I’m not so sure.”
“What made you change your mind?”
“There’s a fight going on inside the company. An unknown competitor is making a bid for the company and it’s getting nasty. Leaks have sprung up that are alarming the shareholders and threatening our stock price.”
“And you think Eleanor is the source of the leaks?”
“My father does.”
Kara absorbed that. “Do you?”
“I don’t know what to think.”
“What does the takeover attempt have to do with you?”
“It’s the family business,” Rob said, as if that explained everything.
“So that’s why you’re taking economics classes? Because you’re the heir apparent?”
“Actually, I’m pre-law,” he said, “but yes, I’m the designated successor.”
“It’s nice that your father wants to work with you,” Kara said, thinking the idea of a family business sounded appealing.
Rob scoffed. “You don’t get along with your father?” she asked.
“My father still thinks I’m fifteen years old and in need of parental guidance.”
“So you think introducing him to your ‘fiancée’ will convince him that you’re a grown-up?”
Rob gave her a quick sideways look. “I know it sounds messed up.”
“You did tell me it was complicated,” she observed. “How did we meet?”
“In Professor Sorenson’s world econ class.”
“How long have we been dating?”
“Three months.”
“Three months? Are you sure you’re not rushing things?”
“When you meet the right one, you just know,” he said.
“They’ll think I’m pregnant,” Kara said.
Rob didn’t have an answer for that, so Kara filled the silence with another question. “Do you want to have children?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “Do you?”
“One day,” she said, when I’m in my thirties, maybe.”
“What’ll you do until then?”
It sounded like a sincere question, but Kara hesitated before answering. She’d only ever confided her dreams to Ms. Woo, and even then it had sounded like a pipe dream. “I want to set up a foundation to provide micro-loans in disadvantaged communities,” she said.
“Like what Muhammad Yunus did?” he asked, proving he’d been paying attention during Professor Sorenson’s lectures.
“Exactly,” she said. “With special attention to women.”
“That’s terrific,” he said, and there was nothing but admiration in his voice.
Moments later
they pulled up in front of what had clearly been a private home once upon a time, a 19th century wedding cake of a house that had been beautifully restored and turned into a club.
A valet in a coat with the club’s logo embroidered on the chest hurried to open the door for Kara, holding out a gloved hand to steady her as she put her feet down on the icy gravel of the driveway.
“Thank you,” she said as she waited for Rob to come around the car and take her hand.
“Ready?” he asked her softly.
“Showtime,” she answered.
Inside the mansion was illuminated by hundreds of candles, their flames reflected off polished wood furniture and amplified by dozens of mirrors in ornate frames. The place was already packed and as Rob helped her out of her coat, Kara couldn’t help but feel a little overwhelmed. I feel like Cinderella, she said to herself and laughed. But Rob really did look like a Prince Charming. As they entered the main room, she saw a lot of women checking him out, none too subtly. And then they turned their gaze to her.
She felt like they were taking in every inch of her appearance, from the delicate gold loops she wore in her ears to the plain-Jane shoes she wore.
A server materialized in front of her with a tray full of champagne flutes. “Thank you,” she said, taking one of the delicate glasses.
“Excuse me for a moment,” Rob said, leaving her alone as he strode off in the direction of a small group of men. He tapped one on the shoulder and he turned, surprised.
Rob stuck out his hand for a shake, but the older man brushed his hand aside to give him a hug.
That must be his father, Kara thought. No sooner had she thought that then Rob half-turned to gesture for her to join him.
Swallowing her jitters, she approached. Rob smiled when she got in earshot. “Kara,” I want you to meet my father.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Winters,” Kara said, shifting her glass to her left hand so she could shake his outstretched hand.
“Please call me William,” Rob’s father said, the smile lighting his face not reaching his eyes.
He’s sizing me up, Kara realized.
“It’s a nice surprise to meet you as well,” William replied, giving his son a sharp look that Rob ignored.
“I asked him not to talk about our engagement,” Kara said, surprising herself. “I’m receiving financial aid for school and any change in any of my statuses could affect that.”
“Financial aid?” William asked. “Your parents aren’t helping you with school?”
“My parents are dead,” she said, as calmly as she could, hoping he would drop the subject.
“Kara, would you mind if I stole Robert away for a moment? There are some people he needs to meet.”
Rob sent Kara an anxious look, but she waved it away. “Please,” she said. “It’ll give me a chance to circulate.”
William gave her another searching look, then moved off with Rob. Kara sipped the champagne as she circulated, trying her best to look relaxed, to look as if she belonged at the party.
“Kara,” she heard a voice call. “Kara.”
She turned and it took her a minute to recognize Bernie Park who was wearing a suit that looked custom tailored suit.
“Bernie,” she said. “You look very dapper tonight.” She gave him a hug, which surprised the woman he was talking to, a thin, elegant blonde woman dressed in an ice-blue wrap dress that hugged every curve.
“Kara, do you know Danielle Kroft?”
So this is Danielle, Kara thought. “How do you do,” she said and stuck out her hand. Danielle stared at her hand for a minute. Long enough for Kara to get self-conscious about her chapped skin and unpolished nails.
She’s going to leave me hanging, Kara realized and awkwardly withdrew her hand.
Bernie had noticed.
“Excuse me,” he said to Danielle. “I have something to discuss with Ms. McKendrick.”
He looked his arm through hers and drew her away.
