“Okay, sounds good.” I nodded and followed Greyson upstairs to my room.
“I’ve never really put much thought into what I wear.” I opened my closet and pulled out a few t-shirts.
“Do you own anything other than t-shirts?” Greyson looked past me into the closet.
“What’s wrong with t-shirts?” I titled my head slightly.
“Nothing, but you want to make a good first impression. The professors notice when the students care. There’s more to that than sitting in the front row and being attentive.” Greyson chuckled.
“Yeah—I’m more of a back row kind of student.” I looked down at the floor and smiled.
“Not anymore.” Greyson shook his head back and forth. “This is the new you—remember?”
“Right…” I raised an eyebrow. “I guess I can sit in the front row.”
“Come on, we’re going shopping.” Greyson closed my closet door. “You need some new clothes.”
“What? No. I can’t afford that…” I stared at him and shook my head.
“You’re not paying.” He stopped and turned back towards me. “You need some professional clothes, a few nice tops—maybe something to wear besides jeans. This isn’t high school anymore. The old dress for success phrase applies to more than job interviews. Some of your professors have contacts in the Sports Management world—you want them to speak highly of you if anyone ever asks…”
“They’ll speak highly of me if I don’t show up in a t-shirt and a pair of jeans?” I tilted my head slightly.
“You’re creating your brand, Chrissy. Some students will come running in the door at the last minute—every day. That becomes their brand. Some will actually show up on time, but they’ll look like they just crawled out of bed—then they’ll sleep through half the class. That’s how they’ll be remembered.” Greyson shrugged. “You want to differentiate yourself and build a strong brand.”
“Interesting…” I blinked in surprise. “I never thought of it like that before.”
I followed Greyson to his Maserati, and he held the door open for me. It was a really nice car. I thought the Porsche was amazing, but the Maserati blew it away. It was probably a good thing that Greyson didn’t let me drive it. I would have been tempted to see how fast it could actually go. Greyson drove us downtown and led me into one of the stores that was far too expensive for me to even browse, much less consider shopping there. They had very nice clothes, but the price tags made my stomach twist into a knot. The prices didn’t seem to bother Greyson at all. I spent nearly an hour just looking at clothes while the sales associate followed us with a rolling rack.
“Okay, try all of this stuff on and see what you like.” Greyson motioned to the rack that he had filled with every piece of clothing I showed a mild interest in. “This should be a good start.”
“A good start?” I raised my eyebrows. “There’s no freaking way I’m letting you buy me all of this stuff!”
“I’m not allowed to spoil you?” He tilted his head slightly. “I thought that was part of the deal…”
I guess he intends to be my Daddy in more ways than one…
“Just a couple of things—really.” I looked at the rack.
“If you don’t get to that damn dressing room…” Greyson leaned forward so that the sales associate couldn’t hear what he said. “We’re going to the car to have a discussion about your behavior. Is that what you want?”
“Um—no sir.” I shook my head back and forth very quickly.
He’s serious about this…
I settled into my role. He never told me to call him sir—the word just felt right when it left my lips. I either had to accept his gift and be spoiled by him or face the consequences. I had a pretty good idea what those consequences would be, and I didn’t want him to take me to the car for a spanking. I went to the dressing room, tried on the clothes, and let him buy them for me. Once we were done at the first store, we went to another one—where we bought me even more clothes. He helped me pick out a few professional outfits that I could wear when I gave presentations and possibly even have on hand if I got a job interview down the road. I never really thought about my brand, but I couldn’t deny that he made some good points.
“I’m tired.” I exhaled sharply as we loaded my clothes into the backseat of the Maserati. “I never thought I’d be saying that after a shopping trip…”
“Since we’re already downtown, we might as well have dinner out.” He walked around and opened the passenger door. “Anything you’d like to try?”
“I—honestly don’t know.” I shrugged. “Surprise me?”
“Okay.” He smiled and nodded.
I wasn’t sure what kind of restaurant Greyson would choose, but I really didn’t know what was available in the area. Going out for dinner was pretty rare when I lived with my mother. It was usually reserved for special occasions. After my father passed, it was rare to even get a cake for my birthday—much less a trip to a restaurant. It’s strange how so much of that period of my life faded away without forming memories, but little things like that stuck with me. Greyson chose a restaurant that had a wide variety of options. I decided to just eat like a college student and eat fried food with fried sides. Greyson chose a steak with a baked potato. We were both eying the stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer, so he ordered it.
“I’m definitely going to miss this if I move out in a few months…” I looked down at our appetizer and sighed. “Today has been fun.”
“What do you mean?” He tilted his head slightly.
“I’m—not a charity case.” I exhaled sharply. “I’ve never had anyone buy stuff for me like this. It was fun to feel like I had money for once in my life.”
“No, I meant the other part—what do you mean about moving out in a few months?” He titled his head in the opposite direction.
“I still don’t want to be a bother…” My words trailed off for a second as I tried to focus on what I should say. “I’m sure you’re eager to get rid of me. Isn’t that what Daddies look forward to the most—the day when their spoiled brats move out?”
