3. Nathan
The elevator doors slide open to the lobby, and Maria and I head for the front revolving doors. It’s dusk, a magic glow about the city.
I’ve always loved New York this time of day. It feels like anything could happen, like you could meet anyone or do anything.
“Thank you again for this,” I say as we step outside. The sun glints off the sleek black town car idling at the curb.
“You don’t have to keep thanking me, Mr. Colton.”
I stop on the sidewalk, my driver holding the back door open for us. “Please. It’s Nathan.”
Her brown eyes widen a bit. “Oh. Okay.”
“It only makes sense,” I hastily explain. “You’re not my assistant tonight. You’re?—”
“Right, right.” She hurriedly tucks her hair behind her ear and looks away before scurrying into the car.
I cringe. Have I put my foot in my mouth already?
My last intention is to make any of this awkward for Maria, but perhaps by asking her to the gala I’ve already done that.
And it’s too late now. She’s agreed, and we’re going.
Nodding a thanks at my driver, I climb into the back seat after Maria. My mind is racing as I try to come up with something to talk about.
“So.” I clear my throat. “We’ve worked together for a year, but I feel like I know so little about you. What do you like to do for fun?”
She smooths her skirt over her knees. “Oh, I don’t know…” She looks out the window as we pull into traffic.
“Come on,” I prod gently. “Everyone has hobbies. What do you enjoy?”
“Well…” She turns back, expression sheepish. “I guess I like anime. And graphic novels. I taught myself to crochet last year, and I like to sketch sometimes. I have this dream…” She trails off.
“What?” I can’t stop my smile. “What is it?”
“I kind of dream of having a shop. There would be art supplies, comic books… things like that.” She waves her hands. “It’s kind of embarrassing.”
“That’s great!” I smile, hoping to put her at ease. “Nothing to be embarrassed about. Creativity is important.”
She relaxes slightly, a hint of a smile touching her lips. “I guess so. What about you? What do you do for fun?”
I laugh. “Honestly? Not much. You see how much I work.”
She laughs. “Yeah, true.”
“But I do try to make time for reading and playing basketball. And, well…” I pause, feeling a little bashful. “I also like to write.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “Really? What kind of stuff do you write?”
“Just silly little short stories mostly,” I shrug. “But it’s a good way to unwind.”
Maria tilts her head thoughtfully. “I’d love to read one sometime, if you don’t mind sharing.”
I hesitate. I’ve never shared my writing with anyone.
This must show on my face, because Maria shakes her head. “It’s okay. I shouldn’t have asked.”
But I’m not able to backpedal. “Sure.” Hopefully, I’m coming across as nonchalant and confident. “I’ll send you one when we get back to the office. Maybe you can give me some feedback.”
“I’d love to. What are they about?”
I take a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. “Well, they’re all over the place, really,” I admit. “Some are about everyday life; others are more fantastical. I enjoy exploring different genres and themes.”
Maria’s eyes light up with curiosity. “Fantastical? Like magic and mythical creatures?”
I nod, feeling a surge of excitement. “Exactly. I love creating worlds where anything is possible.”
Her smile widens, her enthusiasm contagious. “That sounds amazing. I can’t wait to read them.”
Yep. There it is. I just admitted to her that I, a grown man with a multi-billion-dollar company, like to write short fantasy stories. I’ve never admitted that to anyone.
There’s no time to think much about it, though, because the car is pulling up outside of one of the most renowned dress shops in the city.
At the sight of our arrival, a doorman in a long coat hurries to open the building’s front door. I step out onto the sidewalk, then turn to offer Maria my hand.
“Welcome to your fairy godmother’s workshop.”
We’re standing in front of gleaming display windows showcasing flowing gowns in every color.
She doesn’t say anything, just smiles and takes it all in. I guide her through the entrance, and a wave of warmth washes over me as we step into the dress shop. The air is filled with the delicate scent of fabric and the soft sound of hangers sliding along metal rods. There’s an air of excitement, as if every dress holds a secret waiting to be discovered.
I called ahead, so the manager knows to expect us. At the front, a sales associate presents us with glasses of champagne then leads us to a private dressing suite. Racks of cocktail dresses in silks and chiffons surround a raised pedestal and trifold mirror.
Maria runs her fingers over the fabrics, wide-eyed. “I’ve never seen so many beautiful dresses.”
“Only the best for you tonight.” I pluck a shimmering silver sheath from the rack and hold it out to her. “Ready to get started?”
Over the next half hour, she models gown after gown, each lovelier than the last. An emerald-green wrap dress with a plunging neckline. A strapless champagne satin gown with an embellished bodice. A flowing chiffon number in blush pink that makes her skin glow.
“Stunning,” I tell her each time. And I mean it — she looks radiant in everything. But none seem exactly right for tonight.
Until she steps out in a figure-hugging black lace number with a low back. I suck in a breath, momentarily speechless. The dress fits her like a glove, highlighting every curve. She looks sophisticated yet alluring, elegant yet glamorous. It’s absolutely perfect.
“That’s the one,” I manage. Already I’m envisioning her on my arm at the gala, stunning everyone into silence. She’s exactly what I need in order to make this night go my way.
