"Annabelle?"
I looked up from my work already knowing who it was. My father stood in front of my desk with a soft smile dressed to the tee as always. He wanted something. I could tell instantly by the use of my full name.
"Yesssss?"
I drew the word out mainly to sound cute so that maybe he would drop this idea.
"I think it's time you help me on a business deal alone. You're nearly twenty. I'm not going to last forever you know."
I sighed. I didn't want to deal with this right now. Especially accompanying one of his I'm not going to live forever rants. You see I'm a single child. My father is a sixty year old man named Charles Williamson. He is the owner of a currently thriving investment company in New York City. That company I am to inherit once he passes. I really have no interest in it but I do my desk job well and try and keep him happy.
"If I must."
I mustered my best smile in an attempt to look sincerely happy to go but it wasn't very convincing.
"Oh come on Bell. I think you might like it if you would loosen up a bit. Besides everything is already set up."
He paused for a second and looked away. Even he knew this was probably a lost cause.
"The car leaves the house by eight tonight. You can clock out early today to get ready. They are a very prestigious client so I want you in a new dress. "
I narrowed my eyes at him as he slid a credit card my way. Absolutely no way.
"If this is one of your ploys just to get me in a dress it's not gonna happen."
I was never one to dress very feminine and a dress was such a rare occasion I could count the times I wore one on one hand.
"Bell I am serious."
With that he walked away. I sighed deeply this time. Great now I have to wear a dress. This day just gets better. Looking back at the computer screen I was no longer interested in doing my work. Despite trying for hours it seemed like I got nowhere and before I knew it the time had slipped by without me noticing. Looking at the clock I was shocked to see it read seven o'clock.
"Shit!"
Gathering my things I shuffled to the car nearly running over one of the accountants in my way. Once I got to my car I simply threw my purse into the passenger seat and had the key in the ignition before my door was even closed. The dress store was only a short drive away and before I even knew it I found myself in the dressing room struggling to zip up a short green dress. Frustrated I swallowed my humility I poked my head out the curtain.
"Excuse me? Can I get some help?"
A small thin woman appeared from out of nowhere and assisted me. I felt like dying when I stepped out of the room to look in a mirror. This was not going to happen. The neck line plunged way too far nearly showing my nipples and it didn't look nearly this short on the rack. Good god my ass was nearly hanging out! I looked like a tramp. Horrified I quickly changed into a strapless grey cocktail dress. It fit much better hugging all the right areas and not showing nearly as much cleavage. Hanging just at my knees it was the perfect length too. Despite feeling entirely naked in this type of clothing it would have to do. Before paying I grabbed a pair of black lace up wedges and walked to the pay desk.
"Do you mind if I change into these before I leave? I'm already running late."
The blond haired clerk eyed me a bit funny but agreed after I swiped my father's card.
"Thank you so much."
I ran to the changing room and switched into the new dress and shoes as fast as I could. Checking my phone for the time as I rushed out the door and into my car with a gasp.
"That leaves me five minutes to clean up if the traffic will hold off."
I drove as fast as the traffic would allow. By the time I got to the house I hardly even had time to apply some makeup, shove in some black jeweled dangling earrings, and attempt to tame the frizz in my curly brown hair before my alarm clock reminded me I had better be in that limo asap. I applied some lip gloss for the finishing touch and ran to the door. I nearly ran into my father at the door and as I looked up I noticed my father staring at me.
"What?"
"You look very nice. Thank you for listening."
I looked past him to the limo blushing nearly too embarrassed to say anything. I wasn't one to take complements.
"Thanks. I guess I'll see you later then."
I waved at him as I got into the car. The drive felt like it took forever but that might just be because of the traffic. I spent the time staring out the window.
"We're here."
The driver announced as the car eased into a full stop and someone opened the door. I stepped out of the car and smoothed down my dress as I got out before looking up. What stood in front of me took my breath away. It looked like a castle it was so huge. I had never been anywhere so granjour.
"Madam. This way please."