Chasing Daisy

concierge standing outside on the landing.
    ‘Good evening, madam. I have a delivery for you.’
    He hands over a box and I take it, confused. I thank him and shut the door before putting the box on the bed and opening it up.
    I do a sharp intake of breath as I lift out the contents of the box and a floor-length gown spills out, shimmering with gold beads. There’s a note:
    Just in case you’re stuck for something to wear – Luis
     
    Luis bought me a dress? That’s like something out of a film. I would laugh, but I’m too astounded.
    I can’t possibly accept it. It looks like it cost an absolute fortune. No. It’s not appropriate. What was he thinking?
    But oh. . . It’s so beautiful. Perhaps I’ll just try it on?
    It fits like a glove, skimming my curves, and is low-cut enough to accentuate my breasts. I go and stand in front of the mirror by the door and stare at my reflection. Oh my God, it’s stunning. I don’t think I’ve ever owned anything this beautiful, even when I lived in my billionaire father’s penthouse apartment.
    There’s another knock at the door. I answer it absent-mindedly.
    ‘Wow,’ Luis says, his eyes wide. He’s wearing a black-tie suit, except said black tie is hanging loose around his neck. Dammit, he looks hot. ‘I never in a million years thought you’d wear it,’ he comments.
    ‘I, er, wasn’t going to,’ I stutter, stepping backwards to let him come in. ‘I was just trying it on.’
    ‘You look . . .’ He shakes his head, lost for words.
    ‘Thanks.’ I blush and put my hands to my face. ‘I’m not ready yet.’
    ‘You seem ready to me.’
    ‘I haven’t done my hair or anything.’ It’s still hanging loose down my back.
    ‘Leave it.’
    I come to my senses. ‘Sorry, Luis, but I can’t accept this.’
    ‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ he brushes me off.
    ‘No, I can’t. I’m sorry. You’d better wait outside while I take it off.’
    ‘I’m not going anywhere unless you’re coming with me. Now.’
    ‘Stop being a bully,’ I snap. ‘I have to get changed.’
    ‘You’re not getting changed. I can’t return that dress, you know. They said no refunds. So you are coming to the charity event with me. And you’re wearing that dress.’
    ‘No.’
    ‘Yes.’
    ‘No.’
    ‘YES!’ He grabs my hand and pulls me towards the door. I let myself be dragged reluctantly. Well, if they said no refunds. . .
    ‘Wait! I need my bag.’
    He sighs while I break away and run back to grab it.
    ‘Okay. I’m ready.’
    ‘Thank Christ for that,’ he murmurs, guiding me out onto the landing.
    ‘Anyway, what did you mean, you never in a million years thought I’d wear it?’ I ask as he pushes the button for the lift. ‘What about the no refunds policy? Wasn’t that a bit of a risk?’
    He waits until the doors open and we step inside before he answers. ‘I like taking risks.’
    The charity event is being held in a nearby five-star hotel. Hundreds of candles glimmer in the darkness, uplighting the banzai trees and ornate Japanese gardens as our car pulls up. Men in dinner jackets and women in evening gowns climb up the steps ahead of us into the glowing hotel lobby. I’ve been to plenty of functions like this in my time, but not for a few years now, and certainly not since I’ve worked as a front-of-house girl.
    Luis guides me through to the ballroom. Chandeliers sparkle overhead and candelabras adorn every table. I feel dozens of sets of eyes upon us as the crowd parts to let us through.
    ‘You’ve got a lot of fans here,’ I murmur.
    ‘They’re not looking at me.’
    I smile at him, but he’s staring straight ahead.
    He leads me in the direction of the bar where tall flutes of fizzing champagne are laid out on silver trays. He takes one and passes it to me, then takes another for himself.
    We stand and scan the room for a moment.
    ‘There’s Simon and Catalina,’ Luis says, nodding in their direction.
    ‘I’ve barely seen the boss this weekend,’ I muse.
    Simon looks over and catches my eye. He says something to Catalina, whose face instantly sours, then walks in our direction. She follows him, reluctantly.
    ‘Daisy, hi!’ Simon bends down to give me a kiss on the cheek. I try not to look as astonished as I feel. ‘Luis.’ They shake hands. ‘Daisy, you remember my wife, Catalina.’
    ‘Hello.’ I nod at her and force a smile, aware she’s forcing one back.
    ‘Out together again?’ Catalina comments, pulling a face. ‘And you say