Chapter Eight
Once I return to the office, my phone lights up rapidly with texts. The first one simply states, It’s Parker. I save the number, staring at the newly added contact and wondering how far I am from my original universe.
Parker: Here’s the info for tomorrow. It’s black tie, and if there’s anyone you’d like to bring, just let me know.
He sends me an online invitation, complete with the address and time.
Monosphere is the official host of the event—one of those conglomerates whose logo is everywhere, even though no one’s entirely sure what they do.
You just know they’ve got their claws deep in every corner of the business world.
As much as Parker tried to act blasé about it, it looks like it’s quite the exclusive event.
Parker: By the way, you were right about the soup dumplings. I stopped by after lunch.
Me: I told you they’re the best. But you know how it is with Chinese food trucks, the more hostile the service, the better the food.
Parker: What do you mean? She was so nice. She even gave me an extra bao.
I want to throw my phone out the window and curse this new, ill-fated universe I’ve stumbled into. What’s it like to have the cosmos be forever in your favor? It must be nice to be Parker Tran.
Just as I’m flipping mental middle fingers to the sky, my phone goes off again, but this time it’s Dad. He’s been worried about me since I told him about the not-interview, but he shows his concern by sending me job postings all day.
Me: Dad, I’m not going to quit Adagio.
Dad: It would still be good for you to have other options.
Me: Actually, I’ve been invited to a Monosphere event tomorrow. Lots of important people will be there.
Dad: That’s great!
Now why did I say that? It’s a bit of a white lie—it’s not like I have job opportunities lined up—but it might put Dad at ease for the time being.
Of course, I didn’t mention Parker, because I know Dad will mention it to C?.
And then Parker will get wind of it, and if he’s under the impression that I called home to gush about him, I’ll have no choice but to move to an island off the coast of nowhere.
Technically, I haven’t committed to anything yet. I wonder if Parker would notice if I didn’t attend. Would he be disappointed? Even if he was, should that bother me? And now I’m wondering why I’m even wondering about this.
I spin around in my chair to eye the backs of my coworkers, typing away at their desks. Backs that look sturdy, dependable. Designer-clad, with the required disposition for any networking event. Parker did say I could extend the invitation.
“I think I already know the answer, but do any of you want to come to an event at the St. Regis tomorrow night?”
Tae-woo and Savannah practically float over to me. Everyone in the office seems to live for all things grandiose—except me.
“You mean the one hosted by Monosphere?” Tae-woo demands.
I pull up the invitation on my phone for them to see.
“Wait, is this for real?”
I give him a self-assured smile that says, What do you think?
“Yes! Yes! I’m in!” Savannah does a happy dance on the spot.
Tae-woo makes a sour face. I can’t discern whether or not he hates this. “How did you even get an invitation?”
“I have an acquaintance.” Is that the right word? I have no clue. “He works for one of the sponsors—Venture Sports.”
“Since when do you know people?”
“Do you want to come or not?”
“Ugh. Fine, I’ll be there.” Tae-woo reacts like I’ve just invited him to a public flaying, but it’s hard to miss the way his face changes.
“What are you going to wear?” Savannah implores.
“Um, a dress?”
“Which dress?”
“I don’t know. Whatever I find in my closet.”
“Not off the rack, right?” Savannah holds a hand to her chest. The sound her bangle makes when it hits her necklace adds a dramatic ding to her horror. “You can’t just wear anything.”
“That’s true.” Tae-woo chimes in. “You get a room full of New York’s biggest egos together, and everyone will be getting a hard-on from judging each other.”
I squirm in my seat because I know they’re right, but I also know the kind of dress they’re hinting at will cost as much as my rent. Or more.
“Hey, Dani.” A faint squeak of a voice calls out, and it isn’t until I look over that I realize we have company. Charlotte is standing by my desk, looking uncharacteristically diffident.
“I’m not talking to you.”
“Dani, I’m so sorry! You were right, I never should’ve set you up.”
Savannah gives her a disapproving sigh. “That was bad, even for you.”
“Have you seen her hair?” Tae-woo spins me around in my chair.
I thought I’d done a decent job taming the bird’s nest, but Tae-woo has a radar for even your most well-hidden insecurities.
“You did this to her.”
I kick his leg. “Technically, you all did this. I only tried to curl my hair because you got into my head like the world’s worst hype men.”
“Guys, I feel terrible. Please believe me.” Charlotte clasps her hands together, making herself small. “I had no idea that guy was such a creep! If there’s any way I can make it up to you—”
Tae-woo points his tablet pen at her. “Give her one of your dresses.”
“Oh!” Savannah claps. “The Valentino crepe gown from last season!”
Charlotte shoots up like a meerkat. Any genuine remorse dwindles immediately. “Excuse me? That dress cost me, like, three paychecks. I can’t just give it to her.”
“No, Tae-woo’s got the right idea.” I nod in his direction. “But I don’t want to keep your dress. Just let me borrow it for one night.”
“Where are you going that you need a Valentino?”
“That’s not important.”
Charlotte is practically writhing in agony. I know that as much as it will disturb her to see her designer dress on someone else, she’s also desperate for everyone in the office to like her again.
“Fine! You can have it for one night!” She throws her head back theatrically. Savannah holds back a laugh, but Tae-woo is less courteous, snickering maleficently from his corner. I think they call this schadenfreude. “But I want it dry-cleaned before it’s returned.”
“Oh, no, honey.” Savannah pats her shoulder. “You’re paying for dry-cleaning.”