Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66134 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 220(@300wpm)
“No, not a mistake at all,” Raven replied pleasantly, giving no indication that the woman had deliberately insulted her. “Oh, and for the record, Alyssa is Caleb’s ex-wife. Call the credit card company and you can verify that he’s added Stevie Palmer as an authorized user to the account, unlimited credit.”
I refrained, just barely, from letting my jaw drop open in shock.
The woman lifted her chin in an imposing manner. “I most certainly will do that.”
The saleslady walked away, and Raven just rolled her eyes at the woman’s condescending attitude while my mind was spinning, trying to make sense of what had just happened.
I shook my head. “What is going on, and why and how am I an authorized user on Caleb’s black credit card?”
Raven shrugged. “After you mentioned to Caleb last week that we were going shopping for gowns today for the gala, he came by The Back Door and gave me his credit card to use to buy you whatever you want.”
I narrowed my gaze at her, because now standing in this boutique seemed calculated and planned. “But why are we here, specifically?” I asked, when there were many other name brand designer stores on Fifth Avenue. “In what is probably one of the most exclusive, expensive boutiques in Manhattan.”
“We’re here to buy gowns for the gala, of course,” she said flippantly, and then she grinned, her eyes lighting up with wicked glee. “And for funsies, to yank Alyssa’s chain because you know that woman is going to call her first thing after we leave and tell her that Caleb gave you carte blanche in this store that she frequents, which is a nice little way to solidify to her that you’re his girlfriend.”
“You are diabolical,” I said, in the most loving tone possible. “But I can’t just spend Caleb’s money so frivolously.”
Raven sighed and gave me a pointed look. “He knew you’d feel this way and he told me to tell you that since he asked you to accompany him to the gala, and it’s a formal event, this is on him. Whatever you want and whatever I deem necessary for you, as well. He said not to take no for an answer.”
“This is crazy,” I said, still having a difficult time accepting his generosity.
This time, Raven exhaled an exasperated breath. “For God’s sake, Stevie. Caleb has more money than he knows what to do with and you’re not taking advantage of him,” she said, reading my mind. “If he wants to spoil you, then let him and enjoy the experience, which will in turn make him happy. And, if you feel so inclined, I’m sure you can find a few creative ways to thank him later.” She gave me a saucy wink.
I forced myself to relax, to push aside my own pride and allow myself to embrace Caleb’s generosity. Easier said than done, but I also understood that in order to fit in with the upper class at the charity event, I did need to look the part.
When the saleslady returned a short while later, her whole attitude had changed from disdain to hospitable and friendly. Clearly everything had been pre-approved without any issues, and now seeing us as a nice fat commission, we were given the white-glove treatment.
Whatever dresses we wanted were pulled in our sizes as we drank flutes of champagne and smirked behind the woman’s back at her eager-to-please behavior. We were shown the boutique’s exclusive collections and limited edition gowns that were kept in the back for only those clients who met the monetary criteria. Once we had a plethora to choose from, we were ushered into a private, elegant changing area with a dais and multiple mirrors. As we spent the next few hours trying on the dresses, I couldn’t help but be amused at the way Raven deliberately ran the saleslady ragged with random requests, always asked in the sweetest, most polite manner.
Whenever the woman rushed out of the room to do Raven’s bidding—to bring her a pair of matching shoes, or other accessories that Raven then decided didn’t work for her—I saw the devious twinkle in her eye and the two of us giggled, the amount of champagne we consumed contributing to our silly moods.
After trying on nearly a dozen gowns, I finally found “the one”. I knew it the moment I stepped up on the dais and saw my reflection in the red, strapless, formfitting gown, and Raven’s gasp confirmed it. A short while later, Raven found hers, a one-shoulder style in a stunning amethyst hue.
Raven insisted we buy a new pair of heels to go with the dresses, along with appropriate earrings and formal handbags to complete the look. When we were done and the saleslady rang up our purchases, my stomach was in knots awaiting the total. Except I quickly learned in places like this, they didn’t give you a final amount. They just ran the credit card because cost was not an issue to their clients, or a customer carrying a no preset limit Centurion card.