Free Someone Like You by Andrea Carmen Page B

that she didn’t have to face him but at the same time, disconcerted. She didn’t want to think about it, but she missed him. Their random conversations, his little frowns, his vintage shirts…she shook her head as she walked down a grocery aisle, pushing a small cart along. She stocked up on her organic vegetables and fruits. Then she grabbed a bottle of soy milk.
It was a more or less an idle life she led nowadays. She had more time to paint and draw, more time to exercise, read books and shop for vintage flea market finds. Her tiny studio was filled with canvasses stacked upon one another. A week ago, she had a talk with an owner of an art gallery in the Upper East Side, interested with her paintings and sketches.
Lucas had suggested she move closer to the Upper East Side once, in an apartment maintained by the Conrad Group but she couldn’t bear to part with her studio.
She paid for her groceries in cash and carried them in a canvas bag. Her apartment was only 3 blocks away. As she walked up to her block, she saw a familiar car. Her heart thudded. It was a black Lincoln car. Luke’s. Luke was here? No. No.
The chauffeur got out.
“Miss Forbes,” Ben said, tipping his cap off to her.
“Hi Ben. Why are you here?”
“I have an invitation for you,” he said holding out a monogrammed envelope in cream and gold.
She took it from him with one hand. “Thank you, Ben…”
“You should really go. He got something for you.”
“A what?” she said, close to dropping her groceries. Ben quickly held out a hand to assist her.
“Here, let me carry that for you Miss Forbes.”
“I’m fine, Ben.”
“You’ll be carrying something else far more important,” Ben motioned to the passenger seat. There was a large box on it.
Her eyes widened as Ben took the groceries from her arms. She didn’t dare look at the box as they walked up for her flat.
“Sorry Ben,” she said as she unlocked her door. “My flat’s five stories up.”
“Used to it,” Ben said panting. He placed the groceries on the kitchen counter. Then he tipped his hat again. “Hope to see you this Saturday, Miss Forbes.”
“Thanks, Ben.”
She stared at the box again; it was a long box. She inched closer and saw the markings. Oh god, her mind whirled- Ellie Saab. Ellie Saab! Her hands were shaky now. She gingerly opened the box and saw the dress. She drew in a breath. Sure she wasn’t the fashionista type, but she knew what designers were worth spending on—even if she couldn’t afford it. But she had one now.
It was in baby blue and gold. The gold threads trailed all over the off shoulder dress. It was so beautiful she could have cried. But why? What was this for? She quickly opened the envelope. It was an invitation to a thousand dollar per plate gala for a children’s foundation. Then she saw another envelope tucked under the dress. It was in Luke’s hand writing, in hasty cursive.
 
Be ready by seven. I asked Lucia to help you.
 
Lucas
 
How could she say no to this?
Should I message him? Thank him? But I’m…I’m not mad. Just hurt. Wait, why would I be hurt? This is strictly a professional invitation, for Trekker and its corporate social responsibility. What shoes would I wear? Jewellery?
She decided to take a picture and send it to Jason on his mobile phone.
Seconds later she got a phone call.
“All right, what the hell is an Ellie Saab doing in your apartment?” he joked.
“Luke- Lucas Conrad invited me to a gala.”
“The Children’s Trust this Saturday? Mother’s going, I’m going too. Wonderful!”
“I have a slight problem-”
“Hair, makeup? Shoes? Jewellery?”
“Shoes,” she admitted.
“Hmm…come to the office tomorrow. I’ll raid our stockroom. Hopefully you’ll have a shoe that fits. Size 7, right?”
“Yes. Thanks Jason, I feel really lost-”
“Well, that’s what gay, younger bosses are for!” he said ending the call.
Alex laughed. She felt a better now, a little shaky still but better. It was probably