Chapter 30 Big Nope
BIG NOPE
RAYA
All anyone can talk about at work the following week is the annual company party this weekend. I’m wracked with nerves at what sounds to be an opulent event on a scale that I’ve never experienced.
“Do you have pictures from any of the previous events?” I ask Alex during lunch a couple days before it.
“Hmm, probably somewhere. It’s different every year though, you’ll love it,” they reply, not catching on to my nerves.
“I heard it’s always fancy though, right?”
“Oh yeah, definitely a ‘dress your best’ type of event. You can’t be too dressed up for this one, that’s for sure,” Alex says, finally looking up and seeing my distress. “Girl chill, you’ll be fine! Just wear a nice dress and some heels, no biggie.”
I wish I could have that attitude, but it feels like a big deal to me. I really like it here, and I want to do everything I can to ensure this job sticks. I’ve made awesome workplace friends, I enjoy my team and projects. I want nothing more than to make a good impression on all the higher ups.
“Did you hear the news?” Alex lowers their voice and leans over.
“What news?”
“I mean, no one knows for sure,” they say, glancing around. “Supposedly, it’s a pretty big deal though, there are whispers of a huge announcement. Like, really big, but the thing is that no one has any idea what it might be.”
They widen their eyes dramatically as they straighten and pull away. I chew on my lip, my mind spinning with possibilities.
“And that’s not normal for this kind of thing? For there to be big announcements?”
“Nope.” They pop the ‘p’ as they lean back in their chair. “Never heard this type of rumor before, normally it’s just if they’ll have gifts or bonuses or a live band, stuff like that.”
“Huh.” For some reason this information settles like a stone in my stomach. I glance at Asher’s empty desk, wishing he were here to offer his input. We’ve been spending a couple nights a week together at his place lately and I’ve become addicted to his presence.
I lose patience with waiting and decide to text him.
Me: Hey, you coming back to the office today?
Asher: I hoped to but this meeting is taking longer than expected, some issues came up.
I chew on my abused lip again, debating if it’s worth bringing up the party. Before I can decide, my phone buzzes again.
Asher: Btw, I assumed we’d go together but just in case - would you like to go to the company party with me?
Me: I’d love that
Me: Any tips on what I should wear?
Asher: Formal, it’s always a nice event.
Me: Ok. What are you going to wear?
I stare at my phone as three dots appear and then disappear.
Asher: Charcoal suit and tie probably. Why?
Me: Oh, no reason
Asher: What about you?
Me: Not sure
Asher: What’s wrong? You’ve only sent one emoji this whole conversation.
Me: Nothing! Just a little nervous I guess…
Asher: Ah, about the event? It is a little intimidating if you’re not used to it. Send me pics later and I’ll try to help if you want.
I start flinging clothes out of my closet as soon as I get home.
“Why does it look like a tornado in here?” Zuri walks in and comes to an abrupt halt when she sees the chaos.
“I don’t have anything to wear!”
“She’s been freaking out since she got home,” Reverie calmly tattles.
“Uhh, looks to me like you have plenty to wear," Zuri says, staring pointedly at the clothes strewn about the room.
“No, I mean for the company event. It’s black tie, Zuri. Formal! I don’t have anything formal!”
I thrust my hands into my hair as I turn back to my closet.
“You absolutely do. Scoot.” Zuri hip checks me to the side as she strides to my closet and shoves everything to the left. Hangers screech, clothes fall, my shoe rack goes tumbling.
I groan.
Meanwhile, Zuri sticks her head in and peers to the right, all the way to the end of the hanging bar hidden by the wall, then rummages around.
“Ah-ha! Knew this beauty would come in handy one day.” Zuri pulls out a sparkling gold, floor length dress. “Aren’t you glad now that I insisted you buy it?”
“Stars above, I forgot all about that.” I scramble over and run the fabric through my hands. “Geez that was what, three years ago?”
