Layers(20)

I am surprised to find a uniformed DHL delivery guy standing at our doorstep.

“Delivery for Miss Hayley Grace,” he utters in an official voice.

“That would be me.” I try to smile over a yawn, though I find it hard having just jumped out of bed after a terrible night’s sleep.




“Sign here, please.” He hands me his PDA.

“Here you go,” he says, handing me a relatively large, black, rectangular gift box. “Have a nice day.”

Taking the package from him I can see that there is an imprint on top. I study the gold engraved letters closely. “Donna Karan,” it reads. I stare at the case, utterly bewildered. What the hell? With curiosity, cautiously, as though it were made out of some exquisite crystal, I place the matte black box on the kitchen counter. As I lift the cover of the box my eyes rest upon a soft black satin cocktail dress nestled in delicate ivory paper. On top of the dress rests a small golden envelope. I open the envelope and my eyes reflexively jump to the signature: DS. Absolutely rattled, thinking about how we parted just a few hours ago, far from having an idea of what to make of it, I read the note.



Sweet Hayley,

Would you be my plus one at a Stark Software fundraising event on Friday? It’s for a good cause …

DS

P.S. The red sneakers will have to stay at home.

I sink onto one of the barstools trying to make sense of the dress, of the invitation, of the man I had sex with last night, or was it today? I haven’t got the slightest idea what to think of it all. No idea what he wants from me or why, but one thing is certain—he’s a mystery of mixed messages and multiple personalities. Way too much for now. I need coffee first, a double …

With a need to put the thought of Daniel aside, and the sooner the better, I hide the gift box under my bed and turn to start my morning. I fix myself that much needed quadruple-shot espresso and lock myself in my room to work on my sketching. The Killers playing in the background do great job helping me focus.

A few hours later I get distracted by a text message.

Tasha: Got the job, on my way back, Heart ya.

Oh, now my best friend is going to work for him. This cannot get any better.

With Tasha’s text in mind I realize I haven’t confirmed the second meeting at YOU and quickly send a thank-you email confirming the date. It’s the same day as the fundraising gala, I think idly.

My phone vibrates again. This time it’s a call. I pick it up, annoyed by the continued disturbance. What’s now?

“Hello” I answer.

“Are we still on for tonight?” My forehead creases.

“Who is it?” I ask, not sure who I supposedly have plans with tonight.

“Are you double-booking dates on me, H? That’s cruel.” H? It’s Daniel. An involuntary smile spreads on my lips as the info sinks in. “Do we have plans for tonight?” I honestly don’t recall any plans that we set for this evening. And frankly, after yesterday …

“Oh, that’s really cruel, I clearly remember that you agreed to watch a movie with me tonight. Didn’t you?”

“Daniel, you mixed up day and night, yesterday and today. I can’t follow it anymore.”

He laughs and repeats, “Are we on for tonight?”

Completely disregarding the bright red warning signs flashing in my head, too quickly ignoring how he made me feel just a few hours ago, knowing he’s nothing but bad news, I still agree. Inwardly cursing this damn attraction.

“Would you like me to pick you up?” he asks in a softer, coaxing tone, every bit the wooer.

“It’ll have to be a late show. I’m kind of busy until later tonight.”

“It’ll be at my house, so we can watch it whenever we want.”

Oh, your house. “Then you don’t have to bother, I can get there by myself.”

“It’s no trouble, Hayley,” he tries again.

“That’s okay. Really, there’s no need.” I insist and apparently manage to convince him. I’d much rather have an option to run away …

“I’ll text you the address later.”

“One thing, Daniel,” I say. “How did you know my dress size?”

“I did feel you up last night, didn’t I?” The jibe stings.

Thank you, higher power, that we’re on the phone right now, and he can’t see my reaction. I feel my face burn up in flames.

“Miss Grace, you seemed so much more talkative a few minutes ago. Have you lost your words now, or do you need a moment?”

Jerk. I snicker. “No, Daniel, I don’t. And thank you for the dress.”

“Does that mean you’ll accompany me to the fundraiser?”

“Let’s talk about it tonight, shall we?” With you, I prefer to gauge which way the wind blows first, before committing further.

“I will do my best to include talking,” he replies and chuckles. Cocky assumptions, D.

“Mr. Stark, I apologize for my interruption, but you’re already ten minutes late, and everyone’s waiting for you in the oval room,” I hear a hesitant female voice urging him. “Why are you bothering me when I’m on an important call? For god’s sake, Anne.” There’s a short pause. “I’ll be there shortly,” he grunts.