"Do I really need to wear heavy makeup?"
I'm at Alice's apartment with Summer. They're helping me get ready for the 32nd founding anniversary of Parker Hotel. Alice will be there with me but I have no idea how should I look at this event that I actually organized on my own.
"Are you kidding? Your boss is the son of the founder. You can't look very ordinary, Liv," she explained while applying some blush on my cheeks.
I think she's right. I can't look cheap and I don't want to embarrass Mr. Parker too.
I smiled a bit when I saw how Summer curls my hair. It's like she's already a professional hairstylist.
"When did you learn to do that?" I asked while looking at her reflection on the mirror in front of us.
"We have internet, my dear sister," she sarcastically said while she's still focused on what she's doing.
"Well, I have to say that I admire your work, young lady. Thank you for doing the honor," I teased her.
"Don't thank me yet, miss. I'm not sure if I won't burn your hair," she said and we all laughed.
After my hair and makeup were done, I immediately wore my dress. Alice and Summer also helped me find the perfect one. It's a navy blue off-shoulder dress with a slit. I also helped Alice on wearing her pink tube dress. Then, I wore my silver high heels, Summer also helped me put them on because my dress is too fitted that's why I can't reach it.
"You look very beautiful, Liv," Summer said and smiled at me when my attire was already complete. "I've never seen you wearing a dress like this before. You did not even attend at least once in a prom."
"Summer, you know I'm not a prom girl. Dancing is not my thing," I said and laughed while trying to fix the false eyelashes that Summer put on me. It's a bit annoying because I'm not used to it. It feels like having an insect hang on my eyes.
"But if you did, I'm sure a lot of boys will attempt to win your heart," she teased me.
...
We already arrived at the event. The venue of Parker Hotel's founding anniversaries is always on the 30th floor. I prayed a couple of times this week about tonight. I hope I won't be a failure.
Alice and I grabbed champagne when a waiter passed by us. For a few seconds, I was staring at nothing. I was just thinking if Mr. Parker will appreciate this whole thing that I've done. I really do wish that I won't waste the trust he gave me.
"Liv, are you okay?" Alice clinked my glass using hers to get my attention.
"Ah, yeah. I'm fine," I said and forced a smile. My mind was as deep as the ocean when I heard Alice greet someone.
"Good evening, Sir," she said so I looked up. It was Mr. Parker.
"Good evening," he responded. Mr. Parker is wearing a black suit and a grey necktie. He's also holding a glass of champagne. I didn't even realize I was staring at him for seconds now.
"Good evening," he said and smiled at me. I wasn't able to answer right away. Probably because I'm so nervous about what he might say on this whole organizing thing that I made by myself.
"Aren't you going to greet your boss?" Alice said and raised a brow at me.
"Ah-" I stuttered. "Good evening, Mr. Parker." I smiled.
"You know what, Liv? Why don't you have a conversation with Mr. Parker? I'll just look for Laura and Elle." She looked at him. "Excuse me, Sir," she said before leaving the two of us. I don't know if Alice did that on purpose but if she did, I'll pull her hair later for leaving the two of us. She knows that I'm nervous about having a conversation with him tonight!
We walked together and he also told me that I did a great job on organizing this kind of event.
"See? I told you, just trust yourself and let your skills be unleashed," he said before drinking.
"Thank you for trusting me, Sir. I couldn't have done it without your encouragement," I answered and smiled.
"Well, to be honest, this is the most elegant event design I've ever seen. It's perfect," he added which made my heart very happy.
We talked about some kinds of stuff including our pending works and a little about my personal life. I told him how my parents passed away and why I didn't finish college. It's just a bit surprising that he looks interested in my stories. I thought he's a person who wants me to exist only because he needs someone to work for him.
"Kellen."
Mr. Parker stopped talking to me when someone called him.
"Dad, you made it." He smiled before giving him a quick hug.
"Why wouldn't I? It's your fifth anniversary of being a CEO." Wow, he seems so close to his dad. What a cute relationship they have.
"Mom," he called her in a low voice like they aren't talking that much.
"I never expected you to make it this far," her mom said and smiled, but I think it was a fake smile. "So, she's your new secretary, huh?" She looked at me from head to toe.
"Uhm, yes. Liv, this is my dad, Simon. My mom, Lucy," he introduced me to them.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Parker. Good evening," I politely greeted them. Honestly, his mom's stare makes me nervous. She's a bit intimidating.
"And to you, Liv," his dad said and smiled. He's actually quite nice and looks very approachable.
Mrs. Parker was still looking at me like she was trying to examine my personality. I don't know if she doesn't like what I'm wearing or if my face is dirty.
"I do believe that you're just like his other secretaries. You're no different to them."