I haven’t had time—alright, I haven’t made the time—to unpack, so I rifle through the dresses I brought. I know my mother had a plan for what I would wear to what event based on the themes Emily has mandated. But I can’t remember what it was and can’t be bothered looking in the pink folder of doom. No doubt there’s a text or voicemail waiting for me on my phone with instructions, but I don’t have the time or inclination to worry about it now.
Silky, pale green fabric calls to me. It’s not a dress my mother sent. It’s something Mei insisted I buy on one of our rare shopping expeditions. I’d had no idea where or when I would wear it, but Mei was adamant. I’d noticed it in my wardrobe while packing and thrown it in at the last minute. Best of all, Idon’t need to wear a bra with it. Just the idea of tight straps and bands on my back and shoulders has me shuddering.
Slipping the dress over my head, I take a look in the mirror and remember why Mei had insisted I buy it. It’s a little crumpled from travel, but the colour makes my skin glow. The silky fabric skims and clings in all the right places. Twisting, I view myself from the behind. I’d forgotten how low the back was, the halter neck leaving my shoulders exposed. It’s carefree and casual. Flattering, and, let’s face it, sexy.
Mum and Grandie will hate it. I’m about to take it off again when a small voice in my head saysAnt will love it.
As if he’s heard me, he calls out from the living room.
“Five minutes, Sparky.”
Yes. This might not be a dress Lili Gordon would wear. But it’s definitely a dress Sparky would wear.
I thread the diamond drop earrings Mum and Warren gave me for my graduation through my ears, wrap the matching tennis bracelet from Grandie around my wrist and slide my feet into the towering silver heels I know will make my feet ache by the end of the night. And with a light spritz of my favourite perfume, I throw open the bedroom door.
Chapter Seventeen
Ant
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth as I turn to find Lilavati framed in the bedroom door.
I’m not given to poetic thought, but hell if she doesn’t look like some kind of sea sprite in that pale green silky dress that shows off her delicate collarbones, clings to her breasts and hips, and swirls around her slender knees.
Here’s yet another side of her I’ve not seen. I like it as much as I like the committed doctor, the snarky fake girlfriend, the enchanted snorkeller. This woman is bewitching me with all her personas.
“Wow,” is all I can manage.
“Do I look okay?” she asks, swishing back and forth slightly. Her tone is hesitant, but there’s a gleam in her eye that says she knows she looks better than okay, and that I’ve been struck dumb by her.
I have to clear my throat—twice—before answering.
“Okay is not the word I would use.”
An unexpectedly flirty expression crosses her face.
“Oh? What word would you use?”
“Stunning. Spectacular. Magnificent. Gorgeous. Exquisite. Should I go on?”
I don’t even realise I’ve crossed the room to stand in front of her till I smell her perfume, light and fresh and intoxicating.
“I think I get the picture.” She laughs.
I hold out my hand, and I know we both feel the tingle of electricity as she takes it. An echo of what we experienced when we almost kissed in the water of Kapalua Bay. If I let my mind wander that way, I’ll be tearing that pretty dress right off her, so I change tack.
“According to the itinerary, we can either walk or there are golf carts waiting in the driveway for us.”
She rolls her eyes and scrunches her nose, looking like the Lilavati I’ve come to know.
“Walk. Even if I have to take these stupid shoes off to do it.”
I grin. “That’s my girl.” I slip the room key into my shirt pocket. “I fear you might not be entirely on brand in that dress.”
Lilavati groans. “I was trying not to think about that. What’s the theme again?”
“Wedding colours. Apparently, she’s going withdusty pink with a hint of gold.” Sounds ghastly to me.
“Shit.” Lil takes a single step back towards the bedroom, but I block her path.
