Free Enlightened (Red Flags) by C.C. Brown Page B

little screwy because of everything he's been through with that circus act, but he does love you."
    I batted my eyes to keep the tears away. 
    "I feel like an idiot, Hunter.  I went through so much with him and I don't think I can go back to that.  People would definitely think I'm a dumbass."
    "Cara, you are the only one you should be listening to.  If you want to go back then go back.  If you don't, then don't.  You can't let anyone else dictate your feelings."
    I nodded my head and wiped away another escaping tear.  Hunter walked over and gave me a hug and then sat down in the seat next to me to finish his donut.
     
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    Frustration couldn't even begin to describe the feeling I felt while getting ready for the meet and greet.  I couldn't decide what to wear and whenever I thought I'd found the perfect outfit, it screamed wrong.   Chelsea came into my room and calmly strolled into my closet and walked out with a simple black dress and a white cardigan.  She laid them on my bed and walked back into my closet to retrieve a pair of black heels.
    "There you go.  Business casual," she said, smirking at me.
    I turned to my bed and stared at the outfit for a minute, picturing the party in my mind, and decided that once again, Chelsea was spot on.  Without saying a word, she winked at me and walked out of the room.
    About an hour later, I strode confidently down the stairs.  I left my make-up rather light, wanting to maintain a professional appearance.  Chelsea and Hunter turned and looked at me as I stepped down from the last step, and I couldn't hide the impossibly wide grin that had spread across my face. Chelsea grabbed her cell phone and snapped a couple of pictures of me, saying she needed to document my first work event, like it was my first day of school.  I laughed at her as I grabbed my purse and walked out the door.
    Traffic on the drive to the Red Lion had me flustered by the time I'd arrived.  I sat in my car, blotting my face with a tissue, before making my way into the hotel.  Even though I was dressed for the occasion, I felt completely out of place.  Golden marble floors that sparkled from the fresh polish job they had received were framed by plush, red carpets, decorated by robust looking lions. A sweet, melodic instrumental played over the speakers, giving guests a calming feel of luxury.  The concierge pointed me to the Regal Ballroom, where plenty of impeccably dressed men and women were making their way to.
    I stepped into the room after a few men who easily stood over six feet and instantly pinned them for team members.  When they finally stepped into the room and out of my way, I saw Amanda and William standing together, no doubt impatiently awaiting my arrival.  When Amanda looked up and saw me, a bright smile replaced the look of anxiety that she harbored.  She looked amazing.  A one-shoulder navy blue dress adorned with glittery beads at the hem hugged her perfectly.  She wore a nude pair of heels that looked much too uncomfortable to spend more than a few minutes in.  She rocked them though, and looked fabulous doing it.
    "Hey, Cara. Glad you made it.  Mr. Rolston was growing impatient."  Amanda said, with a slight nod in his direction as she said his name.
    "Yeah, I bet.  I hit all sorts of traffic and got here in the nick of time."  I snatched a glass of champagne from a server's tray as he walked by. 
    Amanda walked me over to William.  Even though his jaw muscles were held tight, I couldn't help but notice how utterly handsome he looked in a simple pair of black slacks and a baby blue button up shirt.  He looked me in the eye as I approached him, and when I got close enough, he whispered, "You're late."  I blushed and looked down, well aware of my dad's mantra that was coming back to haunt me. 
    "I'm sorry," I muttered. 
    "Mingle.  Amanda will introduce you to some pertinent people.  I have some business to take care of."  He still didn't smile, but gave me a