I looked down at the gilt-edged invitation card and swallowed hard. Sydney Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala Dinner. Around me, the operations department bubbled with excitement.

“We’ve never been invited to anything before.” Pippa giggled.

“Evening dress? I’ll have to hire a tux.” Colin sucked in his belly and gave it a pat.

Gregory leaned over my desk and grinned crookedly, “Have you got a tuxedo?”

“Uh, I don’t think so.” I’d started to go through the relocation wardrobe that had come with the apartment, but I’d been overwhelmed at the sheer number of jackets and shirts. Not to mention ties, socks and shiny shoes that filled the walk-in closet. Apart from my workout gear and some boxer shorts I’d bought on sale, everything else belonged to Tenecore. Belonged to Owen, a small voice piped up in my head, and for some reason a blush crept up my neck.

“You’ve got time. I’ll take you shopping later.”

But at the end of the day, it was Bradley who popped up at my desk as though he’d been lurking around the corner since lunchtime.

“This way please, Mr Braith.”

I glanced up at Colin, who gave a quick smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “See you tomorrow bud.” Bradley didn’t spare him a glance, but he didn’t seem to notice.

Bradley took me to the carpark and smoothly opened the back door of a black sedan. Embarrassed, I slid inside, feeling like I was being arrested. When he started the engine I worked up the courage to speak.

“Where are we going?”

“The tailor,” he sounded surprised, “for your evening suit.”

“Don’t you guys already know my size?” I wasn’t sure how, but the suits at the apartment all fit me like a glove.

“Bespoke is best for evening attire.” He intoned.

I had nothing to say to that.

The tailor was a handsome older man, with grey hair swept back of his forehead and an extremely neat goatee.

“It’s a pleasure to serve you, Mr Braith. Please, come thing way.” He held up a bead curtain, and I ducked into the room beyond.

I’d never been measured for a suit before, but what the tailor was planning to do with the distance between my pinkie and my elbow was a mystery to me.

While he worked, the tailor kept up a polite chatter. “Were Mr Braith’s other jackets to your satisfaction?”

“Were those from you?” I shifted a little uncomfortably as he took a particularly, erm, personal measurement.

“Of course. I must commend Mr Varanor’s excellent eye. But your proportions are excellent, there’s much that can be done with a simple shoulder width and waist estimate.”

“Oh.” The suits that Tenecore had provided were super comfortable, but I’d put that down to them being perhaps a tad more expensive than my usual gear. Wait, estimate? “Uh, when did you make those ones?”

“About a month ago. Do you require modifications? I can have someone pick them up?”

“No, they’re great.” I wobbled on the spot when he racked the tape measure back around his neck. A month ago… I’d met Owen once. At the scene of the accident.

The tailor ushered me back into the front of the shop and gave me a crinkly eyed smile. “Please, enjoy the gala, Mr Braith.”

My mind was still circling this new information as Bradley pulled into the apartment building’s driveway.

“Bradley.”

Yes, Mr Braith?”

“Why do people call me that?”

“Would you prefer something different? I can have something workshopped and run it past Mr Varanor.”

“Can’t you just call me Braith?”

His eye twitched in the rearview mirror. “I will consult Mr Varanor. In the meantime, have a pleasant evening… sir.”

The Gala was scheduled for a Saturday night, so I had all day to freak out about what I might spill on my pristine tuxedo. It hung in the closet, and the many, many pieces that went with it were in tissue lined boxes on the dining table.

By the afternoon, I’d slid down an internet rabbit hole and was watching some guy demonstrate twenty-three different ways to arrange a bowtie. My phone buzzed and I jumped as the notification popped up. It was from the boss.

I will pick you up at five. Owen

My heart bumped against my chest. Pick me up? The town hall was only a couple of streets away. Did he plan to walk me there? Geez, I wasn’t a local, but I could get myself around okay.

I was just about to type out a decline when another message appeared.

We will be taking the car.

Right. Maybe it was some kind of corporate thing. Just relax, Braith, you’re overthinking.

My bow tie in place with the help of the internet, I considered whether I should pour myself a drink while I waited for Owen to pick me up. This feels weird.

The doorbell rang and I bumped my head against the refrigerator door.

In the soft corridor lighting Owen looked like he’d just strolled off a magazine shoot. His dark hair was swept back from his forehead, accentuating his sharp brows and cheekbones. His mouth hooked upwards in a tiny half-smile and I was suddenly glad I hadn’t been holding a glass.

“Uh, hi.” I mumbled.

His brow creased into a small frown and he stepped forward, gaze locked on my neck. I hurriedly stepped back, but he’d already reached out a hand to my… tie.

“This…” the frown deepened in concentration as he tugged at the black silk, this way and that. Finally, he stepped back and turned towards the elevator with no further remarks. I unfroze and scurried after him, my cheeks warm.