His Under Contract

“Okay. It’ll be ready.” I trust her assurance completely.

Chapter Twenty Three

Hearing the ringtone that tells me it’s Ethan, I answer happily. Until I listen to the challenge he gives me. My stomach churns. I can do this. I have to do this. Ethan’s reputation is at stake, along with his law firm.

Pulling out a pad, I start to make up the menu, based on how easy it will be, as well as common dishes of Genoa. Menu done, I call the closest Binny’s and use Ethan’s name without hesitation. I order a case of six red 2008 Angelo Gaja Barbaresco and six bottles of 2013 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis for white, both were from the northern regions of Italy and those from that area were extremely proud of it. I also order two bottles of Redbreast 21 for the scotch drinkers. For an extra fee, they are willing to deliver. The total makes me shudder, even though I know Ethan wouldn’t blink at it.

I go through the refrigerator, then start making a list. I’m in jeans, with a comfy black tee shirt with a faded looking Union Jack on the front. Fuck, I have to go to Whole Foods, where people shopped in high heels. Giving in to pressure, I go into my room to change into a soft, pretty, pink sheer top with a matching pink camisole, but I keep my sneakers on.

When I go downstairs, I let the front desk know of the impending delivery, requesting they take the delivery upstairs. Clark, the person at the front desk tells me not to worry, it will be taken care of. As I walk outside, I find Ricky waiting.

“Thank goodness.” I exhale as he opens the back door.

“Mr. Bishop thought you’d need me.” Ricky smiles as I get in.

“Yes, thank you.”

I give him the address for the closest Whole Foods. For the marathon run of shopping, I’m thankful for the ease of Ethan’s money in a way I never would have thought of. When the people behind the counters see I’m serious about spending money and shopping, I get the kind of assistance that makes everything easier. I’m also lucky to see dozens of wrapped sunflowers. I tell the flower person what I need and they promise they’ll have it ready.

The meal is easy, with appetizers of parmesan baked green beans, prosciutto wrapped asparagus, a toothpick of grape tomatoes, small balls of mozzarella and fresh leaf basil for Caprese salad on a stick. For the main entrée, I’ll be serving pesto with penne pasta and sliced grilled chicken. Dessert will be the choice of tiramisu or pistachio gelato.

Walking through the door, I see the delivery waiting in the kitchen. I move everything to the other end of the island. The dining room end of the island, where stools would usually be, is empty. Ricky had come up with me, as I needed help with the bags. He sets his bags on the kitchen counter then waves goodbye. One of the doormen is carrying in the three vases of sunflowers. I thank him, handing him a twenty. After setting my own bags on the counter, I change back into my tee shirt.

Looking around at everything, I’m more than pleased. Everything is prepped; I could start and within a half hour be completely done. I check the time and it’s only a little past two. Now all I need is the hostess part. I’m terrified I’ll embarrass Ethan. There’s a place I’ve passed on Michigan Avenue, and do a quick search for them. Squirming inside, I call using Ethan’s name. I need the works, not color but a haircut and make up, and I need it in the next hour. Still chipper voiced, she tells me to come in, they’ll have a chair waiting.

I change into the red dress, garter belt and stockings, and wearing black ballet flats. When I walk through the door I give my name, the woman looks me up and down. Then yells for Chloe, Chloe comes out. She’s beautiful, it’s a little intimidating.

With a kind, wide smile, she immediately puts me at ease. “Holly? Nice to meet you, come with me.” I’m taken to the back for a shampoo. “Your hair is really thick and long. Is this the way you like it most?”

“I wouldn’t mind losing at least two inches, keeping it at my shoulders. I like the idea of losing some

weight but I don’t want it so thinned out when it grows back it gets shaggy. I’m not great at keeping up with the every six weeks trim thing.”

“Not a problem. You have a pretty, heart-shaped face, we’re going to play that up with some shaping. I’ll do just a little thinning, nothing that will leave you looking shaggy.”

When she turns me to face the mirror, I’m in love with the cut. I can’t stop running my hands through it, it feels light, framing my face softly, without hard edges. “I love it. To keep this up I might do better at remembering to come back.”

She smiles, “I’m glad, now off you go to Regina. She’s waiting to do your makeup.”

Regina isn’t as smiling as Chloe was. “What are you looking for?” She asks, as if she’s bored.

“I’m not a huge makeup wearer. Nothing heavy, it’s a lawyer-filled party, so keeping it light and refined is best. No fake eye lashes or anything like that, please.”

“Okay, lay back and close your eyes.” After almost twenty minutes, she stops and I can hear her roll away. “I’m done.”

Looking in the mirror, it isn’t what I hoped for. I shake my head, “This is too heavy. I asked you for light make up. The eye liner is overdone, my blush isn’t even the right shade, and the lipstick is too dark.”

With a sigh, she rolls her eyes. “You look good.”

“I didn’t ask you if I looked good. You didn’t give me what I asked for. I haven’t signed the credit card slip and filled in the tip yet. Do you want one or not?”

She straightens, the boredom leaves her eyes. “I apologize, of course I’ll redo it. If you’ll lay back and close your eyes.”

Wiping my face clean she begins again. It still takes almost twenty minutes. I’m worried when she announces she’s done. Opening my eyes, I’m relieved to see it’s exactly what I asked for. My makeup makes me look elegant in the dark red dress, perfect for Ethan Bishop’s hostess.

I take the two slips up front and tip forty percent to Chloe considering the time frame, and what a great cut it is. Because of Regina’s having to do it twice, I only tip what I think is the standard twenty percent. Normally, I would have fainted dead away at the amounts, only I know they are worth it.

Heading home, I check the clock and see it’s almost five. I begin to get down the glassware and make sure there isn’t any dust on them. The white wine has been chilling in the freezer so I pull those out to sit next to the bottles of red wine. Setting out the glasses in front of them. I go still when I hear the front door open. Turning, I see Ethan. His eyes are roaming over the condo before stopping at me.