AUTHORS POV
" Hello, Mrs. Reed, this is Archer, Mr. Reed's P.A.," Archer said over a phone call with Sydney. " Mr. Reed is busy in a meeting now; he instructed me to let you know that the annual Gala d' flare takes place tonight. The color code is red with a touch of gold. Dresses would be sent to you, choose any you'd prefer. Your hair should be left down and you should be ready by six."
" All right, Archer. Anything else?"
" Mr. Reed would be there in a limo ten minutes earlier...and Mrs. Reed." He lingered for a while and continued. " Please don't get on his nerves."
***
Sydney stared at herself in the mirror, a faint smile across her face. Her fingers grazed her semi-flat stomach. The red chiffon dress with a slit by the side reaching mid-thigh hugged her curvy frame. She felt like a kid again. Except, now, she was hollow and messed up inside.