Chapter 7

The meetings were a success. Arlo was on top of the world. For the next week, Arlo gained shareholder after shareholder with my help. Gwendolyn saw me in the office on my third day there which resulted in an hour long screaming match that made Gwen storm out of the building. I wisely kept my mouth shut.

Before I knew it, it was time for the fundraising party. And as his assistant, I was required to go. He had a bit of a hard time explaining to Gwendolyn that I would go as his date. Only reason being that he wanted to keep me close for investors and it would be awkward if I stood off the the side as we traveled around in a group of three. Three was a crowd after all. She could still go, if she went by herself. She decided she wanted to stay home during the event.

I dressed in a red, tulle, off-the-shoulder gown that had a natural waistline and corset back. I paired it with a simple natural look with a small cat eye and red lipstick for subtle makeup that made my ice blue eyes pop. My hair was pinned into a horizontal Grecian roll with wisps of my hair framing my face in loose curls. Arlo came and picked me up himself in a town car. He stood, leaned against the car in what I could only imagine as his jet black Armani suit he'd raved about early in the week.

"You look beautiful," he greeted me when I was within earshot. I pulled him off of the car and started brushing at his back.

"Careful, cars collect dirt very quickly," I warned. He chuckled before we got in the car. He found my need, to make sure he always looked his best, adorable, so I used it to my advantage without overlooking it. As soon as the car started driving, I grabbed my small silver clutch that matched my heels and pulled out a tie. The one Arlo was wearing was blue. It was nice, but not for this occasion.

"You brought me a tie?" He asked with a small chuckled. I nodded as he began to undo his.

"From a political standpoint, blue is a great color, it makes people lean towards trust and friendliness," I explained as I put the one I had around his neck and began tying it. "But from a business standpoint, it makes you seem gullible and too trusting. Red makes people think you only care about power, green is associated with money and greed. Black is a safe color that still makes a statement. It says that you are a businessman, and gives you a 'down to business' ora that everyone will respect," I explained as I finished straightening his tie.

"There," I said, satisfied with the placement. A small smirk pulled up the corner of his mouth in his version of a smile. We rode in a comfortable silence to the venue with me staring out the window. I could feel his eyes on me when he thought I wasn't looking. Getting him to fall for me was going to be too easy.