My sister threw red wine across my dress uniform and told me I didn’t belong in that ballroom, my father told security to take me out before I embarrassed his future son-in-law, and I looked at the stain running over my ribbons, checked the countdown on my watch, and said, “You’re right. I don’t,” because in sixty seconds the room was about to learn why I had really come

Forty seconds remained on the clock while the music kept playing and the guests watched us with growing intensity. For the first time since I arrived, the smile on Jessica’s face did not look quite as perfect as her expensive dress.

Preston stepped forward like he owned the entire room and slid one arm casually around Jessica’s waist to make a statement of power. He smirked down at me and reached into his jacket with a practiced and clean motion.

He pulled out a crisp hundred dollar bill and flicked it between his fingers before letting it fall to the floor in front of my boots. Use this to get your uniform cleaned and save yourself the embarrassment of looking like a mess, he said loudly.

A few quiet laughs spread through the crowd while Russell let out a proud chuckle and clapped Preston on the shoulder. That is my future son in law who clearly knows how the real world works, he said with an approving nod.

Jessica leaned into Preston with renewed satisfaction now that she felt the control had returned to their side of the room. She gestured toward me and remarked that I had no sense of scale or awareness of my surroundings.