The Son-In-Law’s Revenge

16

Emily struts into the hospital with a pout on her face. Her bright, red lipstick draws attention to her lips. She flips her hair one way while her nude pumps make noises on the floor. She barges straight into her father's office while the secretary is running after her to inform her that her father is in a meeting.

"Ugh, pesky secretaries. She needs to tone it down a notch or two." Emily huffs under her breath.

"Oh Emily", Richard looks up with surprise to find his daughter kicking off her shoes and not caring where they land in the spacious office. Richard begins to shoo the people in his office away with his hands as though they are birds.

"Another time folks. Let us meet about this another time. Randy, set a time and date for the continuation of this meeting on my calendar." Richard instructs his assistant, as they all scurry out of the office.

"My dearest." Richard opens his arms wide for a hug and Emily walks slowly towards him, feigning indifference. She breathes in deeply when she is in his arms. They separate after a few minutes and Richard takes his seat behind the desk while Emily dramatically throws herself on the couch. 

"What is the matter?" Richard asks with concern etched on his face. He moves his laptop to the side and places his hands on the glass table while he waits for her to speak.

"Oh, Father. Tania's party is coming soon and it is going to be the most talked about party of the year. Everyone, I mean every important figure, is going to be there." She ends with a huff as though the weight of the world is on her shoulders.

"What then is the problem?" Richard asks.

"Father, I have no plus one. I will look miserable and alone if I show up all glammed up with no one to put an arm on. And my dresses are not good enough. I need one directly from Dior's archives." Emily whines on and on and Richard listens carefully as though it is the report of a patient's blood test.

"Well, you know getting a dress from Dior archives can not be such a big deal. If my princess wants a dress, she will get a dress. You know you can never be miserable or alone." Richard tries to reassure Emily the best way he can.

"I know that, Father. But you understand me, don't you?" She asks, to be certain her Father does not see her as a miserable woman.

"Someone on my arm will complete the whole aesthetic I am trying to give." She tries to explain more.

"I understand, Emily. Hold on, let me make a few calls." He brings up his phone and dials a number.

"Randy, I need you to get me in touch with the creative director for Dior. I do not know how you intend on doing that but get on it immediately." Richard says into the phone and does not wait for a response. 

Minutes later, a call comes in. Randy's voice can be heard on the other line.

"Maria Churie, creative director of Dior, on line 6, sir."

Richard clicks the six button and a feminine voice comes on. He introduces himself and requests an outfit from the archives. His request is declined.

" I am sorry. We do not give out outfits from our archive collection to unknown figures. Do have a good day, sir." Maria ends the call before Richard can put in another word. 

"Unknown figure?" He stares at the phone with disbelief that this woman could not possibly have turned him down. Richard looks at his daughter and does not know how else to console her.

"You know what? Take my card. Get yourself whatever dress you need to make that party special. Okay?" 

"But what about my plus one? The Dior dress is no longer an option, at least I should have the other option. I did not come all this way to be disappointed, father." Emily whines.

"It's alright. I will get you a plus one. I'll tell one of the guys around here to escort you to your party. They will be at the penthouse, waiting for you when it is time. Alright?" Richard is glad he has fixed the problem.

"Alright, father. See you later." Emily is already stepping into her shoes.

"What? No kiss for me, I just fixed your dilemma."

Emily grudgingly walks towards Richard and kisses him on both cheeks, then she places her hand on the table and grabs the card.

"Thanks, Dad." She says, strutting out with the sound of her shoes announcing her departure.

While on her way out, she notices a woman who weirdly looks like a cop. She is probably asking the secretary for directions. Emily takes her attention off the woman and puts on her sunglasses as she is about to step outside the company.

While outside, she walks to where she parked her car and sees a strange man staring at her car.

"Who are you? And why are you staring at my car?" Emily goes off with a condescending tone.

"Oh hello. I had no idea you were the owner of this old gal." He flashes his suave smile and is actively trying to draw her in.

"This 'old gal' was just produced last year. How dare you?" She almost yells. She walks over to the driver's side and fumbles with her bag for the keys.

"I would be very careful driving this gal around. She's leaking." He says with a sly smile.

"She's what?"

"Leaking. Look underneath."

Emily bends down to look and sees a slow but consistent drop of dark oil from her car.

"Oh goddamnit. How is this even possible?"

"Oh, not to worry, dear. I can fix it right away." He goes under the car without waiting for Emily's response and re-tightens the seal of the oil tank.

"There you go. You're all set." He says with a beaming smile.

"Oh my. Thank you so much. Emily." She says her name and offers him a hand.

"It is my pleasure. Lewis." He takes her hand.