There was no time to do much more than just put it on and I nervously accompanied Harris to the event.
At the business dinner, glasses clinked and conversations flowed.
My stomach had been problematic in recent years, but I still had to be prepared to handle drinks.
Harris, holding a wine glass, said in a flat tone, “Go get something to eat.”
Relieved not to have to stay by his side, I quickly found a spot, picked up some food and began to satisfy my hunger.
I hadn’t eaten more than a few bites when a shadow fell over me.
“Outdated dress, wasted makeup. Lucy, you’re really embarrassing Mr. Johnson by showing up like this.”
I looked up.
In front of me was Leonard’s face, filled with sarcasm. He was Harris’s childhood friend and since I had lived with the Johnson Family since I was seven, we had essentially grown up together. Unfortunately, he had disliked me from a young age.
“It’s just work.”
I suppressed my discomfort and tried not to cause trouble.
“You could be independent, but you insist on being Mr. Johnson’s secretary. It’s no wonder he dislikes you. He gives that little minx Cindy new gifts, but doesn’t give you anything.”