Cal continues to drive me back to my apartment. He slows to a stop in front of my building, puts his car in park and looks towards me, just staring. I look into his dark brown eyes, while he's searching mine, probably still wondering if I'm okay. I answer his troubling thoughts,
"I'm okay Cal.."
He smiles, a small one, still hesitant,
"We're okay Cal"
And with that I place my hand on top of his right one that's resting on the gear shift between us, giving him a smile. He smiles softly, his eyes warming up.
"Her name is Georgina"
I furrow my brow, looking at him puzzled. Then come to a realization,
"..the girl on the elevator"
I say just above a whisper. I take my hand off his and lower my head towards my lap, as my fingers fidget in my lap.
Cal continues, while I stay quiet, just listening,
"She's a family friend, her father worked alongside mine while overseas establishing some foreign connections for the company. My father, Callum Parker Sr, owned Parker Inc., but passed it onto me once I displayed the work ethic and determination that one needs to run their own business. Georgina's father, Roland Fitzgerald, worked alongside my father as his executive right hand man. We would go out to dinners and events for the company, and that's how I met Georgina. Her and I became an on and off fling for a while, but I haven't spoken to her since meeting you Lena.."
He turns to look at me, an apologetic expression etched across his face. I nodded slightly towards him, wanting him to continue.
"..When my father passed along the company to me at the young age of 25, which was two years ago, Mr. Fitzgerald was, as you can imagine, very resentful towards my father. They worked alongside each other since the very beginning, a good 20 years."
I found my voice,
"Where is Mr. Fitzgerald now?"
"He still works for Parker Inc. but he isn't my executive assistant. He handles my foreign affairs, but I secretly believe he's trying to take my position. He's a good man, but his greed is going to put him into a bad situation one day."
I nod to myself, trying to soak up all the information, but I was really enjoying Cal trying to be more open about his life. He places his hand on my left thigh, bring my attention towards him, stopping my thoughts completely.
He is staring me right in the eyes,
"Lena.. I know what the tabloids say about me. Before owning the company I was a snotty rich little boy who only wanted to relish in the life of money and women. I am not proud of who I was back then. I'll admit I've slept around with women with zero interest of committing to any of them, but since becoming the new face of Parker Inc. I have an image I need to maintain, while also bringing honor to the Parker name..."
He takes my hands in both of his, clutching them tightly on his lap,
"...But I promise you Lena, I am trying to change now, and as strange as it is for me to admit, I think you'll be the one to help me. I never want to put you into a situation that'll make you disapprove of me. I want to prove myself to you, because you deserve the world. I could show you all the world has to offer, there's so much out there for you Lena. I want you to experience it all."
My heart softened at his words,
I leaned over and grabbed him behind his neck with both hands, as I brought his mouth to mine, I felt Cal smile. I relaxed immediately, stress almost weightlessly floating into the air, leaving my body. I smiled into the kiss and pulled my lips away from his.
"Goodnight Cal"
"Goodnight Ms. Darling."
I smiled and opened my door. As I was climbing out of the car, Cal's voice adverted my attention back to him. I turned towards him,
"I'm taking you shopping tomorrow for a gown to wear for my Charity Ball."
I laughed, knowing I had no say in the matter, Cal was a relentless man when he wanted to be. I shook my head through a chuckle,
"Guess I don't really have a choice do I?"
He smiled while starting his engine, it roared to life, slightly startling me. He said through a grin, noticing my reaction,
"No Lena, you don't. I'll pick you up tomorrow at 6"
I smiled and shut the car door, waved goodbye and walked into the apartment complex.
*****
I was waiting outside for Cal to show up. I crossed my arms around my chest and peered at my watch, it read, 6:05. I jumped up and down slightly, in efforts to warm up my body. I peered down the street looking for his black car, but didn't see him. I looked behind me, contemplating whether or not I wanted to stand inside the lobby to wait.
All of a sudden a blacked out matte jeep, with tinted windows and black rims drove alongside the curb and stopped in front of me. I took a step away from the curb as the passenger window rolled down. It was Cal dressed in a leather jacket and sunglasses, his voice rang out,
"Get in little lady."
I climbed into the passenger seat, buckled and looked at him questionably. Cal could probably tell what I was thinking and answered my questionable thoughts,
"..I own more than one vehicle Lena, perks of being a Parker, but I know you don't care about my money and I like that about you."
I smiled over at him. He was right, I could care less about his money, the money doesn't make the man. Honestly, I was uncomfortable with the whole idea of him taking me dress shopping today.
"Cal..I, I'm not really sure if I'm okay with the idea of.."
He interrupts me kindly,
"I know Lena. I know you don't like when I flash my money around or spend it on you. You're a very independent person and don't like to depend on others, I get it. But please let me just do this one thing for you. You can even pick the budget if you'd like, how's that sound?"
I look over at Cal with a child like smile spread across my face and nod to him.
"Thank you" I whisper to him.
This man surprises me every day, not many men would be able to come to a compromise through simple communication. A lot of men are stubborn and strong headed to the point where everything must go a certain way, their way. Cal always keeps my feelings in mind, no matter what.
