Chapter 20
CHAPTER TWENTY
ELENA
I packed up to leave and walked to his office, wanting to wish him a good evening. But then he was on a conference call. Not wanting to interrupt, I scribbled, Good night. See you tomorrow. and added a smiley dandelion drawing on a sticky note and stuck it to his door.
I debated on texting him, but then he’d text back. And I needed a break from him.
As I sat in my car, my phone rang inside my purse. My heart raced, thinking it was Orion. But my heart sank when I saw that it was Reid Lanaro, the owner of Wild Roots.
“Hi, Reid.”
“Sorry for the last-minute request, but I was wondering if you could swing by the greenery today? We’re giving Anita a surprise paid trip to Bermuda.”
“Oh my gosh! That’s so generous of you, Reid! My mom will be thrilled!”
My moodimmediately lifted. On days when I felt defeated or when the world was too dark, people’s generosity surprised me.
“She’s been instrumental here. Besides, she plans on volunteering a couple of days a week in the garden. All her coworkers contributed. They’ll be joining her in Bermuda too.”
“You’re just too much. I’ll swing by after my hair appointment.”
“See you then.”
I glanced at my watch and saw I had another hour and a half before the show started. I rushed to the salon and Elliot waved me to a seat. Like always, his salon was packed.
“Darling, let’s go. You’re late.”
“Only five minutes. Sorry.”
“You’re my last client before I head over to the hotel to work on the other models. They have a few stylists volunteering from other salons.”
“But you’re the best,” I said. “Thanks for making me pretty tonight.”
“You’re already gorgeous. But I’ll make you a knockout tonight.”
“Hopefully I can help sell some dresses for the charity.”
“Don’t worry, you will. Karina just left for the hotel.”
Nerves churned in my stomach, but I didn’t know why. It was probably from what happened this morning in the Cosmic Lounge. I couldn’t wait for the fashion show to be over so I could go home, take a hot shower, and roll into bed.
When Elliot was done, he spun me around so I could look at my makeover in the three-way mirror. “See? Absolutely stunning.”
The dramatic eyes, soft blush, and rose lipstick created an elegant yet sexy appeal. I hadn’t worn this much makeup in a long time. It had been a long time since I’d worn a fancy dress. I hoped whatever dress they wanted me to wear would fit. Elliot had given them my size, so they had some pieces for me to try on.
“You’re a genius, Elliot. I love the makeup. The updo is elegant too.”
“You’re the perfect canvas. Don’t be surprised if men are begging for your number tonight.”
I loved getting pampered like this. Elliot made me feel beautiful. I could forget the ugly incident from this morning, my uncle’s debt, my unstable job situation, and this feeling for Orion. Tonight, I was free of those things.
Twenty minutes later,I embraced my teary-eyed mom at Wild Roots. Her employer and coworkers loved her.
“You’re starting off your retirement with a bang!” I kissed her cheek.
“I can’t believe it.” She drew back with a beaming smile on her face while waving the folder with her plane ticket and hotel information. “I’m going to Bermuda!”
My mom had worked hard all her life. My grandmother had also worked here before she passed. Dad had worked as a mechanic for a car repair shop. Together, these three people had raised me.
I planned on buying the massage chair for when she returned from her trip. The fashion show tonight would allow me to get her a nice chair.
“It’s a new chapter for you. You deserve it.” Reid gave her a hug. He wore overalls with his dark hair pulled back in a ponytail. He owned Wild Roots and another landscaping business in the next town over. Business had increased for him and his family. It made me happy to see great things happening to great people.
“I know you have an event tonight. Don’t be late.” She kissed my cheek. “You look beautiful, by the way. Elliot is amazing.”
“He is.” I turned to Reid. “Thanks for doing this.”
“You’re welcome. I’ve got some dandelion plants and some vegetables for you. Your mom will be on vacation, so you should take them.”
I was going to decline because I had no time to start a garden, but an idea percolated in my head.
“Okay, I’ll take them.”
“They were watered with shungite-infused crystals. I’ll give you a container to bring them home.”
“Cool, thank you.”
Wild Roots was also looking for innovative ways to improve plant growth for better nutrients.
By the time I got to the hotel conference room, most of the models were already there. The fashion show was held in the restaurant.
I spotted Elliot working on a model’s hair, so I didn’t bother him.
Monica Mellows, the fashion designer, greeted me. She had curly red hair and a bright smile. She gave me a silky red dress with a low neckline and low back. It had a built-in bra, so I didn’t need the extra support.
Slipping the dress on, I glanced at myself in the mirror.
“That dress is gorgeous on you. It makes you look irresistible.” Monica beamed, wearing an elegant blue strapless gown.
“You look like Grace Kelly,” I said.
She blushed. “Thanks.”
The hostess announced a quick rehearsal, showing us the path around the restaurant on a TV screen. The dresses could be made in the donor’s desired size. All the money would be distributed between three local charities.
My jaw dropped when I saw the starting bid requirement. The price tag for thedress I was wearing was twenty thousand dollars! I ran my hand over it. My entire wardrobe didn’t even add up to half of the price. It was surreal what people spent on clothes these days.
Though the dress was stunning, I couldn’t comprehend buying it.
I glanced at the live feed on the screen, showing people entering the restaurant.When Chantel entered the restaurant with her friends, bitterness rose in me. Her family came from wealth, so she could afford to buy these couture clothes. I didn’t want her to see me.
Then I saw Orion walkingin with Ralph. The nerves in my gut exploded yet again. What was supposed to be a simple evening just took another turn.