"So, what did you need my help with?" Niamh asked, taking the initiative.
"Well... it's a social engagement."
"A social engagement?" Niamh was a little surprised. "You need me to be your arm candy?"
Elmer gave a wry smile. "It might be a bit more difficult than that."
"Then what kind of engagement is it?" she asked, tilting her head. Elmer had successfully piqued her interest.
"First, you have to tell me if you'll agree."
"But you won't even tell me what it is..." Niamh complained. She didn't understand why he was being so mysterious when he knew how curious she was.
Elmer parked the car in the underground garage of a shopping mall. "First, let's get you something to wear."
"I haven't even agreed yet!" Niamh said, crossing her arms stubbornly after they got out of the car.
"But if the dress is pretty enough, I might be persuaded to sacrifice my virtue for a night," she added with a wink.
Elmer laughed at her antics. Niamh had assumed the "social engagement" was just another one of the business galas she'd attended before. If there was one thing she was confident about, it was her appearance. If Elmer, a distinguished PhD returned from abroad, needed a beautiful date for a special occasion, she was the perfect choice.
In the end, Elmer chose a modest, long-sleeved, knee-length dress for her in a muted gray. The conservative style of the dress made her question the nature of the event she was about to attend.
VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: His Housewife Had Secret Identities