He takes his hand off the gear shift and places his right hand on top of mine, rubbing his thumb slightly back and forth,
"Of course Lena"
I give him a small smile and turn my attention out the window, curious as to where we were headed. On our way to the dress shop I steal glances at Cal. He looks so normal, effortlessly maneuvering the vehicle, in dark jeans and a black leather jacket. I could watch him drive all day. My thoughts were interrupted when Cal came to a stop on the side of the road.
I looked at the building, it read,
"Bridal Reflections"
I whipped my head around, my voice coming out slightly nervous,
"Cal.."
As he was climbing out of the car he said to me,
"Don't worry love, they have more than just bridal gowns.."
I sigh heavily and open the car door, Cal is waiting for me. He snakes his arm around my waist and whispers into my ear, guiding me inside the building. His hot breath tickling my skin,
"Don't be overwhelmed, you'll be fine"
A beautiful, tall, long legged brunette comes into view and looks to Cal.
"Hello Mr. Parker what brings you in today?"
Cal gazes down at me and says,
"Some evening gowns for Lena please Maria"
"How does he know her name?" I think to myself.
Maria's voice brings me out of my thoughts,
"Do you have anything in particular you would like to try on miss?"
"I..uhm.."
I look helplessly up at Cal, not sure what to say.
"I'd like to see her in an A-line style gown, stay to more neutral color schemes, some patterns are fine, floral is preferred if any pattern at all. I need to have this dress done by tomorrow morning for my charity ball later in the evening, so we'll need to have the fitting and alterations done before we leave today. Thank you"
Maria nods her head and asks us to follow her to one of the showrooms, while she goes onto the floor to grab some samples to try on. I nervously sit down on a couch next to Cal, he puts his right arm around the back of the couch, behind me. He brings his left leg up and rests his ankle on his right thigh, and tells me to breath.
I smile over at him, trying to calm my nerves.
Suddenly Maria is back with a few dresses in her hand,
"Lena, if you could please remove your coat"
I get up from my seat and take off my coat, placing it next to Cal. I go over to Maria and start to look over the dresses she has selected, all of them following the criteria Cal spoke of earlier when entering the building.
One caught my eye, it was a soft champagne/pink floral pattern with tulle overlay around the skirt. The top was a mesh tulle texture with beaded/diamond leaves and pink flowers. It was the most stunning dress I had ever seen.
I pointed to the dress, a little hesitant,
"May I try this one please?"
Maria nodded and closed the curtain, splitting the room in half, leaving Cal on the other side. I got undressed and Maria helped me into the dress, zipping me up. It was a little bigger in size, but she clipped the back giving me a true picture of what the alterations would look like, emphasizing my waist/frame more.
Maria drew back the curtain as I stood up onto a wooden box, I was facing the mirror, my back to Cal. I was shocked at what I saw, the dress was beautiful, and I was lost for words.
I looked into the mirror and saw Cal behind me, he hadn't said a word. He was just staring.
I turned around and asked him nervously,
"Do you like it?"
Cal got up, his intense stare making my knees shake. He got closer and his eyes darkened, his velvet deep voice filled the room,
"Lena..you look breathtaking.."
I blush at his words and Cal then says,
"We'll take it"
I look towards Maria and say,
"But we haven't tried any others on..."
"I don't need to see anymore. I want you to wear this one, no questions asked."
As Cal leaves the showroom he says to Maria, before putting his phone to his ear,
"Please begin alterations I'll be back in 15 minutes.."
I stand there, slightly angry with him and how he acted. Maria finishes up my alterations and leaves me to change. I slip out of the dress and begin to change. I step out of the show room and look for Cal.
I spot him by the counter talking to Maria and he waves me over. I walk over to him and catch a portion of their conversation,
"Alright I'll have the dress ready by 9 am tomorrow morning. That'll be $2,000.. should I just charge your account with us?"
I almost stop walking when I hear how much the price was. Cal says yes and Maria hands him a receipt.
"Thanks Maria, I'll have Harrison pick it up"
Cal grabs my hand and walks me out of the store. Once outside I rip my hand out of his, raising my voice,
"I told you I didn't want to spend that much money, you knew that Cal."
He puts his shades on,
"It's not a big deal, it's just $2,000 I make that kind of money in an hour. Come on."
He tries grabbing my hand again, but before he can I cross my arms over my chest.
"No. I'm upset with you." and I walk myself towards the jeep and let myself inside.
Cal gets in and slams his door rather harshly, I jump in my seat. He starts to raise his voice, but then sighs, his eyes close,
"Lena. I'm sorry. You're right, I should have discussed the price with you beforehand"
I turn towards him, grabbing his face in my hands,
"Look at me"
He brings his face up and looks into my eyes,
"I don't want you for your money, I only want you"
He sighs,
"You are too good for me Ms. Lena Darling"
***************************************************
HELLO LOVELIES, XOXO. LOOK WHO FINALLY UPDATED, I KNOW I'M SORRY IT HAS TAKEN SO LONG. BUT DON'T WORRY SINCE THE HOLIDAYS (IN THE UNITED STATES ANYWAY) ARE COMING UP SOON I WILL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO UPDATE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. SO STAY TUNED.
-LANE
LENA'S FORMAL GOWN FOR THE CHARITY BALL.