Footsteps approached. Several colleagues entered and quickly exchanged a few pleasantries with me.
“Miss Sharlon, how’s your health? You need to take good care of yourself.”
“You’re Mr. Johnson’s favored person. With you away these days, we’ve had much more pressure.”
Whether concerned or teasing, I had to muster up the energy to respond even though I knew they were likely criticizing me behind my back, calling me shameless for clinging to Harris.
In the evening, as I watched the end of the workday approach and looked forward to a moment of relief, Harris’s commanding voice came through.
“You’ll accompany me at tonight’s dinner.”
In the past, it had always been his female companions who accompanied him, but with Cindy just having left, I was left to deal with this situation.
Feeling somewhat overwhelmed, I mustered up the energy to explain, "Mr. Johnson, I don’t have appropriate clothes."
His expression remained cold. "Miss Sharlon, you are meticulous in your work. Didn’t you prepare for yourself?"
I could only nod and force a smile. "I’ll prepare immediately."
However, there wasn’t enough time.
With some connections, I managed to borrow a gown from a high-end store.