I’ve come all over your tongue.
Daddy: Fuck, you’re trying to kill me today.
I settled in to read another of Ms. Vera’s Highlander recommendations in between drinking my virgin piña colada, dirty texting Maximo, and taking dips in the pool to cool off—from the heat and the messages.
A couple hours later, I was on my fifth rotation around the lazy river when Marco called, “Time to go, Juliet.”
Damn.
When I reached the exit point, I gracelessly hauled my butt off my inner tube and exited the pool.
Marco was waiting with a towel. “He texted you.”
We went back to my lounger, and I grabbed my phone.
Daddy: I’m going to be a little longer than planned. Did Vera pack you a dress?
Me: Just the one I was wearing.
The floral sundress was one of my own creations and the piece I was most proud of. The thin straps and high slit were perfect for the Vegas heat. There was a peekaboo cutout right under my chest that’d taken forever to get right, but it’d been worth it.
It was pretty, but casual.
Daddy: Go to Hilda’s for a new one. We’re celebrating tonight.
Me: You found a location?
Daddy: I found a location.
Me: Yay!
It wasn’t my company, yet I felt a surge of pride and excitement.
“Apparently, we’re going shopping,” I told Marco.
He was his usual robotic self at the news.
Dan, however, had a face full of dread, as though he were in the midst of traumatic flashbacks involving endless hours at the mall with a girlfriend.
I’d have laughed had it not been for the glare Marco shot him.
Uh-oh.
Going up to the room, I showered and got ready before putting my sundress from earlier back on. We rode the elevator to the main floor, and I made a beeline for the boutique.
The woman behind the register smiled as we entered. “Hi. Welcome to Hilda’s. Let me know if I can help you find anything.”
A lot different than last time when I was ignored.
“Thanks,” I said.
Within minutes, I found exactly what I wanted. Dark gray and completely off the shoulders, it was simple yet sexy.
As soon as I took it off the rack, the attentive sales associate gestured to an archway. “The changing rooms are right through there. Shout out if you need a different size.”
“Thanks.” Going into a stall, I tried it on to find it was perfect. I’d probably take the hem up an inch when I got home, but it wasn’t the dress’ fault I had short legs.
There was a soft knock before the saleswoman asked, “What size shoe are you?”
“Seven.”
“Okay, hold on. I have a pair of pumps that would be perfect.”
She returned a minute later and slid the box under the door. As she’d said, the gray suede pumps were perfect.
Switching back into my clothes, I opened the door to find Marco waiting. “All set.”
He lifted his chin and took my purchases to the front.
As the woman rang me up, her gaze went to my outfit. “I love your dress. Where’d you get it?”
“Uhh, I made it.”
“Really? What pattern did you use?”
“Just my own design,” I muttered, wondering if she was mocking me.
I remembered how some of the mean girls in school used to ply their victims with compliments that were actually thinly veiled insults.
And, even though I was the one being judgy, the picturesque brunette looked like she could be queen mean girl.
“That’s so impressive.” She gestured around the store. “Most of what we sell is on consignment from designers. If you’re interested, I’d love to carry that dress. I can’t guarantee it will sell, so you might not make any money, but I bet it will. It’s perfect for this time of year.”
Stunned excitement roared through me even though I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
My dress.
My favorite dress that I labored and obsessed over for weeks will be for sale.
In a store.
A store in Maximo’s resort.
The same store he told me to go to.
My heart went from racing to freezing, and my stomach dropped.
Oh.
Duh.
“No thanks,” I forced out, disappointment choking me.
She gave me a kind smile. “No worries.”
Marco signed for my purchases as I silently seethed. Once he had my bag, he asked, “Do you want to go anywhere else?”
I shook my head, growing angrier by the second.
I remained lost in my thoughts as we returned to the penthouse. Even though I changed into my new outfit, I no longer felt like going out. I stayed in the bedroom, pacing as my thoughts darted and my anger stewed.
Muffled voices came from the living