“No!” He seemed insulted by what I said and reached for my hand. “You’re not moving out. That’s no longer an option.”
“I—I didn’t think this changed anything.” I reached for my water and took a quick drink. “I don’t want to impose…”
Especially if this is never going to be more than two people standing on their side of the line—I just need enough time to find a job.
“Your letter changed everything. You aren’t leaving. You’re going to stay with me and focus on school.” He narrowed his eyes. “This isn’t up for discussion, so don’t even try. I know you want to make it on your own, and you will, but you’re my responsibility until then.”
I didn’t have much of a response. I had been repeating the same thing since I move into his house—I didn’t want to be a charity case—I didn’t want to impose. I might have had the option of leaving before I wrote the letter, but it was clear that the option had been taken away. If he was going to be my Daddy, then I was going to have to stay with him. It would have been rude to leave after he bought me so many nice things—even if I hated the fact that I couldn’t afford it on my own. I had to find a way to exist in my new world. I definitely needed him to be my Daddy and having the option of leaving taken away actually brought my future into focus.
This does make things a little easier. I just have to figure out how to meet his expectations…
The next morning
I expected Greyson to be at work when I woke up for my first day of college, so I was surprised when I saw him downstairs. Apparently, he wanted to personally make sure that I didn’t miss my ride or try to sneak out in an old t-shirt and a pair of jeans. We ate breakfast, made sure everything was ready for school, and then I went upstairs to get finish getting ready. I might not have been thrilled to be a charity case he spent his money on, but I couldn’t deny that the new outfit was amazing. If I had take
n the time to properly do my nails and makeup—and made more of an effort with my hair, I could have easily passed for one of the preppy girls I went to high school with.
That’s a scary thought. The only difference between us was a wardrobe and some Maybelline?
I was nervous when I gathered my things and headed towards the stairs. I felt like I should have been walking in slow motion with a rock song playing in the background. Greyson smiled when he saw me and I still blushed, even if he was never going to look at me the way that I wanted. I looked at myself in one of the mirrors near the door and I couldn’t help but have a little more confidence. He was right—my appearance did make a difference. It was the new me—things were going to be different in College.
“You look lovely.” Greyson walked up and squeezed my hand. “Are you ready to go?”
“Thank you so much…” I turned towards Greyson and hugged him. “Is John waiting outside?”
“No.” Greyson squeezed me tight and then pulled back from our embrace. “I decided that I’m going to let you use the Porsche. I trust you’ll make better decisions this time around?”
“Yes!” I hugged him again. “Thank you—Daddy.”
“You’re welcome.” He took a step back and motioned towards the keys hanging on the wall. “Hurry along now. You don’t want to be late.”
I grabbed the keys and walked towards the door. I—called him Daddy. It rolled off my tongue as easily as calling him sir. I asked him to be my Daddy. I didn’t expect to actually call him Daddy. It didn’t feel strange. He didn’t have a negative reaction to it. In fact, he didn’t seem bothered by it at all. I decided not to dwell on it. If it felt right and he was okay with it, then maybe I would say it again. I drove to USC and found a parking spot near my first class. There was an energy on the campus—and a new energy surging through me. It was time to start over and do what I promised myself that I would.
Later that day
“Hey, you look like you know your way around this place, do you know where—this is?” A girl in a t-shirt, a pair of jeans, and a freshman-stare ran up to me with her schedule in her hand.
“Um.” I glanced down at it. “Oh, you’re in my next class. It’s this way…”
“Our schedules must be similar—I was in your last class too.” She smiled and walked beside me. “I’m Meghan by the way.”
“I’m Chrissy.” I looked towards her and tilted my head inquisitively. “I didn’t see you in Professor Hawthorne’s class…”
“I sat near the back.” Her smile got a little wider. “I like to keep a low profile.”
So did I—quite recently in fact.
We got to our next class, and Meghan slouched in the back while I walked to the front row. I wasn’t trying to be the teacher’s pet or anything like that—I just wanted to show that I was attentive and ready to learn. All I really learned on the first day was which of my professors wrote the book that we had to buy for their class and what we would be learning that semester. After my last class was done, I walked towards the car. Overall, it was a really good day. I was almost to the parking lot when I heard someone call my name and turned around to see Meghan waving, so I stopped walking and let her catch up.
“Hey, I just wanted to ask—and I’m sorry to just invite myself—but do you know if there are any parties around here tonight?” She bit down on her lip and smiled.
“Parties?” I blinked in surprise. “Uh—no, I don’t really know where any are.”
“Oh, I just thought you would…” She looked a little disappointed.
Do I really look like the girl you ask about parties? Wow, that’s never happened before…
“I’m sure there are plenty of frat parties—maybe even some on sorority row.” I motioned in the general direction of both.
“I don’t really want to pledge…” She reached into her purse and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. “I’m sure you’re a legacy somewhere, right?”
“Me?” I chuckled slightly. “No. My father went to school here, but I don’t think I’ll be joining his fraternity.”
