Page 84 of Dominance

So I guess that’s why I haven’t quite nailed the character. Because I don’t want to be her.

It’s a part of me that I never wanted to explore, that I never thought I’d have to explore. But it’s always been there. That calculating aspect that has seen me through heartbreaking decisions with my family. Made it possible for me to take the risk of coming to work for my father.

Huge. Mistake.

“Gloria? You’re doing it again.”

“What? Looking good? Or…”

“Ha. Ha.” Sandra sticks her tongue out. “You’re orbiting the planet instead of looking at samples…”

“I thought I already picked those.”

“No. I picked those.”

“We’re supposed to be just hanging out. And you did such a good job!”

“We are just hanging out, but I sent you that email last week. It’s my job to put it all together. You are supposed to decide on the parts. And we do have a deadline.”

“Blech. Sorry. I’m a little off today.”

“Ça arrive. What did he do?”

“He’sactually amazing, thank you very much. A picture-perfect fiancé.” He is. And I have finally given myself over to the idea of marrying him. Wholeheartedly. If I didn’t fuck it all up.

“But … ?”

But I can’t tell her that my father bought my life out from under me. That he controls every aspect of it now, including the very marriage that I’m planning and the man I’m marrying. That as of a few nights ago I found out that he knows about my little sister and has that to hold over me too.

Or the fact that he’s blackmailing me to have a child that he can raise as his own.

Shaking my head, I sigh, laughing it off. “We are just kind of new at this, is all.”

“Every couple has to have a first fight.” Sandra shrugs, sipping her coffee.

“That’s not it…” I want to tell her so much, so badly. “We’re new. As a couple.”

“Obviously.”

“What?!”

“Calm down, I’m not judging. And I wasn’t going to say anything unless you did. It’s only obvious to me because I do this all the time. I see couples every single day, of every walk and level of interest or lack thereof.”

“Oh…” My hesitance has her reaching out, resting her hand on mine.

“Believe me, Gloria, you two are soveryinterested. And adorable together. I won’t pry as to why you’re getting married so fast or anything else you don’t want me to know. As your wedding planner, it’s none of my business.”

“I see.”

“As yourfriend, I hope you feel comfortable confiding in me at some point, but we’re new too, chica!”

Instantly I’m laughing, the weight of the worry sloughing off.

When did I get so insecure about making friends, about everything?

Maybe when I started living a double life…

“You ready?”

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