“I’ll go to New York with you.”
“Good.” I slap her ass just before Lexi walks out of the back room, carrying a large pan of pastries. “Time to go get packed.”
47
PIPPA
“This is all for me to try on?” I ask, staring at five racks of clothing that fill one of Camden’s guest bedrooms.
He stands behind me, his hands on my arms and his lips pressing into my shoulder. “It sure is. I told the stylist I wasn’t sure what kind of look you were going for, so I wanted you to have options.”
I stare at the mountain of sequins, tassels, and silk in front of me. It’s overwhelming. We landed in New York a few hours ago, and my head has been spinning ever since. I went to school in Chicago, and while it’s not Manhattan, it’s still busy and totally opposite of Sutten. This has been a whole different world. I should’ve known from the moment the private jet picked us up that nothing could’ve prepared me for the world Camden lives in.
He has drivers, a private chef, and house staff who greeted us upon our arrival at his penthouse. And apparently, he has things like stylists who show up with dresses that probably cost more than my mortgage.
“I don’t know what to say,” I whisper.
“Don’t freak out.” He presses his lips to my neck, as if he can tell I’m getting overwhelmed.
“I knew our lives were different,” I begin. “I’m not dumb. But this is just…a lot.”
“If it’s too much, we can skip the gala altogether tomorrow. We can hang out here or go somewhere low-key in the city.”
I shake my head, turning around to face him. “No, I wanted to come and experience your world. I want to see your gallery tomorrow, and I want to go to the gala. I want to see everything about your life here. I just didn’t really know people had personal stylists, is all.”
“She only helps me with elaborate events.”
I sigh, leaning into his touch. “That’s no pressure at all.”
“You’re radiant, remember? You could wear what you have on right now, and you’d still capture everyone’s attention tomorrow night. Don’t worry about a dress. If it’s too much, we can just go shopping tomorrow.”
“I just wish I had Mare or a girlfriend here to help me.”
“About that…” He looks off to the side as if he’s nervous about what he’s about to say.
“What?” I press, shivering because his penthouse is far colder than I imagined it would be.
“I may have invited Beck and Margo over. I figured Margo could help you out. She’s been doing this stuff for a while now with Beck. But they’ll understand if I tell them never mind.”
I purse my lips. I’ve only briefly spoken to Margo on her wedding day; most of my conversations were with her planner. We didn’t get the chance to speak at Camden’s gallery opening. But she seems nice. And if she knows more about this fancy New York life, I could use her help.
“I think I’d like that.” I nod, further deciding. “Plus, if she’s going to be there tomorrow night, it’d be nice to have another familiar face.”
“Is my face not good enough?”
I trace over his cheekbones. “Your face is perfect.”
He nips at my fingers. “Good girl.” He presses a kiss to my lips. “And I’m glad you said yes because I think they’re on their way up.”
“You were very confident I’d say yes.”
“Margo is persistent. She wanted to officially meet you. Beck did as well. He doesn’t believe any woman would put up with me this long.”
“It really is a chore,” I tease, completely lying. It’s easy being with him. Almost too easy. I’m waiting for the ball to drop, to find out where this goes wrong.
“I’m going to warn you right now, there’s a good chance Margo brought Emma. And maybe even Winnie. The three of them are often a package deal.”
I feel a little nervous if it’s more than Margo. If the three of them are so close, will they even talk to me? I already feel out of place. This might even make it worse. Or maybe they’ll make it better. I need to try and be optimistic.
I suck a breath in, feeling incredibly overwhelmed. When he asked me to come to New York with him, I imagined us visiting Times Square together. Maybe stopping by a booth to buy an “I <3 NYC” shirt. He’d take me to his gallery before we had to get ready for the gala. I wasn’t anticipating stylists and groups of friends and galas so fancy that it takes an evening gown to attend.