Ava Gray
Ameeting was being held in the conference room, but only half the board was in attendance.
Apparently, Mrs. Whitmore wanted to go over the details of an annual charity event they were hosting.
I could only imagine going to an event with a room full of millionaires.
I stood in the corner as usual, taking notes on the conversation.
I knew I would have to schedule everyone for a fitting for their attire.
I also had to make sure appointments were squared away for makeup, hair, and whatever else was necessary for them to prepare for that night.
I was so focused on the scheduling that I didn’t hear Ethan call me.
“Ava?”
“Yes?” My head popped up.
“I would like it if you accompanied us Friday night to the art exhibition,” he spoke.
“Oh…uh—”
“She would have no business attending this event, Ethan. We’ve never had anyone outside of our family attend these events with us.” Trenton scoffed.
I noticed Ethan cut his eyes in his brother’s direction. His teeth clenched before he opened his mouth to speak again.
“Does it really matter? Besides, I get a plus one. She’s my assistant, so it’s a part of her job to be in attendance upon my request. Stephanie, you’ll be there, won’t you?”
“Yes, I will.” She nodded.
“Exactly.” He focused back on me. “Will that be a problem?” he asked.
“No…no sir.” I cleared my throat.
“Then it’s settled.”
Taking that as my cue to dismiss myself, I walked out of the office and gently closed the door behind me.
I sat at my desk and started going through the stack of papers that were piled up, organizing them into folders.
I had never attended an upscale art exhibition.
Hell, or even just a charity event in general.
What am I going to wear? I questioned myself because I damn sure didn’t have anything to blend in with this particular class of people.
I was so caught up in my thoughts and trying to come up with a plan to get out of going that, again, I didn’t hear Ethan speaking to me.
“Ava.”
“Yes? I’m sorry.” I apologized, tucking my hair behind my ear.
“This is the entry ticket you need when you arrive at the event. Make sure you wear a nice dress or whatever makes you feel comfortable.” He placed the envelope in front of me.
For a second, I hesitated to say what was on my mind as I glanced toward my office door before speaking. I wasn’t trying to jeopardize my job by declining the invite. Lord knows I needed that job.
“Um, is it really mandatory that I come? This exhibition sounds very upscale, and I don’t have anything suitable or what I would consider appropriate to wear.
I know you said it’s a part of my job to be there, but with all due respect, Mr. Whitmore, I don’t think I will be able to make it. ” I spoke low.
“I just gave you this ticket, so you’ll be there. I’ll make sure that everything else will fall into place. Matter of fact, you can leave and enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Are you sure? I still have to finish sorting through these papers.” My eyebrows furrowed.
“Well, once you’re finished, you’re free to go. Also, I want you to call me Ethan unless I tell you otherwise.”
“Yes, sir.” I nodded.
“Ava…” he sighed.
I swear every time he said my name, it sent a shiver down my spine and made my pussy twitch.
“Sir?” I looked up into his eyes.
I watched as he took a few steps toward me. I’m sure if my desk wasn’t a barrier we’d be toe to toe. He leaned in, his hands placed on the desk, while he literally gazed into my soul.
“Call me sir one more time, and I’ma have to show you a sir. Do you understand me?”
He had this smirk on his face, and his eyes had this lustful sparkle. My panties were soaking wet as I nodded without breaking eye contact.
“Yes.” My voice came out in a whisper.
“Fuck around and find out if you want to. Fair warning.” He winked.
I was speechless and tried to hide the grin that attempted to form on my lips.
“Enjoy the rest of your day, beautiful.” He winked again before walking away.
I thought I was having hot flashes. Hurriedly, I finished organizing my desk and took my ass home.
On the phone, I maneuvered my way around the kitchen, putting away the dishes I had cleaned. Music played lightly through the speakers as I listened in on the conversation my grandmother was having with her nursing aid. She was putting up a fuss about finishing her food.
“Nana, you’re almost finished with your bowl. Why are you giving Juanita a hard time?”
“I don’t want that! You know I don’t eat lima beans,” She fussed.
“It’s your favorite vegetable.” I said, standing in front of her.
“It is?” Nana looked at her bowl.
“Mhm, you see it’s almost gone. All you have is three more bites, and you’re done, shug.”