“Was the conversation that boring?” Kara asked.
“You have no idea.” Bernie squeezed her forearm. “I’m glad to see you out and about and having some fun. Did you come alone?
“No, I cane with Rob.”
“Robert Winters?”
She nodded.
“I always thought Robert had potential.” He glanced back at Danielle. “No wonder she gave you the cold shoulder.”
Bernie gave her a shrewd glance. “Yes. Your presence is definitely going to change a few things.”
“Swell,” Kara said.
“For the better,” Bernie said. A waiter materialized beside them. “May I get you another drink Mr. Park?”
Bernie looked at the half-full tumbler of Scotch in his hand and waved him away. “I’m good Darnell, thanks.”
Darnell looked at Kara. “Something for you miss?
“No thank you.”
Darnell melted away.
“Have you ever been here?” Bernie asked.
“No.”
“Let me show you my favorite room in the place.” He took her arm and guided her toward a door behind a little stage where a jazz trio was setting up.
The corridor was lined with walls covered in flocked wallpaper in a rich crimson. Brass sconces held faux gas torches.
“Kind of has that 19th century bordello vibe, doesn’t it?” Bernie said.
“It’s kind of Goth,” she said. “They should have a Halloween haunted house party.”
Bernie looked amused. “Jennie could serve her spiderweb cookies.”
It took Kara a minute to realize he was talking about Ms. Woo. Hardly anyone but him called her Jennie.
A tall, nicely dressed couple came out of a room in front of them. “Evening Mr. Park,” the man said as his companion smiled.
“Good evening,” Bernie said.
As the couple passed out of earshot, Kara glanced at him sideways.
“Should I be calling you Mr. Park?”
“Not unless you’re trying to suck up to me,” he said cheerfully. He stopped in front of a door with a large lock on it. He produced an elaborate key and inserted it in the lock. “Privilege of board members,” he said, and pulled the door open for her.
As he flicked on the lights, Kara nearly gasped. The room looked like every bookworm’s fantasy of a library, with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a ladder running on a track around the room. A gorgeous oriental carpet covered the hardwood floors, its colors picked out in the upholstery of the comfortable-looking chairs scattered about.
“I can see why you love this room,” Kara said. “It smells like beeswax and old leather.”
“I proposed to my wife in this room,” Bernie said.
“I remember your wife,” Kara said. “She used to come into the bakery for the cheese and bacon rolls.”
“They were my favorite,” Bernie said. “She spoiled me.”
He sounded so sad when he said that Kara wished she knew something she could say to comfort him.
“You’re worth spoiling,” she said warmly.
Bernie looked down at her. “You’re a sweet girl,” he said. “You’ll be good for Robert.”
Kara felt a pang at that. She didn’t like lying and the idea of deceiving Bernie was upsetting.
The rest of the evening passed in something of a blur. She spent most of her time haunting the buffet as Rob circulated and glad-handed. At one point she saw him rejoin his father and a small woman with short red hair who looked anxious. Must be the stepmother, she mused. It annoyed her that Rob had simply left her to her own devices. If that was how he treated his real girlfriends, it was no wonder that he wasn’t hooked up.
Eventually the night was over and as they walked out into the cold night, Kara couldn’t help but notice that Rob was staggering just a little.
As a valet brought the car around, she leaned close to him and asked, “How much did you have to drink?”
“Not nearly enough,” he said.
She reached out and grabbed
the car keys as Rob handed the valet a fifty. The kid looked surprised.
“Thank you sir,” he said. “Merry Christmas.”
Kara wondered if he was always such a generous tipper, but then she realized he was paying two thousand dollars for a couple of hours of her company, so she shouldn’t be surprised that he handed out fifties like Monopoly money.
“Give me the keys, Kara,” Rob said as the valet walked away.
“Not unless you can prove to me you’re safe to drive,” she said.
He looked impatient. “You want me to take a breathalyzer test?”
“I saw you knock back two scotches before you switched to beer.”
“Keeping tabs on my alcohol intake was not part of the deal.”
“I don’t care if you wrap your fancy car around a lamppost,” Kara said heatedly, “but I do care about being killed on the way home.”
“I’m fine to drive.”
“I disagree.”
“What are you going to do, walk home?”
Kara sighed. She’d already decided to call an Uber. It would cost her around fifteen dollars to get to her apartment, but she had enough in her account to cover that plus a bit of a tip.
She walked away from him and pulled out her phone. Before she could bring up the app, Rob was standing over her.
“You’re making me look bad,” he said. “Danielle is watching.”
Kira glanced over his shoulder. Danielle was indeed watching from the doorway to the club. On impulse, Kara waved at her. Danielle scowled and turned away
“I’m driving,” she said.
He dozed most of the way to her apartment, which annoyed Kara because she wanted to give him a piece of her mind for leaving her on her own for most of the night. She was ready for a fight by the time she pulled up in front of her place and then she realized there was going to be a problem. Rob was dead to the world on the passenger side seat.
“Rob, wake up.” He roused slightly and opened his eyes.
Kara realized he was still too drunk to safely drive home. Oh hell, she thought, getting out of the car and walking around to the passenger side. She pulled open the door and Rob nearly fell out. She grabbed him and wrestled him upright. With one arm beneath his, she managed to “walk” him up to her front door. She made so much noise, her neighbor peeked out of his door. “You need any help Kara?”
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