PROMISES isaac lahey

“Can I? Can I really, Zack-y?”

I choked down a cringe at Jennifer’s nickname, but forced a smile on my face as I looked at her. Her 5’9’ thin frame with her perfectly placed hair and five hundred dollar outfit, with her bright blue eyes staring at me with glittering anticipation over the prospect of sending my money.

“Of course, darling. Have fun.”

She lifted up on her tip toes and kissed my cheek. Her hand slid down my back and into my back pocket. Grabbing my wallet out of my pant pocket, she scurried off to the store we were standing in front of and started ordering the store associates to help her.

“Sir, there is a call for you from Mr. Galliara.”

I looked over at my assistant, who was leaning forward, my phone in his hands. Sighing and running my hands through my hair, I took it from him.

“Mr. Anderson, I’m glad I was finally able to get ahold of you. I know you are a very busy man.”

“I am, Mr. Galliara. How can I help you?” My voice was curt but professional. I don’t like being called on my personal cell when I’m not in the office.

He chuckled on the other end. “I would like to meet you in regard to a different project. One that doesn’t involve the Anderson and A. Wright Group. I figured it would be best to speak with you in person about it.”

“If you are looking for involvement from my other company, DV Holdings, you would need to speak with my brother, Adrian Anderson, as he is the one who handles the projects for that company, Mr. Galliara.”

My eyes shifted to the store where I could see Jennifer pulling outfits off the racks and creating her own rack of clothing. Thousands of dollars she is going to waste today but at least it will keep her quiet for the next week. I might be able to actually get some work done at home instead of her barging in every day wondering why I don’t pay enough attention to her.

“I understand, but I would like to speak with you about this matter, since I have had dealings with you before. I know you still are the co-owner, and you can speak with your brother in regards to the decision you make for this project. It’s…” He paused and I wondered if he was going to say that it’s related to my father’s underhanded business he used to run out of the company before I took over. “…it’s been a dream project of mine. One that I have wanted to complete ever since I set my sights on stepping into this business tycoon world. I wanted to get it done before I retire and my son takes over.”

Honestly, I was shocked. I refused to let it show on my face or in my voice, but for a man like Fernando Galliara to say something personal was rare. Even more rare that this pet project seemed to need a hand from my other holdings company. I waved my assistant forward and he handed me my tablet. My fingers scrolled through the calendar for the next month.

“I am available on the 15th at 2pm or we could do dinner on the 19th.”

“Thank you, Mr. Anderson. Dinner on the 19th sounds lovely. I will bring over the folder that I have with the information. Bring a date. I’ll send you the information for a wonderful little restaurant I know.”

I penciled in the dinner with Mr. Galliara. “I will see you then. If there is anything else…”

“Ah, yes yes. Have a wonderful day, Mr. Anderson.”

The line disconnected and I handed both devices back to my assistant. I looked back at the store to see Jennifer yelling at one of the poor sales associates while she was wearing one of the outfits she picked out. Sighing again, I walked into the store and the whole store turned to look at me. Immediately, Jennifer started to whine and raced up to clutch onto my arm.

“Can you believe the nerve of this girl! She said I needed to go a size up because the zipper wouldn’t close on the skirt. Who does she think I am? It’s her stupid store’s sizing that’s off! How dare they insult me!”

I raised my eyebrow. “Darling, it’s not the associate’s fault. You shouldn’t be yelling at her. If something doesn’t fit, don’t get it. There is no need to go further than that.”

Plopping down on the couch outside the dressing rooms, I waved the associate off and smiled at my fiancé. “Show me what you are thinking of buying. Maybe I can help tell you what looks good and what doesn’t.”

She smiled brightly and skipped back to the changing room. The whole rack of clothes that she chose earlier was in there with her. I knew I blocked off two hours for her today because she finally complained to my mother that I was working too much, but this was going to be the death of me.

“Th-Thank you, Mr. Anderson.” The store associate whom Jennifer had been berating bowed to me.

I nodded and looked back at the changing room doors. While my dear fiancé had actually gained weight over the past few months, it was not my place to say. I figured eventually her modeling company would say something. But I would be the last person to tell her she needed to get into a size small rather than an extra small.

“How does this look?”

I looked up at Jennifer and eyed her in the skin tight dress. She looked good. I nodded and motioned her to spin around. Slowly, she turned, her hips swaying a little more.

“Get that one.”

Her smile was bright and she jumped off the platform and back into the dressing room.

“Funny meeting you here, son.”

I inhaled sharply and plastered a smile on my face. Turning, I looked at my mother, surrounded by her assistants and bodyguards.

“Hello, mother.” I stood up and kissed her cheeks. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, I was just doing some shopping for your father and saw you in here. I thought I would say hi and that we could have lunch together.”

A squeal came from behind me and Jennifer bounded forward. She took my mother’s hands in hers and smiled. “Mrs. Anderson, what a surprise! I am so happy you are here!”

My mother smiled and stepped back. “Dear, this dress is lovely on you. It really brings out your eyes. You must get this one. We can go out this week and you can wear it.”