I shed my clothes and Zuri helps me wiggle into the shimmering fabric.
The bodice is tight, hugging my curves with thin straps over my shoulders and a loose neckline showing the tops of my breasts.
The straps cross over the back, attaching to the sides mid-rib and leaving the rest of my back open down to the base of my spine.
The skirt is floor length and flowing, with a slit up one side allowing a flash of thigh as I walk.
“Oooooooh.” Reverie emerges from her houseplant den with a gasp. “Raya,” she whispers. “You look magical.”
I could cry, I’m so relieved to have something to wear. After pulling out a pair of classic black heels and deciding to go without a clutch since I have none to match, I grab a quick snack for dinner before cleaning up the dress.
I borrow Zuri’s garment steamer, going over it multiple times until all the wrinkles have dropped, and then hang it on the back of my door until tomorrow night.
Pushing the sweaty hair from my face, I check my phone for the first time all night.
Asher: Did you figure out what you’re going to wear?
Asher: Send me a picture when you decide
Asher: Raya?
I grin and bite my lip, a giddy excitement bubbling in my chest when I think about Asher seeing my in this dress.
Me: I did find something, but it’s going to be a surprise!
Asher: I suppose I can’t begrudge you that. At least tell me what color it is?
Me: Shimmery gold
Asher: Of course.
Asher: I’ll pick you up tomorrow after work. The event starts at 7, I’ll swing by at 6:30?
Me: That’d be great! Thanks
One more day of work, then I’ll hopefully have Asher picking his jaw up off the ground when he sees me.
Zuri, perfect vampire that she is, left work early to help me with my hair and makeup. Her smoky eye is killer, and she somehow manages to combine it with a shimmery gold eyeshadow for an ethereal look I could never hope to recreate.
My hair is in a loose, partial updo exposing my long neck and back, and I’ve added some delicate gold jewelry to accent the dress.
Zuri helps me into the shimmering fabric and then Reverie dusts gold mica powder on my hair and shoulders. I twist and turn in front of the mirror, ensuring my boobs won’t fall out and that everything is settled in the right place. I slip my heels on as a knock sounds on the front door.
“It’s him!” Reverie whisper-yells.
Butterflies take flight in my stomach as I force myself not to rush.
When I open the door, I barely manage to keep my jaw closed.
Asher looks delicious. The suit is fitted perfectly to his muscular frame and the dark charcoal color accentuates his looks, making his dark hair more devastating, and his blue eyes more striking.
Then I notice his tie. His satin gold tie that somehow perfectly compliments my glittery dress.
My focus breaks when he clears his throat. My eyes fly to his, and I catch him sweeping his gaze from my feet up to my face.
“Sunshine…” His voice is a bit hoarse. “You look...”
Ash clears his throat again and lifts a hand, gently tracing a finger from one shoulder strap down along the line of my dress to my cleavage.
He barely grazes my breasts, raising goosebumps across my chest and collarbones, before his finger sweeps up the opposite strap.
His eyes follow the trail, stirring liquid heat between my thighs.
“You’re stunning. You look like a goddess come down from the heavens,” he says, and I have to strain to hear him when he continues under his breath. “You are my most unbelievable fantasy come to life.”
I blink as those words sink into my skin, then say the first thing that pops into my head.
“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I say with a cheeky grin, deflecting with humor as usual, but thankfully he chuckles. Meanwhile, I’m resisting the urge to face-palm.
“Glad to hear I pass the test.”
“Really though. Wow.” I run my hand down the front of his suit, then the other over his shoulder and biceps, relishing the hard muscles beneath. Now that I know what he looks like under those fine clothes, it’s a tough call to decide which view I prefer.
“Oh yeah?” Asher’s eyes darken as my hands roam and he takes a small step toward me, crowding my space.
“Mhm—”
“Okay you two! Pretty sure you have to be leaving now. Like, ASAP, before you start groping each other in the hallway.” Zuri’s unwelcome voice cuts through the lust-filled haze.
