“We?”

“Sure. You and me. I look more credible with a woman on my arm. Makes me look stable. Makes everything more believable.”

The limo came to a stop and Derreck pointed to the black heels one last time.

“Last chance,” he said, “or else you’re going to be Mr. Hagan’s crazy date...”

Macy wanted to be mad but didn’t have a chance, yet. The backdoor opened to the limo, the driver asking for Mr. Hagan.

“Shit,” Macy whispered as she grabbed the heels.

She didn’t want to wear the heels. She didn’t want to be a date at an investors meeting. But she didn’t want to mess anything up for Derreck either. She was the one who didn’t show up today at noon. Thinking back, it could have been so easy. She could have gone to the elevators, talked to him, and told him no.

But instead...

Macy forced her feet back into the heels and prayed with all her might that she wouldn’t fall flat on her face.





Macy didn't fall on her face but she did stumble three times. All of them were thankfully outside, long before she had eyes upon her. Even as the front doors opened to the most luxurious hotel in the city, Macy didn't want to believe what was happening. Derreck slipped his hand into hers and took her through the main foyer and quickly into an employees only area.

Derreck looked calm and in control, constantly looking back at Macy, smiling, doing all he could to keep her involved and letting the suspense build by the second. At the door to the stage two men stood holding folders of paperwork. The men were dressed almost as nice as Derreck.

"Mr. Hagan," one said with a nod.

"Sir, if I can be honest..."

"Have you met Macy before?" Derreck cut in.

Both men shook their heads.

"This is Macy," Derreck said. "My date for this evening."

The men looked at Macy with the eyes she expected to receive. The questioning kind. The judging kind. The kind that made her step towards Derreck, wishing he could protect her more.

"Time for the show," Derreck said.

He stepped to the door and Macy looked at the men with cold eyes. They were still staring.

Derreck had his attention on the door, opening it, talking to someone standing on the other side.

"Something wrong?" Macy asked one of the men.

"No," he said and offered a fake smile.

"What about you?" she asked the other.

"Just surprised..."

"Steve, enough," the first said.

"Surprised at what?" Macy snapped.

"I didn't think Mr. Hagan could settle."

"Settle?" Macy asked.

"Sure... you are his wife..."

"Let's go, love," Derreck called out and reached for Macy again.

She stumbled, again - damn heels - and was ushered into another room, one filled with people who wanted to hear what Derreck had to say.

The lighting was hot, as was Derreck. He looked amazing walking back and forth, one hand in his pocket, spouting numbers, settling concerns, and filtering questions like a pro. It hadn't been his first investors meeting but it was one of the easiest, thanks to Macy. She sat at a table on the stage along with two other couples, creating a sense of family and dedication, just what Derreck wanted to achieve.

Macy thought to herself about what the man said outside before she followed Derreck into the room.

His wife?

Is that what the entire date was all about?

Derreck wanting to create some image... for what?