The Arrangement (unenhanced Edition) by AnnaRCase (books to read now .txt) 📖

Angelique was shorter and rounder than Amberleigh expected, but the woman knew her shit. And her hair was on point, a sleek, black bob that Amberleigh really wanted to touch, but resisted the urge in fear she’d come off as a weirdo and tossed out on her ass.

 Most of her dresses were actually gorgeous, not the kind that looked like the marshmallow man’s slutty daughter or that scraps of leftover fabric had been thrown together by a five-year-old trying to dress her Barbie doll. She was more into making classic vintage-esq pieces which were in high demand, or creations one of a kind tailored uniquely to fit the client’s body type and vision. She was a designer for the fuckin people alright, well the loaded ones anyway, however every year her brand chose ten deserving youth and provided them with a free custom made gown for their senior prom.

Since the masquerade was only a week away, Angelique regrettably didn’t have time to make a gown from scratch for Amberleigh, but instead brought out a handful of samples to alter. Amberleigh wished Leo had tipped her off on their destination, before she gouged herself like a damn sloth at brunch. Her abs were getting sore just from holding in her bloated paunch, while Angelique and her assistants worked their magic.

Leo sipped on champagne and indulged in chocolate covered strawberries and chatted up the pretty assistants. His flirting bothered her more than it should have. But it wasn’t lost on her the way he gave her body an appreciate glance more than once.

Amberleigh eyed the strawberries with envy, but was already body shaming herself as it was, though the designer was quick to assure her she had a nice shape. They took their measurements and tried various gowns on her, but Amberleigh wasn’t feeling all that hopeful. Most of the gowns had been designed for women with smaller waists and less junk in the trunk. But Angelique wasn’t fazed, and went to her sketchbook with deep concentration. About an hour later or so, she clutched the sketch to her chest.

“Do you trust me Miss Dubois?” she finally asked.

“Yes I do. Your gowns are legendary. What do you have in mind Mrs. Grimaldi?”

She nodded, “Then I’ll need to see you back in three days for a reveal and a final fitting. But I daresay you won’t be disappointed.”

“Thank you. I’m sure it’ll be gorgeous. I can hardly what to see what you come up.”

Leo popped a final strawberry in his mouth and removed himself from the plush, egg shaped chair he’d sunk down into. He had a boyish grin, complete with chocolate on the corner of his lip. Amberleigh had to resist the urge to remove the chocolate with her finger or her tongue.

“Can I have a peek oh Madame designer?” he asked.

Amberleigh snorted, “Oh no you don’t. You can see my dress when you bring me back on Thursday. Thank you so much Mrs. Grimaldi, we won’t take up anymore of your time. Leo be a dear and get the car while I change quickly.”

Leo laughed, “Yes boss, right away.”

He was still chuckling as he left the boutique. Amberleigh was still feeling pretty high and giddy as she quickly slipped back into her sweater dress and leggings. She spared a moment to glance at the girl in the mirror. It was then her inner bitch made an unwelcomed visit, you will never be one of them, you will always be nothing but a whore, a designer dress will never change that.

Well the bitch was right, but it was nice to pretend, even if it was just for a little while. Nice to fantasize that she wasn’t a prostitute only good enough to fuck rich men, never the kind they brought to dinner to meet the parents. She was only good enough to lay on her back before them, rather than stand beside them.

She shuffled out of the dressing room, back to reality. Time to return to the penthouse, to a man who barely tolerated her, and another who would never touch her for more reasons beyond loyalty. But no point throwing herself a fuckin pity party. She’d accepted her lot in life long ago.  There was no use to keep forgetting her place in it after all.