Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Swallowing hard, Missy forced herself to smile in the direction of Suzan Foster, one of the agency's new models, who had only started working there a few months ago. As Suzan and Liam had done a lot of work together, Missy ended up hanging out with her a lot too, although she couldn't say that Suzan was her friend. She had the strange habit of rivaling all the other models at the agency, including Missy's friends, and putting them down with ironic comments that didn't always bother to be discreet. So even knowing that she had become close friends with her boyfriend, there was no way Missy could say that she felt comfortable around her.

- MS. Foster! – Simon scolded her as soon as she stopped in front of his table, with a severe voice – Where were you? Mr. Knight called you into his office over two hours ago.

- I was working, obviously. Suzan rolled her eyes disdainfully, not paying any attention to Angela, Emily and Lucy's somber expressions, before turning to Missy again and giving her the once-over carefully, running her eyes down her jeans and Superman T-shirt, until stop suddenly on your sneakers – Ah, how beautiful! She gave a small smile, but Missy got the impression she wasn't exactly cheerful.

- Huh... - Missy smiled shakily, uncertain - Thank you.

- I think my two-year-old niece has one just like it. Or maybe I'm just remembering the clown shoes from the cartoon she watches. Anyway, they are her face. – Suzan's smile grew wider, as if she was relishing the fact that her comment made Missy lean back a little, as if she had been slapped – But I was really looking for you, Mel, darling. – one of the things that made her most uncomfortable around Suzan was that she always got her nickname wrong – Logan…

- You know he demands you call him Mr. Knight. Simon corrected her quickly, looking almost pleased to have the opportunity.

- Whatever! – Suzan snarled, quickly recovering her smug smile – As you can see, Mr. Knight really needs my presence, as usual, and Liam and I we still didn't even have time to finish my essay for the advertisement of that famous perfumery... - Missy couldn't help but wonder exactly how famous the perfumery really must be, since Suzan would insist on saying the brand, if it was something really that big. important; she'd seen her bragging about her jobs several times before, so she knew she would – So as we're both getting out of here a little late and I know you and Liam would be devastated if I couldn't make it to my darling Lauren's party this night... - Suzan swirled one of her hands theatrically in the air, until finally tapping one of her long nails gently on Missy's shoulder - You wouldn't mind taking a taxi home and leaving Liam's car available for both of us, would you? , Honey? I know you don't take long to choose your clothes... - again, the way Suzan measured her from top to bottom made her feel extremely judged - So there will be plenty of time to get home, get ready and meet us at the party.

- Well... - Missy was ready to clarify that that car out there in the parking lot was hers and not Liam's, since she had only lent him a spare key because her boyfriend kept complaining about how horrible it was to ride in a car. subway to have to go to work, when Suzan interrupted her.

- Oh, thank you, dear. – Suzan suddenly advanced on her, hugging her for the blink of an eye, but still, long enough to leave Missy speechless for a few seconds – Liam is so lucky to have you as a girlfriend… – Missy he didn't quite know what it was, but something in her voice made his spine run cold, for some reason – Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with Mr. Knight. - Purring those words, she gave a sly and suggestive smile in the direction of her fellow models, before advancing to Logan's office, disappearing from his sight before Missy could even react.

- Isn't it adorable how she really thinks Logan Knight would really be able to be interested in her? – Lucy grunted, before looking at Missy expectantly – Please tell me you'll take your car and let her walk to the party.

- I think that would hardly be cool. – Missy laughed a little – She certainly wasn't very pleasant, but I really can take a taxi home. I wanted to talk to Liam first, but… – she swallowed, as it was obvious that he was determined to avoid her – We'll see each other at the party, after all. It won't cost me anything to lend them the car for a bit. I can get it back when the party's over.

"Did something happen between you two, Missy?" – Angela, with her sharp gaze, obviously didn't let her previous reaction go unnoticed – You look sad.

- Oh, no… – she tried to quickly dismiss the conversation – I… I'm just a little nervous about the party. Lauren has put a lot of effort and expectation into this and she makes sure everything turns out perfect. And for some reason, she really wants me to look perfect too. - She sighed heavily, already worried about the prospect that her mother-in-law, who was almost as fiercely judicious as her mother, depended on her to be satisfied that night - You... will be there, won't you? Her voice became almost pleading when she asked that, looking at them disconcertedly.

- But of course. Angela smiled. - We promise.

- We would never leave you alone, knowing the kind of people that will be there. – Lucy confirmed, although her lips lifted in a wicked smile – And I'm just anxious for that woman to try again to convince me that that cheap marble in her dining room is real.

- Thank you guys. Missy couldn't help her face breaking into a bright smile. In the midst of all that uncertainty surrounding Liam, it would mean a lot to her to have not only her sister but also her friends by her side. Nervous to remember that she still needed to get ready, Missy started a little when she looked at the clock on Simon's desk and saw what time it was – Wow, I didn't realize it was already so late. I need to go home and get dressed. – she hurried to her room to get her purse, but not before saying goodbye to Angela, Emily, Lucy and Simon. - See you later! Wish me luck!

- Good luck. – She heard Lucy sigh as she walked away from them – With that family, you're going to need it.