Asher quirks a smile at my expression.
“She’s right. My lady?” He holds his arm out and I snort.
“Since when are you such a gentleman?”
He makes a good impression of being affronted, but I know better.
“Bye!” Zuri pushes me out and closes the door on us.
“Don’t wait up!” I call through the door, hearing an answering call from Reverie who then shrieks at Zuri for closing the door before she got to talk to Asher.
The event is held at a local ballroom, which I didn’t even know was a thing.
I gasp when we walk in and are surrounded with opulence.
The hardwood floor gleams, there are gilded crown moldings, floor to ceiling windows along one wall and a mirrored bar along the other, with two massive chandeliers glittering overhead.
There’s also a small stage on one side, and round tables set for a meal fill the floor.
“Wow,” I say, and Asher hums in response.
I glance up to see his brow scrunched.
“What is it?”
“Oh, nothing.” Asher looks down at me and clears his face. “It’s always a nice event, but they’ve never gone this all out before.”
We wander around the room as we make our way to the open bar, running into some friends along the way.
“How amazing is this?” Alex says, their eyes alight with excitement.
“Bit much, I’d say,” Kendall replies, seemingly unimpressed with the grandeur.
I laugh. “It’s really something. I’ve never seen anything like it before. I mean, look at those chandeliers!”
“Right? I wonder if they’re real crystal,” Alex says.
“Probably.” Kendall’s voice is a low drawl.
“We’re making our way over to the bar, but save us seats!” I tell them and Alex raises their glass in response.
Asher’s palm is warm and strong on my lower back as he keeps me tucked close to his body while we order drinks and then find our seats.
The event proceeds as expected, with plenty of networking and catching up between colleagues and friends. The emcee provides an outline of the evening’s itinerary, and a catered dinner is served, complete with appetizers and dessert.
When I’ve eaten my fill and have to resist finishing off Asher’s serving of lava cake, the emcee takes to the stage again.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to welcome to the stage your CEO, Mark Trowlen.” With a wave, the emcee gestures as he backs off the stage and the PNCG CEO takes the spotlight as everyone applauds.
“Good evening, everyone,” he says. “I know you’ve all been looking forward to this event for some time, and we are so pleased to have you all here tonight. As I’m sure you’ve heard, we have a big announcement to share, which is why we’ve gone a little over the top with this year’s company event.”
There are some scattered chuckles as everyone waits for him to continue.
“It’s been in the works for over a year now, and I’m pleased to finally be able to share this good news with you all.
In discussion with the board, we’ve decided to undergo a change of ownership within the company.
I’ll be relinquishing my role as CEO and retiring early, but never fear. You’ll be in very capable hands!”
Confused muttering now fills the crowd. I get the sense this is not the direction anyone expected this evening to go.
“Known throughout the world for their business acumen and as a long-standing, highly respected family in our society, I’m pleased to welcome tonight’s esteemed guests.
Without further ado, please raise your glasses in welcome.
I’d like to introduce you to the family who will be running the ship in the coming years, your new co-CEOs, Claude and Estelle Walton. ”
Clapping enthusiastically, Mr. Trowlen holds his hands up in front of him and turns to the side as an elegant couple steps onto the stage.
The names register in my brain a millisecond later and I whip my head to the left where Asher sits rigid in his chair.
His eyes are hard, his spine is locked and fists clenched as the couple walk to the podium.
“What the fuck,” he whispers under his breath, my enhanced shifter hearing the only reason I pick it up.
Confused, I place my hand on his thigh under the table, and he turns his hard eyes on me.
“I thought you said you didn’t associate with them anymore,” I say, keeping my voice low so only he can hear.
“I don’t.”
“So…” I look back at the stage where the woman is mid-toast to the former CEO. “Then what are they doing here?”
“I don’t know. But I’m sure it’s nothing good,” he growls, throwing his drink back.