Maria smiles shyly as she smooths the lace fabric over her hips. “You really think so?”
I nod, snapping out of my daze. “Absolutely. We’ll take it.”
I flag down the sales associate to begin the alterations. As we wait, my stomach rumbles, reminding me it’s dinnertime.
There will be plenty of food at the gala, but I don’t want to wait that long. Plus I have a suspicion that Maria will like what I’m about to suggest.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m starving,” I say. “There’s a great little Chinese place just across the street. Want to grab a bite while they work on the dress?”
Maria’s eyes light up. “I love Chinese food!” Then she pauses, looking uncertain. “But won’t we be late for the gala?”
“We’ve got time,” I assure her. “The place is quick. And delicious. I know it’s your favorite — I’ve seen the takeout containers on your desk.”
“Oh.” She giggles in a kind of nervous way. “Yeah, I do like Chinese.”
We hurry across the street to the tiny restaurant tucked between boutiques. Inside, the spicy aroma of stir-fry and fried rice envelops us.
After placing our orders at the counter, we grab a small table by the window.
“Can I ask you a question?” She fiddles with her hoop earring.
“Of course.” My response is instantaneous, but the way she’s looking at me now makes me nervous. Like she’s about to bring up something contentious or problematic.
“Wasn’t Anna supposed to be your date tonight?” she asks.
I take a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for this conversation. “Yes, she was. But things changed.”
Maria tilts her head, the corners of her lips turning down in concern. “Did something happen between you two?”
I hesitate, not wanting to reveal too much. But I also don’t want to lie to her. “We just… weren’t on the same page. She wanted something more serious than I did.”
“I see.” Maria’s expression softens, and I can tell she’s trying to be understanding. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s fine.” I wave it away, but she’s still studying me.
I could explain more. Tell her that my “relationship” with Anna wasn’t much more than a business move. How do I explain that without coming across as an ass, though?
I know what people say and write about me. They claim that I go through women like I’m trying on clothes. What they don’t know is I’ve never been intimate in any way with most of the women I’ve dated.
In fact, it’s been years since I’ve had a real relationship. It’s just easier that way.
Dating and stepping out with women makes statements, though. It keeps me in the public eye, keeps people talking about me — and any kind of talk is always good for business.
Luckily, our food arrives, saving me from having to explain further. Maria digs in, closing her eyes in bliss at the first bite. “Mmm, you were right. This is incredible!”
I just smile and keep eating, happy I could introduce her to one of my favorite spots. And even happier to be sharing this casual meal with her before we have to go to the gala and act boringly proper.
“I’m starting to think I should get you out of the office more,” I chuckle.
She freezes mid-bite into an egg roll, then puts it down. “Why is that?”
“Because…” I shrug. “You obviously know how to enjoy life. It’s refreshing to be around.”
She laughs. “I would have thought if anyone knew how to enjoy life, it would be you.”
“Why me?”
“You’re a real estate mogul. A billionaire. You can fly anywhere you want to at the drop of a hat. You were voted World’s Sexiest Man by Fluff Magazine. You…” She looks down and pokes some rice around with her plastic fork.
I wait for her to finish her sentence, but she doesn’t. “I what?” I prompt her.
Maria looks up at me, her eyes locking with mine. “You seem like you have everything. But I wonder if you really do.”
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you mean?”
“Well, it just seems like you’re always on the go, always working, always surrounded by people, but never really connecting with anyone. And I can’t help but wonder if that’s what you really want.”
I’m taken aback by her words. Maria is perceptive, more than I gave her credit for. And she’s right. I do feel disconnected from people, from genuine emotions and relationships. But how do I explain that to her?
“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “Maybe you’re right. But it’s hard to slow down when there’s so much at stake.”
This conversation has taken an unexpectedly deep turn, and it has me shifting uncomfortably in my seat. I need a change in topic.
“The charity only needs five hundred thousand more to secure our goal for this quarter,” I say.
She nods. “Good.”
My charity that this gala is for, The Lucky Charm Foundation, supports kids and teens by enabling them to participate in meaningful summer programs such as camp, classes, or sports.
Out of everything I’ve done, this foundation is the best thing. Every day that I spend giving time to it is a day well lived.
My phone beeps with a text from the tailor across the street, letting me know that the gown is ready. I stuff the phone into my pocket, my heart unexpectedly sinking.
While it’s important that my foundation raises as much money as possible, I’m sad that I have to leave this little hole-in-the-wall restaurant and return to normal life. This is the longest conversation that Maria and I have had that’s not about work, and I don’t want it to end.
But end it has to.
As we both stand up to leave, I catch her eye and say, “You know, Maria, I think you might be the change I need in my life.”
She looks at me, surprised. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that maybe it’s time I start surrounding myself with people who aren’t just yes-men and women. People who challenge me, like you do.”
She nods slowly, understanding. “I’d be happy to help with that,” she says, a small smile on her lips.
I return the smile, feeling the first stirrings of excitement in my chest. Maybe this gala won’t be so boring after all. Maybe, with Maria by my side, it’ll be the start of something new.