Taking the bowl from the nurse, I sat down beside my grandmother and fed her the rest of her food.
My grandmother lived with my parents. Technically, I had the day off, but the charity event was tonight.
Since my morning was free, and my mother had two doctor appointments, I volunteered to keep an eye on Nana until she finished.
Although my parents could’ve placed Nana in a nursing home, that was the furthest thing from their minds.
Having trust issues hindered the idea. As a family, we needed to be in control of Nana’s situation, so having her at home was the best choice in our eyes.
After making sure she was good and full, I calmly explained to her that Juanita would help her take a bath and change clothes before my mom came to pick her up.
I also told her that Savannah would bring some of her baby dolls out to play.
Nana often thought she was a little girl.
She loved to play with Savannah, and it kept them both calm.
In Nana’s mind, Savannah was a little girl that lived up the street.
Sometimes she’d remember her name, but the majority of the time she’d just call Savannah friend.
It pained me to watch my grandmother’s health go downhill.
As Juanita helped Nana slowly walk to the bathroom, the door bell rang, snatching my attention.
At the door, I peeked through the peephole. A well dressed man stood on the other side.
“Yes?” I answered.
“Are you Ava Gray?” he asked, reading my name on a card.
“Yes,” I hesitantly answered.
“This is for you, courtesy of Mr. Ethan Whitmore. Enjoy the rest of your day,” the man said, handing me a box and a bag before walking off.
I backed inside with the gifts in hand, silently thanking God that Rob wasn’t home. I went straight to my room and opened the card first. It wasn’t anything fancy, just a simple blank white card with semi neat handwriting.
I hope this dress fits you perfectly, the shoes as well. Don’t worry it won’t come out of your paycheck (smiley face). I’ll see you later tonight. -Ethan.
A smile slowly graced my face as I placed the card down and opened the box tied with a yellow ribbon.
Tears instantly surfaced as I laid eyes on the beautiful gown draped in my hands.
It was a shimmery rose gold, spaghetti straps with a v-neck line.
I also noticed it had a high split up the side.
When I held it up to my body, it flowed down to the floor.
The fabric felt amazing; I could tell how expensive it more than likely was.
When I unboxed the shoes, they matched perfectly.
They were the same color as my dress, open toe with a strap around the ankles.
The wide smile on my face could be seen from miles away if I were standing outside.
Inside the box along with my shoes was another small box.
When I opened it, I damn near passed out.
I was blown away by the diamond filled necklace.
It was a simple diamond chain, but the shit was sparkling and shining so bright.
There was no way in hell I was walking out of the house with that around my neck.
Looking at the time, I saw that I had a good six hours before the event began.
Mentally going over the list of things I needed to do, I jumped to action.
Not wanting to spend any money, I decided to do my own pedicure.
Taking a glimpse in the mirror, I thought long and hard on how I wanted to fix my hair.
On my dresser, I noticed a brand new pack of mink lashes that I’d been wanting to throw on.
After laying everything out on my bed, I went to run some hot water in a little portable tub to soak my feet.
Going through my nail polish, I settled for a shimmering pearl color.
With everything in place, all I had to do was wait for time to pass by.
I had a feeling tonight was going to be a great night.
In the bathroom, I stood in front of the mirror admiring myself.
The way I felt, I can honestly say, I hadn’t felt this good in such a long time.
My appearance damn near made me want to cry.
When you look good, you feel good. For me that was rare.
It had been so long but I was definitely feeling myself.
“Where you going?” Rob asked.
“I told you the other day I had an event to attend for work. I’ve already fed Savannah, and she has juice in her cup. I don’t think I’ll be out too long.”
“You’re going somewhere for work dressed like that?” His face scrunched up.
“It’s a charity event.”
“And?”
I took a deep breath to keep my nerves calm. I could hear it in his voice that he was trying to start an argument, and I wasn’t up for it.
“You know what type of people I work for. Everything is always upscale. I have to look the part, Rob.”
“In that tight ass dress? With your titties out and legs showing?” His eyebrow lifted.
“It’s not—you know what? Please don’t try to start an argument right now.”
“Who’s arguing?” He shrugged. “Matter of fact, come here.”
I checked the time on my watch, which showed I had none to spare messing around with him. I took a few steps closer to him. His eyes glided up and down my body as he licked his lips.