Love and Obsession

A few days later

"Savannah, Jalise Cole is coming to sign those contracts," Aidan says to me a few days after I start working. "Can you be here for that?"

"Um, sure," I say. "What time?"

"Six and then I'll take you for drinks after."

"Oh. I'm sorry. I can't do that tonight."

"Why can't you?" he asks. "This is part of your job, to be here for these things."

"I know, and I understand that. Normally, I would be very willing and able to attend, but I've had an event planned for months now."

"And where you are going?"

"Um, my roommate has a fundraiser for her studio."

"Do you mean the Helen Holt Art Gallery?"

I nod. "Yep. That's the one."

"So, you're attending the black tie benefit downtown?"

"I am."

"Will you be going with Mr. Holt?"

"No, not this evening," I say, grabbing my purse from my desk drawer.

"The black tie event doesn't start until 8. I know because I too am attending..."

Knowing what he's trying to insinuate, I interrupt, "Sorry, Aidan. I just can't have drinks tonight."

I walk to the door and check my phone for a text.

I catch a cab to our apartment and when I walk in, I see roses and a box on the counter.

"Emberley, what is this?"

She peeks her head around the corner. "Beats me. Your name is on the box. I assume it's from that man who's obsessed with you."

She goes back into the bathroom and I say, "I wonder what it is."

I hang up my purse, kick off my shoes, walk over to the roses, and pick up the card. 

Savannah,

I hope you like the dress. I know you love roses. I'll see you tonight.

Alexander

I roll my eyes and open the box, pulling out the most beautiful navy blue gown with a white rose lying on top of it. 

"Lex, you need to stop," I whisper and hold the dress up to myself with a sigh. Nonetheless, I take it into my room and get dressed before I fix my hair.

As I'm undressing to put the dress on, Alexander texts me. 

He doesn't respond, and I continue getting ready. As I slip the dress over my head. I realize he left the tag on again, and I see he paid $4,000 for this dress. I roll my eyes and wonder if he left the tag on just to prove to me how rich he is. But as I'm standing in that gorgeous dress in front of my mirror, I'm wondering how much of me loves his money. 

"God, this dress makes me look good," I say as I stare at the floor-length navy chiffon dress with a silk liner and lace shoulders and sleeves.

I go to my closet and get out my silver shoes and then I curl my hair.

"Weird," I say and I continue fixing my makeup until I get a text from Alexander.

I'm fuming and I want to wring his neck, but I try to remain calm.

I walk out to the kitchen and look at the roses he sent me. Still angered about what he did with Aidan, I pick them up and toss them into the trash, then I lean on the counter and cry.

"Savannah?" Emberley says when she walks out and sees me crying. She places her hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay girl?"                                  

I sniffle and reply. "I don't even know."

"What's going on? By the way, that dress is gorgeous. Is that what he sent you?"

I look up at her and wipe my eyes. "Yes, and that's just it. The dress is gorgeous and he knows it too."

"So, tell me again why you don't want to be with that gorgeous and rich hunk of a man?"

"He's a mental case. He literally just called my boss and did I don't even know what to cancel the signing I had this evening so I would go to the benefit with him."

Emberley lets out a laugh. "Wow. Yeah. That's Something. But let me ask you this, why are you crying? Just block his number."

"I don't even know why I'm crying. I love him I think."

"Oh girl."

I sniffle again and say. "Yeah. It's messed up."

"Does he love you?"

I shake my head. "No. He doesn't love me. He loves money."