“That might be a bit tough…” She pulled a cigarette out of her pack. “Want one?”
“No thank you.” I shook my head back and forth.
I do want one, but I’m definitely not going to come home smelling like that on my first day—I’m sure Greyson would notice.
Meghan and I talked for a few minutes before she decided to go ask around and see if anyone else knew where the parties were. She reminded me of myself—the college girl I would have been if I hadn’t been fortunate enough to meet Greyson. Instead of being a random student in the back row, I had people asking me for help—that was a change. I left USC with a smile on my face. My phone buzzed in my purse when I was halfway home, but I ignored it. I was not going to text and drive, even if it was an emergency. The phone could wait a few minutes. That was a whole new philosophy for me, but it was another lesson that I had learned because Greyson gave me rules that I knew were for the best. Once I was safely parked in the garage with the engine off, I reached into my purse and pulled out my phone.
Lorrie: How was your first day? Was it amazing?
Chrissy: It was awesome! I think I’m going to like college.
Lorrie: Get in any trouble?
Chrissy: No! Never! :)
Lorrie: Right… I bet you will be partying until dawn and then sleeping off your hangover in your first class tomorrow.
Chrissy: Nah, I’m trying to do things a little different now.
Lorrie: Wow! Well, don’t forget to call home! Mom misses you.
Chrissy: I’ll call her tonight! Promise!
I dropped off my stuff in my room and changed into some comfortable clothes. Greyson wasn’t home, so I had a couple of hours to myself. I considered a trip to the pool, or a movie in the theater downstairs, but I was feeling pretty lazy. I decided to just watch Netflix and relax on the couch. Several of my shows had new seasons available, so I picked my favorite and started watching. I got through two full episodes and part of a third before Greyson got home. I paused my show and sat up on the couch as he walked into the living room.
“How did your first day of school go?” He walked to the liquor cabinet and poured a glass of Scotch.
“It was good—apparently better than the day you just had if you’re pouring a drink the second you walk through the door.” I raised my eyebrows in concern.
“One of my clients caused a few problems.” He exhaled sharply. “Nothing major. I want to hear about your day.”
Greyson at down on the couch and I told him about my first day of college. I couldn’t deny that he was right about my brand. I felt like I was off to a good start. The professors noticed that I was attentive—and the other students did as well, judging by my interaction with Meghan. I told him about her too—how she was like looking in a mirror and helped me realize that he had helped me find the right version of myself to present as I began the next chapter of my life. Greyson seemed pleased and seeing a smile on his face brought one to mine. I wished he would tell me more about what was bothering him, but I didn’t want to pry—especially if I had already managed to make him smile.
“So, did you take care of all your homework?” He sipped his Scotch and raised his eyebrows inquisitively.
“It’s too early in the year for that.” I shook my head back and forth.
“The professors didn’t give you a syllabus outlining your assignments this semester?” He tilted his head slightly.
“They did—but I don’t have anything due until next week.” I shrugged. “Today was just about meeting everyone and finding out what I would be learning.”
“Yes, and it should also be the day you get started on all of your assignments.” He looked towards the television. “You’ll have plenty of time to catch up your shows when you get a break.”
“Okay, point taken.” I nodded. “I definitely need to get better about procrastination. I’ll start them when I get home tomorrow.”
“Fine…” I sighed. “I guess I’ll go get started.”
So much for a relaxing evening…
I carried my school stuff upstairs and set my laptop up. I read through a couple of syllabuses, but I had trouble focusing. There were lots of stuff to do, but while I hated procrastination in high school, I also thrived on it. I could put all of my focus where it needed to be when there was a deadline in front of me. Trying to get in that mindset when I didn’t have a deadline to meet felt foreign. Instead of working on my assignments, I just browsed social media, updated my Facebook status, and started chatting with Amanda. Her classes started a week before mine and she wanted to tell me about all the hot guys she met. I chatted with her until dinner was ready, and then went downstairs to eat with Grayson.
“Were you able to make any progress?” Greyson looked up at me as I walked into the dining room.
“Yeah.” I nodded quickly. “I’ve got the foundation in place at least.”
“Good, well after we finish eating, you can go upstairs and work on it some more.” He smiled and started serving our food.
“Okay…” I nodded. “That sounds good.”
I really didn’t want to go back upstairs and waste more time, but it was the only option he presented me. I couldn’t help but wonder if he would have been so concerned about my education if I hadn’t asked him to be my Daddy. I wanted to keep watching television, go for a swim, or possibly watch a movie in the theater. All of my options might not have captivated my interest when I got home from college, but they were all better than spending the evening upstairs studying. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem like I had much choice. I went to my room, called my Mom, and once the call was over, I got distracted by social media again. I played a few games on Facebook and aimlessly looked at people’s pages until I heard Greyson’s footsteps on the stairs.
“Are you wrapping things up?” Greyson walked into my room. “It’s getting late.”
Once Upon a Daddy: A Romance Anthology Page 8