7 The Fashion Show

After walking into Keller's office, William walks up to a mini fridge and grabs water for everyone. I sit across from William at the coffee table we sat at yesterday while reading over the paperwork. William picks up a magazine and starts reading it. After a few minutes pass, I realise the magazine is upside down. While snickering to myself, he gives me a cold glare.

"Something funny, Ms. Cyrene?"

"I've just never seen someone with such a unique talent, Mr. Wang."

"And just what type of talent is it you think I have?"

"Well judging by the way you're holding that magazine I thought you could read upside down."

Realising he's been caught, he clears his throat while correcting the magazine. After that he ignores me, and I go back to reading and signing papers. Negotiating with Keller I'm able to make a few changes in the contract in my favor. Including two days off a week on the condition that I'm on call one of those days. Signing and initialling I am officially William's assistant.

"Welcome to Callista Talent Agency," Keller says with a smile on his face.

"Thank you for having me. I look forward to my time here."

I feel my phone buzz so I look and see that it's Dillon. Asking Keller to excuse me, I go to the other side of the room to take the call.

"Hey Dillon, what's up?"

"It's noon and we still have to find a dress for Cinderella to wear to the ball. When are you free?"

"I actually just finished up in the office. Do you want to meet at the coffee shop in 15 minutes?"

"Sounds like a plan."

"Great see you then!"

After hanging up, I turn around and William is lurking behind me.

"Is there anything I can help you with, Mr. Wang?"

"How do you know Dillon?"

"We met yesterday. He's a sweetheart."

"He's immature."

"It adds to his charm. Is there anything else I need to do today, Keller?"

"No, you're free to go."

"Again thank you both very much for the opportunity. I hope y'all have a wonderful day. See you on monday."

After I walk out the door, William stares out the window pensively. Keller walks up beside him with a smirk on his face.

"Do I detect a hint of jealousy?"

"What's there to be jealous of?"

As he continues looking, he watches Astra leave the building. After she crosses the street, Dillon picks her up ... All of a sudden there's a crunch and William sees he crushed the bottle of water in his hand.

"Nothing to be jealous of, huh?"

"Not. One. Thing."

Meanwhile, downstairs Astra is walking across the street to meet Dillon. As they both laugh, he picks her up and swings her around.

"Good to see you too, Dillon!"

He grabs a couple cups off the table next to us and hands me one.

"Vanilla Latte, right?"

"You have a good memory."

We get into his blue convertible and put on some classic pop music for the drive.

"So where are we going?" I ask out of curiosity.

"Where else would we go to get you a dress for the red carpet. We, my dear, are going to Rodeo Drive," he says while putting on some sunglasses.

With the wind flowing through our hair, we take turns singing the different songs on the radio. We're having so much fun it makes me want to take a roadtrip with him. It feels like no time has passed when we reach our destination. I see two gorgeous couture dresses on mannequins in windows flanking the door to the boutique. Walking into the store, we are greeted by two sales women.

"Take good care of her. I want her to be voted best dressed tonight."

"Is there a budget Mr. Baldwin?"

"Of course not! The sky's the limit!"

"Yes, Mr. Baldwin. Give us a few minutes and we'll go select some dresses for your girlfriend to try on."

"Actually I'm not-"

"Thank you, we look forward to seeing your selection."

The moment they go into the back, I swat his arm.

"Ow!"

"What the hell Dillon? I thought you said we were going as friends?"

"We are."

"Then why didn't you tell them we're not dating?"

"This way they know you're on my arm tonight and that you have to be one of the best dressed. Besides, you have to admit it's kinda funny they think we're dating."

"Yeah, it is kinda funny."

"You're gowns are ready to try on whenever you're ready, ma'am."

One of the associates hands him a glass of champagne.

"Ready?" Dillon asks.

"Let the show begin."

I put on the first gown I'm handed. Walking out, I strike a pose.

"What do you think?"

"No, next."

Headed back to the changing room, I try on the next gown.

"Well?"

He looks me up and down and then shakes his head.

"Next."

We repeat the process for the next 20 dresses.

"Too short."

"Too long."

"Too bright."

"Too dull."

"Too busy."

"She looks like a parrot! Next!"

I try on the next dress and have a good feeling about it. It's a black strapless gown with an overskirt and silver beading in an asymmetric pattern all over it. I walk out of the room with confidence and look to Dillon for his opinion. He motions his hand for me to turn around as he takes a sip of his champagne.

"You look fantastic, Astra."

"It's perfect! I'll take it."

Turning around to see who said that and I see a tall blonde girl with glowing olive skin and green eyes. It's the girl I opened the door for yesterday. I sure hope Dillon took care of that coat. The moment Dillon sets eyes on the girl, his eyes roll so far back into his head I'm certain he can see what's back there.

"Still taking other people's toys Cas? Tsk! And here I thought you would have grown out of that habit."

"Dillon. Always a displeasure."

"We saw the dress first, it's ours."

"I said I'd buy it first, that means it's mine."

The associates look like they're in an uncomfortable situation. It's not worth it.

"It's ok, Dillon. She can have the dress."

"Astra-"

"It's alright. I can find another dress," I say with a smile.

"See Dillon, even your flavor of the week agrees."

After changing out of her new dress, I look and see her giving the associates a hard time. You know what? I change my mind. It is worth it. Walking up to her, she is startled.

"I'd like to make three things very clear to you right now. First of all, I didn't give you the dress because I agree with you. I gave it to you because it matches perfectly with your cold black heart."

"Excuse me?"

"You're not excused. Second of all, you have no right to treat people the way you do. Especially the staff that helps you. There is nothing in their job description that says they have to put up with your bad attitude. And finally, I'd say you're like a vulture, but I'd never insult an animal like that. Looks don't last forever. I hope you have a change of heart before they fade."

"How dare y-"

"I hope you have a blessed day. Now you'll have to excuse me, I have to find another dress."

Sputtering, she takes her bag and walks out the door. There's a moment of dead silence and then everyone starts laughing.

"I can't believe you actually did that!"

"I can't believe I actually did that! I guess we'd better find another gown."

One of the associates speaks up.

"Actually, I might have just the gown. We were originally supposed to show it to Cassiopeia, but since she has a gown now I think we can show it to you."

When I see the gown, I am in awe.

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