In a hurry, Missy ran to get her purse from her office and hail a car to take her to her apartment, which, thankfully, didn't take as long as she feared. On the way, she checked her messages again and, although she wasn't surprised, it was inevitable not to feel sadly disappointed when she realized that, again, Liam had viewed and not replied to any of her messages, including the ones where she told him that she had met with Suzan and left the car for them. And even though she knew it would be pointless, she sent one more message, asking if they could have a chat after Lauren's party was over. As usual, even when she finally set foot in her condo on the elevator on her way home, there was still no response. In fact, there wasn't even a preview this time.

Of course, he must have been working at that time, but still...

That situation was becoming untenable.

She knew he was upset, but… didn't he like her enough to want to make amends?

Fortunately, her turbulent thoughts were interrupted as soon as she opened the door to her apartment and a small gray figure leaped at her, greedily trying to reach her face. Giggling lovingly, Missy closed the door behind her and bent down, picking up her little dog in her arms and allowing her to lick her face as much as she wanted. Of all the things that made her happy, Rey was, without a doubt, the purest of them all. She could have been in tears, as she had last Saturday after that whole situation with Liam, but seeing that little ball of gray fur always brought a little joy to her heart.

Rey was a stray that, most likely, was born from the mix between a Cocker Spaniel and some other nice stray, since, despite having some characteristics of that specific breed, even after being an adult, she had not grown more than a puppy. , having the shortest furry ears, terribly unruly light gray fur, and the sweetest, kindest almond-shaped eyes in the world. It was those eyes that Missy had fallen in love with five years ago, when Megan had suggested that she adopt a puppy to help her cope with the loss of Jonathan. And there was no doubt that it was the best decision she could have made. Rey was a walking ray of sunshine, lighting up everything around her, no matter how dark the skies might be.

- Hi, baby girl. – she greeted her, stroking her behind her ears when Rey was finally satisfied with licking her – I missed you too.

Wagging her tail happily, the puppy started bouncing around her, clearly wanting to play, but Missy excused herself with a rueful smile.

- Sorry, I can't play now. I need to get ready for Mrs. Newton.

Almost as if she understood, Rey stopped bouncing and sat up, cocking her head to the side and watching her intently.

- I know, I'm worried too. – Missy sighed, leaning down again to pet her – Liam is reacting worse than I thought and… I don't know. I'm not sure anymore if this is just a common fight any couple would have or if it's a sign that maybe we shouldn't insist on being together. – Rey continued to stare at her intensely, which made Missy smile sadly – Yeah, not having experience in this really complicates things. Cheer for me, okay? – she kissed the soft and fluffy head – I'm hoping that maybe we can work it out tonight. But, of course, I can't leave without putting your dinner in first... - She laughed when Rey jumped up, barking excitedly as she ran to the kitchen, where her plates of food and drink were.

After feeding her little friend and making sure the newspapers were changed and her chew toys were all in order, Missy finally took a shower and started getting dressed. Usually, she would opt for something comfortable, like a T-shirt or a soft sweater, jeans and a pair of sneakers, but knowing this was a special occasion, Missy had decided to wear a dress she had received the previous Christmas. It was a mysterious gift, left for her under the Knights' Christmas tree when they woke up on the morning of December 25th after she had spent Christmas with them. Even after asking the Knights a lot, she never found out who had given her that beautiful gift box, with bows and ruffles, whose contents were a delicate and silky lavender dress that, to her utter delight, when she looked more closely, she had noticed that it was filled with tiny prints from the Sailor Moon anime. The ruffles at the top had comfortably hugged her breasts and the light skirt ended just above her knees. It was undoubtedly one of her favorite pieces of clothing and she had only worn it on very special occasions, such as the 7th birthday of Eleanor Bryant, who she now considered her niece, the month before.

That dress made her feel beautiful, and at the same time, it also seemed to convey part of her personality. Those stories were part of who she was and having them with her, even subtly, helped her feel more confident.

However, as soon as her eyes found her reflection in the mirror, having time just to take in the dress, the little white coat she had on top and her low-heeled pink shoes, she didn't feel pretty. In fact, all she managed was for Liam's words to come back to her again, making her stomach heave as if there was a stone in her chest.

You better stop being a prude and enjoy this moment! It's not like another guy would be as godly as I am and go to the effort of trying to fuck you!

Was it just the fury of the moment or did he say that because he really thought so? It had become commonplace for her, growing up, to be praised for her intelligence and her sweetness, but never for her beauty. And, after a year working surrounded by models, however plural they were, she was also perfectly aware that she was below the standard of woman that most people appreciated: she was too thin in some parts and too full in others. , as her mother liked to point out. Still, even though beautiful and attractive certainly weren't words that could describe her, what Liam had said had hurt her. And even after three days, it still hurt. Much. And having looked at herself in the mirror, with the simple intention of feeling minimally and humbly beautiful, she seemed to have rubbed salt in that wound.

Blinking back the tears she hadn't realized she was about to shed until they were heavy in her eyes, Missy backed away from the mirror almost as if she were running away. Well, to be honest, she really was. There was no point in continuing to torture herself, staring at her reflection like that.

With a sigh, she picked up her bag again, grateful that the app car was only two minutes away from her house. And before thoughts of her could further destroy his self-esteem, the driver sent him a text, saying that she was at the gate. Saying a silent prayer that tonight would be kind to her and things with her boyfriend would finally work out, she gave Rey one last kiss, before finally starting to prepare to face her mother-in-law's party.

- Wish me luck, sweetie.