Lily

The doctors say that I probably have 2 more days and then I can leave the hospital. I have had PCOS(poly cystic ovarian syndrome) since I was a teenager. I'm not a stranger to cysts. This has been the worse it's ever gotten. As a result of the rupture, I've now lost my left ovary. No job. No left ovary. No apartment. No Ramen. No life, Loser Lily.

A man stands in my room's doorway.

"Ms. Lily Thomas?"

"That's me."

"I have a flower delivery for you."

"What? Who would send me flowers?"

"I don't know, lady. Here's the card. Feel better."

Maybe Eric is a prince after all. No. Wrong guess. I look down at the note, realizing it's from Matt. He's hilarious if he thinks I'm working with him again. One week was more than enough drama. As the day goes on, I can't stand staring at the flowers. What kind of smug jerk does that? I fire you. Here's flowers. I was done with Matt Bonner as far as I was concerned.

Three weeks go by faster than I could have imagined. I'm healing a lot better than I thought I would be. No news on the job front. I haven't been able to really search considering my mobility. I've been doing what I can online with that. I have to sort through a heap of bills stacked a mile high. Rent-way over due. That's what I meant by no apartment. It looks like if I don't pay 200 bucks by the end of next week, I'm out of here.

Matt has text me 12 times in 3 weeks, trying to get a response out of me. Nothing in the past 2 days though. I doze off because the job search stress is going to catch up with me otherwise. Little cat nap that turned into 2 hours. I wake up with 4 new messages. One is a text coupon, one is Tea with a funny gif, and two are from Matt Bonner.

Matt: URGENT!

Matt: Lily, I have a bit of a crisis that I need help with. I highly doubt you'll respond, but in case you see this, know that I'm sorry.

What? Did Matt Bonner actually apologize for the first time since abruptly firing me? That's all he needed to do.

Lily: I accept your apology. What's so urgent?

Matt: I thought you were done talking to me forever. I really do still need your help. Can I call you?

Lily: Yes.

Two minutes later the phone promptly rings.

"Hello Lily."

"Mr. Bonner."

"I have a favor to ask you. It counts on two levels. One, Rita can't go. Two, I'm expected to bring a date. It's a business conference in Naples. I need someone to keep me organized and take notes. Everyone is going to have their wives there. The wives network and establish connections, which helps their partnerships. We would have to leave first thing in the morning. "

"Take Nadia."

"She's got an event for her family's company, plus a friend's wedding to attend."

"Shucks. I guess you are in a bind."

"It'll be worth it. You don't have to come back to the office. I just need you this weekend."

"Mr. Bonner needs someone?"

"Lily, please. I'm not good at this apologizing stuff."

"You don't do it enough."

"That's probably true. Lily, I'm sorry for what happened to you. I spoke in haste."

"What kind of bonus are you talking about if I agree to help you?"

"How's 20,000?"

"SOLD!!" (I thought he was a lunatic for being so generous but a girl's gotta keep the lights on and eat)

"I'm going to have a courier send over a credit card. You'll need to buy some things for the trip. A swim suit, a cocktail dress, business attire, and yacht attire."

"Geez. I get to be a Barbie doll too? I'm wearing my own clothes."

"Don't argue this. You can go revenge shopping. Get whatever you want."

Images of Chanel, LV, Hermes...all flash in my mind.

"Fine, but you get no input on what exactly I pick out."

"Lily, I'll send over the travel arrangements later as well."

"Okay, sounds good."

"And Lily...Thank you!!"

Click.

I had no time to waste but I also had no idea where to go. My shopping escapades consisted of vintage thrift stores and rummage sales. I had an idea of who to call.

"Hello, Tea."

"Hey you. What's up?"

"Where do you go shopping with an unlimited budget?"

"What are you talking about? You win the lottery or something?"

All too enthusiastically I proclaim, "I've been given the green light to go on a shopping spree. I have to get ready for Naples."

"Did you fall on your head?"

"No. Mr. Matt Bonner called to apologize and wants me to attend a business conference as his plus one."

"You sure that's a good idea?"

"No, not exactly, but it's just to help take memos and notes. Make sure he's organized."

"Try Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Banana Republic, J. Jill. I think those are along your lines. You could go totally high end, but you may feel guilty later for spending his money like that."

"Not likely. But I'm really not a fancy kind of gal."

I think Tea could tell I was going to go to the conference, no matter the advice she told me.

"Good luck, my friend. Text pics later."

An hour later I hear a knock at the door.